Oh, autumn in Porto!
This season holds a special place in our hearts. There’s something about walking through downtown Porto with nowhere particular to be, simply watching the autumn sunlight caress the buildings, the streets and people’s faces as the first cold and rainy days begin to arrive.
It’s hard to put into words just how good Porto feels this time of year. So grab your coat, leave some room in your stomach, and come experience it for yourself. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Porto in October.
What to do in Porto in October
#1 Eat your way through Porto
Let’s start with the obvious one: eat. October is a wonderful time to discover Porto through its food. The temperatures are cooler, soup season is back, and the city’s traditional dishes somehow taste even better when there’s a little autumn chill in the air.
Our Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour takes you on a 3-kilometre journey through classic Portuguese food and drinks, while telling the stories behind Porto’s history, architecture and culture. And yes, there’s Port wine involved. There’s even a Port wine masterclass at the end.
Rain or shine? Absolutely. Our guides are prepared for both.
#2 Grab a cone. It’s chestnut season!
Every city has its traditions regarding street food. In Porto, Autumn is the salty-roasted chestnut time! And if someone offers you an amazing Portuguese beverage – called Jeropiga -, you would be wise to accept it.
#3 Try Portugal’s most iconic soup
Porto’s soup weather is officially here, and nothing says “Portugal” like a warm bowl of Caldo Verde: potato, kale, olive oil and, traditionally, a slice or two of chouriço. Simple, comforting and deeply Portuguese.
#4 Climb Clérigos Tower
If you like to challenge yourself in every new city to visit the highest structure, let us tell you that in Porto that means climbing the famous Clérigos Tower. The Clérigos Tower was built between 1754 and 1763 and rises 75.6 meters (248 feet) high above the city of Porto. We assure you, no other spot gives you quite the same 360-degree view of the city.
#5 Catch FIMP’26
From 9–18 October 2026, Porto becomes a stage for the Festival Internacional de Marionetas do Porto (FIMP). Expect puppet and object theatre inspired by literature, poetry and stories from Portugal and beyond, with performances taking place across the city.
It’s a different way to experience Porto’s cultural scene and a good reminder that there’s much more happening here than the usual tourist checklist.
#5 Go full Tripeiro at Abadia restaurant
Head to Abadia restaurant, sit around a table and order Tripas à Moda do Porto, the dish that gave the people of Porto their famous nickname: Tripeiros. And please, don’t rush it. This is not a dish to eat standing up between sightseeing stops. Eat it properly: around a table, surrounded by loved ones, with enough time for conversation. That’s the Porto way!
#7 Visit the Cathedral of our great city
When locals talk about Porto Cathedral, they’re not just talking about the cathedral itself. They’re also talking about the historic neighbourhood surrounding it, one of the places we consider the very heart of Porto.
From here, let your eyes wander. You can spot São Bento railway station, Avenida dos Aliados, City Hall, Clérigos Tower and, in the distance, the Douro River.
And history happened here, too. In 1387, King João I of Portugal married Philippa of Lancaster at the cathedral. Their marriage strengthened the Anglo-Portuguese Alliance, one of the oldest diplomatic alliances still in force in the world.
#8 Indulge in a proper Portuguese coffee
There’s something special about experiencing the coffee culture of the place you’re visiting. So find a traditional Portuguese café, order a café, sit back and watch Porto go by. You don’t need an elaborate plan. In fact, this might be one of our favorite ways to spend an autumn afternoon in Porto. Sit. Sip. Watch. For a few minutes, you’re not a visitor anymore. You’re simply part of the city. Here are our favorite places to grab a cup of coffee in Porto.
9. Discover Porto’s most iconic corners
Yes, Porto has its classics: Avenida dos Aliados. Ribeira. Clérigos. São Bento. And you should absolutely see them. We’ve actually put together our favorite spots for those looking for the perfect Porto photograph. But please remember that the city is full of lesser-known corners that are just as beautiful.
#10 Plan your New Year’s Eve in Porto
Do you remember that time you wanted to have an unforgettable New Year’s Eve, but forgot to book something until late December, and by then everything was already booked or outrageously expensive? With this in mind, we have been scouring the city the hottest places for you to enjoy your holiday break in Porto while ensuring you have a safe and sound New Year’s Eve. This being said, here are some amazing possibilities to consider for New Year’s Eve in Porto.
#11 Dive deep into the tea world in Porto
Tea has a way of warming the soul and balancing your yin and yang. That’s why we respect so much the work of tea sommeliers. One of our favorite places to dive deep into the tea world used to be Cantinho das Aromáticas in the Porto district, which, unfortunately, is now closed to the public. Speaking of which, did you know that Inês de Castro and King Pedro of Portugal, the main characters of Portugal’s most tragic love story, lived for a short time in the place that is now Cantinho das Aromáticas?
#12 Walk through Porto with music in your ears
Add music to your menu. Sometimes the best thing to do in Porto is simply to walk. No museums or monuments. No carefully planned itinerary whatsoever. Just comfortable shoes, a coat, and a good soundtrack. We’ve curated a Porto playlist for different moods, because every city deserves its own soundtrack. Put on your headphones and see where Porto takes you.
And there you have it, some of the best things to do in Porto this October are right here. But oooh, this list could go on forever.
Porto is not cool in the way that trendy things are cool
It is cool because it is not trying to be cool, and that makes it the coolest.
Didn’t find the information you want? We’re happy to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to drop us an email at [email protected]
Enjoy your stay in town!
Taste Porto Foodie Team
