After being lucky enough to spend approximately 5 weeks in the Porto and Douro region of northern Portugal on behalf of my research for Rough Guides, despite the sometimes very rainy and windy March/April weather (Porto is right on the Atlantic coast, and has a longitude not that dissimilar to the SW of the UK – hence the weather is quite similar), I found a city full of aesthetic delights and surprises. Here, then, are what I consider to be my favourite things to do in Porto:
Things to do in Porto: Take a tourist bus ride
I know that it sounds as if it’s too touristy, but trust me, the Hop-On Hop-Off tour in any city, I feel, is a great thing to do in Porto within your first few days there. It gives you perspective and an overview of the city and an idea where to head back to explore in more depth later. My red tour took me to all the major sites including the Cathedral, along the river and eventually out to the seafront. Obviously you can hop-on and off but I chose just to make use of the good weather and sit on the top deck as a round trip, getting my bearings and enjoying the view.
Things to do in Porto – Walk along the Ribeira District
This is a highlight and must for any visitor to Porto. Located along the Rio (river) Douro, and reached from the main town by way of a funicular ride down past the old castle walls (or walk the many steps and get the funicular back up), the Moorish architecture, daily life viewing people hanging their washing from colourful houses, the many cafes and restaurants on offer right on the river, you could spend a whole afternoon just wandering and chilling.
Read about taking a weekend break in Porto.
Things to do in Porto: Randomly wander the streets, admiring the architecture and street art
There’s nothing I enjoy more than ‘loosing’ myself amongst the local streets and in Porto, it’s a sheer joy to do so. Magnificent churches, street art, local architecture and even transport you wouldn’t get ‘back home’, it ranks as one of my favourite things to do in Porto.
Things to do in Porto: Walk across the Dom Luis I bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia & take a cable car ride
Across the river from Ribeira is the district of Vila Nova da Gaia, which is the famous area for its wine cellars, where the port is stored and aged. Spend a pleasant few hours walking along the riverfront here again and see the views back to the Ribeira district and all those colourful houses – magnificent! Then to save your legs, for €5 (adult) take the cable car back up to the bridge and walk back across.
A photo posted by Rebecca Hall – Travel Writer (@beyondbex) on
Things to do in Porto: Take a Taste Porto Food Tour
This has to be one of my favourite tours I did in my time in the city; connecting with locals, being shown the best spots where a LOCAL would eat and sampling delicious Portuguese food along the way, the Taste Porto Food Tour – at €59 for a 3.5 hour tour including your food (and dietary restrictions also catered to) and passionate guides is a perfect way to sample local life. Visit the Bolhao indoor market, frequented by locals, in operation since 1914 and has everything from fish stalls, meat, olive oil and barber shops!
- See Where to Stay in Porto
- Also explore the Douro region of Portugal, easily accessible from Porto
- My recommended anti-theft travel items are great for where ever you’re planning to travel
So what are you waiting for?! Whatever time of the year, Porto awaits. Just don’t be fooled and think that just because it’s Portugal, it’ll be warm all the time. Due to its proximity on the Atlantic coast, there’s a real north/south divide in weather in Portugal. Pack warm clothes up to about April time – actually, prepare for all seasons in one day!
Porto: Flight facts
- Ryanair flies to Porto from Liverpool, Stansted, Dublin and various other European hubs
- easy jet flies to Porto from Bristol (seasonally), London Gatwick, London Luton and Manchester
Or check for flights to Porto:
Note: It’s also possible to get a train straight from Lisbon airport to Porto’s central station. So that could be another option.
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