Porto might just be my favorite place in all of Portugal! When we first visited the country back in 2019, we actually skipped it — and after this last trip, I’m so glad we didn’t make that mistake again. It’s smaller, charming, and best of all… incredibly walkable.
Here’s a recap of my favorite things to do in Porto — from iconic landmarks to just wandering the streets — to help you plan your own visit.
Take a Walking Tour
We booked a walking tour for our first day using WithLocals, and it was such a great way to start the trip. You can choose your guide based on availability; we picked Victor, who was fantastic — super knowledgeable, personable, and not overwhelming with too much historical detail.
The tour gave us a great mix of history and local insight, plus recommendations for things to see and eat later in the week. I always love doing a walking tour early on — it helps me get my bearings and feel more connected to the city.
Visit Porto Cathedral
The Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) is a must-see. It’s not just a cathedral — there are Gothic cloisters, terraces, and outer grounds to explore, all with stunning architecture and tile work. Even if you’re not a huge “church person,” it’s worth a stop for the views alone.
Admire the Tile Work Around the City
Porto is famous for its blue-and-white azulejo tiles, and you’ll find them almost everywhere you look. Two of my favorite examples are the Chapel of Souls and Carmo & Carmelitas Churches (which are actually connected!). Both are beautiful and make for amazing photo stops if you love architecture or design.
Visit São Bento Train Station
Even if you’re not catching a train, stop by São Bento Station in the city center — it’s easily one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. The walls are covered with over 20,000 blue-and-white azulejo tiles that tell the story of Portugal’s history, from royal battles to rural life. It’s one of those places that makes you stop and just stare for a few minutes.
If you go in the morning, you can usually catch the light streaming through the windows, which makes the tiles glow even more. It’s a quick stop, but absolutely worth it — and a perfect photo spot.
Walk Across the Dom Luís I Bridge
You have to walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge — ideally on both the lower and upper levels. The upper level offers incredible panoramic views, but I’ll admit, it’s a little nerve-wracking (the bridge shakes slightly when the tram passes, which definitely got my heart rate up!).
The lower level is equally nice and lets you appreciate the bridge’s structure up close. Whichever route you take, take time to soak in the views of the Douro River and the colorful cityscape — it’s one of those “I can’t believe I’m here” moments.
Visit a Port Wine Cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia
Just across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, you’ll find countless port wine cellars — from small, family-owned spots to large, international producers. We chose to visit Cockburn’s, which has the largest collection of barrels in Porto.
One of the highlights was watching the coopers repairing barrels by hand — it’s such a rare sight! Since we had already visited smaller wineries in the Douro Valley, we enjoyed seeing a bigger operation this time around. The tasting was great, and the whole experience felt authentic and fun.
Stop by Livraria Lello
Yes, it’s touristy. And yes, it’s busy. But Livraria Lello is still worth it. Often called the most beautiful bookstore in the world and said to have inspired J.K. Rowling, it’s absolutely stunning inside.
If you can, try to book the last time slot of the day — it’s a little less crowded and gives you more time to actually enjoy the space. Even if you’re not a huge Harry Potter fan, it’s still a piece of Porto’s charm.
Just Wander
Honestly, one of the best things to do in Porto is… nothing structured at all. Just wander. The city is full of narrow, winding streets, cozy cafés, and local shops, with river views that seem to appear around every corner.
We always make sure to leave time for unplanned exploring on our trips — it’s the best way to slow down, soak in the atmosphere, and find those little moments you’ll remember most.
Final Thoughts:
Porto completely won me over. It’s the perfect mix of history, beauty, and laid-back charm — and the fact that you can walk almost everywhere just makes it even better. Whether you’re into architecture, wine, or simply good vibes and good views, you’ll fall in love with this city too.