If you are looking for the best things to do in Porto, Portugal you are in the right spot.
I fell in love with Porto this past summer.
Our family spent a week in Porto during our 5-week family holiday in Portugal. And I could have stayed longer.
Porto far exceeded our expectations. It is very family friendly. It has a ton of character. And there is so much to do in Porto.
I am thrilled to share with you our family travel adventures. And the experiences that made our time in Porto so special.
Traveling to Porto, Portugal with kids?
We traveled to Porto with our two kids, ages 7 and 9. Because of that, you won't find many museums or churches on our list of favorite things to do in Porto. And yet, I left feeling like I experienced the best of Porto.
Whether you are traveling with kids or just with adults, I really do believe our list of favorite things to do in Porto leads you to truly experience Porto in the best way.
I am so excited to share with you the best things to do in Porto, Portugal.
20 Things to do in Porto, Portugal
1 - Wander and Get Lost on Purpose
One of my favorite (and totally unplanned) things to do in Porto.
Let me share a quick story.
It was our first day in Porto. We were trying to find our way down to Ribeira. I pulled out my phone, pulled up Google Maps, and was attempting to follow directions. You see where this is going?
We somehow ended up walking uphill instead of what I knew should have been downhill. And indeed, we ended up on top of a big hill. Which, by the way, turned out to be an amazing lookout (Miradouro da Vitoria) over the city.
The kids whined a lot. Then they laughed. Then the next day they asked if we could "get lost on purpose".
A huge smile came across my face. This is one of my favorite parts of traveling with kids. Actually, just traveling in general. The unexpected, sometimes challenging or annoying moments during travel, sometimes end up being the fondest memories.
Had I known this would have been such a defining moment of our time in Porto, I would have taken more pictures.
Do yourself a favor, and get lost in Porto, on purpose.
2 - Walk Across the Dom Luis I Bridge
The Dom Luis I Bridge (or Luis I Bridge) is a pedestrian (and general traffic on lower level) bridge that spans the Douro River. It connects Porto with its neighbor across the river, Gaia.
And it is super special.
The Dom Luis I Bridge is an icon of Porto.
Crossing the bridge not only offers amazing views of Porto. It not only connects you to Gaia, which is a special experience all together. It not only is one of the most beautiful ways to experience the sunset in Porto.
Crossing the Dom Luis I Bridge makes your heart flutter. It makes you feel connected to Porto. It makes you never want to leave. At least it did for me.
We crossed the Dom Luis I Bridge many times during our week in Porto, and each time I smiled ear to ear. Its luster was not lost with each crossing. It never became a means to get somewhere.
Now that I am thinking about it, I felt this way no matter where I walked in Porto. Exploring Porto by foot is part of what makes Porto so special. You will see.
I'd recommend crossing the Dom Luis I Bridge during the day. When on the other side, explore Gaia. But be sure to return in the evening as well for a spectacular sunset.
3 - Enjoy the Sunset in Jardim do Morro
Watch the sunset in Jardim do Moro, the park just on the other side of the Dom Luis I Bridge.
Its where the locals go to watch the sunset. And I can see why.
Jardim do Morro is a park in Gaia. It is the first thing you will see (to your right) when you cross the Dom Luis I Bridge from Porto to Gaia.
There are venders who sell food and drink. There is a playground for the kids. There is a stage for concerts. And there is a grassy area where you can find a spot. To enjoy your food and drink. While the kids play on the playground and join the local kids for an intense soccer match. And watch the sun set just beyond Porto, into the Atlantic Ocean.
At least that's how we spent one summer evening.
We were lucky enough to catch a free concert as well. During July, Jardim do Morro becomes a music concert venue, offering free concerts highlighting Portuguese artists.
Concert or not, this is a magical way to spend an evening in Porto (or Gaia, if we are being technical). Be sure to add this to your list of things to do in Porto.
Be sure to check out the Vila Nova De Gaia Events page. It seems there are concerts and events pretty regularly.
4 - Take the 6 Bridges Boat Cruise
There are 6 bridges that cross the Douro River in and around Porto. And their architecture is pretty spectacular.
Taking the 6 Bridges Boat Cruise is a fun way to view the 6 bridges. But it also provides an appreciation for the landscape around Porto.
