44 amazing things to do in Porto right now

What is it? One of the most iconic bookstores in the country – and the world – it is right in the centre of Porto and is a big part of the city's historical heritage.

Why go? Founded in 1906 at number 144 Rua das Carmelitas, this architectural marvel – with its distinctive neo-Gothic architecture, carved wood, gilded columns, and ornate ceilings – has remained there ever since. But this historic building is not just for admiring; around 300,000 books are sold each year from the tall shelves spread across its two floors. Entrance costs €8 but the amount can be deducted when purchasing a book.

Don't miss: It’s best to visit at the end of the day to avoid crowds – this place gets busy.

What is it? It started as a wine cellar, and now it’s a cellar-museum which tells the story of this iconic Port wine brand.

Why go? Visiting Porto without touring one of the Port wine cellars (which are actually in Gaia, which faces Porto from across the Douro) is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. This granite building, built in 1797, houses an impressive collection of paintings, photographs, ceramics, and vintage bottles from one of the most internationally recognised Port wine brands. They host over 150,000 visitors each year, with tour prices starting at €14.

Don’t miss: The story behind Don, the mysterious figure who was designed in 1928 for the brand’s logo. Dressed in a typical Portuguese student cape and a Spanish sombrero, he’s an almost mythical figure in the world of Port wine.

What is it? One of the oldest and most beautiful areas of the city. The views of the river and the rabelos (traditional boats) on the water are enough to stop both tourists and locals in their tracks.

Why go? Lose yourself in Porto’s narrow, hilly streets, complete with colourful houses and quirky nooks and crannies waiting to be discovered. Make sure to charge your camera and phone: you’ll want to capture everything you see here. There are also great restaurants, bars, and shops worth visiting.

Don’t miss: Visit the Casa do Infante to learn more about the historical evolution of this area of Porto, or stop by the stunning Palácio da Bolsa.

What is it? For our money, this is one of the best places in the city to eat francesinha, the much-loved Porto-style sandwich.

Why go? We get it – this sandwich can be slightly terrifying for newcomers to Porto. But it’s actually the city's delicacy, and if you get it at the right place, it’s delicious. The francesinha is filled with sausage, steak and ham, covered in a special beer sauce and topped with a fried egg and cheese. Oh, and surrounded by fries. Avoid peak times or risk waiting in long queues, and make sure to schedule in time for a nap afterwards.

Don’t miss: If you’re ready to graduate beyond the entry-level option, the Francesinha Santiago is made with mortadella, fresh sausage, linguiça sausage, steak, ham, cheese, egg, and hand-cut fries. And of course, it's drenched in that famous sauce.

What is it? This is one of the city's greatest landmarks – if not the greatest – and a visit to Porto isn’t complete without seeing this monument.

Why go? The design for a Baroque bell tower was presented by architect Nicolau Nasoni in 1753. Construction began the following year and took nine years to complete. In the end, the inauguration took place in 1763, after the iron cross was placed at the top and the image of Saint Paul was installed in the niche above the door. Kudos to the artist.

Don’t miss: One of the best views of the city is from the top of this 75m tower, but to enjoy it, you’ll need to climb 225 steps. It’s worth it, we promise. 

What is it? One of the best traditional Portuguese restaurants in the city, where the dishes are made with old-school care and expertise.

Why go? There are many reasons, but the friendly service (in true Porto style), the popular and unique terrace that spills down the São Nicolau steps, and the proximity to the river are some of the features that make this restaurant a true success. It's no wonder Adega São Nicolau made it onto our list of the best restaurants in Porto.

Don’t miss: The freshly fried bolinhos de bacalhau (codfish cakes) that arrive at your table as soon as you sit down, the octopus fillets with octopus rice, and the famous stewed ox tongue with peas. But really, everything here is great – the hardest part is choosing what to order.

What is it? This traditional grocery store, founded in 1917, originally specialised in tea, coffee, and spices. Over time, it expanded its offerings, and now the highlights are cured meats, Queijo da Serra cheese, and candied fruits.

Why go? The impressive Art Nouveau-style facade catches the attention of passersby and is always worth stopping for a closer look (that’s why we included it on our list of the most Instagrammable places in Porto) but it's what's inside that keeps you coming back. Here, you'll find almost everything you need, from biscuits and almonds to olive oils, a wide selection of wines, and cured meats, all in a welcoming, family atmosphere.

