38 Unmissable Things To Do In Porto Portugal

We have put together a Porto travel guide covering all the best things to do in Porto. From the highlights to the slightly offbeat. There are also loads of travel tips to help you plan your perfect Porto itinerary and make the most of your time in one of Portugal’s most charismatic cities and the jewel of northern Portugal.

If you happen to be short on time, we’ve compiled this fabulous two days in Porto itinerary here, so you don’t have to miss a thing. 

Best Things to do in Porto Portugal

Whether you are a first-time visitor and want to see the highlights and best Porto attractions or are looking to seek out some of Porto’s less-known treasures. We have put together a list of things to do and see in Porto to cover all tastes, from what to see, what to eat, and where to explore. 

There is enough to do in Porto to keep you busy for at least a few days or more.

Porto Attractions and Highlights

Torre dos Clérigos

The bell tower of the Baroque Clérigos Church is visible from all over the city. Torre dos Clérigos is one of Porto’s most emblematic symbols.

Constructed between 1754 and 1763, the 76-meter high tower was the tallest building in Portugal at the time and is still the tallest bell tower in the country. 

Climb the 240 steps to see the 49 bells and the most amazing views of Porto. Visit the Torre dos Clérigos first when you arrive in Porto, as the view from the top of the tower is a great way to see the city’s layout and get your bearings before you head off to explore. 

Entry

• Tower & Clérigos Museum: €5 | €2.50 with Porto Card
• Guided Tour – Clérigos Museum, Church & Tower: €6.50
• Tower Night Pass 7 PM–11 PM: €5

Where: Clérigos Church & Clérigos Tower – R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto

Visit Livraria Lello Without The Crowds

With literally thousands of people visiting Livraria Lello every day, is it still possible to visit the iconic bookstore without doing battle with crowds and wannabe Instagramers vying for “the shot”? 

Well, yes, if you plan your visit wisely.

While many of the tourists who visit Lello Bookstore are independent travellers, a good percentage of the daily trade comprises guided tour groups and day visitors to Porto.

At least half an hour before opening, a queue will start forming with those who have bought tickets online.

There will be a constant line outside the shop throughout the day as people wait for their turn inside the crowded bookshop. 

Best Time to Visit Livraria Lello

If you want to have a pleasant visit where you can browse freely and not have to endure the pushing and shoving of selfie-takers vying for their spot on the staircase – time your visit for late in the day. As late as you can make it.

Our suggestion is 45 minutes – one hour before the store is due to close. (Maybe allow a little longer in the peak summer months of July & August)

The day-trippers will have left, and city tours have finished for the day. If you are smart and visit Porto outside of the peak summer months, you may even be one of only a few in the famous bookstore. 

Livraria Lello Opening Hours: Daily 9.30 AM–7.00 PM

Where: Livraria Lello – R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto

D. Luís I Bridge

“The City of Bridges” Porto is the only city in Europe to boast six bridges. While each of the six bridges comes with a unique tale and history, most visitors to Porto will have some knowledge of the D. Luís I bridge. 

The famous two-level bridge, designed by a protégé of Gustave Eiffel, was once the longest metallic arch bridge in the world.

Gustave Eiffel designed the oldest bridge in Porto – The Maria Pia Bridge, his last project before overseeing the construction of the Eiffel Tower. 

Strolling across the D. Luís, I bridge to visit the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia is one of those “must-do” things to do in Porto. 

From the bridge, you have some of the most stunning views of the Douro river and the city of Porto. It is the perfect photo opportunity.

The Ribeira Neighbourhood

While we are down at the river, let’s talk about the UNESCO listed Ribeira neighbourhood. One of the most famous places in Porto.

As its name suggests, the oldest part of the city, Ribeira, sits right along the Douro river.

Ribeira is the quintessential postcard neighbourhood with little twists of streets, colourful tiled 18th-century townhouses, small bars and eateries along the riverfront serving traditional Portuguese fare. 

Once considered a neighbourhood of ill repute, a place for thieves, crooks and prostitutes, Ribeira is now the place to be in Porto, especially when the sun starts to set. 

