Landmarks and views
1. Ribeira
The UNESCO-listed riverfront with tall colourful houses, restaurants and boats. Best early morning or at sunset.
2. Dom Luís I Bridge
Walk the upper deck (shared with the metro) for spectacular views of the river and both banks.
3. Jardim do Morro and Serra do Pilar
The best sunset spot in Porto, across the bridge in Gaia.
4. Clérigos Tower
Climb about 240 steps for 360° views over the city.
5. São Bento Station
The entrance hall is covered in around 20,000 azulejo tiles telling Portugal’s history. Free.
6. Porto Cathedral (Sé)
A fortress-like cathedral with a tiled cloister and views from its terrace.
7. Capela das Almas
A small chapel completely covered in blue-and-white tiles on Rua de Santa Catarina.
8. Palácio da Bolsa
The 19th-century stock exchange with the lavish Arab Room; visits by guided tour.
Culture and shopping
9. Livraria Lello
One of the world’s most beautiful bookshops. Book a timed ticket online. See Livraria Lello tickets.
10. Mercado do Bolhão
The restored 19th-century market for fresh produce, petiscos and souvenirs.
11. Serralves Museum and Park
Contemporary art in a modernist building, with huge gardens and an Art Deco villa.
12. Rua das Flores
A pedestrian street of shops, cafés and street musicians.
13. Majestic Café
A grand Belle Époque café on Rua de Santa Catarina; pricey but beautiful.
Food and drink
14. Port wine cellars in Gaia
Tour a historic lodge and taste tawny and ruby ports. See port wine cellars.
15. Eat a francesinha
Porto’s legendary sandwich: layers of meat, melted cheese and a beer-based sauce. Not light, but unforgettable.
16. Pastel de nata and bifana
Custard tarts and pork sandwiches make cheap, delicious snacks.
Find tours & tickets in PortoRiver and coast
17. Six bridges cruise
A 50-minute rabelo boat cruise under Porto’s bridges.
18. Tram 1 to Foz do Douro
Ride a vintage tram along the river to where it meets the Atlantic, then walk the seafront.
19. Matosinhos
Beach and grilled-fish restaurants, reachable by metro.
Day trip
20. Douro Valley
Terraced vineyards, wine estates and river views. See Douro Valley day trip.
Practical tips
- Wear comfortable shoes: the city is steep.
- Buy an Andante card for metro and bus trips.
- Book Lello and popular cellar tours ahead in summer.
More Porto guides
- Porto travel guide
- Porto itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Porto
- Best time to visit Porto
- Porto airport to the city
- Douro Valley day trip
- Livraria Lello tickets
- Port wine cellars in Gaia
FAQ: things to do in Porto
What is Porto famous for?
Port wine, the Ribeira riverfront, azulejo tiles, the Dom Luís I bridge and Livraria Lello.
What can you do for free in Porto?
Walk the Ribeira and the bridge, see São Bento station, watch the sunset at Jardim do Morro and visit Capela das Almas from outside.
Is Livraria Lello worth it?
Yes, especially early in the morning. The ticket price is deducted if you buy a book.
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