Last updated on November 3rd, 2023
Searching for unique things to do in Porto, Portugal? Here are the most fun things to do in Porto.
While unfortunately overlooked for its sister city Lisbon, Porto is the type of town that transports you to another time and place. It’d be a shame to skip out on such a gorgeous city.
Now if it’s your first time visiting, you may wonder what there is to do in Portugal’s second-largest city. So, here I’ve gathered the most unique things to do in Porto.
You learn about some of the city’s ancient history (and where to learn more about it), the most iconic spots to visit, and more!
After reading this post, you’ll be well-equipped for your trip with all the fun things to do in Porto.
This post is all about unique things to do in Porto.
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Unique Things to Do in Porto
Sail on the Duoro River
Cruising on the Duoro River is easily the most popular thing to do in Porto. And it’s no surprise why. The Duoro River offers one of the city’s best views, and if you book the right tour, you can learn so much about the city’s history.
Plus, some tours give passengers famous port wine that the Duoro River transports.
Wine + Gorgeous Views = A fantastic time & great photos.
Visit the Famous Livraria Lello Bookstore
The next of the most unusual things to do in Porto is to visit the famous Livraria Lello Bookstore. As one of Portugal’s prettiest and oldest bookstores, it attracts hundreds of visitors year-round. So, if you enjoy books or even stepping into a bookstore, this is a must do in Porto.
But if you need a little extra convincing, J.K. Rowling used to live & teach in Porto back in the day. And she happened to be a frequent customer at Livraria Lello. Additionally, the inside of the bookstore looks like something straight out of Hogwarts.
Holy Moly, right?!
The bookstore is thought to have inspired the famous Hogwarts scenery. So, HP fans NEED to make Livraria Lello a priority.
Note: There is an entry fee. However, if you purchase a book, the entry fee counts as a discount on your purchase.
Tour The Clérigos Church and Tower
The Clérigos Church and Tower are part of a baroque-inspired building dating back to the 18th century and arguably has one of the city’s best views. The tower stands over 70 meters tall and has 225 steps to reach the top.
Yes, it is quite the climb. However, the 360-degree view is definitely worth the climb!
Besides the tower, you can also tour the church and museum to learn more about its history. Tickets can be purchased on the website.
Sip on The Most Amazing Port Wine at Wine Cellar
Porto is famous for its port wine, considered Portugal’s official wine. As far back as the 18th century, Porto has been the heart of transportation for the wine trade. This means this famous port wine has been a staple for centuries.
So, naturally, trying this delicious drink is a must do in Porto. If you’re not much of a wine drinker, just a sip at a local restaurant will do. Or, if you’re not a drinker at all, you can skip this activity!
However, if you’d like to learn more about the history of port wine & have a proper tasting, try out some of these popular wine cellars!
Take a Stroll through the Historic Ribeira Neighborhood
The next activity is one of the best free things to do in Porto, walking through the historic Ribeira neighborhood. The vibrant Ribeira neighborhood sits on the Duoro River and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As one of the most authentic parts of the city, the historic district has cobblestone streets, small bars, and local eateries. Ribeira also becomes a lively nightlife scene after dark.
Dine on Delicious Seafood
Porto is so close to the ocean that you can expect insanely fresh seafood. So, I’m talking, pulled out of the water that day! With fresh seafood like that at your fingertips, you can’t leave without trying it.
As Porto is a hotspot for seafood, you can’t go wrong with trying any seafood restaurant. However, here are some favorites you might want to try:
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Go Museum Hopping
One of the best things to do in any city is museum hopping. And luckily, on the first Sunday of every month, visiting museums in Porto is first on top of the list of free things to do in Porto. So, if you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll want this on your itinerary.
Here are some of the best museums to visit in Porto:
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- Museu do Holocausto do Porto
- Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves
- Galeria da Biodiversidade
- Portuguese Centre of Photography
- National Museum Soares dos Reis
Watch the Sunset on The Dom Luis I Bridge
Next on the list of fun things to do in Porto is catch the sunset on the Dom Luis I Bridge. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dom Luis I Bridge, is a symbol of the city of Porto and has been around since the late 1800s.
This iconic bridge spans the Duoro River, so naturally, it’s one of the best spots to take photos. Additionally, its height makes it an excellent location to watch the sunset. So make sure to time it right so you can catch it!
Trust me, it’s a sight you don’t want to miss.
Grab a cup of Porto’s best specialty coffee
Porto is becoming increasingly known as a hot spot for coffee lovers. In fact, coffee is predominant in the average Portuguese diet, much like in the U.S. So, of course, you must try Porto’s best specialty coffee.
Here are some of the best coffee shops to try in Porto:
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- 7g Roaster
- C’Alma Specialty Coffee Room
- Combi Coffee
- Mesa 325
- SO Coffee Roasters
See the Casa da Musica
Next on things to do in Porto for a day is going to the Casa da Musica. The Casa da Musica is a concert hall in Porto where some of the most talented musicians come to play.
Throughout the year, the hall puts on several concerts. So, I recommend seeing a show if you’re able.
However, suppose you don’t want to see a concert. In that case, the building alone is an architectural beauty and worth visiting just to see.
Casa da Musica also has guided tours Monday-Friday. Tickets are roughly 15 euros for tourists, including a complimentary glass of port wine. Yum yum.
View Gorgeous Views at the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
Another excellent spot to catch a gorgeous city view is the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar. These panoramic views allow you to see above the Dom Luis I Bridge. So, it’s definitely worth the trip to the top.
Unfortunately, this former monastery is closed to the public for maintenance. But if you’re wondering what to do in Porto on Sunday, watching Gaia on this hilltop and lunch after is the perfect way to spend the afternoon.
Go in Search of Pasteis de Nata
Pasteis de Nata is an absolutely delicious treat and arguably one of Portugal’s most essential commodities. So, naturally, you MUST search for the best ones in Porto.
To save you some time, I’ve listed the best spots to grab the famous pasteis de nata in Porto:
Let me know in the comments which bakery you liked the most!
Ride in a Cable Car
For another epic view of the city, hop in a cable car. At the highest point of the ride, you can see famous sites like the red roofs of wine cellars, the Dom Luis I Bridge, the Duoro River entering the sea, and the historical Ribeira Neighborhood.
A round-trip ticket is 10 euros, and you can book directly on the Teleférico de Gaia website.
So, if you aren’t afraid of heights, give the cable car ride a go.
Find a Walking Tour
I’m a huge fan of walking tours; you can find them in almost any city you visit. Furthermore, most are free, with the option to tip your tour guide at the end. So, not only are they free, but you also learn so much about the city you wouldn’t otherwise know.
Also, there are all kinds of walking tours (ghost tours, history tours, art tours, etc.), so you can find one that best suits you! I also suggest a food tour because Porto is a foodie’s paradise. (Although, a food tour won’t likely be free).
Here are some unique walking tours to try:
And the last unofficial thing to do in Porto is to have fun! The city has so much to offer that you’ll hardly be bored while you’re there. So enjoy it!
Wishing you safe & happy travels.
This post is all about unique things to do in Porto.
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