Mercado Ferreira Borges (Hard Club)

Mercado Ferreira Borges, a red iron and glass building built-in 1885, is considered one of the finest remaining examples of Europe’s iron period.

Built to replace the old marketplace in Ribeira, curiously, it was never used as a market. Vendors in the old market decided they didn’t want to move, and so the building never met its intended purpose. 

Throughout the years it has been used for all manner of purposes including a storage facility for military equipment, even a soup kitchen for the homeless.  

Hard Club is open from midday to midnight. See the Hard Club website for upcoming shows, events, and exhibitions.

Where: Mercado Ferreira Borges – R. da Bolsa 19, 4050-253 Porto

Palácio de Bolsa Stock Exchange Building

Palácio de Bolsa, the former stock market, was built between 1842 and 1910 to impress European investors. And impress, it did. 

The Neoclassical, Moorish inspired building is considered one of the most beautiful monuments in Porto. 

Take a tour to see the impressive central glass courtyard – Pátio das Nações (Hall of the Nations).

From the marble and granite grand staircase, you can explore some of the buildings more impressive rooms, such as – the Gold Room decorated in gold leaf or the General Assembly Room decorated with exquisite wood finishes.

The highlight of the palace, the Arab Room, is reserved for official functions. It is decorated in the exotic Moorish Revival style inspired by the Alhambra. 

Bolsa Palace Tour

It is recommended to take the 45 minutes guided tour. However, the language of the tour is determined by the first arrival, so be early. Languages are Portuguese, Spanish, French, English. See the Bolsa Palace website for more information. 

Entry

• Single: € 10.00
• Student / Senior: € 6.50
• 50% off with Porto Card

Where: Bolsa Palace – R. de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto

São Bento Railway Station

The main railway station of Porto, São Bento Station, sits on the site of a former 16th century Benedictine Monastery for which the station is named.

Opened in 1916 to the public, the station is famed for the 20,000 azulejo tin-glazed ceramic tiles placed over 11 years from 1905–1916 by artist Jorge Colaço.

The tiles depict Portugal’s history, the story of its royalty, transportation history, and historic battles, including the conquest of Ceuta in 1415 by Henry the Navigator. 

São Bento Railway Station is right in the city centre so you will undoubtedly pass it numerous times during your stay even if you don’t arrive in Porto by train.

Make sure you take a few minutes to stop in and take a look at the main hall. 

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

The Crystal Palace Gardens are instantly identifiable by the unusual domed building built to replace the original Palácio de Cristal constructed for Exposição Internacional do Porto in 1865. 

The current dome pavilion, Pavilhão Rosa Mota, was built to accommodate the 1952 Roller Hockey World Cup in Porto. 

The gardens around the Pavilhão Rosa Mota are Porto’s largest and most popular green spaces.

Overlooking the city, Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is a mosaic of different gardens dotted with fountains and sculptures flanked by gorgeous trees.

Sit and watch the peacocks roam freely around enormous magnolia trees while enjoying the sweeping vistas of the city and the Douro. 

Entry: Free

Where: Jardins do Palácio – R. de Dom Manuel II, 4050-346 Porto.

Gaia Cable Car to Jardim do Morrow

Get a birds-eye view of Porto and the river Douro from the aerial gondola Teleférico de Gaia. The five-minute ride runs between the southern end of the D. Luís I bridge and the riverside on Vila Nova de Gaia. 

From the top, at the Jardin do Morrow gardens, you get postcard views of Porto and the rustic red roofs of the wine cellars in Gaia. 

Street Art in Rua das Flores

Rua das Flores, an ancient street once used by aristocracy and merchants, is one of Porto’s most visited streets by locals and tourists. 

Charming hotels, modern restaurants and relaxed cafes, gourmet grocers and traditional wine shops make Rua das Flores a must-visit while in Porto.

As you stroll through, keep an eye out for the street art making a mark on this pretty street, from artistic electrical boxes to murals the height of multi-story buildings. There is a lot to see on Rua das Flores.