Don’t miss: The charcuterie, dried fruits, and salted cod are must-haves when visiting Pérola do Bolhão.

What is it? On the riverside slope of Vila Nova de Gaia, a set of old Port wine cellars has been transformed into World of Wine, a 35,000 square metre space, filled with culture, retail, and dining. Its mission, as colossal as its size, is to showcase Portuguese wines through the history and heritage of the various wine-producing regions. It invites visitors to explore the wealth of vineyards, grape varieties, soils, climates, altitudes, landscapes, and winemaking techniques that can be found across the country.

Why go? Because there are several museums to discover, many of them related to the world of wine. The Wine Experience, for example, offers a journey through the wine regions of the mainland and islands. The Porto Region Across the Ages invites you to step into a time machine to witness historical events that influenced the city's development and shaped the character of its people, such as the Age of Discoveries, the French Invasions, the Civil War, and the Industrial Revolution. Don’t miss Planet Cork, which explores Portugal's role in global cork production, or The Bridge Collection, which tells the story of the drinking glass and the ‘evolution of civilisation through beverages,’ among others.

Don’t miss: There are options for all tastes in the restaurants at the central square, such as 1828, offering fine dining with a seasonal menu and chocolate-based desserts; Root & Vine, with mostly vegan options, to which you can add meat or fish; or The Golden Catch, combining fish and vegetables with various types of potatoes and sauces.

What is it? The long-anticipated Porto outpost of Lisbon-based beer brand Musa, which finally opened in Virtudes in 202.

Why go? For several reasons. It has 15 taps, eight dedicated to their house beers and seven to guest beers; a glass-fronted fridge (where the beer is kept nice and cold), with walls covered in illustrations by Carlos Roxo, making it very photogenic; and one of the best views of the city over the Douro River, especially at sunset.

Don’t miss: The snacks that come out of the semi-open kitchen, including crispy strips of katsuobushi pork ear; paratha served with labneh, chickpeas, and persimmon amba for sharing; and smoked anchovies on a handcrafted brioche from Garfa bakery.

What is it? A favourite with both locals and tourists, this terrace is the perfect place to enjoy a drink at the end of the day.

Why go? The sun hits at just the right time, between 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM, making it ideal for a light lunch and an afternoon in good company. When it comes to snacks, Aduela offers cheese boards and open toasts that are well worth trying. A bonus? Pets are welcome on this terrace, so feel free to bring your four-legged friend.

Don’t miss: The great selection of wines and the Portuguese tinned fish served here. There’s something for everyone, from sardines in tomato sauce to sardine fillets in olive oil.

What is it? The Royal Cocktail Club is a speciality cocktail bar, housed in a 100-year-old building in Baixa, that just so happens to be one of the best on the planet.

Why go? The signature cocktails, dreamed up and prepared by four prodigious and experienced mixologists, are the big draw here. There are also alcohol-free options, saving you from the inevitable headache the next morning. 

Don’t miss: On the lower level, where reservations are a must, there's a selection of board games. Anyone for Scrabble?

What is it? A shop where everything is local, handmade, vintage, and sustainable.

Why go? Because you’ll be able to buy a variety of items, from accessories and clothing to decor, plants, and furniture. The owner, Rita Dixo, upcycles items using urban waste or damaged objects, creating pieces that are later sold in the shop.

Don’t miss: You can also discover (and photograph) one of the most beautiful and Instagrammable doors in the city.

What is it? Opened in April 2024, Neonia is an interactive museum about the city of Porto, with a retro-futuristic, cyberpunk vibe. Expect neon lights, projections, sound design, light shows, and interactive technology.

Why go? For visitors and locals alike, this is an alternative space showcasing a different side of Porto, blending the past and the future. Neonia is a tribute to the city, combining technology, art, and history.

Don’t miss: Highlights include an interactive representation of the Clérigos Tower, shop windows named after some of the city’s most important streets, and a room representing Mercado do Bolhão.

What is it? A hard-to-find but well worth it spot in front of the Porto Coliseum.

Why go? There’s tons of cultural events happening here at Maus Hábitos, but the best way to experience it is just to go and grab a drink at the end of the day (and a fabulous, cheesy pizza). It’s loud, chaotic but it’s a lot of fun – you might just find you end up partying there all night long. 

