Located at the mouth of the Douro River and famed for its production of Port wine is the second largest city in Portugal.  Porto has a unique vibe that is vintage, yet modern and quite distinct from Lisbon. Featuring its winding picturesque narrow cobblestone streets dotted with colorful houses, bustling Riberia district and historic river walk, it is no wonder Porto is gaining popularity as one of Europe’s trendy destinations. Less expensive than Lisbon yet capturing true Portuguese culture, traditions, history and cuisine, we recommend several days in Porto to explore this northern city and surrounding region of the country. English is spoken by most Porto locals, especially those in the tourist industry including tour guides, restaurant staff, public transit employees and Uber drivers.

What Neighborhood to Stay In

Porto is a very walkable city. Staying near the Mercado du Bolhao we were able to walk to each of the attractions on our top 10 list in ½ hour or less. Google maps can guide you to your destination quite easily.  Riberia is also a popular location for a home base.  Located near the river and populated with many cafes, restaurants the Cathedral and some of the most amazing sunsets Europe has to offer.  Baxia is in the city center and is home to many monuments including the Sao Bento Railway station, an abundance of azulejo covered row houses, and many other photo opportunities. Porto is famous for the Maragaia which was once home to Jewish and Armenian communities. This lively riverfront neighborhood is similar to Riberia with its views of the Douro, charming cafes and restaurants attracting tourists and locals alike.

10 Things To Do in Porto

1. Visit Port Wine Cellar and Have A Tasting

The ten-minute walk from the old city of Porto, across the Dom Luis Bridge, will land you in the heart of the city’s historical port wine industry.  Whether on a tour or visiting establishments on your own, you will learn the history of the Port wine industry and its’ significance in the development of the Douro region.  Check out one of our favorites, a “Three Hour Port Wine Tasting Tour with 10 Tastings“.

A few of the more popular port wine storage caves include the Caves Ferreira – Port Wine Celler and the Caves Churchill-Port Wine Cellar.

2. Make A Harry Potter Connection

If you have ever been immersed in the magical realm of Harry Potter, following Harry, Herminie and Ron, through their wild mystic adventures, you will be excited to know that JK Rowling was inspired in many ways while living in Porto. The students at Porto’s Universidade de Combra, traditionally dawn black cloaks identical to that of Harry and his classmates.  Rowling was a frequent patron of the Majestic café on Santa Catarina.  It is believed that this is where Harry may have cast his first spell as she began work on the initial book in the series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

The Livraria Lello historic bookstore bares a remarkable resemblance to Hogwarts. With its neo-gothic architecture and winding wooden staircases, stained glass ceiling, one can see how Rowling was inspired. Thought to be one of the oldest bookstores in the world, this literary utopia is the most magnificent bookstore I have ever been in.

There are many other connections to explore in Porto while on this 3 hour Harry Potter Inspirational Walking Tour offered by “Get your Guide”.

You can also visit these places on your own. The Livaria Lello Bookstore is opened from 9 am-7 pm.  The lineups can be extremely long.  We highly suggest that you show up at the end of the day around 6 PM to avoid the lineups and crowds. The 5 Euro tickets are purchased in a separate unit just a few meters away from the bookstore or via the Modern Home online ticket kiosk.  There can also be a lineup at the Majestic café.  It’s easy to see how this ornate café/bar, with its mirror-lined walls, carved wood, and chandeliers was a favorite of Rowling.  We went in for a light breakfast and to enjoy the ambiance. My croissant, coffee, and my husband’s oatmeal and orange juice resulted in a lofty 40-euro bill. If you are willing to pay for the experience as we were, it’s worth every cent.

There are many other connections to explore in Porto while on this 3 hour Harry Potter Inspirational Walking Tour offered by “Get your Guide”.

You can also visit these places on your own. The Livaria Lello Bookstore is opened from 9 am-7 pm.  The lineups can be extremely long.  We highly suggest that you show up at the end of the day around 6 PM to avoid the lineups and crowds. The 5 Euro tickets are purchased in a separate unit just a few meters away from the bookstore or via the Modern Home online ticket kiosk.  There can also be a lineup at the Majestic café.  It’s easy to see how this ornate café/bar, with its mirror-lined walls, carved wood, and chandeliers was a favorite of Rowling.  We went in for a light breakfast and to enjoy the ambiance. My croissant, coffee, and my husband’s oatmeal and orange juice resulted in a lofty 40-euro bill. If you are willing to pay for the experience as we were, it’s worth every cent.