Food in Porto

Porto is renowned worldwide for its sumptuous cuisine and, of course, world-class wines – and not just port wine. It would be a massive undertaking to list all the best places to eat in Porto. However, there are some aspects of Porto’s food culture that do warrant a mention.

Try the Famous Porto Francesinha

While Portugal is famous for many things, it would be remiss of us not to mention Porto’s most famous or infamous dish, depending on your taste.

Described as a layer cake of meat, the Francesinha, which translates to “little French woman” or simply “little Frenchie”, is Porto’s sandwich of sandwiches. 

The Francesinha is made with bread – the thicker, the better and a medley of meats including cured ham, Portuguese sausage, steak or roast beef, then covered with melted cheese and served literally swimming in a tomato and beer sauce.

If all of that is not stodgy enough for you, add a fried egg on top and some fries on the side for dipping in the sauce. 

Café Majestic

Opening its doors in 1921, Elite Café, as it was first known, was the belle of Belle Époque in Porto. The café enchanted Porto’s upper echelon with its beautiful Art Nouveau design by architect João Queiroz.

Falling into neglect during WWII, the cafe was nearly lost altogether. In 1983, the cafe was declared a “Building of Public Interest”, and finally, in 1992, 71 years after its grand opening, a massive two-year restoration began to make Majestic Café once again the most elegant cafe in Porto. 

Majestic Café, along with Livraria Lello, has earned its status as one of those must-visit places in Porto, so expect the prices to be much higher than an average cafe.

For example, an espresso coffee will cost €5 as opposed to less than a euro in a typical cafe. 

If you would like to treat yourself to a charming Majestic Café experience, high tea is served between 3 PM and 7 PM – Cost: €25 pp.

Where: Majestic Café – Rua Santa Catarina 112, 4000-442 Porto

A Pérola do Bolhão Traditional Grocery Store

More than just another striking Art Nouveau facade, A Pérola do Bolhão is one of Porto’s most loved institutions and landmarks. 

Founded in 1917, A Pérola do Bolhão is one of those charming shops where you will find the heart of culinary Porto. The traditional Portuguese deli style grocery store is stacked to the rafters with fresh and dried typical Portuguese produce.

Be tempted by Portuguese smoked chouriço sausage, olives, fresh mountain cheeses from Serra de Estrela, and of course, Port.

The friendly owners will gladly guide you through the products and are known to impart some precious advice for visiting their city. 

The shop facade is adorned with Portuguese tiles dating back to the beginning of the last century with unique depictions of two women on either side of the doorway, one holding café (coffee) and the other chá (tea) plants.

Where: A Pérola do Bolhão – R. Formosa 279, 4000-252 Porto

Mercado Municipal da Beira Rio

Mercado Municipal da Beira Rio is in the heart of Vila Nova de Gaia’s Port wine district. Dating back to the late 1930s, the historical marketplace has been revamped to attract more than just the local shopping crowd.

Preserving the market’s original roots with fresh produce stalls, the market also now bustles with a variety of independently owned food stalls, a mini brewery, wine bars, even a newsstand.

A favourite spot with both locals and visitors at lunchtime, you can do more than enjoy a meal and a drink at Mercado Municipal da Beira Rio.

The market has an ever-changing menu of local produce and dining options as well as live music, recitals and exhibitions.

Where: Mercado Municipal da Beira – Rio Av. de Ramos Pinto 148, 4400-261 Vila Nova de Gaia

Wine and Dine in Porto’s Secret Gardens 

O Pretinho do Japão

Behind the slender buildings and pokey shop fronts, a world of secret gardens reveal some of Porto’s coolest urban spaces.

From cafe veggie patches where free-range chooks roam to chilled out courtyards where you can enjoy a drink or some of Porto’s best garden dining.

Some of Porto’s best cafe’s, bars, and dining can be found beyond the rabbit hole of pokey shopfronts.

Places such as O Pretinho do Japão grocery store open out into gardens and terraces you would never know existed from the street.

At O Pretinho do Japão, dodge the Bacalhau hanging in the doorway and find yourself in a world of culinary delights.

