After living and working in this amazing city for one month, I’ve compiled a list of the 22 best things to do in Porto, Portugal!

Porto is a captivating city in northwest Portugal full of culture, beauty, and cuisine. Though it’s sometimes overshadowed by the capital, Lisbon, I think Porto is the absolute best city in Portugal.

Packed with amazing activities and attractions, you could never run out of things to do in Porto.

I spent one month here, volunteering in Nice Way Hostel located right off Praça da Liberdade, the main square in the Old Town.

During my time in Porto, I grew more enchanted by this city with each passing day.

Shopping at the local markets, getting lost in the scenic alleyways, watching sunsets from the Dom Luís I Bridge, all of these things became part of my daily life and I honestly loved it.

I never tired of the grand architecture, particularly the gorgeous azulejo tilework that covered churches and train stations.

Throw in the landscaped gardens, the stunning Ribeira along the water, and the random pieces of street art and you’ve got one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.

On top of the beauty, there are just so many fun activities in Porto! You can go surfing, wine-tasting, and bar-hopping. You can drink port wine, eat Portuguese delights, and listen to Fado music.

Or you can just wander around with no plan and admire every inch of this dazzling place.

Here are my favorite things to do in Porto, Portugal!

The 22 Best Things To Do In Porto, Portugal

Here are some of the best things to do in Porto, Portugal! Many of these attractions and activities are free, which is perfect for budget travelers.

For each Porto attraction I’ll mention how much it costs so you can budget for your Portugal trip. But overall, Portugal is a super affordable country which is awesome!

Find the best hotels in Porto on Booking.com!

1. Admire the architecture of the Old Town

The Old Town of Porto, also known as the Ribeira neighborhood, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and probably the most beautiful part of the city.

Walking down the winding, cobblestone streets of the Old Town lets you admire the colorful, intricate architecture and tiling of the area up close. With vibrant hues and detailed designs, even the most insignificant of buildings are mesmerizing.

• Cost: Free

2. Hang out by the Ribeira Waterfront

If you’re looking for the most scenic neighborhood in Porto, the Ribeira is probably it. Nestled along the banks of the Douro River, this historic district exudes Old World charm with its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and bustling waterfront promenade.

This is a great place to walk around, people-watch, and admire the sunrise or sunset over the city.

From its charming cafes and restaurants to its lively street performers and traditional Rabelo boats bobbing in the harbor, Ribeira is a captivating part of Porto, Portugal.

• Cost: Free, or 1 Euro if you get a coffee from a cafe

3. Climb to the top of Torre dos Clérigos

Climbing to the top of the The Torre dos Clérigos is one of the best things to do in Porto for those who love a panoramic viewpoint! (and who doesn’t?)

This magnificent Baroque tower from the 18th Century branches upward off the Clérigos Church. You can enter through the church and admire the religious decorations, then pay 8 Euros to climb the winding staircase up the tower.

Though Torre dos Clérigos is not free, it is still definitely worth visiting! The entry fee is quite cheap at 8 Euros, and the view of Porto and the Douro River from the top is breathtaking.

• Cost: 8 Euros

4. Take a day trip

When I had a day off work in Porto, I loved taking day trips to nearby cities and towns. Porto is the major city in northern Portugal, but it’s surrounded by lots of charming rural towns.

Porto is also well-connected to nearby locations by its incredible train system. Trains are super cheap and reliable, making it really easy to explore outside the city.

Aveiro, Braga, and Viana Do Costelo were my favorite day trips from Porto.

• Cost: Round-trip train tickets cost around 10 Euros on Bookaway or in person at the station. A guided tour is around 50 Euros.

Check out my list of the 13 best day trips from Porto!

5. Do a port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia

Port wine in Portugal is not just a drink; it’s a centuries-old tradition. Produced exclusively in the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, port wine is a strong, sweet, fortified wine that is cherished around the world.

Though port wine is grown in the Douro Valley, it is processed and ages in Vila Nova da Gaia. This city located just south of Porto across the Douro River has some of the world’s most famous port wine cellars.

You can walk across Dom Luís I Bridge and explore some of the port wine cellars of Vila Nova da Gaia on foot. Taylor’s, Burmester, Cálem, and Graham’s are some of the top cellars to visit.

Or join a guided walking tour that takes you to a combination of the best wineries. Either way, a port wine tasting is one of the best things to do in Porto.

• Cost: A guided wine tasting tour is only 15 Euros, so it’s worth having the immersive guided experience!

6. Do a port wine tasting in the Duoro Valley

Another option for wine tasting in Porto is taking a day trip out to the Douro Valley. Though you can sample port wine in the cellars of Vila Nova da Gaia, real wine enthusiasts can book a tour out to the rippling green hills where the grapes grow.

This is a more in-depth, educational wine experience as you can chat with wine makers and learn about the growing process. You also get to explore a lush, fertile, beautiful part of northern Portugal.

