What to do and see in Porto, Northern Portugal: The Best Things to do

August 4, 2021 Merry Kessler

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

Pte. Luiz I, Porto Portugal
Excellent
68%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 24,398 reviews

Ponte de Dom Luis I

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. Douro River

Porto Portugal
Excellent
64%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7,397 reviews

Douro River

Reviewed By The_Loup_Garou - Phoenix, United States

A Mighty River of Commerce In November, we were once more on the Douro River, or above it, watching it flow. We spent hours on the patio of our room at the Yeatman in Vila Nova de Gaia, observing the life blood of northern Portugal, the Douro River. Unlike our previous visit, we did not have time to take a cruise on the Douro, higher above Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, but we actually had more time to just watch the river flow - the water taxis, the tourist cruise vessels, and then the flow of commerce. Looking out at the replicas of the rabelos, the boats used to bring the Port wines down from the vineyards, far upstream, to the Port Houses of Vila Nova de Gaia, and Porto, I could almost imagine those earlier journeys. Though the River has been tamed somewhat, by a series of dams and locks, it is still a powerful current, heading toward the Atlantic, just a few miles away. In some ways, the Douro reminded me of the Mississippi River, in the USA, with the various types of vessels plying it hourly. Just watching commerce, in various forms, became a pastime with us, and with a bottle of wine, we could have spent the entire trip, just watching this river.

3. Torre dos Clerigos

Rua Sao Filipe Neri, Porto 4050-546 Portugal +351 22 014 5489 [email protected] http://www.torredosclerigos.pt/
Excellent
47%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 8,585 reviews

Torre dos Clerigos

Clérigos Tower is the foremost undisputed landmark of Porto and a reference in the city's history. Clérigos Tower opened its doors in 1763, becoming the highest bell tower of Portugal, with over 75 metres. In 1753 the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni was invited to design and build this magnificent Heritage, considered National Monument since 1910. The famous church was built in the eighteenth century, between 1732 and 1749 and this was the most emblematic work of the architect Nicolau Nasoni. Is one of the most beautiful temples of baroque feature, and a reference in the history of Porto. The Exhibitions allow to discover the history of the Brotherhood of Clérigos, admire pieces from the eighteenth to the nineteenth century, in painting, furniture, jewellery and vestment collections. Christus collection, on the 3 floor, is a trip through time and space where art and religion complement each other.

Reviewed By NickofSurrey - Surrey, United Kingdom

We debated whether to bother but on this our last morning decided at go as we were passing. 5 euros for admission to the church, exhibition areas and the tower. Church is very nice and ornate. Tower is not for the infirm. Step and very narrow steps reward you with some of the best views of the city (though fhe Dom Luis 1 bridge is hidden from view). We went in at 09 50 and had only been at the top for 5 minutes when a lot of people arrived. I guess they believed it opened at 1000 by the suddenly influx. It was then difficult to get past each other. Opens at 0900.

4. Palacio da Bolsa

Rua Ferreira Borges, Porto 4050-253 Portugal 223 399 000 [email protected] http://www.palaciodabolsa.com
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 5,347 reviews

Palacio da Bolsa

National Monument, located in the historical centre of the city, classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the Palacio da Bolsa, built by the Porto Commercial Association on the ruins of the Saint Francis Convent, has become by excellence the Porto city’s drawing room, welcoming the most illustrious visitors, amongst which are monarchs, presidents and ministers from almost every country, transforming this building into the most visited monument in northern Portugal.

Reviewed By JimRiesterer - Edina, United States

Formerly the HQ for the rich merchants of Porto and today the center of the chamber of commerce, you will want to take one of the short guided tours of this place next to the famous golden church. Tickets cost €10 and you will be guided through some historic and breathtaking rooms in the Stock exchange palace. Tours are offered in different languages throughout the day and you just need to pop into the ticket office to find out the day's schedule as it varies (apparently). We arrived 9:40 and we able to book the 10:15 English tour. Each group has around 50 people which can be a bit tedious. The tours follow a consistent plan beginning in the lofty hall of nations and ending in the amazing Arabic room. You also see the business court room and several others of note. We were done in a little under an hour.

5. Estadio do Dragao

Via do Futebol Clube do Porto, Porto 4350-415 Portugal +351 22 508 3352 [email protected] http://www.fcporto.pt/en/museum
Excellent
64%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,947 reviews

Estadio do Dragao

Have you ever thought of taking a seat on the 22nd chair of the Dragao Stadium's Presidential Box? By visiting the Dragao Stadium, you will be able to experience the President's Jorge Nuno Pinto da Costa place and enjoy an inside and privileged look over this worldwide referenced work designed by architect Manuel Salgado. You will have the opportunity to see the pitch from the access tunnel's point of view, to feel the scent of the dressing rooms, to take the coach's seat on the press conference room just like you are making the match analysis... On this path you will appreciate an engineering project that delivers all of the requirements that make it environmentally friendly, you can witness on the stands the 29 kilometres of rows that can fill up to 52 thousand spectators and amaze yourself with the artistic legacy of Master Julio Resende and Alberto Carneiro. All of this in one tour only!

Reviewed By Prenton2

A fantastic place to visit tour of ground and museum €15 per person well worth the money as a trip. Tour guide very knowledgeable and after the tour of the stadium finished you are able to go around the museum unguided and at your own pace you can easily spend over 2 hours here the museum is never-ending ! Interesting day out if you like football. There is also a competitively priced cafe .

6. Cais da Ribeira

Rua Cais da Ribeira Praca Ribeira, Porto 4050-510 Portugal http://www.guiadacidade.pt/pt/poi-cais-da-ribeira-porto-15385
Excellent
62%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 10,851 reviews

Cais da Ribeira

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?