O Pretinho do Japão has been the merchant of an eclectic mix of speciality Portuguese grocery items such as dried fruits, traditional sweets and chocolates, teas and gourmet tinned sardines since 1947. 

A wall of beautifully crafted wooden draws occupies the space behind the counter. Here is where staff work their magic with speciality blends of coffee beans ground to order.

Further into the ambient store is a browse-worthy selection of wines, whiskeys and liqueurs. 

Other Secret Gardens in Porto

Rota do Chá

Rota do Cha is a delightfully bohemian tea house that not only boasts over 300 teas from all over the world; it also hides a big shaded tea garden at the back that can only be described as tranquil. Rota Do Chá Rua de Miguel Bombarda 457, 4050-378 Porto

Quintal Bioshop

At the back of the organic supermarket/cafe, you will find a relaxed wooden deck in the garden where you can enjoy an array of vegetarian and vegan meals from the cafe. You may even enjoy the company of some of the resident cats.

Where: Quintal Bioshop – Rua do Rosário 177, 4050-124 Porto

Casinha Boutique Café

The small modern deli-style cafe looks like it has minimal seating but head past the counter, and you’ll find a large leafy garden where you can enjoy fresh homemade food, cakes, and ice-creams.

Where: Casinha Boutique Café – 4100 421, Av. da Boavista 854, Porto

Terraplana Café

A hip bar atmosphere, woodfire pizzas and local bands and DJ’s. The outdoor terrace behind Terraplana Café is the perfect spot for a chilled afternoon set or late-night session. There is also a sneaky upstairs patio where you can enjoy a coffee or an afternoon drink.

Where: Terraplana – Av. de Rodrigues de Freitas 287, 4000-421 Porto

Letraria Craft Beer Garden

Another addition to Porto’s flourishing craft beer scene, Letraria has the edge thanks to a spacious, shady garden out back where you can choose from more than 20 brews on tap.

Where: Letraria – Craft Beer Garden – Rua da Alegria 101, 4000-042 Porto

Em Carne Viva

Beyond the romantic dining room of this vegetarian restaurant, you will find a charming garden space where you can sample the vegetarian version of Porto’s Francesinha sandwich.

Everything in the restaurant is made in-house, right down to the jams which accompany the freshly baked scones.

Where: Em Carne Viva – Av. da Boavista 868, 4100-421 Porto

Espiga

Catering primarily to a late afternoon and evening crowd, Espiga is a cafe, gallery, and bar. At the end of the long, narrow building is an upstairs terrace where you can enjoy a drink and live performances in the summer.

Where: Espiga – R. de Clemente Meneres 65, 4050-202 Porto

Queijaria Amaral

If you love cheese, you’re going to love Queijaria Amaral. Selling the most typical cheeses from Portugal since 1928, Queijaria Amaral is Porto’s oldest cheese shop.

Today, the shop also sells the best cheeses from around the world but still specializes in cheeses from Portugal, especially cheese from northern Portugal and Portugal’s Azores Islands.

They have some fantastic mountain cheeses from Serra da Estrela and a range of locally sourced cured meats and sausages. 

The owners and staff are delightful and full of enthusiasm for all things cheese. Pop in for a cheese and wine tasting; you can even have cheese specially packaged for travel should you want to take a souvenir home. 

The shop hosts regular cheese and wine happy hours where you can indulge in a mini wine and cheese degustation for as little as €5 pp.

Or, you can settle in for a bottle of wine and cheese and meat selection of your choice.

Where: Queijaria Amaral – Rua Santo Ildefonso,190, 4000-465 Porto Since 1920

Guindalense Football Club 

There is no shortage of cool bars in Porto, but one warrants mention for its spectacular views and community spirit. First things first – Guindalense Football Club is not a football club per se. It’s more of a local sports/social club and local drinking hole with a fantastic view.

The club was established in the 70s by a small group of friends. The group would meet at local cafes to arrange athletics, fishing, and football events for the neighbourhood.

As the club took shape, club premises were established in various buildings until finally settling on a small shed next to the Ferdinand Wall.