• Cost: A full day tour costs around 85 Euros

7. Explore the Jardins do Palacio de Cristal

Another one of the best free things to do in Porto is visit the beautiful Palacio de Cristal. Built in the 19th century, this enchanting glass palace, inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, combines cool architecture with natural beauty.

The intricate ironwork and glass domes of the palace are surrounded by lush botanical gardens filled with flowers and landscaped lawns. I loved coming here to the Palacio de Cristal just to read and relax surrounded by greenery.

• Cost: Free

8. Try a work exchange

A work exchange is a super cool way to experience any city! I loved doing a work exchange in Porto because I was able to afford staying in the heart of the city for a whole month.

With free accommodation, breakfast, and tours in exchange for around 20 hours per week of easy hospitality work, I had the perfect setup for exploring northern Portugal.

Another huge perk of a work exchange is the social experience. I made friends with the full-time Portuguese staff who helped introduce me to their city and culture, and I met other travellers too.

I can’t recommend work exchanges enough!

• Cost: My work exchange cost me 200 Euros for a whole month of living in Porto, plus the $49 USD per year Worldpackers fee (Code GABBY gets you a discount!)

Read about my Portugal work exchange experience here, or sign up for your own work exchange using Worldpackers.

9. Run or walk along the river

The Douro River flows through Porto and separates the city from Vila Nova De Gaia. Majestic bridges like Ponte Luís I and Ponte Infante Dom Henrique stretch across the river and a paved pathway runs along the river’s edges.

Walking around the Old Town or city center of Porto is cool because there is always architecture, tilework, art, and culture to see. But I also loved walking or jogging along the river pathway because it’s just miles of uninterrupted sidewalk with views of the Douro River.

This is a great way to get some exercise and venture outside the main tourist area of Porto! Plus you won’t get lost because it’s just one straight pathway.

• Cost: Free

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10. Find the coolest azulejo tiles

The famous blue and while tiles in Portugal are known as azulejos. These glazed, colored, and intricate tiles can be found all over Portugal, especially in the big cities like Porto. While exploring Porto, you can find azulejos plastered to grand churches, humble restaurants, train stations, fountains, museums, and local homes.

Whether you’re a photographer, an artist, or just a traveler who likes looking at cool things, definitely try to admire some of the azulejos in Porto!

São Bento Railway Station, Igreja do Carmo, Igreja Santo Ildefonso, Capela das Almas, Banco de Materiais, and Casa da Música are some of the best places to find azulejos in Porto.

• Cost: Free

11. Eat roasted chestnuts in the street

I had no idea that roasted chestnuts were a popular street food in Portugal until I visited Porto. While exploring the streets of the Old Town, I always found sweet local ladies selling bags of roasted chestnuts from their carts.

After passing the chestnut sellers daily for weeks, I finally decided to try some.

A huge bag of roasted chestnuts was only 1 Euro and they were honestly delicious. If you’re a foodie hoping to taste some interesting local treats in Porto, try the roasted chestnuts!

• Cost: Around 1 Euro

12. Marvel at Livraria Lello

Known as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello is one of the top tourist attractions in Porto. It’s also one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal, and supposedly inspired JK Rowling while she was writing about Hogwarts for the Harry Potter books.

Livraria Lello is as gorgeous as they say! With its neo-Gothic façade, intricate woodwork, and stained glass windows, this enchanting bookstore makes you feel like you’re in a fairy tale.

• Cost: 8 Euros which you should book online. Entrances are timed so the bookstore doesn’t get too crowded. On the website you can book your entry slot ahead of time and the 8 Euros is discounted from any books you buy.

13. Visit the gardens

A fun part of exploring any city is finding the green spaces. Aside from Palacio de Cristal, Jardim da Cordoaria is one of my favorite gardens near the city center of Porto. There are sculptures, streams, and lots of shady trees.

Parque de las Virtudes is another lovely garden in Porto that offers amazing sunset views as it’s up on a hill!

• Cost: Free

14. Stroll across the Dom Luís I Bridge at sunset

The Dom Luís I Bridge (Also called Luís I Bridge or Ponte Luís I) is a standout landmark in Porto.

Completed in 1886, this double-deck metal bridge seamlessly connects the bustling Ribeira district with the vibrant Vila Nova de Gaia.

The lower level of Ponte Luís I has a footpath for pedestrians and a road for cars. The upper level has a metro line and a footpath for pedestrians as well. Though it is just a bridge, this massive streel structure offers some of the best city views, especially at sunset!

• Cost: Free

15. Admire the Porto Cathedral

The Porto Cathedral, or the Sé do Porto in Portuguese, is a stunning hilltop cathedral. The cathedral itself is lovely and the surrounding views are equally impressive.

Dating back to the 12th century, this Romanesque gem is an important historical and religious monument in Porto.

