Can you believe it’s September already?
If you’re lucky enough to be in Porto this month, you’re in for a treat. Summer is slowly giving way to autumn, the days are still wonderfully warm, and the city’s calendar is packed with things to see, do, eat and drink. So, what should you do while you’re here?
We’ve put together some of our favourite things to do in Porto in September. From book fairs and craft beer to harvest season in the Douro Valley, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Let’s get started!
What to do in Porto in September
#1 GO TO PORTO BOOK FAIR
Every year in early September, the Porto Book Fair (Feira do Livro do Porto) takes over the beautiful Gardens of Palácio de Cristal. And it’s much more than a book fair. You’ll find free concerts, talks, performances, exhibitions and plenty of activities for all ages. It’s also a lovely way to spend one of those lingering late-summer afternoons, surrounded by books and some of the best views in the city. Can you think of a better way to ease into September? We can’t!
#2 RUN LIKE THERE’S NO TOMORROW
Feeling energetic? The Meia Maratona do Porto (Porto Half Marathon) is back in September, bringing runners from near and far to the streets of Porto. The race usually takes place on the third Sunday of the month, so lace up your running shoes and get ready to see the city from a very different perspective.
Not a runner? No problem. You can always cheer everyone else on from the sidelines! Just a quick reminder: this competition boasts the prestigious “Bronze” title, awarded by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).
#3 DRINK PORTUGUESE CRAFT BEER
Missed Porto Beer Fest? Don’t worry. Porto’s craft beer scene doesn’t disappear when the festival does. Some of our favourite breweries and beer spots are still pouring excellent Portuguese craft beer throughout September. Here are a few of our favourites
- Catraio, the craft pioneers of the city;
- Fábrica da Picaria, amazing craft beer brewpub in town;
- Armazém da Cerveja, the “Beer Warehouse” of Porto.
#4 TAKE THE TRAM IN PORTO
Porto’s trams are impossible to miss. They rattle through the city, climb steep streets and add a little extra charm to almost every neighbourhood they pass. But these old vehicles are much more than a fun way to get around. They’re part of Porto’s history. The first electric tram appeared on the city’s streets in 1895, and the network has witnessed more than a century of changes in Porto.
So hop on, grab a window seat and enjoy the ride!
#5 VISIT THE HANDICRAFT FAIR IN BATALHA
The Feira de Artesanato da Batalha, or Batalha Handicraft Fair, is a great place to discover some of the traditional crafts that have played an important role in Porto’s culture. It’s open every day from 9 am to 8 pm, making it an easy stop while exploring the city centre. And who knows? You might even find a unique souvenir to take home with you.
#6 BOOK A TASTE PORTO FOOD TOUR WITH US
Of course, we couldn’t write a list of things to do in Porto without mentioning food. September is a wonderful time to explore Porto on foot, discover its neighbourhoods and, most importantly, eat your way through the city.
Join us for a Porto Food Tour today and we’ll introduce you to the places, flavours and people that make Porto what it is. Rain or shine, we’ll be out there doing what we love: eating, drinking and sharing our city with curious travellers. (Just don’t leave it too late. Our tours can sell out!)
#7 MUSIC TO YOUR EARS
Head to Clérigos Church for one of its daily pipe organ concerts, held at noon.
#8 WHEN IN PORTO, EAT EAT EAT
Let’s be honest: you probably came to Porto with eating on your agenda anyway. But where do Porto foodies actually go to eat?
We’ve asked some of our foodie friends and people we trust when it comes to food for their favourite places to eat in Porto. From traditional restaurants to neighbourhood gems, this is what they said.
#9 THE HARVEST SEASON HAS ARRIVED
September marks one of the most exciting times of year in the Douro Valley: harvest season.
There’s no fixed date for the harvest to begin. It depends on the weather throughout the year and how the grapes have developed. But it usually gets underway in the second half of September. And if you’re visiting at the right time, you may be able to experience it for yourself.
Some wineries invite visitors to join the harvest, help pick grapes and even take part in the traditional grape-stomping. Yes, that means putting your feet to work in a vat of grapes. Some wineries even let you take home a little taste of the “fruits” of your labour. Imagine opening that bottle with your friends back home and saying, “I helped make this.”
Harvest is one of Portugal’s oldest wine traditions and one of the most genuine ways to experience the country’s wine culture. Several wineries in the Douro offer special harvest experiences, including Quinta do Pôpa and Quinta do Seixo, both of which we mention in our guide to a One-Day Trip To the Douro from Porto.
#10 JOIN THE FESTA DO OUTONO (AUTUMN FESTIVAL) IN SERRALVES
As summer officially gives way to autumn, Serralves celebrates with its annual Festa do Outono (Autumn Festival). Held during the first weekend of autumn, the festival is a family-friendly celebration filled with activities, performances and plenty of reasons to enjoy the gardens and grounds of Serralves. And did we mention it’s free? We hope to see you there!
And there you have it, some of the best things to do in Porto this September are right here. So take your time, explore beyond the obvious and, most importantly, leave some room for good food.
Enjoy your time in Porto!
Taste Porto Foodie Team