The club grew, and so did the humble shed. From the pub’s beer garden, you have front row seats to the best view in Porto over the river and the Luíz I Bridge.

Acknowledging the club’s unique location, members began welcoming visitors to enjoy the views of Porto from their terraces. 

The club has expanded over the years to include sports and cultural and social activities that are free and open to Porto’s entire community and visitors.

Guindalense Football Club is a great bar for an afternoon drink on the sunny terraces or at night for a spectacular view of the Luíz I Bridge. 

The drink prices are very reasonable, and the bar also has a basic yet quite tasty snack bar-style menu. Open Monday– Saturday: 1.30 PM– 11 PM

Where: Guindalense Football Club – Escada dos Guindais, 4000-279 Porto

Take a Port Wine Tour

There are many affordable tours that allow you to learn about the production processes of the famous fortified wine and taste various varieties from renowned and historic cellars. 

There is also the possibility to include a Port wine tasting with a Douro River cruise, enjoy an evening of Fado in a Port wine cellar with tasting, or take a 3 hour Port wine walking tour with tastings. 

Entry:

• Weekdays: €2.20 | Free with Porto Card
• Weekends: Free

Where: Port Wine Museum – Rua da Reboleira 37, 4050-492 Porto

17.56 Museu and Enoteca

Porto’s Oldest Wine Producers

Portugal’s oldest wine company– Real Companhia Velha (RCV), has transformed a historic warehouse on the Douro into a beautiful space dedicated to history, wine, and gastronomy. 

17.56 Museu & Enoteca draws from over 260 years of experience in producing wines from the Douro.

On the first floor, the panoramic terrace steals the scene, but you’ll also find a lounge, two private tasting rooms, a cigar club and a luxe modern restaurant.

Expect a range of dining options, including traditional Portuguese cuisine, a steakhouse, gourmet snacks and sandwiches; there’s even a raw bar.

Entry to the museum is €15 pp and includes a wine tasting.

Where: 17.56 Museu & Enoteca – R. de Serpa Pinto 44B, 4400-307 Vila Nova de Gaia

Markets and Shopping

Porto is not short on market experiences that will have you mingling, bartering, and fossicking with Porto locals, from fresh produce to flea markets. 

Centro Commercial Bombarda

Possibly Porto’s coolest shopping mall, Centro Commercial Bombarda (CCB), is a part shopping mall, part marketplace.

In a mall dedicated to creatives, you’ll find a slick retail space with local design wear, artisan home and garden wares, organic cosmetics, vinyl records, and all kinds of vintage treasures.

In the middle of the mall is a sunny courtyard where you can enjoy a fabulous selection of food from various food vendors and cafes.

Woodfire pizzas, vegetarian, a modern take on traditional Portuguese dishes, or Indian inspired dishes, it is all very reasonably priced. 

CCB is an excellent space for browsing unique local and vintage gear and enjoying lunch in the lovely central garden space. Keep an eye out for weekend or evening events and exhibitions held there. 

Where: Centro Comercial Bombarda Rua de Miguel Bombarda 285, 4050-381 Porto

Porto Belo Market

One of Porto’s most popular weekend markets, Porto Belo literally means “beautiful Porto”. It is also a bit of a nod to the famous Portobello Market in London. 

Held every Saturday afternoon in pretty Carlos Alberto Square, surrounded by a gorgeous collection of traditional azulejo tiled buildings, Porto Belo attracts artisans, designers, and antique and vintage memorabilia collectors.

If there’s no room in your suitcase for shopping, soak up the atmosphere of Mercado Porto Belo on the central sun lounges and enjoy live music. 

Every Saturday from 11 AM

Where: Porto Belo Market – Praça de Carlos Alberto

Mercado do Bolhão

The most famous market in the city, The Bolhão Market, was classified as a Place of Public Interest in 2006.

The beautiful wrought iron Neoclassic double-level market opened in 1914 is dedicated mainly to fresh produce vendors divided into specialities such as the fishmongers, butchers, florists, and greengrocers. 

