Best Things to Do in Porto. Tourist Attractions & Sightseeing

Porto is a city that ranks as the second most visited city after Lisbon. Some say that Porto captivates much more than the capital of Portugal. As for me, it’s hard to say which city I liked more. Instead, I’ll use a proverb that characterizes the main cities of Portugal: Braga prays, Coimbra studies, Porto works, and Lisbon has fun.

Porto is a lively city that is constantly evolving but is also full of history. When visiting Porto, be prepared for colorful streets, houses adorned with azulejos, and a large number of monuments. All of this makes strolling through Porto incredibly enjoyable.

If you’re here, you’re probably planning a trip. Below is my guide to Porto, which I hope will make your exploration of this picturesque city easier and more enjoyable.

What to Know About Porto?

Before coming to Portugal I heard that walking in Lisbon can be quite tiring. It’s always up and down, much like San Francisco. Porto isn’t as hilly, but I found it much more exhausting, so I’d like to prepare you for that. ?

Map of Porto attractions:

São Bento Railway Station

São Bento Railway Station is one of the iconic places in Porto. Built in 1915, the station’s hall is adorned with over 20,000 tiles (azulejos) depicting scenes from important moments in Portugal’s history. For anyone arriving in Porto by train, Campana station is usually the first stop. Those coming to Porto in other ways also come to see São Bento Station. In my opinion, it has the most beautiful azulejos in the city.

D. Luís I Bridge

One of the most recognizable places in Porto, the bridge that connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the Douro River. Vehicles pass on the lower level, while pedestrians have access to the upper part, offering a unique panorama. It’s worth visiting, especially before sunset when the city shines in golden hues. This bridge and its surroundings are an excellent place for photography, and best of all, using it is completely free!

Bolhão Market: Mercado do Bolhão

This historic market, in existence for over a hundred years, offers fruits, vegetables, fish, sausages, cheeses, and all other products typical of markets. It’s a great place to deepen your knowledge of local cuisine and traditions, and, of course, to buy souvenirs.

Chapel of Souls: Capela das Almas

While walking through Porto, you’ll come across a beautiful chapel on the corner of Rua de Santa Catarina, covered with over 16,000 blue tiles depicting mainly Saint Francis and Saint Catherine. This is Capela das Almas, undoubtedly one of the most precious places in Porto. The chapel is not only for azulejos enthusiasts; it’s worth stepping inside.

Church of Saint Ildefonsus

Another charming temple adorned with blue azulejos in Porto. Visiting the interior of the church is recommended, but just walking around the area can be fascinating, as artists often gather in front of the church, and sometimes you can see dance performances.

Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is a famous bookstore, one of the most popular attractions in Porto. It’s characterized by long queues at the entrance, but you can also schedule a specific time in advance. Lello’s popularity among tourists is mainly due to rumors suggesting that the place inspired some settings in the Harry Potter film series (the stairs indeed resemble those known from Hogwarts!). Although the author, JK Rowling, did live in Porto, she announced during the pandemic that she had never visited this particular bookstore! Nevertheless, Livraria Lello still attracts tourists.

Miradouro da Vitoria – Viewpoint

While strolling through Porto, be sure to visit this viewpoint. In my opinion, it’s one of the best in the city: panoramic and free. From this place, you’ll have a picturesque view of the city, red roofs, and the aforementioned bridge. There’s not much to say; just look.

Porto Cathedral: Sé

The Porto Cathedral, known as Sé, is located in one of the highest points of the city, near the D. Luís I Bridge. Dating back to the 12th century, the cathedral looks impressive against the backdrop of a spacious square. It’s a great viewpoint, but don’t forget to enter the cathedral to admire the church’s architecture and cloister.

Praça da Liberdade – Liberty Square

It’s said that in the middle of Avenida dos Aliados, the heart of Porto is located, creating one of the largest and busiest places: Praça da Liberdade. Built in 1916, the square served as the headquarters for banks, newspaper editorial offices, and important political associations of that period. To this day, among the most charming buildings, you’ll find the Town Hall and… a McDonald’s restaurant located in the building where the famous Imperia café used to operate.

Praça de Gomes Teixeira

There are many beautiful squares in Porto, and this one, for some reason, is rarely mentioned in guidebooks. In my opinion, it’s incredibly photogenic and beautiful, thanks to the Fountain of Lions, perhaps the most beautiful fountain in all of Porto. Interestingly, this fountain, as one of the few, was built outside Portugal.

Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos

This tower, or rather the church, is another distinctive point in the city. It has 6 floors, or more precisely, 75.6 meters, and you can climb to the top. I didn’t do it myself, but I know that to reach the very top, you have to conquer 225 steps.

Where to Eat in Porto?

During your stay in Porto, be sure to try francesinhas, the city’s most famous delicacy. It’s a special sandwich with ham, sausage, sometimes other types of meat, covered with melted cheese. The whole thing is complemented by tomato sauce, beer, and piri-piri pepper.

• For salads, fish, and sandwiches, I visited O Forno dos Clérigos. However, in my opinion, it’s a rather expensive place for ordinary food.
• For coffee and Portuguese sweets, I recommend Pastelaria Mengos – also worth trying their freshly squeezed juices.
• Locals recommend: Café Santiago, Barcarola Café, Bufete Pós, Brasão Cervejaria, Cervejaria Galiza, and O Afonso.

Porto – Wine

I think you can’t talk about Porto without mentioning Port wine. Porto is a fortified Portuguese wine with exceptional strength and, of course, it comes from Portugal. More specifically, the wine comes from the picturesque Douro River valley in the north of the country. The aging and bottling process of this drink takes place in the charming city of Vila Nova de Gaia, right next to Porto.

Of course, you can embark on a Porto wine trail and even visit a special museum, the World of Wine (WOW) in Vila Nova de Gaia. This museum complex is the perfect place for wine enthusiasts and those who want to delve into the history of northern Portugal. Here, you’ll find seven fascinating museums dedicated to wine, cork, fashion, and chocolate, as well as twelve bars and restaurants.

Where to Stay in Porto?

Most popular places in Porto are located in the historic center, close to Cais da Ribeira, Mercado do Bolhão, Avenida dos Aliados, and Rua de Santa Catarina. Moving between tourist attractions is exceptionally convenient, and choosing accommodation in this area is a favorable solution.

For those looking for modern hotels with comprehensive infrastructure and available parking, it’s worth paying attention to the Avenida Boavista region.

Selected, well-rated accommodations can be found here:

Porto – What to See?

Porto is a lively city that is constantly evolving, offering numerous designer shops, museums, and award-winning restaurants. Porto is a place where you can savor seafood or traditional dishes from northern Portugal, accompanied by excellent wine.

I wish you an unforgettable trip to Porto. And if you plan to visit other places in Portugal (I recommend a longer journey through this country), check out the following entries:

Exploring Lisbon: A Colorful Guide to Portugal’s Capital

Cascais – What to See on the Portuguese Riviera?