Plus, traveling down the Douro River, just as the barrels of wine do when they make their way from the Douro River Valley to Porto is pretty special.
We prefer to be spontaneous during our travel. Or perhaps maybe this is out of necessity when traveling with kids. I tell you this to say, we did not book our 6 Bridges Boat Cruise ahead of time.
One moment, just before sunset, we decided we wanted to hop on the 6 Bridges Boat Cruise. We walked up to a vendor. Bought tickets. Walked onto the next departing boat. And voila.
If you prefer to have all your ducks in a row ahead of time, however, this Is the 6 Bridges River Cruise in Porto Worth It? article will provide some helpful details.
We took the 6 Bridges Boat Cruise on our second day in Porto, which provided some great context for our week in Porto. I was glad we did this on the early end of our trip.
Tip - Bring a sweatshirt, it gets a little breezy.
5 - Enjoy the Views from the Top of a Church Tower
There is something special about enjoying the views of a new-to-me city via a church tower.
Perhaps the beauty comes from peering down on the rooftops that the locals live in. Or getting enough perspective to see the landscape of the city. Climbing old tower stairs and imagining them being used all those years ago is also pretty special.
Church Towers in Porto
Iglesia de los Clergios
Porto Cathedral.
We chose to climb the Iglesia de los Clergios tower. It was next to the kid's favorite playground in Porto. Made for an easy and practical decision.
Retrospectively, we passed by the Porto Cathedral many times and could have easily popped inside. I initially thought it was a fortress. It looks stunning and tickets also provide access to the cloisters.
I don't think you can make a wrong choice when choosing which church tower to climb in Porto.
You will need tickets to climb the Iglesia de los Clergios tower. I would recommend purchasing online. Or grab tickets for a later date/time if you happen to be passing by.
6 - Look for Azulejos Everywhere
Azulejos (colorful Portuguese tiles) are everywhere in Portugal. And Porto is no exception.
The story goes that a long time ago, a Portuguese King traveled to Spain where he found colorful tiles. He loved them so much he brought thousands back to decorate his palaces.
Portuguese people wanted them too so Portuguese artists started making them for people.
You will find azulejos everywhere. Azulejos cover the outside of buildings and homes. They decorate the walls inside many churches, train stations, and municipal buildings. You will even find azulejos in relatively mundane places like on a random set of stairs inside a building.
Azulejos are a very iconic part of Portugal indeed.
7 - Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Street Art
The street art scene in Porto is pretty epic.
It is hard to go for a walk in Porto without spotting street art. You won't have to look very hard to find it.
However, there are some very well-known street art murals that are worth scoping out.
Our favorite street art spots included:
Rua das Flores - wander down Rua das Flores to see tons of street art murals along the side streets and on utility boxes
Perspentico Blue Cat - Rua das Flores
Bordallo-II Half Rabbit - Gaia
Nobre e Leal - Trindade Station
Escadas do Codecal - steps from Baxia down to Ribeira, with tons of street art murals
Unnamed Steps - Gaia - junction of Rua da Barroca and Tv. de Candido dos Reis
I found Porto's Best Street Art to be a helpful article when trying to locate murals around Porto.
8 - Climb Escadas do Codecal
Escadas do Codecal is an epic set of stairs taking you from Ribeira to Baxia. Basically, from the top of the Dom Luis I Bridge, down to the Douro River.
Climbing Escadas do Codecal (map link) was not on our list of things to do in Porto. We got lost on our first day in Porto (once you visit, you will understand how easy this is). The kids were jet lagged, tired of walking, and hungry. On our way to find food, we accidently climbed Escadas do Codecal. Woops.
I would actually recommend walking down the Escadas do Codecal. But now that my legs have had time to rest, climbing Escadas do Codecal is a pretty cool memory.
Most definitely make this be the way you get from the top of the Dom Luis I Bridge to Ribeira once during your time in Porto.
Note - You could also check out another set of stairs from Ribeira to Baxia - Escadas do Guindais (map link)
9 - Take the Historic Tram to Foz
If you are going to Foz, be sure to travel there via the Historic Tram.
