Things to do in Porto: top sights, neighbourhoods and practical tips
Quick answer
The essentials of Porto are the Ribeira riverfront, the Luís I Bridge, São Bento station with its tiles, the Lello bookshop, the Clérigos Tower and the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Two days cover them comfortably; with one day, walk the centre.
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More Porto guides
- Porto in one dayA one-day walking route through Porto: São Bento, Lello bookshop, Clérigos Tower, Ribeira, Luís I Bridge and the Gaia cellars, with times and tips.
- Porto in 2 daysA 2-day Porto itinerary: day 1 centre, Lello, Clérigos and Ribeira; day 2 Gaia, Serralves and the Foz. With times, tickets and tips.
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Porto's must-sees
Porto is a city of hills, tiles and river. Walk it, with views of the Douro at every corner. Pick from these and leave time to wander.
- 1
Douro riverfront
Ribeira
The UNESCO-listed old town, with colourful houses, terraces and rabelo boats. It is liveliest at sunset.
- 2
Between Ribeira and Gaia
Luís I Bridge
A two-level iron bridge; walk across the lower or upper deck for the best views of the city.
- 3
Praça Almeida Garrett
São Bento station
More than 20,000 blue tiles telling Portugal's history in the hall. Free to enter.
- 4
Rua das Carmelitas
Lello bookshop
Famous for its red staircase and neo-Gothic style. Buy the ticket online ahead to avoid the queue.
- 5
Rua dos Clérigos
Clérigos Tower
An 18th-century Baroque tower about 76 metres tall with 360-degree views. Be ready for the steps.
- 6
Rua de Ferreira Borges
Bolsa Palace
A former stock exchange building with the Moorish-style Arab Room. Guided visits only.
- 7
South bank
Vila Nova de Gaia cellars
Cross the bridge and visit a port wine cellar with a tasting. You can also ride the Gaia cable car.
Neighbourhoods to explore
- Ribeira: the Douro, taverns and terraces, always lively.
- Baixa and Aliados: the commercial centre with the avenue and the town hall.
- Miragaia and Foz: a seaside district with a walk at the river mouth.
- Cedofeita and Rua Miguel Bombarda: art galleries and independent shops.
- Vila Nova de Gaia: the cellars, with views of the city from the other bank.
Art and museums
Serralves, with its contemporary art museum and park, is the big cultural visit; check its fee and hours online. Point the AnyArt camera at a tile panel, a church or a facade to hear its story, as an alternative to renting an audio guide.
Tickets, transport and when to go
- Buy the Lello bookshop and Bolsa Palace visits online ahead in high season.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Porto is full of hills and cobbles.
- The metro links the airport to the centre; the historic tram and cable car are more touristy.
- Best time: spring and autumn. In summer Ribeira gets crowded.
- Gaia cellars usually need booking in high season.
- Bring an umbrella: it rains often.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Porto?
Two days cover the essentials: one for the centre and Ribeira, one for Gaia, Serralves and the Foz. With one day, walk the centre.
Do you need to book the Lello bookshop?
It is strongly recommended to buy the ticket online ahead because the queue can be long. Check fees and slots on the official site.
Is São Bento station free to enter?
Yes, the station is free and you can see the tiled hall without a ticket.
How do you visit the Bolsa Palace?
Only on a guided tour. Check current hours and fees on the official site.
When is the best time to visit Porto?
April to June and September to October. Winter is rainier.