Porto is easy like Sunday morning. So whether you’re having a lazy Sunday or looking for a Sunday Funday, here are our favorite things to do on a Sunday in Porto. Check it out!
Things to do on a Sunday in Porto
#1 Get up early to watch the sunrise in the company of beautiful peacocks
Let yourself be charmed by the “Jardim do Palácio de Cristal”. The entrance is free and it’s worth a visit!
#2 Ignite your day with timeless delights at the oldest bakery in town
Padaria Ribeiro is the oldest bakery in town – open since 1878! It’s great for a light snack such as the veal pot pie or the mini almond tart. They are very famous for the cookies, which are very appreciated with afternoon tea, particularly on Sunday, at grandma’s.
#3 Head to Igreja do Carmo for a classic snap in front of the blue and white tiled mural
There’s a saying that goes like this: “any Portuguese town looks like bride’s finery – something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue”. That’s so absolutely true!
#4 Enjoy the amazing scenic views at Miradouro da Vitória
This is a place not to be missed. Watch the Douro river flow from afar and fall in love with the city again.
#5 Visit São Bento Train Station
It’s absolutely mind-blowing what’s happening in this train station. Over 20,000 Portuguese tiles – “azulejos” – reflecting scenes from the history of Portugal – stretch from floor to ceiling. Go at night to avoid the crowds.
#6 Don’t miss the chance to have an amazing Portuguese meal
As for Sunday meal recommendations, here are our top picks for a Sunday lunch in Porto:
- Brasa dos Leões: very simple barbecue place, but the servers are kind and the food is good. This is one of our favorite places downtown to have the typical piri-piri chicken. Inexpensive and always good!
- Cervejaria Brasão: none of our top 5 places for francesinha is open on Sunday, so that is why we’re not recommending any of them to you. This is a very good alternative!
- Ostras & Coisas: the name says it all: Oysters & Stuff. Another restaurant that is very focused on fish. If the grilled John Dory is available, you should try it!
- Mistu: fine dining bistro for dinner only. BEAUTIFUL place!! The menu changes very often and the inspiration is South American and Asian, “with a touch of Portugueseness”, as the owner would say.
- Bacalhau: down by the river, with an amazing view of the bridge, serving delicious snacks. Very focused on fish (and cod, of course, hence the name). It doesn’t take reservations.
- Fuga: this means an Uber/taxi ride, but it’s really worth it. Amazing view over the mouth of the river and a good vibe. For a drink at sunset or for a meal. The sea bass with risotto is quite nice.
#7 Visit the oldest lighthouse in Portugal
The lighthouse São Miguel o Anjo, located in Foz, was built in 1527, during the golden days of Portugal’s nautical expansion and it was designed by an Italian architect, Francesco de Cremona.
#8 Take a stroll at Parque da Cidade
Not far from the lighthouse, you can visit “Parque da Cidade”, an urban park with 83ha of land, a couple of lakes, and it even has an oceanfront. One can spend a day between the park and the beach.
#9 Take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean
Not everyone knows, but the metro in Porto takes you to the beach. You can reach the coastal city of Matosinhos in less than half an hour from Trindade station.
#10 Watch the sunset at Passeio das Virtudes
This is the go-to place for a romantic pink-and-orange sunset right on the Douro river. Porto sunsets are a serious game. Grab some Portuguese craft beers and lupini beans and enjoy the amazing view.
So here you have it: our top 10 things to do on a Sunday. Have fun like there’s no tomorrow with the best things to do on a Sunday in Porto.