• Cost: Free (3 Euros to access the chapter room and treasure room)

16. Try bacalhau, Portugal’s national dish

Portugal’s national dish is bacalhau, salted, dried codfish. This may not sound super appetizing but it is absolutely delicious.

Bacalhau is served in many ways, all of which you can find at local restaurants in Porto.

Bacalhau a Bras is a popular dish where the codfish is mixed with potatoes, eggs, onions, olives, and fresh herbs. Bolinhos de Bacalhau are codfish cakes, and Pastel de Bacalhau are fried balls of bacalhau. I often found the codfish just fried and served plain like that.

Whichever way you eat it, seafood lovers will really enjoy bacalhau!

• Cost: A cod dish is normally around 10-15 Euros. A smaller serving of bacalhau, such as a cake or a fried piece may be around 3-5 Euros.

17. Admire the churches

In addition to the Clérigos Church and Tower and the Cathedral of Porto which I’ve already mentioned, Porto has many more stunning churches.

Even if you’re not religious at all, the churches showcase some of the most impressive architecture, design, landscaping, and azulejo tilework.

Igreja de São Francisco, Igreja dos Carmelitas, and Igreja do Carmo are some of the most beautiful churches in the city and they are all free to enter!

• Cost: Free

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18. Visit the beach

The west coast of Portugal is situated just west of Porto. You can walk, drive, cycle, or catch public transport to the beach and spend a day by the ocean. Walking takes just over an hour, driving takes about 15 minutes.

Praia do Carneiro is one of the closest beaches to Porto. The beautiful seaside has a palm-tree-lined esplanade, a 16th Century fort, and a lighthouse. Further up the coast from there you can find Praia dos Ingleses, Praia de Gondarém, and Praia do Molhe, all of which are great for swimming and sunbathing.

Praia de Matosinhos is just 15 minutes northwest of Porto and is a popular spot for surfing.

• Cost: Free if you walk, less than 10 Euros by public transport or taxi

Book a surf lesson at Matosinhos Beach with a local instructor!

19. Watch a Fado performance

Fado is an enchanting type of music, performance, and cultural tradition in Portugal. The unique and emotional folk music captures the essence of those who struggled in the past.

Fado is soulful and heartwrenching, and it’s absolutely captivating to watch a live Fado performance.

In Porto, intimate Fado houses such as Casa da Mariquinhas, Taberna Real do Fado, and Adega São Nicolau offer live performances. You can also have drinks and food while watching the performers, which is easily one of the best things to do in Porto.

• Cost: Around 15-20 Euros, worth booking ahead of time because the venues are small and fill up quickly!

20. Shop at the markets

The markets in Porto are vibrant hubs of activity, showcasing the city’s rich culinary and cultural heritage. While living in Porto for a month, I bought almost all of my groceries at the local markets. The food is super fresh and cheap!

Mercado Bolhão is one of the main food markets near the Old Town of Porto. It’s a historic, 2-level market hall with produce and street food.

Mercado Porto Belo happens every Saturday in the Carlos Alberto Square and is another cool place to shop for food and souvenirs. Mercado Bom Sucesso is another indoor market hall that sells food, clothes, trinkets, and often hosts performances.

• Cost: Free to browse, a bag of groceries or a street food meal might cost around 10 Euros

21. Indulge in plenty of pastel de nata

Pastel de nata is a famous Portuguese pastry made with egg and cinnamon. It’s like a custard tart but thick, creamy, and not overly sweet. They are seriously delicious!

Though you can find pastel de nata anywhere in Portugal, make sure you indulge in a few while you’re visiting Porto. Or book a cooking class and learn how to make these delicious treats yourself!

• Cost: Around 1 Euro

22. Get lost!

Getting lost while walking around Porto is half the fun of exploring this incredible city. Particularly in the Old Town, you can find so many cool buildings, gardens, and murals in the streets of Porto.

It can be hard to actually get lost in today’s world of smartphones. But take risk and turn off your phone for a bit to see where it takes you!

• Cost: Priceless

Thanks for reading my list of the 22 best things to do in Porto, Portugal

As you can see, there is so much beauty, culture, history, nature, and cuisine to enjoy in this amazing city.

You’ll want to spend at least 3 days in Porto to really make the most of the sights, activities, tours, and attractions. However, some people just visit the city as a day trip from Lisbon, which is also fine.

But if you can, I would recommend trying a work exchange here and staying for even longer! One month in Porto was so much fun. I had plenty of time to explore the city and take some day trips.

Plus, I got to work, save money, meet locals and other backpackers, and have a super cool experience!

Check out my complete Guide To Work Exchange: The Cheapest Way To Travel for more info!

Is Porto, Portugal Worth Visiting?

Porto, Portugal is absolutely worth visiting thanks to its dazzling architecture, unique landmarks, and heartwarming culture.

From the Fado music, to the Portuguese food and wine, to the colourful Old Town, anyone would be captivated on a visit to Porto!

There are lots of amazing places to stay in the city for all budgets as well.

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