Porto is one of Europe's great cities — a UNESCO-listed old town of azulejo tile facades, port wine cellars, the Douro riverfront and extraordinary food. Here are the 10 best things to do in Porto in 2026.
✔ Port wine cellar tour in Gaia — do this on arrival day
✔ Livraria Lello — book tickets online to avoid 2-hour queues
✔ Douro Valley day trip — one of Europe's great scenic journeys
✔ São Bento station — the most beautiful railway station in Europe
Top 10 Things To Do in Porto
🍷 Port Wine Cellar Tour & Tasting
Cross the Dom Luís Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for a guided tour of the ancient wine lodges — Graham's, Sandeman, Ramos Pinto and Taylor's all offer excellent tours. The tasting typically includes Tawny, Ruby and White port with food pairings. The lodges' Douro River terraces are the best viewpoint in Porto.
Check Availability →🚂 Douro Valley Day Trip
The Douro Valley — 1–2 hours east of Porto — is one of Europe's most beautiful landscapes: terraced vineyards on steep schist hillsides dropping to the river. Take the scenic Douro train line (€12 return, 2 hours), or join a guided wine tour visiting quintas with tastings and lunch. September harvest season is the best time.
Check Availability →📚 Livraria Lello
One of the world's most beautiful bookshops — a neo-Gothic masterpiece with a sinuous red staircase and stained glass ceiling. Claimed inspiration for Harry Potter's Hogwarts library. Book €8 timed entry online — the queue without tickets stretches 2+ hours in summer. The book token is deducted from any purchase.
Check Availability →🎨 São Bento Railway Station
Porto's main train station is covered in 20,000 hand-painted azulejo tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese history — panels showing Henry the Navigator, the Battle of Valdevez and rural Minho life. Free to enter and photograph. One of the most beautiful interiors in Portugal.
Check Availability →🌉 Dom Luís I Bridge & Ribeira
The iconic double-deck iron bridge spans the Douro between Porto and Gaia. Walk the upper deck (open to pedestrians) for the finest view of both riverside quarters. The Ribeira waterfront below is Porto's most photogenic area — colourful houses reflected in the river, rabelo boats (traditional port wine carriers) moored at the quay.
Check Availability →🏰 Porto Cathedral & Clérigos Tower
The Sé (Cathedral) dates from the 12th century — the finest Romanesque building in Portugal, with a beautiful Gothic cloister. Clérigos Tower (€5) is Porto's baroque landmark — 225 steps to the top for the finest city panorama. Both are in the old town, a 5-minute walk apart.
Check Availability →🎵 Fado Experience
Porto has its own distinct fado tradition (Fado de Coimbra style, different from Lisbon's Fado de Lisboa). An evening fado dinner in a traditional casa de fado — wine, petiscos (Portuguese tapas) and live performance — is one of Porto's most authentic cultural experiences. Book ahead; the best venues fill up weeks ahead.
Check Availability →🛒 Mercado do Bolhão
Porto's historic covered market — recently restored after years of renovation, now back to its beautiful art deco iron structure. Fresh fish, local cheese, charcuterie, flowers and pastéis de nata. The best morning market experience in the city — go before 11am when it's at its liveliest.
Check Availability →🏛️ Serralves Museum
Porto's world-class contemporary art museum — the Serralves Villa (a stunning 1930s art deco house) and its modern gallery building sit within 18 hectares of extraordinary gardens. The permanent collection features Portuguese and international art. The park alone is worth the entrance fee.
Check Availability →🏖️ Foz do Douro & Matosinhos Beach
Porto's coastal neighbourhood — where the Douro meets the Atlantic. A 30-minute tram or bike ride from the city centre, Foz has excellent seafood restaurants, the Fort of São João da Foz and Atlantic beaches (wild and windy but beautiful). Matosinhos is Portugal's unofficial capital of grilled fresh fish.
Check Availability →Book Porto Tours Before They Sell Out
Popular experiences fill fast in peak season — compare now
View All Porto Tours →FAQs
How many days do you need in Porto?
3–4 days covers the main highlights comfortably. More time allows day trips and deeper neighbourhood exploration.
Is Porto expensive?
Costs vary by season and travel style — see our dedicated budget guide for specific prices.
When is the best time to visit Porto?
May–June and September–October offer the best balance of weather, crowds and prices.