5 Best Things To Do in Porto, Portugal [Travel Guide to Porto]
Do you want to travel to Porto, Portugal? Here’s our DIY Travel Guide to Porto, with suggested tours.
Porto is the second biggest city in the charming country of Portugal. Having the city center awarded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this has been one of the most sought out tourist destinations in Europe. Porto, after “the port,” is also located along the Atlantic Ocean. With delicious wines, beautiful architecture, and a cozy vibe, you will enjoy your trip to Porto. Read our guide so that you would know more about the activities this amazing city offers.
Things to do in Porto, Portugal
1. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
One of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Portugal is the “Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar.” As being a port since the 1st Century BC with many historic, gorgeous buildings ranging from Romanesque to Modern Architecture, it’s really something you remarkable and you should not miss. Remarkable buildings include the Church of Santa Clara, Porto Cathedral, and Bolsa Palace.
Suggested Tour: Porto: 3-Hour Guided City Highlights Walking Tour
2. Go Inside Livraria Lello
One of the oldest and stunning bookstores in Portugal is the Lello Bookstore. The exterior of the library is breathtaking, having a perfect mix of Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau Architecture. On the inside, it is more stunning; it’s like you are transported to a different world, like a library from a fairytale. With a dazzling red staircase, stained glass, and so many books, you would not want to leave. I sure will spend a lot of time in this place!
Suggested Tour: 3-Hour Walking City Tour and Lello Bookstore Visit
3. Drink Porto Wine
Our travel guide to Porto will not be complete if you don’t get a sip of the famous Porto Wine. Ready your taste buds as you go wine tasting and seeing tons of wine barrels as you go on a tour. You can also learn the history of Porto wine at the Port Wine Museum near the Douro River.
Suggested Tour: Porto 3-Hour Port Wine Walking Tour with Tastings
4. Swim at Piscina das Mares
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Enjoy gorgeous ocean views while relaxing in a pool Piscina das Mares is a public saltwater pool located in Leca Palmeira. Please note that water may be cold or hot depending on the weather. Locals come here, especially during summer or spring season; you should too. However, there may be seasons that pools are empty; however, you can still delight in the beach and the view!
5. Cruise along the Douro River
Flowing from Spain to Portugal to the Atlantic Ocean is the Douro River. When you go to Porto, try to go on a lovely cruise and see their amazing Riviera filled with colorful buildings. It’s a great way to see the city, too. You will surely
Suggested Tour: Porto: River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise
Where to stay in Porto, Portugal
Budget Hotel
Located in Porto, the Porto Domus Hotel is 0.6 mi away from the Trindade Railway Station. It has a bar and offers modern air-conditioned rooms with cable TV. Porto Domus Hotel rooms are bright. They have simple furnishings and come equipped with a minibar. Each private bathroom includes amenities and a hairdryer.
Price: Starts at USD 46 for a Double Room
Mid-Range Hotel
Offering a prime location in the Ribeira District and overlooking Douro River, the 3-star Ribeira do Porto Hotel features a traditional bar and a 24-hour reception. Each room is elegant and air-conditioned and includes a flat-screen satellite TV and a laptop safe. All rooms have a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer.
Price: Starts at USD 84 for a Standard Twin Room
Luxury Hotel
InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas
In a renovated 18th-century palace, the 5-star InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas has spacious rooms with views of Porto’s historic center. Featuring high ceilings, Palacio’s stylish rooms have flat-screen TVs. Marble bathrooms include a separate bathtub and walk-in shower. Some rooms feature a sitting area with plush chairs.
Price: Starts at USD 167 for a Deluxe King Room
Where to Eat in Porto, Portugal
Address: Rua do Almada 149A 4050-037
If you want to try delicious food with great ambiance, go to MUU Steakhouse. It’s a steakhouse that offers European and Portuguese cuisine as well as Vegetarian options. The rib eye, potato rosti, scotch egg, and chocolate desserts are highly recommended. Everyone seems to love this place; you will too!
Address: Rua da Madeira, 222 4000-330
With delicious food and many gluten-free options, you will feel like Tapabento as food heaven. The razor clams and the shrimp risotto are some of the traveler’s favorites. Service is also amazing. You would want to come here again and again.
Address: Rua Afonso Martins Alho 109 4050-018
In Petisqueira Voltaria, you can enjoy the scrumptious local cuisine. Lunch or Dinner, your stomach will surely be filled and happy here. Try Francesinha, black pig, and bacalhau. It’s quite affordable, and the service is very outstanding.
About the Writer
Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.
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I work at this beautiful city. Thank you for showing Porto and congratulations for the blog.