Where: Mercado do Bolhão  R. Formosa, 4000-214 Porto

Market Restoration Project

Mercado do Bolhão closed its doors in May 2018 for major restoration work. It was estimated the restored marketplace would open again in Spring 2020, but this has been delayed by at least one year. 

During the restoration works, the market has been moved and is still worth a visit – Bolhão Temporary Market at  La Vie Shopping Center, at Rua de Fernandes Tomás.

More Porto Markets

The Clérigos Market

Flea market for artisan, second hand, vintage and collectables, flowers, food and live music.

The market takes place on the second and last Saturday of the month, from 10 AM to 8 PM.

Where: Next to the Clérigos Tower Rua de Cândido dos Reis, 4050-151 Porto

Urban Market

Think about everything urban design, and they have it: stylish and funky clothes, jewellery, home and decor by local creatives.

You’ll even find services such as hair and massage at the Urban Market. Urban Market tends to change location from weekend to weekend so check the Urban Market Facebook page for dates and locations. 

Feira da Vandoma

One of the oldest markets in Porto, Feira da Vandoma started many years ago as a place for students to sell their old books. It has now expanded to a much larger flea market with all kinds of second-hand household items.

Be prepared to find both trash and treasure. The second-hand market is held every Saturday from 8 AM–1 PM.

Where: Feira da Vandoma – Av. 25 de Abril, Porto.

Porto Museums and Culture

Soares dos Reis National Museum

Founded in 1833, the museum exhibited religious art confiscated from Portuguese convents, many of which are still on display today. Sadly, many of the earlier pieces were taken from followers of deposed King Miguel I.

The museum is named after António Soares dos Reis, a 19th-century sculptor from Vila Nova de Gaia on the Douro.

In addition to pieces by Soares dos Reis, the museum has works by celebrated Portuguese painters and sculptors such as Miguel Ângelo Lupi,  Silva Porto, Domingos Sequeira, and Vieira Portuense. 

Where: Soares dos Reis National Museum – R. de Dom Manuel II 44, 4050-342 Porto

Tram Museum

In 1872, Porto saw the first mule pulled tram lines, followed in 1895 by the first electrified transport system in Iberia, one of the oldest electric systems in Europe.  

The Porto Tram Museum – Museu do Carro Eléctrico honours this integral and elegant part of Porto’s transport history.

Housed in the old Massarelos Thermoelectric Power Station built in 1915, the museum has 25 historic trams ranging from the first horse-drawn trams through to the last tramcars of the 50s and a section dedicated to the tramway workers. 

The museum maintains a fully functioning workshop to keep all the historic trams in perfect working order. Each of the trams, even the oldest, is taken out for a run around the city occasionally. 

Entry: €8 Adults | Children & Seniors €4 | Under 6 Free | 25% off with Porto Card

Ride The Old Trams

Porto still has many historic trams in service and is a far less crowded prospect than the iconic trams in Lisbon. There are a few lines in service:

• Line 1, a very scenic line, will take you from the historic centre along the northern banks of the Douro to the beach district of Foz. 
• Lines 18 & 22 work their way through the old city, which makes a great sightseeing option. 

Tram Ticket Cost

A single tram ride costs €3 and a 2-day unlimited ticket €10 applicable for the trams only. Line 1 to Foz requires two single tickets for a return ride – €6. 

Tip: The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, Tram & Funicular Combination Ticket gives you 24 hr access to ride the historic electric trams on the Porto Tram City Tour with three different lines. 

Photographic Museum Centro Português de Fotografia

Located in the Cadeia de Relação City Prison and Courts of Justice built-in 1756, The Photographic Museum was home to Porto’s most felonious and infamous for over two centuries.

A notable building due to its unusual shape and bulk, compared to the city’s other architecture, it was considered one of the most imposing buildings in Porto at the time.

The building was designed to accommodate the limited space between the medieval Ferdinand Wall and the Benedictine convent. 

After Portugal’s return to democracy in 1974, the prison was shut down and later restored as an exhibition centre.

You can view photographic collections and temporary exhibitions on the ground floor in the old group cells where some of Portugal’s most hardened and lower-class criminals were incarcerated.

