Top Things to Do in Porto for an Unforgettable Visit
- Emily Anne
- May 26
- 7 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
SUMMARY
This guide to Porto includes a curated mix of activities, local food experiences, and low-key cultural finds across both sides of the Douro River. Inside, you'll find historical landmarks like the Porto Cathedral and Church of Saint Francis, casual eats and hidden gem restaurants, scenic spots for sunset, and other under-the-radar spots from our time there. This guide highlights the most memorable spots from our visit and low-key ways to get to know all that the city has to offer.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
My Curated List of the Top Things to Do in Porto, Portugal!
If you're planning a trip to Portugal and Porto is on your list, you're in for a good mix of history, art, coastal vibes, and genuinely great food. Keep reading for our list of the top things to do and see in Porto based on our personal experience, with recommendations that lean local and don't require a travel guide to enjoy!
EXPLORE THE GAIA SIDE OF PORTO
If you're staying on the Porto side, cross the Dom Luís I Bridge and take some time to explore the Gaia side of the river. The views from here toward the bridge and Porto's historic center are some of the best in the city. You'll find port wine lodges everywhere—many offer tastings or port-based cocktails. We grabbed a drink at Sandeman and soaked in the riverside atmosphere. Oddly enough, we also had excellent Korean BBQ at Han Table Barbecue Porto, which made for a fun detour from traditional Portuguese fare. Once you've wandered the waterfront, ride the gondola from Gaia back up the hill. It's short but scenic ride, especially around sunset, with a bird's-eye view over the river and rooftops. Tickets are available on-site, and the line moves fast.
MERCADO FERREIRA BORGES
We stumbled into Mercado Ferreira Borges when a local makers' market was happening, and it ended up being a highlight of our day. Local artists had set up stands inside, selling handmade jewelry, prints, ceramics, photography, and even flash tattoos. This old iron market building has been transformed into a modern cultural venue, and there's usually something cool going on. Even if there's no event, the architecture is worth a look.
GUINDALESE FOOTBALL CLUB
This place feels like a secret—part bar, part community sports club, and all charm. We came to Guindalese Football Club to catch the sunset and ended up staying to watch a local football match with cheap beer and views that easily beat any rooftop bar. It's perched right on the cliffside, and you can see the bridge and the river below while locals chat and cheer on their teams. It's a perfect low-key evening plan.
DINNER AT TABERNA DOS MERCADORES
Exactly what I was hoping for when it came to seafood, this small, cozy spot in the Ribeira district delivered on every front. We ordered the prawns, and they were easily the best I had in Portugal—super fresh and perfectly cooked with just the right amount of garlic and olive oil. Taberna Dos Mercadores doesn't take reservations, so I recommend arriving about 15 minutes before they open to get in for an early, laid-back, and amazing dinner experience. The restaurant only has a few tables, and it fills up fast.
CYCLE OR E-SCOOTER TO AFURADA
If you're up for a bit of adventure, rent a bike or grab an e-scooter and head down the river to Afurada, a tiny fishing village at the edge of Porto. It's quiet, picturesque, and a total break from the more touristy parts of town. We stopped at Agua for an espresso and sat by the beach, watching the waves and taking in the local atmosphere. It was an easy, low-effort escape that felt surprisingly special.
MERCADO DO BOLHÃO
This market recently reopened after a major renovation and still manages to feel like the real deal. It's packed with stalls offering fresh produce, colorful flowers, cured meats, and plenty of local cheeses. But the real fun is walking through and trying the variety of snacks from different food stands—think fried cod cakes, bifanas, pastries, and even local wine by the glass. Come hungry and take your time wandering from stall to stall. It's a great way to sample traditional Portuguese flavors in a casual, everyday setting.
CHAPEL OF SOULS
You can't walk past this one without stopping. The outside is covered in bright blue-and-white azulejos depicting scenes from the lives of saints, making it one of the most photographed spots in Porto. The Chapel of Souls dates back to the 18th century, and the tiles were added in the early 20th century, showing scenes from the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. It's small, but worth stepping inside for a quiet moment if it's open. You can also purchase a candle to light in remembrance of someone you've lost, which adds a meaningful and reflective layer to the stop.