The historic Tram Linha 1 picks up in front of Igreja de Sao Francisco (map link). The tram rattles and shakes as it runs along the Douro River until it meets the Atlantic Ocean. A beautiful ride. Almost feels like a day trip from Porto (though it is technically part of Porto).
The most charming part was when the driver had to stop tram, get out, and change the direction of the track. Super authentic.
There was a line to get on the tram, but was worth the wait.
Tip - You must pay in cash, so bring your Euros.
10 - Enjoy the Beaches in Porto
The heart of Porto sits just a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Which means, when in Porto, you have easy access to beaches.
Plus, when you are in Portugal with kids (or really on any holiday with kids) a visit to the beach is a must.
Foz
The beaches of Porto are in the district of Foz do Douro.
Foz beaches have pebbly sand and massive rocks. The kids loved it. They spent hours climbing rocks and playing in the sand and water leaving the adults to sit and talk.
Because the beaches are so rocky, however, the swimming is limited to wading and splashing. Many locals were at the beach to sunbathe and socialize.
Motosinhos
We did make our way to Matosinhos Beach, just beyond Foz, which was better suited for swimming.
Gaia
There are also beaches in Gaia, just on the other side of the Douro River.
I had my heart set on renting bikes to ride to the Gaia beaches. Best laid plans, the kids voted against it.
However, if you feel inspired. There is a beautiful bike path in Gaia that runs along the Douro River until it meets the Atlantic Ocean. This is still on my list of things to do if/when I return to Porto.
11 - Walk the Promenade in Foz do Douro
The promenade in Foz runs about 3 miles, along the coast from Foz to Matosinhos (the town North of Foz).
The promenade offers a great place to take in the views of the rocky coast as you walk, run, or even bike along with the locals. There are a lot of little spots along the way to grab a drink.
Let me set the scene.
You hop on the Historic Linha 1 Tram from the center of Porto to Foz. You get off at the final stop and wander through a park (Jardim Do Passeio Alegre) where you will find old men playing mini golf. Soon you will reach the ocean.
Pro Tip - Grab churros from the venders at the beginning of the promenade (they are sublime).
Have a leisurely stroll along the promenade until you find a spot that calls for you to stop. Perhaps to let the kids climb rocks. Or to grab a drink, conveniently next to the playground. Or have a seat on some rocks that are perfectly suited for a beautiful view and a good conversation.
Do yourself a favor and grab lunch at Brasao Foz, a local brewery with delicious Portuguese dishes. Amazing service and amazing food.
12 - Port Wine Tasting in Gaia
Gaia (formally Vila Nove de Gaia) is Porto's neighbor, just across the river. Gaia is known for storing and aging Port Wine.
When in Rome, I mean Porto, drink Port. Right?
Indulging in at least one Port Wine tasting is a must, IMO. I didn't come into this trip a huge lover of Port, but I certainly left with an appreciation of how special it is.
And enjoyed it enough to bring home a few special bottles.
While wandering through Gaia, we popped into Kopke Wine House and enjoyed an impromptu port wine tasting that was fabulous. Kopke has a beautiful tasting room upstairs where we had a private tasting.
I found Sipping My Way Through the Port Houses of Porto to be a great reference for Port Tasting options.
13 - Wander the Crystal Palace Gardens
My kids were on the hunt for the best playground in Porto. And motivated to find the peacock that reportedly roams the Crystal Palace Gardens.
So, we made our way over to the Crystal Palace Gardens (Palacio de Cristal). A beautiful set of gardens with amazing views overlooking the Douro River.
As you can see in the picture, we found the peacock.
The gardens were wonderful. We spent a few hours here. The kids played with local kids on a great playground. We wandered and enjoyed the beautiful views over the Douro River.
If I could do it again, I would bring a deck of cards and a bottle of wine and plan to enjoy the view while the kids ran around.
14 - Wander Ribeira do Porto
I would be remis not to mention Ribeira on my list of Best Things to Do in Porto.
Ribeira is the district of Porto that runs along the Douro River. In Ribeira, you will find musicians playing by the waterfront, a beautiful view of the city from the bottom of the hill, and amazing energy.
Wandering through Ribeira is a must do. Though you probably don't need to stop for food or drink. Just like most cities, the touristy areas tend to have overpriced and subpar food.