Fundação Serralves Museum (Casa de Serralves)

Described as a cultural Eden, Serralves is one of Porto’s most important cultural spaces, if not the country.

The strikingly minimalist Fundação Serralves contemporary art museum designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza Vieira is the most visited museum in Portugal. 

The museum has no permanent displays but instead dedicates the space to continually changing exhibits of “cutting-edge works” by modern artists.

Casa de Serralves

Visit the fabulously glamorous Casa de Serralves, Carlos Alberto Cabral’s famous 1930’s pink Art Deco mansion located in the surrounding formal gardens. 

Parque de Serralves

Parque de Serralves comprises breathtaking sculptured gardens with native and exotic species, fields, lakes, and farmland. A day can easily be spent wandering around the stunning 18-hectare property.

The gardens also host seasonal farmers markets that aim to educate and promote the value of locally produced food and hold demonstrations in the use of local and often undervalued produce. 

Serralves holds two-day non-stop Festa’s with free art and cultural events to celebrate the seasons in both spring and autumn. See the Serravles website for exhibition and events information. 

Casa da Música

A place for music lovers and architecture buffs, Casa da Musica has been described as intriguing, original, mysterious, and one of the most beautiful buildings in Porto.

The design by prestigious Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas has been heralded as his most beautiful work ever, “a building whose intellectual ardour is matched by its sensual beauty”.

It is the only concert hall in the world with two walls made entirely of glass. Koolhaas wanted the public to see what was happening inside the monument, from rehearsals and performances to the workers in the cafe.

By inviting everyone into Casa da Múscia, he wanted the building to be part of Porto’s cultural and social life. 

Daily Guided Tours

Cost: € 10/person | 50% off with Porto Card

• Portuguese: 11 AM & 4 PM
• English: 11 AM & 4 PM

During Summer Until September 30

• Portuguese: 11 AM, 2:30PM & 4 PM
• English: 10 AM, 11 AM, 4 PM & 5 PM
• During August there is a daily guided tour in French at 3 PM

Where: Casa da Música – Av. da Boavista 604-610, 4149-071 Porto.

Must See Churches

Igreja do Carmo

Named the Two-headed Church, Igreja do Carmo is interesting for its magnificent tiled facade and its unusual construction. Look closely, and you will notice the building is actually two adjacent churches. The one on the left is the Church of the Carmelites.

Due to a complicated law, no two churches could share the same wall, so a tiny house was built, wedged between the two churches. The house was occupied up until around 20 years ago. 

Where: Igreja do Carmo – R. do Carmo, 4050-164 Porto

Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)

The Porto Cathedral – Cathedral sé do Porto is a landmark of the old centre and one of Porto’s oldest monuments. Construction of the Cathedral began early in the 12th century, continuing well into the 13th century.

Significant additions and modifications were made right through until the 18th century, so the cathedral represents all of the significant historical styles, including Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque.   

The oldest district, Morro da Sé and its residents are considered the most genuine part of Porto. During the middle ages, the large square around the cathedral was the centre for all commerce and trade in the city.

It was also where the Crusaders came in 1147 to assist King Afonso Henriques and the Portuguese army in their conquest to claim Lisbon from the Moors.

From Largo de Sé you have fantastic views of the city and the river. 

Opening Hours: 9 AM–12.30 PM | 2.30 PM–7 PM | Cloister: 9 AM– 6.30 PM. Times may vary in winter.

Note: The Cloister is only open in the afternoon on Sundays and religious holidays.

Entry

• Cathedral: Free
• Cloister: €3.
• Porto Card and students: €2.

Where: Port Cathedral – Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto

Church of Saint Ildefonso

The graceful twin-towered Baroque church on Praça da Batalha is quite a head-turner. Standing alone in the square, one can’t help but be drawn to the glorious azulejos facade depicting scenes from the life of St Ildefonso and stories from the gospel.

Over 11,000 tiles by Jorge Colaça make up the facade, the same artist responsible for São Bento Station.

