Porto is a city that beautifully blends history and modernity. If you’re wondering what to see in Porto, you can’t miss its iconic Ribeira district or the breathtaking views of the Douro River. For those exploring what to do in Porto, the city offers a unique mix of cultural experiences, mouthwatering cuisine, and spectacular landscapes. If you’ve already visited before and are asking yourself, ‘Porto, what to do and see on a second trip?’, there are plenty of hidden gems and must-visit spots waiting to be discovered. From strolling its charming streets to enjoying its vibrant nightlife and famous wine bars, there are endless things to do and see in Porto. We visited as a family, and it’s a city that works particularly well that way: compact enough to cover on foot, full of history that keeps teens interested, and relaxed enough that no one feels rushed from one sight to the next.
This video takes you along the Ribeira of the Douro River in Porto, showcasing the stunning scenery with the river as the main star on a sunny day. It’s an experience you simply can’t miss in Porto, whether you enjoy it on your own or with your favourite company.
The riverbank of the Douro is one of the most important things to do in Porto. It is a promenade with many bars and restaurants, and it is very beautiful for its old houses and views of the Dom Luís I Bridge. If you’re wondering what to see in Porto, this promenade in the Ribeira district, the most famous and touristy area of the city, should be on your list. Known for its historical buildings and charm, here you’ll find many narrow alleys and picturesque spots, making it a highly recommended area for any visitor looking to explore the city.
Lello Bookstore is very famous because J.K. Rowling was inspired by it while writing the Harry Potter books, which has made it quite well-known. If you’re wondering what to see in Porto, this iconic bookstore is a must-visit. The entrance fee is €8 due to the high volume of visitors, but this amount is discounted if you purchase a book. The store offers books in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and some in French. Book tickets here.
In my opinion, this is a very beautiful bookstore, but unless you’re a huge Harry Potter fan or plan to buy a book, it’s not worth going in. The €8 fee might seem steep for just a regular bookstore with a nice design, but if you’re looking for things to do in Porto, Lello Bookstore should be on your list.
The Dom Luís I Bridge is, without a doubt, one of the most famous landmarks in Porto. If you’re wondering what to see in Porto, this bridge is an absolute must-visit. Built in 1886, it stands 45 metres tall and has two walkways: one at the top and one at the bottom. Personally, I recommend walking across the upper level—it offers breathtaking views of the city, although it might not be the best choice if you’re afraid of heights. The top level is shared by pedestrians and the metro, while the bottom level is used by pedestrians and road traffic, including cars and buses.
Crossing the Douro River via the Dom Luís I Bridge to visit Vila Nova de Gaia is one of the top things to do in Porto. Once you reach the other side, you’ll find yourself in Vila Nova de Gaia, a lovely town with plenty to explore. If you’re asking yourself what to do and see in Porto, the riverside promenade in Gaia is a perfect choice. Here, you’ll find some of the best views of Porto, alongside inviting bars and wine cellars. It’s an ideal place to relax and take in the atmosphere while enjoying the stunning landscape.
The McDonald’s Imperial in Porto is renowned as one of the most famous McDonald’s in the world, thanks to its stunning interior design. If you’re wondering what to do in Porto, this iconic spot should be on your list. Located in a historic building, this restaurant amazes visitors with features like artistic stained glass windows, elegant chandeliers, and architectural details that reflect a classic and refined style. Despite its unique atmosphere and impressive design, the menu remains the same as any other McDonald’s. Visiting this iconic McDonald’s is a must for those who love discovering quirky and unique spots in Porto.
The Clérigos Tower is one of the must-see attractions in Porto. If you’re wondering what to see in Porto, this iconic tower should be at the top of your list. Standing at an impressive 76 metres tall, it is part of the Clérigos Church, a remarkable example of Baroque architecture. Built in the 18th century, it was the tallest building in the city at the time and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Porto. Climbing its 225 steps is an unforgettable experience for those looking to enjoy a unique perspective of the city and the Douro River. The Clérigos Tower is not only an architectural landmark but also a symbol of Porto’s rich history and culture.
The Port wine, renowned worldwide for its exceptional quality, is one of the greatest symbols of the city. In Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the Douro River, you’ll find numerous wine cellars where you can discover how this famous wine is made. Places like Taylor’s, Sandeman, or Graham’s offer guided tours and tastings that combine history, culture, and flavour.
