Location: Porto
Top Things to do in Porto
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Porto, Northern Portugal
The town that gave the country (and port wine) its very name, Porto is Portugal’s second-largest metropolis after Lisbon. Sometimes called Oporto, it's an age-old city that has one foot firmly in the industrial present. The old town, centered at Ribeira, was built on the hills overlooking the Douro River, and today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 14th-century São Francisco church is a main attraction, as are the local port wine cellars, mostly located across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia.
Restaurants in Porto
1. Ponte de Dom Luis I
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,398 reviews
Built in 1886, this bridge links Porto and Gaia.
Reviewed By 364anac - Porto, Portugal
This Eiffel style bridge is the perfect spot to see the Rebelo boats where the Oporto wine barrels were carried down the river from the Douro valley, the historic Porto town center and a perfect background for the trip picture from the Gaia cable car (teleférico de Gaia)
2. Capela das Almas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,087 reviews
Reviewed By naila_al - Baku, Azerbaijan
Located in the middle of the pedestrian Santa Catarina street this beautiful church has an amazing exterior design. Take a minute (may be with coffee, as I did), sit on the bench and just observe the scenes reflected on the walls.
3. Cais da Ribeira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10,851 reviews
Reviewed By rhmclapham - Swansea, United Kingdom
The beating heart of an incredible city, just sitting in one of the myriad cafes and restaurants and watching the world bustle past....one of life's must do moments that will linger for a lifetime. Ships ploughing their way up the river, ferries making their way between banks, couples laughing, glorious food, wine and vistas to die for... Did I mention it was a nice place to visit?
4. Igreja do Carmo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,033 reviews
The catholic Church of Our Lady of Carmo, national heritage, is of the baroque-rococo style, belonging to carmelite laymen: the third religious order of Our Lady of Carmo (or Carmel, in english, after Our Lady of Carmel, the patroness of the Order). The Third Religious Order of Our lady of Carmo in Oporto was founded in 1736 and opened for worship on July 24 ,1768. Masses everyday by 9:30 a.m., 3 p.m. and Sunday another mass by 12:30. Rosary: 2:30 p.m. everyday. One may visit the Touristic circuit by a small fee that helps to rebuild and restore its heritage: by 3,5 euros one may visit the Hidden House (narrowest house of Oporto), church, catacombs, sacristy and three other rooms with ancient paintings and vestments, available everytime there isn't an event. To visit only the hidden house, there's a ticket which costs 2 euros. Whenever wishing just to only see the church (with no entry fee), we ask you to be a bit earlier than the time of mass, so not to interrupt the masses.
Reviewed By JenSingap0re - Singapore, null
Blue tiled external walls and narrowest house in Porto. Just a short walk from the famed Livraria Lello bookshop where Rowling was rumoured to write the 1st 2 Harry Potter books. A must visit and for fellow Catholics, the beautiful church is of the Third Order of the Carmelites as well.
5. Igreja dos Clerigos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,062 reviews
Reviewed By fansdelcaribe - Paco de Arcos, Portugal
The small yet beautiful Igreja dos Clérigos is a baroque church built for the Casa da Irmandade (House of the Brotherhood) by Nicolau Nasoni, architect and painter, who is buried in the church. It's a famous tall bell tower. The Torre dos Clérigos, can be seen from various points of the city and is one of Portos most characteristic symbols. While entry the church is free, there is an admission fee for climb the top of the tower
6. Parque da Cidade do Porto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,283 reviews
Reviewed By BernardBertram - London, United Kingdom
This beautiful park is easy to get to by the amazing bus system that Porto has. I think it's worth going to as not many are so big & so close to the sea. It's also a great way of seeing how nice the suburbs of Porto are.
7. Farolim de Felgueiras
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By adaniels83 - Leeds, United Kingdom
Had a lovely day in Foz and arrived by the tram and then a short walk along the coast line to the lighthouse, the swell from the ocean was large today and made for some amazing waves and Huge splashed into the walls and over the lighthouse. Great way to relax away from all the hustle and bustle of the city, top views, lovely area.
8. Praia do Carneiro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By Pavla2013 - Toronto, Canada
Amazing place where the river meets the ocean, just beautiful with people walking on the sidewalks, full of fisherman. The beach is very nice, for anybody who loves water and the beach, you can spend a whole day here.
9. Farol Molhe do Douro
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 403 reviews
Reviewed By fishfaceNorfolk
Using the hop on tour bus walk along this part of coast with views of beach and the small castles dotted along this stretch with a couple of good eating places walk towards Porto and then pick up tour bus when tired
10. Liberdade Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,991 reviews
Reviewed By kiwibuddy1 - Grand Bend, Canada
Praca da Liberdade (Liberty Square) has its origins in the early 18th century, and remains one of the most important and beautiful squares in Porto. Anchored by the imposing city hall and its 70 m high clock tower, the Praca is home to several important banks and hotels, the towering 10 m bronze equestrian statue of Pedro IV, several theatres, Cardosa Palace, the hop on hop off ticket offices, and countless pastry shops and cafes. Beautiful buildings and several major shopping streets surround the square, including Avenida dos Aliados. The centrally located square is also close to several major tourists sites, including Torre dos Clerigos, Se Cathedral and Sao Bento Railway Station. Praca da Liberdade is is spotlessly clean, and is one of the 'must see' sites in Porto.