7. Mercado Bom Sucesso

Praca Bom Sucesso, 3, Porto 4150-145 Portugal +351 933 238 609 [email protected] http://mercadobomsucesso.pt
Excellent
51%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,294 reviews

Mercado Bom Sucesso

Always fresh, always at hand The past is revisited in the new Bom Sucesso Market, through the familiar colors and scents of fruit and vegetables. One can almost hear the market woman's catchy cries. Modern days are still filled with those scents and colors, but the Market has gone a step further by adding new delicacies and flavors. The place invites visitors to find out more about its history and about the road taken until the present day. In here all five senses are awakened. And at the end of a working day, this inviting and sensorial space is ideal for a snack among friends, ideal to share thoughts and dreams, or to revive old memories. Life can be smooth, even with abounding sensations. Matches your smile Bom Sucesso Market is a Babel made of costumes, routines and traits of people that are here, and people that arrive. There are shopping bags, and little gifts to be exchanged, there are offices closing new deals and opening new doors. There are local people enjoying the place, but also foreign faces, with different accents and languages, already so familiar. In between the hotel and the market area there is bustle and pauses punctuated with fleeting smiles and loud guffaws. We love this concept that becomes more meaningful when a smile flowers from a pair of lips, when people cross each other's paths in a place where so many things happen.

Reviewed By cnxaporto - Porto, Portugal

My Portuguese friend showed me this place. Here is you can try different types of Portuguese cuisine. And what I love - it is special cocktails - with passion fruit - so good and tasty - only 5 euros.

8. Porto Bridge Climb

Rua do Ouro, 680 Entrance In The Riverside, Under The Bridge, Porto 4150-554 Portugal +351 929 207 117 [email protected] http://www.portobridgeclimb.com
Excellent
75%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,264 reviews

Porto Bridge Climb

The only place in Europe where one can visit the arch of a bridge, experiencing an both iconic and impressive building for its size and elegance; it is the only national monument of the twentieth century in Porto. All tours are guided and include a number of safety equipments - harness, lifeline and handrail; even those who have vertigo can climb! Once we reach the top, there is a unique view of Porto, in a quiet and relaxing place that is now open to the public for the first time in 53 years. At the foot of the arch, an exhibition on the construction of Arrabida and the other 5 bridges that connect Porto and Gaia invites for a stroll on the riverside.

Reviewed By karenwY4979GC

We booked this in advance of arriving in Porto having seen it on 'Travel Man'. My husband was a bit nervous as he is not a fan of heights but the guide taking us up was most re-assuring and competent. We also opted for the optional group photos which were very reasonably charged and the ones taken by the drone were particularly impressive. We caught the tram down to the bridge which worked out well and really enjoyed the glass of port in the chocolate cup at the top to celebrate our achievement - highly recommended!

9. FC Porto Museum

Via do Futebol Clube do Porto Estádio do Dragão, Porto 4350-415 Portugal +351 22 508 3352 [email protected] http://www.fcporto.pt/en/museum
Excellent
73%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 858 reviews

FC Porto Museum

The FC Porto Museum by BMG welcomes its visitors with the unique view of the Dragon Valkyrie, work of art of Joana Vasconcelos. Over 125 years of history are gathered in seven thousand square meters and in 27 thematic areas, exhibiting more than 200 trophies and 280 videos, 80 per cent of which displayed in an interactive environment.

Reviewed By 16-BitFlash - Scotland, United Kingdom

Located at FC Porto's Estadio do Dragao stadium, the FC Porto musem is a display available both as part of the stadium tour or separately, and is a good day out for any football fan (well, Benfica or Boavista fans aside) I've had the pleasure of visiting a good few football team museums in my time, but I have to say I was quite taken aback by Portos. Perhaps somewhat naively of me, because they aren't classed in that horrible Sky Sports bracket of 'Super Clubs' I underrated them, but truth be told I always had a soft spot for them growing up, and actually regard their 2004 Champions League triumph as the last tournament I truly enjoyed. Still though, this is as impressive as any museum you are likely to visit. It displays the wide range of trophies Porto have won both domestically and continentally, including a great display which loops highlight videos of all their UEFA and FIFA final wins behind the trophies in question (as a Rangers fan, I'll admit I smiled a bit at the 2003 UEFA Cup one as much as any of the Champions League ones) as well as providing a detailed history of the club from their humble beginnings. In addition, the museum also showcases a wealth of old Porto shirts (I'm a geek for stuff like that, and the 1997-98 Kappa Porto shirts are ones I longed for as a teenager) and a really nice section devoted to the team voted as their greatest ever 11 by fans, offering up statue effigies of each star with an attached video screen with details about them. Coming in at a relatively low cost, and easily accessible by Metro (there's an Estadio do Dragao stop) this is a great day out, especially if you can't get to a Porto game (the fixture I was meant to go see got moved) and you can always pick up a little something at the club shop too.

10. Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral)

S/N0 Terreiro Se 3 Centro Histórico, Porto 4050-573 Portugal +351 22 205 9028 http://www.portoturismo.pt/index.php?m=3&s=2&tipo=10
Excellent
39%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
16%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 4,654 reviews

Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral)

Reviewed By 987margaretj - Salisbury, United Kingdom

The cathedral was built in the Romanesque style in the 12th and 13th centuries and extensively altered in the 17th and 18th centuries and has beautiful blue and white tiles around the cloisters. The fading murals on the ceilings give you an idea of what this place must have looked like centuries ago, absolutely beautiful. There’s also a display of vestments upstairs. It doesn’t take more than an hour to look around and is well worth it.

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