15 - Wander into Porto's Churches
There are many beautiful churches in Porto. We wandered into a few of them as we wandered past. I just can't tell you which ones were which.
A compromise when you travel with kids. Less museums. Less tours. Less time appreciating churches and buildings. And yet, I left Porto feeling like I knew the city.
If you are into architecture and art, you will likely want to be much more intentional about viewing the churches in Porto.
However, if you are short on time and hoping to get the essence of Porto, I think you will find that wandering into the churches and buildings you happen to pass by will give you just that.
16 - Catch a Football Match
Catching a football match is always on our list.
FC Porto plays at Estadio do Dragao which is about 15 minutes outside center city Porto.
Experiencing a local football match is a great way to get to experience the passion of locals for their football team. And it's just a great time.
Head to the Official FC Porto website for schedule and to buy tickets.
If FC Porto is playing while you are in town, most definitely add catching a game to your list of things to do in Porto.
17 - Take a Douro Valley Day Trip from Porto
Visiting the Douro Valley is probably the most popular Porto day trip.
Just the scenic drive to Douro Valley made the day trip worthwhile. So gorgeous!
Douro River Valley is truly a valley that joins at the Douro River. The vineyards are terraced and beautiful.
We enjoyed good wine while playing cards with the kids and taking in some amazing views in the background. If you must parent on vacation, this is a beautiful place to do it.
Douro Valley is vast and there are many towns and Quintas you can enjoy.
We spent our time in Pinhao.
Quinta do Bonfim - a stunning patio, popular brand pictured above
Quinta das Carvalhas - beautiful tasting room, delicious wine
I referenced Exploring the Douro Valley: An Epic Day Trip From Porto when deciding where to go.
Logistical Tip: We knew we wanted to drive by car to Douro Valley rather than take the train. We also knew we wanted to hit up a few towns as we drove from Porto to Lisbon. So, we rented a car on our final day in Porto and took our day trip to Douro Valley then. The next day, we hopped in the car after breakfast and made our way down the coast to Lisbon, stopping at Obidos and Nazare. We dropped the car at the Lisbon Airport when we arrived.
18 - Cheers with Vinho Verde Wine
Vinho Verde, the Portuguese wine you want to drink all summer long.
You will find it all over Portugal. And you should drink it all over Portugal.
Vinho Verde is light, refreshing, and we never had a bad Vinho Verde.
19 - Eat Typical Porto Foods
Francesinha
Francesinha is technically a Portuguese sandwich, but it most definitely can only be eaten with a fork and knife. It is made with bread, a ton of meat (ham, sausage, and steak), and covered with melted cheese and a beer sauce. You have to try it while in Porto since this is where it originated. We shared a Francesinha at Brasao Foz, and it was delicious.
Croissants
The croissants in Porto are sweet and dense. Much different than you will find in the rest of Portugal, which are typical light and flaky croissants. Since Porto was our first stop in Portugal, I thought perhaps these were just the croissants in all of Portugal. Not the case. Wish I ate more of them while we were there because they were yummy.
Pastel de Nata
Pastel de Nata is the most delicious egg custard pastry ever. You will find them all over Portugal, and Porto is no exception. You should eat them everywhere. When you leave Portugal, you will be craving them!
20 - Enjoy Leisurely Breakfast in Porto
Our favorite part of the day. Breakfast. Seriously.
During our 5-week family holiday in Portugal, we were intentional about starting the day in a relaxed, go-with-the-flow way. A must do when traveling with kids. Especially for such a long period.
This turned into a leisurely breakfast nearly every day. I'm not sure how we got here, but I think it was mostly because the breakfast spots in Portugal were spot on.
Sharing our favorite breakfast/brunch spots in Porto, because you must indulge in a leisurely morning. And fuel yourself for the day.
Best Breakfast in Porto (IMO)
21 - BONUS FOR TRAVEL WITH KIDS - Porto Has the Best Playgrounds in Portugal
Hands down, Porto has the best playgrounds in Portugal.
My kids would not let me finish this article without including this very important detail.
If you travel with kids, you know that playgrounds are lifesavers for both parents and kids alike.
