things to do in porto

Things to do in Porto – Discover the City

Follow our guide and discover the top things to do in Porto. Explore the historic places and monuments that made Porto a World Heritage site.

The biggest city in northern Portugal, and the second-largest in Portugal, Porto is located on the banks of the Douro river estuary and holds an extensive and impressive architectural heritage. Walk around Porto’s streets and alleys and prepare to be amazed by the northern culture and its people.
Discover Porto
Stroll along the Douro river and explore “Ribeira” area. Hop on a cruise and marvel at the beautiful bridges built along Douro estuary. For a more old-style cruise, try the “Rabelo boats”, a unique cargo boat known for carrying Porto Wine along the river. Continue your journey across the city center and make sure to visit the S. Bento railway station, inaugurated in 1916, and Aliados Avenue where you’ll find good places to relax and have a cup of coffee. Then, go up to the Clérigos Church, that owns one of the highest towers in Portugal. Climb up the tower’s stairs and enjoy the amazing city and river overview. For dinner or lunch, don’t forget to try the famous “Francesinha”, a sandwich made with bread, ham, sausage, meat, lots of cheese and a secret sauce. For dessert visit one of the amazing pastry shops filled with regional cakes and sweets and try the “Papos de Anjo” or homemade “Pão de Ló”.
Shopping in Porto
During your stay in Porto, enjoy the crowded Santa Catarina Street where you’ll find many stores, restaurants and the famous “Majestic Café”. For an even more traditional venue, where you’ll find many locals, go to “Mercado do Bolhão”, the most famous market in the city. This lively place is filled with farmers selling their goods, florists, souvenir shops and everything else you can think of. To enjoy another amazing perspective of the Douro River and the city, visit the Crystal Palace and its gardens. Before you leave the city make sure take a look at one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, the Livraria Lello.
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