Last Updated on January 2, 2026 by Samantha
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal is most famously known for Port wine. Porto wasn’t always on my radar but I’m so glad I included it on my itinerary. This underrated city deserves to be on everyone’s bucket list with so many incredible things to do and experience.
I recommend spending 3 days in Porto to be able to soak in as much of the city as possible. The city is very walkable but be prepared for the hills. Pack a good pair of shoes because you’ll definitely be getting your steps in.
Porto Cathedral
The Porto Cathedral is one of Porto’s oldest monuments and began construction in the 12th century. The Cathedral represents several historical styles such as Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque. Along with admiring the stunning Cathedral, you will also make your way up to the top for some views of Porto. This will be a busy spot so you’ll want to make sure to go in the morning.
Sao Bento Station
No visit to Porto is complete without a visit to Sao Bento Station. This train station is stunning with thousands blue and white tiles lining the walls. You may come here to take the train but even if you don’t, I would still stop by to see the station.
Chapel of Souls
Chapel of Souls is one of Porto’s most known churches. The church is stunning thanks to the over 15,000 blue and white tiles decorating the outside walls. The church is very small but it is a work of art. The tiles represent the life of St. Francis of Assisi and the death of St. Catherine.
Church of Saint Ildefonso
Here is another stunning church with beautiful blue and white tiles adorning the exterior walls. These tiles depict the life of Saint Ildefonso. It is a stunning church but make sure you check the hours when planning your itinerary. It has limited hours on Monday and Sunday. Tuesday – Saturday it is typically closed from 12:15 or 12:30 until 3:00 so plan your arrival accordingly.
Clerigos Church & Tower
This church can be seen from several different parts of the city. It is definitely one of the more popular ones as it offers great views from the top of the tower.
Jardim da Cordoaria
This stunning garden is a great place to take a break after leaving the Clerigos church & tower. It is a very shaded area with tons of benches and beautiful gardens and plants. Take a break and re-charge before heading to your next stop.
Stroll Cais da Ribeira
Take a stroll along the riverfront promenade and enjoy everything it has to offer. Along this road is tons of restaurants, shops, vendors and buskers making it such a cool experience. This is also likely the spot you will have to go if you are doing any boat tours out of Porto. This is a very busy area so be prepared for crowds. This street will also lead you to the Dom Luis I Bridge.
Dom Luis I Bridge
Dom Luis I Bridge is definitely the most famous bridge in Porto but certainly isn’t the only one. At the time it was constructed, it was the longest bridge in the world. Head to the upper deck of the bridge for some pretty stunning views of Porto and the river.
Jardim do Morro
This park is across the river from Ribeira and offers some stunning sunset views. Bring some snacks and drinks to enjoy the views and the sunset. You may even catch some live music while you’re here.
Livraria Lello
This bookstore is hands down the most stunning bookstore I’ve ever been it. It also has ties to JK Rowling as it allegedly inspired to create Flourish and Blotts Bookstore. It is best to buy your tickets to enter in advance so you don’t have to wait in line for too long. The store is quite small and it will be quite crowded. The staircase is the most iconic part of the bookstore and you will definitely want to get a picture on it or of it.
If you purchase a book while you are here the value of your ticket to enter will go towards your purchase.
Eat a Pastel de Nata at Fabrica da Nata
Pastel de Nata’s are an egg custard tart dusted with cinnamon, which are extremely popular in Portugal. There are tons of places that sell them but I recommend trying the ones at Fabrica da Nata.
Port Wine Tour
You can’t go to Porto without sampling some port wine. After crossing the Dom Luis I Bridge, you will find man wine cellars. I recommend booking a tour as this will be the best way to visit a wine cellar and includes a wine tasting paired with chocolate, cheese and pastel de nata’s. The guide will also be able to tell you about the history of Port winemaking and the cellars.
Miradouro da Vitoria
Porto has many great viewpoints. This is a great place to stop and enjoy the stunning views of the city and the river.
Wander Rua das Flores
This street is lined with tons of restaurants, cafes, boutiques and galleries for you to enjoy. If you are lucky, you may also catch a performance like I did on my way back from dinner.
Igreja do Carmo
Igreja do Carmo is another stunning church covered in beautiful white and blue tiles. The inside of the church is equally as beautiful as the outside. It is located just down the street from Livraria Lello so it makes for a great stop after the bookstore.
Igreja dos Carmelitas
This church is actually located right beside Igreja do Carmo and at first actually looks like one big church. The two churches are actually separated by a one-metre wide house. Although it is connected to Igreja do Carmo, it does not have a tiled exterior. The inside, however, is beautifully decorated with an abundant use of gold leaf.
Tile Painting Class
This is the perfect activity if you’re looking to escape the heat for a couple hours or on a rainy day in Porto. You will learn about the culture and history of the Portuguese tile and you will get to design your own. The class is about 2 hours long and you will get to enjoy some cocktails while painting your tile. Keep in mind you will have to return an hour later or the next day to pick up your tile as it’ll need an hour to dry. I booked this class and had such a great time.
Boat Tour
A great way to see Porto is from the water. You can take a 1-hour boat tour that takes you through the six bridges of Porto. Alternatively, if you do a day trip to Douro Valley, you will likely get there by boat.
Day Trip to Douro Valley
If you are a wine lover than I highly recommend taking a day trip to Douro Valley. The area is absolutely stunning and you can’t go wrong with a wine tour. You can go own you own or book a tour, which is what I would recommend. You will be accompanied by a guide on the tour that will explain the wine making process and the history of the estate. This is a great way to spend the day and lunch is included.
Palacio Da Bolsa
Palacio Da Bolsa is also known as the Stock Exchange Palace and is absolutely stunning. It was built in 1850 with the interior being finished in 1910. The centerpiece of the building is an octagonal dome with glass panels.
Fado Show
Fado is the national song of Portugal and recognized by UNESCO. It is a very emotional and dramatic song and a great thing to watch live. There is tons of options to see a Fado show but I recommend buying a ticket here. A glass of port will be included in this ticket.
Jardins do Palacio de Cristal
This is another stunning garden with great views. If you have time to make the trek here, I recommend going at sunset and enjoying the views. Bring some drinks and enjoy the beautiful gardens. After you enjoy the sunset, head to Restaurante Antiqvvm for a fantastic fine dining meal.