Playgrounds around the world are really a window into local life. Kids play with other kids. Somehow communicating, even without sharing a language. Parents sit back and experience a small glimpse into what life must be like for a local. Sitting where local parents sit. Finding time in the day to slow down and let the kids be kids.
Best Playgrounds in Porto
Our favorite playgrounds in Porto were (listed in favorite order by the kids)
In our experience, Porto is one of the best places in Portugal for families to visit.
While you are here, some helpful tips for your time in Porto.
What You Need to Know When Visiting Porto
Common Portuguese Phrases
This will save you a few days of trying to figure out common Portuguese pleasantries.
To hear how the word is pronounced in Portuguese, click on the (pronunciation) link and find the megaphone icon.
Hello - Ola (pronunciation)
Bye - Tchau (pronunciation)
Depending on where in Portugal you are and/or who you are speaking with, you may also hear people say adeus (pronunciation) which, I was told by a local, is a more formal/permanent goodbye, like you won't ever see the person again
Good morning - Bom Día (pronunciation)
Good evening - Boa Noite (pronunciation)
Please - Por Favor (pronunciation)
Thank You - Obrigada/o (pronunciation)
If you are a female, you say obrigada, no matter who you are talking to
If you are a male, you say obrigado, no matter who you are talking to
Thank you very much - Muito obrigada/o (pronunciation)
You're Welcome - De Nata (pronunciation)
Sorry - Desculpe (pronunciation)
Excuse Me - Licenca (pronunciation)
One, Two, Three - Um, Dois, Tres (pronunciation)
Check - Cheque (pronunciation)
Getting Around Porto
Walkable
The central area of Porto is very walkable. It is hilly, but also relatively compact. In fact, walking through the windy alleys of Porto is such a special part of the experience. We walked most places during our week in Porto.
Taxi/Uber
If you are going from one part of Porto to the other, or your legs are just done for the day, taxis and Ubers are cheap and accessible. If you have a few people, is worth the added expense and convivence to take a cab rather than the metro, in my opinion.
Taxis tend to congregate near plazas, though you can sometimes grab a random taxi here and there.
Ubers are easy to order and great for when you are not near a cab pickup hub. There were times of the day that Ubers were harder to come by or would take a while to arrive, like first thing in the morning. In these cases, we walked to a plaza to find a taxi.
Metro
The metro is also very easy to take. If you are going to a further destination in the city, it is also a fine option.
I found this website helpful for information on the Porto Metro.
Where to Stay in Porto
Sharing our recommendations on where to stay in Porto. Especially if you are planning family travel.
Baxia
Baxia is the heart of Porto and very close to much of what you will want to see. You will have easy access to many attractions, great restaurants, parks, and transportation. And you will feel like you are in the true heart of the city rather than just the tourist heart (Riberia).
Baxia is where we stayed and where I would recommend staying.
Cedofieta
The edge of Cedofieta and Bixia is also a wonderful place to stay. Cedofieta is an artsy district and slightly further from some of the sights you will want to see.
Cedofieta would be my second choice for where to stay in Porto.
Ribeira
Ribeira is a fun place to walk around. The riverfront views are nice. However, this is a very touristy area. Restaurants are overpriced and not the best. This is certainly not a bad place to stay, but it would not be my personal first choice.
I found this Where to Stay in Porto article from Portoalities extremely helpful when I was initially planning our trip.
So, I leave you with this.
If you are planning a family holiday in Portugal, Porto is a must.
If you are trying to decide between Porto and Lisbon, visit both.
A wonderful 10 days in Portugal could look like 3 days in Porto, 4 days in Lisbon (including day trips to Sintra and Obidos), and 3 days in Lagos.
But if you are lucky enough to linger in Porto like we did, a week in Porto is not too long. You won't regret it!
If you have been to Porto, tell us, what were your favorite things to do? Comment below!
Welcome! We are the Ramirez family. Just your average family, based in Nashville, with a love of culture, togetherness, and making memories. Oh, and international travel.
We are here to document our family travel adventures. To share our stories and our travel experiences. And, perhaps inspire others, who find joy the same way we do, to take the trips. I don't think you will regret it.
Thank you for checking out our blog. Please reach out to say hello and share your stories!
Cheers,
Katie (mom), Roberto (dad), Roberto (2013), and Veronica (2015)
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