Porto Travel Guide: Experiencing Portugal's Hidden Gem

Warning: This is not meant to be an exhaustive list of things to do in Porto. I guarantee there are way more activities to choose from than vacation time will allow. That's why it has become one of my favorite cities on the planet to visit and explore. The food and wine scene is next-level, and the beauty mixed with the history of the city, make it fun to get lost in. If you want more things to do, try opting for one of the many day trips, which offer authentic Portuguese experiences. A word to the wise - Eat. A lot. There is so much good food, so don’t be shy. You’ll get to walk it off with all of the hills anyway. Read on to learn more and bring on the bacalhau!

Explore Ribeira District. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a maze of narrow streets, colorful houses, and stunning riverside views. Take a stroll along the Douro River and soak up the vibrant atmosphere.

Sample Port wine in Vila Nova de Gaia. Head across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia for a tour of a Port wine cellar, with the chance to sample their world-famous, fortified wine. Graham’s is my favorite, but it’s hard to go wrong.

Take a River Cruise. Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Douro River and see Porto from a different perspective. You'll see the city's bridges, historic buildings, and the surrounding vineyards.

Jason’s Tip

Don’t limit yourself to wandering aimlessly. I know wandering can be a fun way to explore—it’s one of my favorite things to do. However, many tours and tour guides are available, both group and private, to help you explore all there is to see in Porto while maximizing your time there.

Wander the São Bento Railway Station. Admire the stunning azulejo tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese history that adorn the walls of this beautiful train station.

Enjoy a francesinha. Savor Porto's most famous sandwich, the francesinha. This hearty dish has bread, steak, sausage, ham, melted cheese, and a spicy tomato sauce. You can also add an egg on top. It's a delicious way to experience the city's unique flavors. Brasão Coliseu is my favorite place to indulge.

Shop at the Bolhão Market. Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of Porto's traditional market, where you can find fresh produce, local delicacies, and Portuguese souvenirs.

Jason’s Tip

Food tours are a great way to see the city, meet fellow travelers, and learn more about “food as culture,” which is a cornerstone of Porto.

Relax at Foz do Douro. Escape the city bustle and head to Foz do Douro, a beautiful coastal neighborhood. Relax on the beach, walk along the promenade, or enjoy a seafood meal with a view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Enjoy the nightlife in Baixa. Baixa is the city's downtown district known for its lively nightlife scene. Here, you can find a variety of bars and clubs to suit all tastes.

Explore the many churches. Porto has several historical churches scattered across the city. Whether you are religious or not, they are worth taking a peak inside, since they will not only give you insight into Porto’s history, but also feature a variety of architectural styles. Some examples include Clérigos Church & Tower, the Church of São Francisco (St. Francis), Porto Cathedral, and the Church of Santa Clara. But there are plenty of others.

Jason’s Tip

Embrace the hills—Porto is a hilly city, especially as you work your way up from the Ribeira District to the historic center. Be sure to pack comfy shoes, and get your steps in with a smile! They also have a fantastic public transit system, including a metro, so you don’t have to see it all on your feet. Keep in mind that Porto gets more rain than in the south of Portugal, especially during winter.

Find tranquility in Crystal Palace Gardens. These gardens are not only a fantastic place to explore and reflect for a few hours, but they are located on a bluffed point overlooking the Douro River with an incredible view towards the Atlantic Ocean and back toward Porto and Gaia.

Day trips

Guimarães. Visit Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, and explore its historic center, medieval castle, and Palace of the Dukes of Bragança.

Braga. Head to Braga to experience its rich history, beautiful churches, and stunning views from Bom Jesus do Monte.

Aveiro. Journey to Aveiro to cruise the scenic canals on a colorful moliceiro boat, wander charming streets lined with Art Nouveau architecture, and indulge in the city's signature sweet, ovos moles.

Viseu. Get lost in Portuguese history, art, and delicious wine in Viseu, a charming city with a medieval center, a renowned Renaissance art museum, and proximity to the Dão wine region.

Coimbra. Immerse yourself in history, culture, and scenic beauty in Coimbra, which boasts a prestigious university, a stunning library, and a charming old town.

Matosinhos. This vibrant coastal escape offers fresh seafood, beautiful beaches, and is within close proximity to Porto.

Douro Valley. Explore breathtaking vineyard terraces, historic wine cellars, and delicious Port tastings in Portugal's oldest demarcated wine region.

Porto is a tough place to try and curate a list of recommended places to eat and drink, because there are so many great options. And great dining experiences are different for different people — it may not just be about the quality of food, but the atmosphere, the location, the service, or any combination of the above!

My best recommendation for Porto, especially since it’s so much fun to wander in, is to start there and try out interesting places you come across. But if you want to be more focused, check out the list below. Feel free to ask for tips on where to eat from local guides, hotel staff, or people you bump into on the street! You’ll get plenty of options that resonate with them, which may also be perfect for you.

Brasão Coliseu. Brasão Coliseu is known for its traditional Portuguese cuisine, and its welcoming atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for a casual and tasty dining experience. This is my favorite place for francesinha — the sandwich is fantastic, and the vibe is super cool. You won’t be disappointed.

All In Porto. All in Porto offers tapas, appetizers, dishes, and desserts. Its focus is on fresh, high-quality ingredients, and its menu features a variety of Portuguese and international options, complemented by an excellent wine list.

Taberna dos Mercadores is a traditional Portuguese restaurant in the heart of Porto. It is known for its fresh seafood, grilled meats, and traditional Portuguese dishes. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, and a friendly and attentive staff.

Lado B. This trendy spot offers gourmet burgers and francesinha sandwiches, both made with high-quality ingredients. It also offers other café-style dishes options, as well as a list of various domestic and international beers.

Taberninha do Manel. This small, family-run restaurant is located in Gaia, across the river from Porto. It’s characterized by its rustic interior and location on the river while serving typical tavern fare with a traditional Portuguese flair.

Rua Tapas Restaurant & Music Bar. This lively spot offers a wide selection of tapas and Portuguese wines in a trendy setting. They also have options for vegetarians and people with dietary restrictions. Live music every night adds to the fun atmosphere, making it a great place to spend an evening with friends.

Wine Quay Bar (Wine Bar). This stylish bar offers a wide selection of Portuguese wines by the glass, cheese plates, and other small bites. A great place to relax while sipping on, and savoring local vino.

17° Restaurant & Bar. This rooftop restaurant and bar (on the 17th floor of the Hotel Dom Henrique) offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area. The menu features a fusion of Mediterranean flavors and traditional Portuguese cuisine with a gourmet touch. An extensive list of wines, cocktails, liquors, and beers is also available.

Fábrica da Nata. This bakery has two locations in Porto, and is famous for its delicious Pastel de Nata (custard tarts). You shouldn’t leave the country until you’ve sampled one, either here or somewhere else in Porto. The bakery is also a great place to grab a coffee or tea.

Café Majestic. This historic Art Nouveau cafe is a Porto institution. Its opulent interior, ornate ceilings, stained glass windows, and Belle Époque charm will transport you to a bygone era. In addition to the ambiance, they serve delicious coffee, pastries, and light meals. Warning: This Porto icon is touristy. You need to be prepared to wait in line to get in.