Don’t miss: Try the pizza with an enourmous burrata dunked in the middle of it – you can’t go wrong with that and a summery spritz. 

What is it? One of the city’s most iconic buildings, Batalha reopened in 2022 after restoration, with two projection rooms for digital and analogue formats, a gallery space for visual arts, a specialised film library, a media library dedicated to Porto’s cinematic heritage, and a bar.

Why go? Besides being a cultural landmark, the programming goes beyond just screening films, aiming to engage with the broader scope of cinema, from debates to exhibitions and performances.

Don’t miss: Take time to see the frescoes by Júlio Pomar, depicting the São João festivities, which were painted over by the political police during Salazar's dictatorship. The murals were rediscovered during renovations and restored.

What is it: A treasure trove of vintage clothes.

Why go? There’s a lot to covet here, including colourful shirts, jumpers, jewellery, jackets, parkas, scarves, skirts, sunglasses, and even swimsuits (we won’t judge you for buying one of their bikinis in December – it’s not every day you stumble across finds this good!). Mon Père owner Mariana Araújo decided to ‘stop being an internet geek’ and transform her online store into a physical space, where she sells the items she buys at vintage fairs, from global suppliers, and during her travels around Europe. Bonus: the prices are very reasonable.

Don’t miss: The promotions that happen from time to time: you’ll find everything from affordable jewellery to reasonably priced jackets.

What is it? It’s a bar dedicated to craft beer, always offering new selections from Portugal and beyond in bottles or on tap.

Why go? It was the first place in Porto dedicated to craft beer and remains as important as ever. Here, the spotlight is on Portuguese production, from the north to the south of the country, but there are also carefully selected foreign beers chosen by the Catraio team.

Don’t miss: The cherry on top is the fact that it has two terraces: one at the front, on the street, and a beer garden at the back.

What is it? Outsite Porto - M.Ou.Co. is a hotel and cultural space in Porto, where the focus is on music in all its forms. In addition to 62 rooms, the space includes three rehearsal rooms, a restaurant, outdoor garden areas, a pool, a bar, and a terrace.

Why go? The space has its own cultural programme, designed quarterly. It mostly features concerts, but it also offers a range of workshops, masterclasses, and talks.

Don’t miss: Visit the Musicoteca, a space with over 600 records, perfect for a sonic journey. There’s also a podcast room, a two-storey coworking space complete with a cafe, phone booths, a yoga room, and outdoor garden areas with a pool and terrace.

What is it? Poetria opened in its new location on Rua de Sá de Noronha in January 2022, about 100m from its previous address. As Portugal’s only shop to specialise in poetry and theatre, it is something of an icon.

Why go? From the poetic anthologies of Carlos Drummond de Andrade and Vinicius de Moraes, to the love letters of Fernando Pessoa or Pablo Neruda, to José Saramago’s poetry, and the timeless plays of Shakespeare, you’ll find many books of poetry and theatre here. If you have any doubts, Francisco Reis and Nuno Pereira, with their friendly and specialised service, will be there to assist you.

Don’t miss: If Blake, Francisco’s cocker spaniel – named in honour of William Blake, the English poet and painter who lived between the 18th and 19th centuries – is around, be sure to give him a little pat.

What is it? Chocolataria Equador is a 100% Portuguese artisanal chocolate brand. They have three shops in Porto, on Rua Sá da Bandeira, Rua das Flores, and Rua Sousa Viterbo.

Why go? As you might imagine, there are countless reasons to visit the Chocolataria Equador shops – but the main ones are the bonbons, truffles, roasted cocoa beans, chocolate bars, and hot chocolate. Before you tuck in, pause to admire the beautiful illustrations and packaging design, also made in-house.

Don’t miss: For an elevated experience, try one of the tasting sessions, where chocolate is paired with Port wine or coffee.

What is it? Claus Porto is a soap and fragrance brand whose three-storey Porto shop made our list of Porto’s best shops. But it’s not just the products that make it worth a visit: at 130 years old, this place has quite a history, and has survived monarchies, republics, dictatorships, and revolutions.

Why go? On the ground floor of this space (which once housed the Porto Puppet Museum) is the shop, where you can buy all the brand’s products, from classic soaps to body creams and colognes. Up on the second floor, there is a gallery that tells the story of the brand over four generations, through hand-drawn illustrations, lithographs, photographs, and newspaper clippings.

