Portugal

Things to do in Porto

Porto's Ribeira district climbs from the Douro river to the Clerigos Tower and Sao Bento station, while the port wine lodges line the opposite bank in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Dom Luis I bridge. The Douro Valley vineyards are about 90 minutes inland, close enough for a full-day wine tour with lunch.

  • Douro Valley wine tour with lunch
  • Port wine cellars in Gaia
  • Six bridges river cruise
  • Ribeira and Sao Bento walking tour

Experiences in Porto

Food toursTaste the city the way locals eat it, stall by stall and bar by bar.Walking toursThe fastest way to understand a city on day one, with a local guide.Day tripsFull-day excursions to the places worth leaving the city for.Museums and ticketsSkip-the-line tickets and guided visits to the landmarks that sell out.Bike toursCover more ground at human speed: guided rides and bike rentals.Boat toursSee the city or the coast from the water, from short cruises to full-day sailing.Cooking classesLearn two or three local dishes and eat what you cook.Wine toursCellar visits and tastings in the wine areas close to the city.

Top-rated experiences in Porto

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Free cancellation on most experiences. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Highlights

  • Douro Valley wine tour with lunch
  • Port wine cellars in Gaia
  • Six bridges river cruise
  • Ribeira and Sao Bento walking tour
  • Livraria Lello and Clerigos Tower
  • Francesinha and petiscos food tour

Best time to visit

May, June and September are the sweet spot; harvest in the Douro Valley runs from about mid-September to early October. Winter is mild but rainy, and the 23 June Sao Joao festival fills the city.

Getting around

The centre is steep but compact, so walk and use the funicular or tram for the climbs. Metro line E runs from the airport to the centre in about 30 minutes, and line D crosses the upper deck of the Dom Luis I bridge to Gaia.

Local tips

  • Livraria Lello requires a paid ticket bought in advance, and the first slots of the morning are the least crowded.
  • Port cellar tastings are cheaper and less crowded if you book a weekday afternoon slot.
  • The Douro Valley is also reachable by the regional train from Sao Bento to Regua and Pinhao, a scenic option if you do not want a tour.

Day trips from Porto

  • Douro Valley
  • Braga
  • Guimaraes
  • Aveiro
Day trips →

Frequently asked questions

What are the top things to do in Porto?

The most booked experiences in Porto are Douro Valley wine tour with lunch, Port wine cellars in Gaia, Six bridges river cruise and Ribeira and Sao Bento walking tour.

When is the best time to visit Porto?

May, June and September are the sweet spot; harvest in the Douro Valley runs from about mid-September to early October. Winter is mild but rainy, and the 23 June Sao Joao festival fills the city.

How do I get around Porto?

The centre is steep but compact, so walk and use the funicular or tram for the climbs. Metro line E runs from the airport to the centre in about 30 minutes, and line D crosses the upper deck of the Dom Luis I bridge to Gaia.

Do I need to book tours in Porto in advance?

For headline sights and small-group tours, yes: popular slots sell out in high season. Most partners offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

How many days do I need in Porto?

Two to three full days cover the main sights, plus one day for each day trip you want to add.

Nearby destinations

Lisbon274 km awayMadrid423 km awaySeville477 km awayMalaga613 km away