Porto, Portugal: Things To Do And Places To Visit
Porto, Portugal is a city of culture, character and charm. Located along the Douro River, it is a city with a rich history, stunning architecture and plenty of activities for visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re looking to explore the city’s vibrant markets, sample its delicious street food, or experience its lively nightlife, Porto’s got something for everyone.
Visit local markets
Begin your stay in Porto by immersing yourself in its vibrant markets. The city’s Bolhão Market is a great place to sample some traditional local cuisine and pick up some souvenirs. You’ll find a variety of fresh produce, including the famous Douro Valley wine, and a range of cheeses, olives, fresh fish and seafood. It’s also an ideal place to pick up traditional souvenirs, such as cork items, textiles and musical instruments.
Enjoy local street food
After exploring the markets, why not sample some of the city’s delicious street food? From pastel de nata — a Portuguese custard tart — to the many variations of bifanas (Portuguese pork sandwiches), you’ll be spoilt for choice. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, why not try some of the local seafood and shellfish dishes, such as grilled sardines, clam chowder or caldeirada, a seafood dish with potatoes and vegetables?
Experience Porto’s nightlife
Once you’ve sated your appetite, why not let your hair down and experience Porto’s lively nightlife? Whether you’re looking for a traditional Portuguese bar, a chic lounge bar or a lively nightclub, Porto has something for everyone. Enjoy some of the city’s famous Port wine in one of the many bars located along the Douro River, or dance the night away in one of the city’s many nightclubs.
Take a cruise on the Douro River
One of the best ways to enjoy the majesty of Porto and its surroundings is to take a cruise along the Douro River. Cruise boats are available for both day and multi-day trips and offer spectacular vistas of the city and its surroundings. From the water, you’ll be able to admire the old-world charm of Porto’s terracotta-tiled rooftops, as well as the awe-inspiring scenery of the Douro Valley.
Visit Ribeira District
Take a Tour of the Ribeira District: Ribeira district is one of the most atmospheric areas in Porto. It’s a charming area with cobbled streets and colorful buildings. A walking tour of the district will give you a feel for the city’s history and culture. You can also get a great view of the Douro river from the old neighborhood.
Visit the São Bento Train Station
The Sao Bento Train Station is an iconic landmark in Porto. The interior is decorated with breathtakingly detailed blue and white azulejo tiles. It’s a great place for some photo ops and to absorb the atmosphere of the city.
Explore the City on a Tram
Porto is full of narrow, winding streets which can be difficult to explore on foot. Taking a ride on one of the city’s historic trams is a great way to see some of the best sights in the city, from the old fortress of San Francisco do Monte to the gorgeous view of the river.
Visit Lello & Irmão Bookstore
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind bookshop experience, head to Lello & Irmão Bookstore in Porto, Portugal. This iconic bookstore, which was established in 1906, is a breathtaking combination of Gothic and Art Nouveau styles, featuring an intricately designed red grand staircase as its central feature. As you step into the store, you’ll be immersed in a world of beautiful books and art. The store is filled with rows and rows of books, from the latest bestsellers to classic literature. You can spend hours exploring the shelves, looking for a perfect read or just browsing and admiring the design.Aside from books, the store also boasts a wide range of souvenirs and gifts, including notebooks, postcards, magnets and many more. These items often feature an artwork inspired by the store’s grand staircase, making them extra special.
Taste Port Wine on a Douro Valley Tour
Porto is famous for port wine, and there’s no better way to taste it than on a Douro Valley tour. You can explore the vineyards and wineries of the area, learn about the history of port wine production, and of course, sample some of the best wines the region has to offer.
Visit the City’s Churches and Cathedrals
Porto is full of beautiful churches and cathedrals. The Igreja da Sé is one of the most impressive churches in the city, with its stunning baroque architecture and gorgeous stained glass windows. The Igreja de São Francisco is another must-see, with its gothic architecture and intricately carved woodwork.
Visit surrounding beaches
Portugal has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and some of them are located just on the outskirts of Porto. Why not to get this opportunity and spend a leisure day on the beach or doing some jogging on the wooden walkway along it?
Porto is a city of culture, character and charm. From sampling local cuisine in its vibrant markets to experiencing its lively nightlife, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this captivating city. So, why not explore what Porto has to offer and see what makes it so special?