Don’t miss: On the third and final floor, workshops are held where you can learn how the brand's products are made. Additionally, there is a traditional barbershop service, but make sure to book your appointment here in advance.

What is it? A Michelin-starred restaurant of fine dining cuisine with very few seats, an open kitchen and a menu that changes depending on the season. 

Why go? Get that palate ready for a real party. The tasting menu at Euskalduna Studio is sure to become one of the best dining experiences of your life. Want a tip? Try and nab a seat by the counter to get a sneak peek into the kitchen, where the magic happens.

Don’t miss: The dishes are never the same, but everything is a must. Make your reservation, put on your finest clothes and prepare for magic.

What is it? People of all ages and professions flock to Snack-Bar Gazela, where you’ll find Porto’s best cachorrinhos (small hot dogs).

Why go? Because for over 50 years, the art of making cachorrinhos has been perfected in this place. Just to give you an idea, on a normal day, 300 cachorrinhos are served. The bread is thin and crispy, the linguiça sausages are high quality, and the cheese is melted to hold the fillings together. As a final flourish, everything is brushed with butter and spicy sauce.

Don’t miss: At just €4.50 for a cachorrinho, you’ll have plenty of change left to spend on a couple of well-chilled beers.

What is it? With over a century of history, the iconic Mercado do Bolhão is known not only for its fresh, local products but also for its vendors, the faces you’ll see here day in, day out, serving the loyal clientele that has shopped here for years. It also boasts unique architecture and reopened in 2022 after major renovations.

Why go? Mercado do Bolhão is a must-visit for those who want to experience all the sights, sounds, smells and rich traditions of Porto.

Don’t miss: The market also has a dining area. We’d recommend stopping at D. Gina’s café, Madureira’s, Culto ao Bacalhau, Herdade 1980, Nélson dos Leitões, and Casa Vegetariana.

What is it? It is close to the upper board of the bridge D. Luís and is a fantastic viewpoint for the historical area of ​​Porto. Not only that, but it is also a beautiful green space.

Why go? Walking from the centre of Porto to this garden is a good way to get to know the city. The upper deck of the D. Luís bridge guarantees you a panoramic view but, in the garden, you can concentrate on the Porto landscape that alone is already worth it. The proximity to the Serra do Pilar is also a plus.

Don’t miss: Leave yourself enough time to grab snacks and drinks at the small supermarket on Vila Nova de Gaia, and enjoy the sunset with a mini picnic. 

What is it? One of the most important national institutions in Porto, holding a valuable historical and cultural heritage, consisting of the Museum, designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, the Casa de Serralves, an example of Art Deco architecture, and the park.

Why go? The Serralves Park, with its great variety of interconnected spaces, is a landmark in Portugal’s landscape heritage. Strolling through the park, you’ll not only connect with nature and appreciate the diversity of trees and shrubs, but also discover sculptures from the Foundation’s collection which are on permanent display here.

Don’t miss: In addition to the temporary exhibitions, there are many permanent ones, making Serralves a great idea to visit any time of the year.

What is it? This store-gallery hybrid nurtures and acts as a launch pad for young artists, both Portuguese and international, and is an essential stop on any illustration tour of Porto.

Why go? In addition to original works, you’ll find prints, books, t-shirts, tote bags and many other things you’ll want to take home with you. Mariana A Miserável, Ana Seixas, David Penela, Angela Dalinger, Maria Imaginário and Tina Siuda are some of the illustrators whose work you’ll find in this colourful space.

Don’t miss: Ó! Galeria is in Miguel Bombarda, the arts quarter, so make the most of your visit to the area by popping into some of the neighbourhood’s many galleries. 

What is it? Any true Porto local knows Casa Guedes. It all began almost 30 years ago when brothers César and Manuel Correia bought this old tavern from Mr. Guedes. After a slow start, they introduced the new pernil (pork leg) sandwich in 2004, and from then on, according to César, ‘the young crowd took charge of making this place popular.’

Why go? Because it’s one of the best sandwiches in the city and draws crowds to Poveiros, where it’s located. At least two batches of roasted pork legs are served daily, the bread comes from the Padaria Paulista in Batalha, and they go through between 20 and 30 cheeses daily. 

Don’t miss: If you want to take it up a notch, order your pernil sandwich with Serra cheese. We guarantee you’ll leave here well-fed.