Visiting a wine cellar is one of the most popular activities in Porto, perfect for learning about this iconic product while enjoying breathtaking views. Try varieties like Ruby, Tawny, or White. It’s truly a unique experience!
The Bolhão Market is a beautiful and famous market. Inside, you’ll find many small shops offering fruits, sweets, sardines, souvenirs, and other typical products. The exterior is equally charming, with traditional architecture that stands out. It is located near Rua de Santa Catarina, one of the most important streets in the city, known for its shops and lively atmosphere, making it a highly recommended visit.
During our family trip to Porto, this boat tour turned out to be one of the activities we’d most recommend. We booked it easily from our phone for around €15 per person, and it ended up exceeding our expectations — along the Douro River, both in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, there are numerous tourist boats available, so it’s easy to find a departure that fits your schedule.
During the trip, you’ll have the chance to see the six most famous and spectacular bridges of the city, each with its own unique history and distinctive architecture. The boats often provide commentary in several languages, offering interesting information about the bridges and other landmarks along the river.
Why we’d recommend this for families:
The calm of the Douro gave us a chance to rest while still taking in the city from a completely different angle. Don’t forget to bring your camera — the views of the colourful houses, the wine cellars and the historic monuments lining the river are worth it.
Avenida da Boavista is one of Porto’s main streets and has a lot to offer. Stretching about 5.5 kilometers from the city center to the coastal area of Matosinhos, this avenue features a vibrant mix of modern shops, offices, upscale hotels, and some of the city’s best restaurants. If you’re wondering what to do in Porto, this is definitely a great place to explore.
One of the standout attractions on Avenida da Boavista is the Casa da Música, a modern building designed by the renowned architect Rem Koolhaas. This cultural and concert center has become a symbol of Porto’s modernity. If you’re into music and architecture, it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s one of the top things to do in Porto for those interested in the city’s artistic side.
At the end of the avenue, you’ll reach Matosinhos, which is ideal for those who enjoy water sports, especially surfing. Matosinhos Beach is wide and perfect for spending the day sunbathing, swimming, or simply relaxing. For anyone wondering what to do and see in Porto, this beach should be on your list.
Another beautiful spot in Matosinhos is Parque da Cidade, Portugal’s largest urban park. It’s perfect for strolling, picnicking, or engaging in outdoor sports. It provides a green respite from the city’s hustle and bustle, making it a must-see for nature lovers.
In summary, Avenida da Boavista and Matosinhos offer a great blend of culture, delicious food, and outdoor fun. It’s an essential part of Porto that you won’t want to miss. If you’re looking for things to do in Porto, these spots are perfect additions to your itinerary.
Getting to Porto: Porto’s airport, Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO), has direct flights from most major European cities, so getting here is usually easy and often cheap with budget airlines. From the airport, the simplest way into the city is the Metro: Line E (violet) runs directly from the airport terminal to Trindade station in about 25 minutes, with departures every 20–30 minutes from around 6:00 am to midnight. Trindade is the best stop for the historic centre — it’s a short walk from Avenida dos Aliados, the Bolhão Market and Rua de Santa Catarina. Before boarding, you’ll need an Andante card (a small one-off cost, currently around €0.60) that you then load with trips at the machines in the station.
Getting around on foot: Porto is compact and most of the historic centre can be covered on foot, but it’s a hilly city with plenty of cobblestones, especially around the Ribeira and the climb up to the Cathedral (Sé). Comfortable, closed shoes with good grip make a real difference here — flip-flops or thin-soled sandals aren’t a great idea, especially if it’s rained recently. For longer distances, or to save everyone’s legs after a day of sightseeing, the same Andante card works on the metro, buses (STCP) and trams, so it’s worth topping it up rather than buying single tickets each time.
A few practical details: Portugal uses the Euro (€), plugs are the same two-round-pin type as Spain (Type F), and Portuguese is the local language, though English is widely spoken in touristy areas. If you’re travelling from Spain or another EU country, there’s no border control crossing into Portugal since both are part of the Schengen Area — a valid ID is all you need, no passport stamps involved.
