Looking for things to do in Porto right now?

After welcoming travelers for centuries, I’ve noticed something interesting. The people who fall in love with me the fastest usually do one thing differently:

They slow down and explore my neighborhoods.

Not just the famous spots, but the places where everyday life happens — where locals drink coffee, argue about football, and eat dishes that haven’t changed in decades.

So instead of giving you a checklist of things you have to do, let me show you a few of the places where I think I shine the most.

THINGS TO DO IN PORTO

If you’re looking for places to visit and things to see, this guide to my favorite things to do around Porto should help. I’ll share a few local tips and introduce you to some of the neighborhoods that make me who I am.

Things to do in Porto: Ribeira neighborhood

Ribeira is one of my most famous neighborhoods. Right in the heart of the old town, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Travelers usually recognize it by its colorful houses and narrow streets that still feel a bit like the Middle Ages. I must warn you, though: it’s lively, busy, and full of energy. I adore it! And if you’re not looking for peace and quiet, you probably will too.

• Metro station: São Bento Railway Station is the closest stop;
• Where is the love: Prepare yourself for the beauty of São Bento Railway Station. Tip from me: visit at night if you want to avoid the crowds;
• What to see: Visit Porto Cathedral, Bolsa Palace and Church of São Francisco;
• Where to eat: Prices are higher in this area, but don’t miss out the special menus at Adega São Nicolau (reminds me of Grandma’s cooking): or O Rápido (the octopus fillets, the roasted short ribs, and the bean stews… are to die for!); or Gazela (one of the places that my friends from Taste Porto took Anthony Bourdain when he was visiting);
• Where to go for a drink: Wine Quay Bar (tiny, charming, with a spectacular view) and Prova Wine Bar (there’s nothing to dislike in this place, trust me);
• Where to watch the sunset: Vitória Viewpoint;
• Where to take the kids: Cube fountain (Fonte do Cubo) in Ribeira Square.

Things to do in Porto: Cedofeita neighborhood

Cedofeita sits close to many of my most important monuments, yet far enough from the late-night crowds. Families with children often feel very comfortable here.

• Metro station: Carolina Michaelis or Lapa;
• Where is the love: Rua Miguel Bombarda, my little art district, full of galleries, vintage shops, record stores, and cozy tea rooms;
• What to see: Casa da Música and the church of Our Lady of Lapa (catholic church housing the heart of King Pedro IV, given to the city by the king himself as a way to thank all citizens for the extreme courage they had when supporting him during the civil war);
• Where to eat: Emotivo and Muu SteakHouse;
• Where to go for a drink: Catraio and Rota do Chá;
• Where to watch the sunset: Praça de Mouzinho de Albuquerque;
• Where to take the kids: LEA – Food & Drinks.

Things to do in Downtown Porto

Downtown is not ideal for light sleepers. But… if you want to experience my nightlife, this is where it happens. Here you’ll find Rua de Santa Catarina, the historic Bolhão Market, and my central avenue, Avenida dos Aliados. Old traditions and new ideas mix here every day.

• Metro station: Aliados;
• Where is the love: Bolhão Market. It’s loud, lively, and the ladies who work there know more about food than most cookbooks;
• What to see: Aliados Avenue (some call it the heart of Porto, others the party hall), Carmo Church (with its famous blue and white tiles) and Galerias de Paris (this area may go unnoticed by day but it completely lights up at night);
• Where to eat: Taxca, Ostras e Coisas and Flor dos Congregados;
• Where to go for a drink: Fábrica da Picaria and A Cave Do Bon Vivant;
• Where to watch the sunset: From the top of Clérigos Tower;
• Where to take the kids: Rua das Flores.

Things to do in Porto: Bonfim neighborhood

The Bonfim neighborhood was once named one of Europe’s coolest neighborhoods by The Guardian. It’s only about a 20-minute walk from downtown, but it feels very different. Fewer tourists, more locals, and a slower rhythm. Two places I’m particularly fond of here are Jardim de São Lázaro (my first public garden) and Cemetery of Prado do Repouso (my first public cemetery). Surprisingly peaceful places, both of them.

• Metro station: 24 Agosto, Heroísmo or Marquês;
• Where is the love: Curl up with a cat at a place called O Porto dos Gatos;
• What to see: Visit Senhor do Bonfim Church, Porto’s military museum and make your own traditional Porto tile at Gazete Azulejos;
• Where to eat: Casa Nanda, Atrevo, Euskalduna Studio and Vegana By Tentúgal (if you are vegetarian);
• Where to go for a drink: Armazém da Cerveja (portuguese craft beers are the bomb!);
• Where to watch the sunset: Fontaínhas Viewpoint;
• Where to take the kids: Jardim Paulo Vallada and Parque de Nova Sintra.

Things to do in Porto: Foz neighborhood

Foz do Douro used to be a small fishing village on my western edge. Today it’s where people come when they need a little sea air and a slower pace. Families love it here… and honestly, so do I.

• Tram: Take the historic Porto Tram Line 1 from Infante all the way to Foz. The ride along the river is half the fun;
• Where is the love: Felgueiras lighthouse, built in 1527, during Portugal’s nautical expansion;
• What to see: Spend your days at the beach;
• Where to eat: Pedro Lemos restaurant and Confeitaria Tavi;
• Where to go for a drink: Panorâmico is on the 4th floor of the Hotel Boa-Vista and is the perfect place to enjoy a few glasses of Port wine along with some cheese;
• Where to watch the sunset: And the Panorâmico view…have I mentioned the view from up there?
• Where to take the kids: Passeio Alegre Garden.

These are just a few of the places where I think I show my best side. But here’s something I’ve learned after meeting travelers for more than 900 years:

The people who enjoy me the most aren’t the ones trying to see everything. They’re the ones who walk slowly, eat slowly, and allow themselves to get a little lost along the way. So take your time. And don’t forget to smell the camellias.

I’m very happy you’re here!

Yours truly,
Porto ❤

PS: This content was originally published on our Taste Porto app, where we share carefully curated tips, local insights, and practical recommendations to help you make the most of your stay in Porto, Portugal. You can download it on the Google Play or the Apple App Store.