CHURCH OF SAINT FRANCIS
The exterior looks plain, but inside, it's a total gold-leaf explosion. The Church of Saint Francis was built in the 14th century and is one of Porto's best examples of Gothic architecture. What sets it apart, though, is its later Baroque interior—particularly the elaborate wood carvings that are entirely covered in gold leaf. It's said that over 300 kilograms of gold were used to decorate the church's interior, giving it a dramatic and almost surreal feel. The church also houses a small museum with religious artifacts and a crypt with tombs dating back centuries.
SUNSET AT JARDIN DO MORRO
This park is the most popular place to watch the sunset in Porto, and it definitely lives up to the hype. Located just across the Dom Luís I Bridge in Gaia, Jardim do Morro has plenty of grassy terraces where you can sit back and take in some of the best views of the bridge, the river, and the terracotta rooftops of Porto's historic center. On clear days, you can even spot some of the nearby churches and towers in the distance. The vibe here is super relaxed—locals and travelers gather with snacks, drinks, guitars, and sometimes even a speaker for an impromptu dance session. Get there early to grab a good spot, especially if you plan to stay through sunset. It's the kind of place where you can spend an hour doing absolutely nothing and still feel like you've experienced something special.
CACHORRINHOS AT MIRONE
If you want a legit local food experience with a view, skip the crowds at Cervejaria Gazela and head to Mirone. Before our trip, I read about Gazela in nearly every blog post—it seemed to be the go-to recommendation for cachorrinhos in Porto. But when we attempted to go, the line was out the door and down the block. After a little research on alternatives, we found Mirone, and it was exactly what I was hoping for—no wait, great views, and delicious food. They serve cachorrinhos—tiny Portuguese spicy sausages tucked into crusty bread—and they're packed with flavor. Add a cold beer and a seat overlooking the river, and you've got the perfect low-key meal with a view. It feels more under-the-radar than other spots nearby (especially compared to Cervejaria Gazela) and totally delivered.
SPIRITUS SHOW AT CLÉRIGOS CHURCH
This light and projection show transforms the inside of Clérigos Church into a visual story that brings the history of Porto to life in a creative, immersive way. The church itself is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, built in the mid-18th century in a baroque style by architect Nicolau Nasoni. Its bell tower is visible from much of the city and is often used as a point of reference while navigating the historic center.
The Spiritus show takes place in the central nave and uses light, color, and sound to explore Porto's evolution, touching on themes like religion, architecture, and culture. It's especially good for families or anyone looking for something different to do at night that doesn't involve eating or drinking. Tickets are available online and it usually runs on select evenings throughout the week, so it's a good idea to check the schedule ahead of time.
LUNCH AT A SANDEIRA
This lunch spot is easy to miss—it's tucked into a little side street near the university—but it's cozy, affordable, and full of character. A Sandeira is known for its generous stacked sandwiches, served on fresh artisan bread with creative ingredient combos. Popular options include cured ham with goat cheese and arugula, and a roasted veggie sandwich with pesto that's perfect for vegetarians. They also offer daily specials, fresh juices, and desserts like layered cakes or fruit tarts if you want something sweet. It's a great option if you want something casual but satisfying without spending a lot.
PORTO CATHEDRAL
One of the city's oldest and most important buildings, Porto Cathedral sits on a hill and has some of the best panoramic views of the Douro River. Construction began in the 12th century, making it one of Porto's few surviving examples of Romanesque architecture. Over the centuries, the cathedral was expanded and renovated, so you'll also see Gothic and Baroque elements throughout. The interior is relatively simple compared to other churches in the city. Still, the adjoining cloisters are a highlight, decorated with stunning blue-and-white azulejos that tell biblical stories. Entry is inexpensive, and the peaceful, open-air sanctuary offers a welcome break from the busier streets nearby.
PALACIO DA BOLSA
This 19th-century palace was built to impress, and it does. It used to be the stock exchange, and today, you can tour its extravagant rooms, including the famous Arabian Hall. The guided tour is required and lasts about 30 minutes. Even if you're not usually into formal architecture, it's a solid stop, and the history of trade in Porto is actually pretty fascinating.
Conclusion
Porto is one of those cities that hits the sweet spot: walkable but full of surprises, lively without being chaotic, and packed with food and culture without trying too hard. Whether you're chasing views, sipping espresso by the sea, or catching a football match with the locals, there's a way to do it here that feels easy and personal.
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