Things to do in Porto, Portugal.

Discover the charm of Porto in Portugal. Celebrated for its rich history and culture. You can wander through the picturesque Ribeira District, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site with its narrow cobbled streets and colourful buildings. See the amazing azulejos of São Bento Railway Station and the Livraria Lello, which is often touted as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world! Don't miss the famous Dom Luís I Bridge where you can enjoy its amazing views of the Douro River, and be sure to indulge in a tasting tour of the city's world-famous port wine cellars.

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Must-Visit Attractions in Porto, Portugal

• Cálem Caves Tickets: A must for port lovers! Learn how the famous wine is made. From the vineyard to your glass (including tasting)!
• Porto Hop-on Hop-off Tour Tickets: The fun way of exploring Porto, on an open-top bus!
• Porto City Cards: An easy and convenient way of enjoying Porto, with multiple access options on one easy and convenient pass!
• SEA Life Porto Tickets: A firm favourite for all ages. A trip to SEA Life is always worth it!
• Ideal Clube de Fado Tickets: Listen to fado by renowned local artists in an intimate concert.
• Porto Fado Show Tickets: Multiple venue options offering Fado Music experiences.
• Catedral do Porto Tickets: See the beauty of one of Porto's oldest monuments, the Catedral do Porto.
• Porto River Cruise Tickets: Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the river.
• Zoo Santo Inácio Tickets: Family fun at the Porto's Zoo Santo Inácio.

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Useful Information for Porto, Portugal

• Country Dialling Code: +351
• Porto Dialling Code: 22
• Emergency Number: 112
• Official Language: Portuguese
• Currency: The Euro (€)
• How to Say (in Portuguese): 'Please - Por Favor' & 'Thank you - Obrigado'

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5 Fun Facts About Porto

• Tiles Galore: Porto is famous for its ‘azulejos’ (painted ceramic tiles), which cover churches, train stations, and buildings throughout the city. One standout is the ‘São Bento Railway Station’, where over 20,000 tiles have been used to depict scenes from Portuguese history!
• Port Wine Origin: Porto is the birthplace of ‘Port’ wine, which is one of Portugal's most famous exports. The wine is named after the city because it was historically shipped from Porto's ports, even though it’s actually produced in the Douro Valley, which is nearby.
• The Iconic Dom Luís I Bridge: The amazing ‘Dom Luís I Bridge’, was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower in Paris fame) and it connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, which is across the Douro River. It’s a popular spot as it offers amazing views of the city.
• Harry Potter Connection: J.K. Rowling once lived in Porto while she was working as an English teacher in the early 1990s. Many believe the ornate interiors of the Livraria Lello, which is one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, inspired some elements of the Harry Potter series, such as Hogwarts' grand staircase!
• Francesinha Feast: Porto is home to one of Portugal’s heartiest and most famous dishes, called the Francesinha. The meaty sandwich is layered with cured ham, sausages, steak, and melted cheese, all topped with a spicy tomato-beer sauce! It’s a must-try for food lovers and makes me quite hungry thinking about it!

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Tips for Visiting Porto, Portugal

• Explore Ribeira District: Take a walk through the colourful riverside district of Ribeira which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a meal with views of the Douro River!
• Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge: Walk across the famous bridge and enjoy the amazing views it offers of the city and the river!
• Visit Livraria Lello: Known as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, the historic shop is a must-see, in our opinion. Arrive early to avoid crowds and consider pre-purchasing tickets. Click HERE for ticket options.
• Try Port Wine: Take a tour of the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, which is just across the river. You'll learn about the wine-making process and those old enough get to taste some of the region's best!
• Ride the Historic Trams: Hop on one of Porto’s vintage trams, like Line 1 which goes along the river. It’s a charming and scenic way to explore and enjoy the city.
• Eat Francesinha: Try Porto’s famous hearty sandwich which is filled with meat and melted cheese and then drenched in a beer-based sauce! Café Santiago is a popular spot for the dish.
• Climb Clérigos Tower: For more amazing views of Porto, consider climbing the 240 steps of the historic tower.
• Visit São Bento Station: Admire the famous blue-and-white ‘azulejo’ tiles that depict Portuguese history inside this beautiful train station.
• Cruise the Douro River: Take a boat tour along the Douro River to see the city and its six bridges from the water. Alternatively, consider a longer tour into the Douro Valley. Click HERE for Douro River Cruise options.
• ‍Wander the Bolhão Market: Enjoy a visit to this local bustling market. It’s a great place to pick up fresh produce, regional delicacies, or some unique souvenirs to remember your trip.

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