What is it? O Sótão da Tia Becas is one of the most well-known antique shops in the city. Stepping through the door is truly like journeying through time.

Why go? Paulo Machado is the owner and an expert in the field. The shop’s shelves and displays are filled with items collected by his family. ‘These are all things our family bought. Twenty, thirty, forty, fifty years ago... My father was already a collector. We're all a bit mad,’ he says.

Don’t miss: The collection spans from the 19th century to the 1950s and includes books, old street signs from Porto, clocks, typewriters, toys, postcards, all sorts of paperwork (such as a map of Berlin from the 1936 Olympic Games), and bottles, including some from Invicta Refrigerantes, a brand from the Companhia União Fabril, the former Unicer.

What is it? It’s one of the most iconic spots in Porto for a stroll. Spanning eight hectares of garden, it once housed the old Crystal Palace, now the Super Bock Arena (Pavilhão Rosa Mota).

Why go? Since the 19th century, when they were designed by the German landscape architect Émille David, people have been wandering through these gardens. Today, you can also spot families of peacocks. This leafy destination is a must-visit for those who love scenic viewpoints offering panoramic views of the Douro River and the city.

Don’t miss: The panoramic view, the Almeida Garrett Municipal Library, and the annual Book Fair, which is held here.

What is it? It’s located in the Casa Andresen, in the Botanical Garden, and is the first space within the Centro Ciência Viva network (an organisation dedicated to science communication) to focus on biodiversity.

Why go? A visit to this gallery takes you on a scientific and artistic journey, stimulating the senses by bringing together art, biology, and natural history. While you’re here, take the opportunity to explore the Botanical Garden, which inspired several works by the Portuguese writer Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen.

Don’t miss: The skeleton of a whale found in 1937, the highly realistic wax sculpture of Charles Darwin, and the two selfie spots.

What is it? It is one of the best-known pastries of Porto, such is the quality of its excellent éclairs. Every day 2,500 are made and that number doubles over the weekend.

Why go? Leitaria Quinta da Paço was established way back in 1920 in Paços de Ferreira as a dairy factory and continues to respect that tradition. Its whipped cream, for example, continues to be made only with cream and sugar, as it was in the '50s. The result is an éclair that is crispy on the outside, because of the choux dough, and very sweet and creamy on the inside, thanks to the whipped cream.

Don’t miss: Try the classic, our favourite, or maybe try the lemon, the dark chocolate, the caramel and the crunchy one. Fine, try them all.

Please note this venue is temporarily closed. 

What is it? It’s one of the most popular spots in downtown Porto to start the day. The reason? The delicious pancakes, which are some of the best in the city.

Why go? Besides being tall, fluffy, and very tasty, customers can choose their preferred pancake batter. There are six options: plain, chocolate, oatmeal, vegan, blueberry, or Oreo. As for toppings, there’s a bit of everything, from fresh fruit, granola, scoops of ice cream, to Nutella or peanut butter spreads.

Don’t miss: The savoury pancake with cheese, bacon, and garlic herb butter. 

What is it? It’s one of the most significant museums in the country and the first public museum, though it originally had a different name and location.

Why go? The museum boasts an extensive collection of paintings from the 16th to the 20th century, as well as ceramics, sculpture, prints, jewellery, goldsmithing, textiles, and glassware. Hanging on the walls you'll find works by great Portuguese artists like Henrique Pousão, Silva Porto, António Carneiro, Aurélia de Souza, and Amadeo de Souza Cardoso and it also hosts temporary exhibitions.

Don’t miss: When visiting the museum, be sure to admire O Desterrado (1872) by the artist who gave the museum its name. It’s a must-see. Also, take the opportunity to view the painting Descent from the Cross by Domingos Sequeira, which has been part of the museum's collection since June 2024.

What is it? One of the most iconic venues in the city, Casa da Música hosts concerts across various musical genres all year long. There’s a restaurant at the top and a cafe on the ground floor, and the venue puts on a number of kid’s workshops too. 

Why go? There’s always something happening at Casa da Música. The calendar is dynamic and innovative and filled with resident groups such as the Symphony Orchestra, Remix Ensemble and the Baroque and Choir Orchestra. The musical spectrum you’ll find here covers classical music to avant-garde urban trends.

Don’t miss: Designed by renowned Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, the building is a wonder in itself. Take a guided tour, the price of which covers the purchase of a ticket for a concert at Casa da Música.