If you’re wondering what to do in Porto when it rains, this guide covers the best indoor activities in town (yes, Porto Food Tours included).
Rain might change your plans in Porto, but it opens the door to a different kind of adventure. So whether you are an art lover, a foodie, or simply a traveler looking for a cozy escape, the city has something for everyone. So here’s how to make the most of your time in beautiful Porto when the weather isn’t cooperating.
What do do in Porto when it rains
1. VISIT PORTO’S MUSEUMS
Porto itself feels like an open-air museum, but it also houses several indoor museums that are worth visiting. The Serralves Museum, designed by the famous Portuguese architect Siza Vieira, is a must-visit for contemporary art lovers and is the second most visited museum in Portugal. Another excellent choice is the Portuguese Centre of Photography, located in a former prison in the city center. Visit one of these museums in Porto to stay warm and dry on a rainy day!
2. PEEK INSIDE AN ART GALLERY
In addition to museums, Porto is home to numerous art galleries. On Miguel Bombarda Street, you’ll find a vibrant collection of galleries featuring both local and international artists. Strolling through this area makes for a peaceful, inspiring afternoon when the weather’s less than ideal.
3. WARM UP WITH PORTO’S FAMOUS PORT WINE
Is there a good place in Porto for wine tastings on a rainy day? Well, that depends on how far you’re willing to go. A rainy day in Porto is perfect for exploring the numerous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the Douro River. Many cellars offer guided tours with tastings, where you’ll learn about the wine-making process and the history of this iconic beverage.
But if you’d rather stay in the heart of Porto, downtown has its own treasures. Join a port wine tasting on our Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour to explore hidden corners and meet local experts who can entertain you when it rains in Porto. They pour more than just wine; they pour passion, history, and a bit of Porto’s soul. Enjoying a glass of port wine while watching the rain fall outside can be a delightful experience. Book now, tickets tend to disappear fast!
4. ATTEND A FADO CONCERT IN PORTO
While Fado music is historically associated with Lisbon, many restaurants in Porto now host Fado nights, where you can enjoy a meal alongside beautiful live music. Popular venues include Casa da Mariquinhas and Capela Incomum. Check out our Porto Travel Blog for more information on Fado on a rainy day in Porto.
5. TOP CULINARY EXPERIENCES IN PORTO WHEN IT RAINS
Rain is the perfect excuse to indulge in local flavors. Try Porto’s specialties, like Tripas à Moda do Porto and Bacalhau à Gomes Sá. For a richer experience, join a Porto Food Tour and let locals guide you through the stories and flavors that make Porto cuisine unforgettable. Or, dive deeper into Portuguese cuisine with a cooking class on rainy Porto, where you’ll prepare and enjoy traditional dishes, connecting with the culture hands-on.
6. VISIT HISTORIC MARKETS
Porto is home to historic markets that are well worth exploring, even on a rainy day. Mercado do Bolhão is the most famous, with local vendors selling fresh produce, meats, and artisan goods. Take a stroll through the stalls of Bolhão Market, sample local delicacies, and pick up some souvenirs. The bustling market atmosphere offers a taste of daily life in Porto – no sun required -, where you might even spot one of our tour guides showing visitors around on our Downtown & Bolhão Market Food Tour.
Psss… Join our Downtown & Bolhão Market Food Tour to discover what to do in Porto when it rains!
7. ESCAPE TO COZY BOOKSTORES (OTHER THAN LELLO BOOKSHOP)
Livraria Lello may be Porto’s most famous bookstore, but it’s not the only one worth visiting. Find a quiet corner in a lesser-known bookstore in Porto, grab a new read, and let the rain create the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of reading.
8. DO A CAFÉS AND TEA HOUSES TOUR IN PORTO
Sometimes, all you need is a warm drink and a comfortable seat. Porto has no shortage of inviting cafés, each with its own character. Try Café Guarany, one of the city’s oldest, or C’alma Coffee Room, which offers a laid-back atmosphere and great pastries. Treat yourself to a local dessert as you watch the rain from a warm and inviting space.
9. INDULGE IN A WINE BAR IN PORTO
Looking for Porto’s best wine bars to brighten up a rainy day? Porto’s wine bars are a natural extension of its culture. Visit a local wine bar and savor Portugal’s award-winning reds, whites, and, of course, more port.
10. CHECK OUT CINEMA TRINDADE
Cinema Trindade is a must-visit in Porto. Originally built in 1913, this historic cinema has undergone numerous transformations, closing its doors in 2000 before reopening with four daily screenings. While the subtitles are in Portuguese, the selection includes a wide variety of international films, from French and English to Spanish. Don’t expect the typical blockbuster lineup! And here’s the secret sauce: just across the street is a restaurant reimagining Porto’s iconic dishes for vegetarians. Francesinha without the meat? Tripas with a twist? It’s all there, at Nem Carne Nem Peixe restaurant, waiting for you.
11. VISIT A SPA AND WELLNESS CENTER ON A RAINY DAY IN TOWN
If relaxation is what you’re after, Porto’s spas and wellness centers provide the perfect escape on a rainy day. Many offer treatments from massages to facials. Consider booking a spa day in Vila Foz Hotel to pamper yourself. After a long day of exploring, it can be a wonderful way to unwind. Take a scenic ride on bus 500, which drops you right at the hotel’s entrance, making it easy to reach on a rainy day.
12. EMBARK ON A SHORT DAY TRIP FROM PORTO
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a short day trip from Porto. Matosinhos, a coastal town nearby, is famous for its seafood. Just a 30-minute metro ride away, it offers waterfront dining with fresh, flavorful seafood, and the chance to experience Portugal’s coastline, rain or shine. Or, explore the beaches, but be prepared for windy conditions.
Tips for Enjoying Porto When it Rains
WEATHER PREPAREDNESS
Porto’s rain is manageable if you’re prepared. Pack an umbrella, wear waterproof shoes, and dress in layers to stay comfortable as temperatures shift. Porto boasts a warm, temperate Mediterranean climate. In winter, you can expect daytime temperatures between 50-60°F (10-18ºC) and cooler nights at 40-50°F (5-10ºC). Sounds like summer in many places, right?
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Porto’s excellent public transportation system makes it easy to get around on rainy days. Get an Andante card for unlimited travel and experience Porto like a local. Checking transit schedules and the Porto weather forecast can also help you plan your activities better.
Indoor Activities in Porto on a Rainy Day
Now that you’ve explored these indoor activities in Porto on a rainy day, you already know that rainy days don’t need to be dull. With a plethora of indoor activities, cultural experiences, and culinary delights, there is always something to do. Porto shines even when the sun hides behind clouds. For more ideas on what to do in Porto when it rains, check out our full list of experiences in the city.
Enjoy your stay!
Your Foodie Friends in Porto
