Things to do in Porto: the must-sees and our tips

In short: head down to Ribeira and its colourful quays, walk across the Dom Luís I bridge, visit a port wine cellar in Gaia, admire the azulejos of São Bento station and the Chapel of Souls, then take a Douro cruise. Add a day in the Douro Valley and its vineyards.

Ribeira and the Dom Luís I bridge

Colourful façades, stepped lanes and waterfront terraces: Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of Porto. Cross the Dom Luís I bridge, either on the lower deck by the water or on the upper deck, used by the metro, for a spectacular view.

Vila Nova de Gaia and the port cellars

On the other bank, the port wine cellars offer tours and tastings. Climb to the Serra do Pilar viewpoint for the finest view of the city, or take the Gaia cable car along the river.

Azulejos: São Bento and the churches

The hall of São Bento station is covered in thousands of azulejos telling the story of Portugal. The Chapel of Souls and the church of Santo Ildefonso, with their blue and white façades, are just as spectacular.

The Lello bookshop and the Clérigos Tower

The Lello bookshop, with its carved red staircase, is one of the most beautiful in the world (paid entry, by reservation). Nearby, you can climb the Clérigos Tower for a 360-degree view of the city.

The cathedral, the Stock Exchange Palace and São Francisco

The cathedral (Sé) overlooks the city from its hill. Below, the Stock Exchange Palace and its Arab Room can be visited with a guide, and the church of São Francisco hides an interior covered in gold.

A Douro cruise

A six-bridges cruise, aboard a traditional boat, shows you Porto and Gaia from the river, in about an hour.

Eating in Porto

The francesinha, a hearty sandwich smothered in sauce, the bifana (pork sandwich), salt cod in every form, pastéis de nata and, of course, a glass of port. The Bolhão market is ideal for tasting local produce.

The seaside: Foz do Douro

Historic tram no. 1 follows the Douro to Foz, where you can stroll along the ocean, between beaches and cafés.

Day trips from Porto

• The Douro Valley, its terraced vineyards and quintas, by car, train or cruise.
• Braga and Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal.
• Aveiro, its canals and the striped houses of Costa Nova.

Getting around

The centre is walkable, but the streets are very steep; the metro, historic trams and the Guindais funicular help you get back up. From the airport, the metro or a private transfer reach the centre.

Where to stay in Porto

Baixa for a convenient first visit, Ribeira for charm, Gaia for the view: every area is detailed in our guide Where to stay in Porto. For the rest of your trip, see Travel in Portugal.