The Best Things to Do in Porto (2026)

Porto is compact, atmospheric and full of character: the stacked houses of the Ribeira, the great iron bridge, tiled churches, a fairy-tale bookshop, port wine cellars and the Douro Valley on its doorstep. Here are the best things to do in Porto, with 2026 prices.

Quick answer: see the tiles at São Bento station (free), climb Clérigos Tower (€10), visit Livraria Lello (from about €8), tour the Palácio da Bolsa (€14), walk the Ribeira and over the D. Luís I bridge to taste port in Gaia, take the six bridges cruise (€18–20), and spend a day in the Douro Valley.

The classics

1. The Ribeira: Porto’s riverside, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Ponte D. Luís I: walk both decks; the top deck has the views.
3. São Bento station: about 20,000 azulejo tiles telling Portugal’s history. Free.
4. Clérigos Tower: 240 steps to a 360° view (€10 with the museum).
5. Livraria Lello: the famous staircase; book the first slot online.
6. Palácio da Bolsa: the dazzling Arab Room, by guided tour (€14).
7. Igreja de São Francisco: a Gothic church covered in gold, with catacombs (about €8).
8. The cathedral (Sé): free terrace views over the rooftops.

Port wine and food

• Port cellars in Gaia: tours and tastings across the river. See port tastings.
• Francesinha and pork sandwiches. See what to eat in Porto.
• Mercado do Bolhão: the restored market (closed Sundays).
• A food tour. See Porto food tours.

On the river and the coast

• Six bridges cruise: 50 minutes (€18–20). See cruises.
• Tram 1 to Foz: where the river meets the sea, with a lighthouse and beaches.
• Matosinhos: beaches and grilled fish.

Views and photos

Sunset at Serra do Pilar or the Jardim do Morro in Gaia, the Palácio de Cristal gardens and the tiled Capela das Almas. See Porto’s best photo spots.

Culture

• Serralves: contemporary art museum and park with a treetop walk.
• Casa da Música: landmark concert hall with guided tours.
• WOW (World of Wine): museums and restaurants in old port lodges.

Day trips

The Douro Valley, Aveiro, Braga and Guimarães, and Viana do Castelo. See the best day trips from Porto and Douro wine tours.

Plan your trip

• Itineraries: 1 day and 2 days.
• Where to stay: by area, with a view, boutique, hostels.
• With kids: Porto with kids.
• On a budget: free things to do in Porto.
• Tours: the best tours in Porto.

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