The Baroque church took 30 years to build from 1709, finishing the main church in 1730, initially without the two bell towers; these were completed in 1739. 

Entry: Free

Where: Igreja Paroquial de Santo Ildefonso R. de Santo Ildefonso 11, 4000-542 Porto

Igreja de Santa Clara

Classified as a National Monument, Igreja de Santa Clara was completed in 1457 to replace a medieval Franciscan convent.

Behind a very unassuming facade lies an overwhelming Baroque interior of gilded woodwork depicting angels, cherubs and saints.

Igreja de Santa Clara was owned by the cloistered Franciscan order of nuns, the order of Poor Clare, until the 19th century, when the last nun of the order died.

Inside the church, you can still see the revolving wooden door used by the nuns to sell sweets to the public, much like we still see in the closed convents of Seville. 

As the nuns were forbidden to have contact with anyone outside the order, the revolving door was used to make the transactions. 

The church has just reopened from a meticulous restoration which will be ongoing. It is forbidden to take photos inside. 

Entry: Free

Where: Igreja de Santa Clara – Largo 1º de Dezembro, 4000-061 Porto

Igreja de São Francisco (Monument Church of Saint Francis)

The most prominent Gothic monument in Porto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Monument Church of Saint Francis, built in the 14th century during the reign of King D. Fernando, is renowned for its outstanding Baroque interior decoration.

Some say it is the most beautiful church in Porto, perhaps because it took more than 400kg of gold to complete the ornate gilded interior. 

The church also has a small museum; a highlight is the restored sculpture of Jesus’ family tree known as the “Gold Church”.

Head below the church’s interior chapels to the catacombs where deceased members of the Franciscan order await judgment day. A grated window in the floor allows visitors to view the piles of human bones below their feet.

Entry

• Adult:€6
• Child:€5
• 25% off with Porto Card

Where: Monument Church of Saint Francis Rua do Infante D. Henrique, 4050-297 Porto

Books to Read Before You Visit Portugal

Late Spring, Early Autumn is the Best Time to Visit Porto

If you want the best of both worlds – great weather and atmosphere, visit Porto in late spring (May/June) or early autumn (September). The shoulder seasons are always the best time to visit Europe, and the same goes for Porto and Portugal as a whole. The weather is mild, sometimes even warm, there are fewer tourists, and accommodation prices are reasonable.

In late spring (13th-24th June), the city takes on a festival atmosphere during the Festas Santos Populares celebrations. The weather is almost always guaranteed to be glorious.

September heralds the beginning of the harvest season in the Douro Valley. The perfect opportunity for a day trip to some of Portugal’s top vineyards.

However, September is the most expensive month for accommodation in Porto, so book well in advance.

Winter in Porto

That said, Porto is a great all-year-round destination. While the winters can be wet, the temperatures remain relatively mild, with highs reaching 17℃ (63℉).

Winter is also a great time to avoid crowds and even experience some of Portugal’s festive season.

Summer in Porto

The peak summer months (June– September) can be hot, often exceeding 30℃ (86℉). It is also peak tourist season so crowds will be at a maximum, as will accommodation rates.

July and August are the busiest months, especially at Porto’s beaches. 

Search The Best Place to Stay in Porto

How to Get to Porto

Porto is easily reached via road, train or by air.

Flights

There are regular direct flights to Porto’s Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport from all over Europe, especially with the low-cost carriers. The airport is also well connected to international destinations.

Train

Many visitors to Portugal will arrive in Lisbon, making the train the best way to reach Porto. Porto’s Sao Bento Train Station services all major rail routes throughout Portugal. 

The train from Lisbon to Porto will take approx. 3 hrs depending on the service. There are more than 15 services per day. 

Take the Funicular dos Guindais

If the thought of climbing the hill from Ribeira is too daunting, take the Funicular dos Guindais. Built in 1891, the funicular has been revamped and offers sweeping views over the Douro river and the Luiz I bridge while making light work of Porto’s steep hills. 

Cost: €2.50 / adult.

Where: Funicular dos Guindais R. da Ribeira Negra 314, 4000-509 Porto