Looking for things to do in Porto right now? Continue reading to make the most of your stay.

Sun warming your skin, wind in your hair, the smell of comfort food in the air, and blue skies and red roofs adorning the landscape. Sound like a dream trip? This is Porto and I don’t want you to miss a thing in any of my neighborhoods.

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 in Porto has you covered. It includes local tips and information about the best Porto neighborhoods.

Things to do in Porto: Ribeira neighborhood

Ribeira is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Porto. Right in the heart of the old town, it is a World Heritage Centre, protected by UNESCO since 1996. It’s best known for its colorful houses and narrow old streets that remind me of the Middle Ages. I adore it and travelers (who don’t come looking for peace and quiet) will love it too!

• Metro station: The São Bento station is the nearest one to Ribeira in Porto;
• Where is the love: Get ready to have your mind blown away by the beauty of São Bento Train Station. Tip: Go at night to avoid 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 (a sweet little gem 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

Close enough to Porto’s most important monuments, but far away from the crowded nightclubs. Cedofeita is the perfect neighborhood in Porto for families with small children.

• Metro station: Carolina Michaelis and Lapa;
• Where is the love: Bombarda, the Art’s block of the city, with tons of contemporary art exhibitions, vintage shops, record shops, and 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 the extreme courage they had when supporting him during the civil war);
• Where to eat: My favorite restaurants in Cedofeita include 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

Not the best area for light sleepers. But if you want to experience Porto nightlife, look no further! Downtown Porto has a very “old meet new” vibe. It includes the emblematic Santa Catarina street, the centenary Bolhão Market and Porto’s central avenue – Aliados. In this area you’ll find many restaurants that are putting fresh spins on traditional Portuguese dishes. Check it out!

• Metro station: Aliados;
• Where is the love: Bolhão Market (the place is loud and fun and the adorable ladies who work there are food encyclopedias);
• 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: My top favorite restaurants include 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: At the top of the Clérigos Tower;
• Where to take the kids: Flowers’ Street (Rua das Flores).

Things to do in Porto: Bonfim neighborhood

Bonfim neighborhood was considered one of the coolest neighborhoods in Europe by the British newspaper The Guardian. It is only a 20-minute walk from downtown Porto. It is a non-touristy neighborhood and none of the main Porto attractions can be found in the area. Some of my favorite places in Bonfim include the first public garden in town – Jardim de São Lázaro – and the first public cemetery built in Porto – Cemetery of Prado do Repouso. Both places are the recipe for peace and quiet, so be sure to give it a try if that’s what you are looking for!

• 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: My top favorite restaurantes in Bonfim include 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

Located on the west side of Ribeira, Foz used to be a fishermen village. Now is the place to go when the doctor prescribes you a break by the sea. This area is highly popular with families with children.

• Tram: Take the Porto Tram 1 from the Infante tram stop all the way to Foz (and don’t forget to enjoy the spectacular river views);
• Where is the love: Felgueiras lighthouse, built in 1527, during the golden days of Portugal’s nautical expansion;
• What to see: Spend your days at the beach;
• Where to eat: My favorite restaurants in Foz include 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.

Here you have it: some of the things you should do in Porto right now. Don’t forget to travel slow and eat slower… and be sure to smell the camellias along the way.

I’m so happy to have you here!
Yours truly,
Porto