3. Check Out Sao Bento Train Station

Whether on a tour or on your own, be sure to spend a few minutes in this main transportation hub of the city. The interior of this French Beaux-arts style building features more than 20,000 magnificent blue and white azulejo tiles depicting the history of Portugal.

4. Visit Porto Cathedral

Built in the Romanesque style, this Roman Catholic Cathedral is located in the heart of Porto’s historical district. Built in the 1100s, the Cathedral is one of the city’s oldest and most important monuments. The Romanesque rose window is flanked by two square towers and each is topped with a cupola. The square surrounding this treasure of the city offers some of the best views of the Porto and the Douro River.

5. Take a Walking Tour

We always recommend doing a walking tour of the city center within a day or so of arriving in a new place.  This is a great way to learn about the city and find locations that you might like to visit again later, on your own, to spend more time.  Often, we also do a walking food tour, which helps you to experience the local culture through their cuisines.  I book many of these private or small group tours through Viator.  During our Three Hour Guided Walking Tour of Porto, we were ushered through the town learning about the culture, history, and architecture of the area.  The guides are also a great resource for recommendations for area restaurants, shopping, and nightlife spots.

6. Ride on the Douro River

Don’t miss the scenic view of Porto from the river.  Most companies offer 1-hour excursions on a traditional Portuguese Ribelo boat.  Originally used to transit barrels of port wine , these vessels are now used to transport tourists seeking this picturesque perspective of Porto. Many tour companies offer a combination cruise and wine tasting excursions, and some include a meal.

7. Experience Fado Music

This passionate, melancholy, storytelling musical entertainment originated in Lisbon, but if you are not traveling to that area, you don’t need to miss out on the experience. Taberna Real do Fado served one of the best meals we had in Porto and the Fado was first-class.  Be sure to call ahead for reservations as this is a very popular evening out and one of the best locations in the city.

8. Eat a Francesinha

Francesinha (meaning Little Frenchie or simply Frenchie in Portuguese) is a Portuguese sandwich originally from Porto, made with bread, wet-cured ham, linguiça, fresh sausage like chipolata, steak or roast meat, and covered with a sauce made from melted cheese, spiced tomato and beer. If that isn’t rich enough for you, it is usually topped with a fried egg and served with French fries. This popular Portuguese comfort food can be found throughout the country but is best known in Porto and must be eaten to be fully appreciated.

9. Shop on Rua de Santa Catarina

Shops, both chains and locally owned, restaurants, bakeries and cafes, line this busy street. Even if you are not a shopper, this lively strip is worth a visit. Rua Santa Catarina is home to the famous Chapel of Souls adorned by azulejo tiles depicting famous scenes from the lives of saints and the famous Majestic Café. Usually closed to vehicles, street performers and vendors will entertain you as you stroll by.

10. Visit the Marker Mercado de Bolhao

Currently closed for renovations and scheduled to reopen July 2020 (rumor has it, they are behind schedule and the reopening will be delayed), is bi-leveled and packed with farmers selling local meat, fish, fruit, vegetables, flowers and other regional foods. This historic neo-classical building is one of the most famous in Portugal. The temporary Bolhao market is set up just 2 blocks away will all the same vendors, and goods but minus the character of the old Bolhao.  It is worth the visit, nonetheless.

Get A Porto Card

If you are a museum-goer and or plan to maneuver the city using public transportation, look into the Porto Card. This pass offers free public transportation throughout the city and free entry into many of the main museums, landmarks as well as discounts at select restaurants and stores. The card can be purchased for 1-4 days starting at 13 euro/day at Civitatis Porto. Look at all of the discounts this card offers and compare it to the attractions that interest you to be sure it is worth the cost of the card.

Stay in an Apartment Instead of a Hotel

Airbnb and VRBO both offer apartments that are in the heart of the city and slightly less expensive than a hotel. Staying in the heart of the city, allows you to avoid unnecessary transportation costs by walking to most attractions. Making use of the kitchen in an apartment allows you the experience of going to a nearby market, selecting local fruit, produce, prosciutto, bread, cheese, olives, pastries, wine or whatever else tempts your pallet and preparing and enjoying 1 or 2 simple fresh meals daily in your apartment instead of restaurants. Packing a lunch to eat in a park or town square can be a fun way to experience the vibe of a city. When traveling, we will often splurge a bit on an apartment with a balcony with a great view knowing that we will enjoy several meals and sunsets taking in the ambiance of the city.

Get a Porto Card

“Viator” or “Get Your Guide” are two companies that offer tours covering multiple destinations and experiences like the Douro River cruise that included wine tasting, and a meal. Or a walking tour that includes a visit to several of the places on your list and maybe a sample or two of regional wine, Port, or other local treats.