The 30 best things to do in Porto

What is it? It is one of the most emblematic bookstores in the country — and the world. It is right in the centre of Porto and is part of its historical heritage.

Why go? It was born in 1906 at number 144 Rua das Carmelitas. And it remained there until today, with the neogothic architecture that characterizes it, the carved wood, the golden columns and the ornate ceilings that form a unique calling card. But this historic building is not only there to be admired, and about 300 thousand books per year also come out of the high shelves distributed on both floors.

Don’t miss: If you are a fan of the Harry Potter saga, know that this bookstore served as an inspiring setting for author J.K. Rowling, who lived in Porto.

What is it? It is one of the biggest (if not the biggest) ex-libris of the city. And the tour through Invicta (another name for Porto) is not complete without a visit to this monument. It's like heading out to Rome and not visiting the Pope.

Why go? The project for a bell tower was presented by the architect Nicolau Nasoni in 1753. Construction started the following year and took nine to finish. The inauguration happened in 1763 after the iron cross was placed at the top and the image of Saint Paul in the niche above the door. In Baroque style, this tower was built on an uneven street. Congratulations to the artist!

Don’t miss: One of the best views of the city is at the top of this tower 75 meters high, but to enjoy it you will have to climb 225 steps. It will be worth it, we promise.

What is it? It is one of the favorite terraces in the city for locals (and tourists) for a drink at the end of the day, which often lasts into the night.

Why go? The sun is shining here for the most desired hours of the day, ideal for a light lunch and an afternoon spent in good company. As far as snacks are concerned, Aduela has cheese boards and open toasts that are well worth it. A bonus? Animals are welcome, so bring your four-legged friend.

Don’t miss: The good wine offer and the national preserves that are served here. There is something for everyone, from sardines in tomato sauce to the sardine fillets in olive oil.

What is it? For us, the best place in town to eat Francesinha, the beloved Porto-style sandwiches.

Why go? It has become, for several years, the site of choice for Porto and tourists when the goal is to devour a Francesinha made with high-quality ingredients. Tip: go early or go patiently to wait in line.

Don’t miss: Francesinha Santiago is made with mortadella, fresh sausage, sausage, steak, ham, cheese, egg and hand-cut fries. And it is accentuated, of course, with the sauce that made it famous.

What is it? It is one of the best restaurants of traditional Portuguese food in the city, where dishes are made with the expertise and love of the old days.

Why go? There are many reasons, but the friendly service, in true Porto style, the busy and peculiar esplanade on the São Nicolau stairs and the proximity to the river are some of the characteristics that make this restaurant a true box office success.

Don’t miss: The freshly-baked cod dumplings that arrive on the table as soon as you sit, octopus fillets with rice, and the famous cow tongue stewed with peas. Everything here is great, the difficult thing is choosing what to go for.

What is it? It is a store/gallery, an essential on any illustration tour of Porto, which serves as a launching pad and maturation space for young artists, both local and international.

Why go? In addition to original works, here you will find prints, books, t-shirts, tote bags, among many other things that you will want to take home with you. Mariana A Miserável, Ana Seixas, David Penela, Angela Dalinger, Maria Imaginário and Tina Siuda are some of the illustrators who give colour to the walls of this space, in the most artistic quarter of the city.

Don’t miss: Ó! Galeria is in Miguel Bombarda, the arts quarter. While you are here, get to know the many galleries in the area.

What is it? It is one of the oldest areas of the city and one of the most beautiful as well. The landscape over the river and the Rabelo boats (a traditional Portuguese wooden cargo boat used to transport people and goods along the Douro River) that cross the waters make the delights of tourists and locals alike.

Why go? Lose yourself in the narrow streets of Porto, full of ups and downs, colourful houses and caricature nooks. Charge your camera and phone battery before you arrive, because it will be almost impossible trying not to snap everything here. It also has good restaurants, bars and shops worth visiting.

Don’t miss: Visit Casa do Infante, to learn more about the historical evolution of this area of ​​Invicta, or take a leap at the beautiful Palácio da Bolsa.

What is it? Chocolataria Equador is a brand, 100% Portuguese, made of handmade chocolate. In Invicta there are stores in Rua Sá da Bandeira, Rua das Flores and Rua Sousa Viterbo.

Why go? There are a thousand and one reasons to want to visit the shops of Chocolataria Equador, as you might imagine. But the bonbons, the truffles, the roasted cocoa beans, the chocolate bars and the hot chocolate are, of course, the main ones. Look at the beautiful illustrations and design of the packaging, also made there, that cover the sweets.

Don’t miss: In this store, in addition to selling chocolate, they also harmonize it with coffee or Port wine. If you want to try it, there are special tasting sessions (€12-15, depending on choice).

What is it? Claus Porto is a brand of soaps and fragrances that has survived monarchies, republics, dictatorships and revolutions over its 130 plus years.

Why go? The first thing you see when you enter this space, where the Porto Marionette Museum once operated, is the store itself. There you can buy all the famous products, from classic soaps to body creams and colognes. On the second floor, there is a gallery where the history of this four-generations and counting brand is told over four generations., through hand-drawn drawings, lithographs, photographs and newspaper clippings.

Don’t miss: Monthly workshops where you can learn how to make these products. In addition, there is a traditional barbershop every Saturday.

What is it? It is one of the most iconic spaces of the Invicta to stroll around. There are eight hectares of gardens that welcome the Crystal Palace.

Why go? People have been strolling through these gardens since the nineteenth century, when they were designed by the German landscape architect Émille David. Nowadays, you can also expect peacock families, which is always a delight. This green destination is a must-visit for those addicted to strategic viewpoints with panoramic views of the Douro and the city. If you think the use of the word 'addicted' is excessive, just you wait.

Don’t miss: The panoramic views, the Almeida Garrett Municipal Library, the Romantic Museum of Quinta da Macieirinha and the Palace itself, which always has good exhibitions.

What is it? It is in the Andresen House in the Botanical Garden and is the first Living Science Centre dedicated to biodiversity.

Why go? First, for the scientific and artistic journey that this gallery provides, where art crosses with biology and natural history, stimulating a series of sensory experiences. Then get lost in the Botanical Garden that inspired several works by the Portuguese writer Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen.

Don’t miss: The skeleton of a whale found in 1937, the very realistic Charles Darwin wax sculpture and the two selfie spots.

What is it? Put simply, one of the best meat restaurants in the Greater Porto region. It is in Leça da Palmeira and is the ideal spot for carnivores.

Why go? First, the high quality of the meat served there. Then, for the whole surrounding scenery. Installed in a shipping terminal, the whole concept revolves around this: one enters by tunnel as one does when entering a plane, there are suitcases at the entrance of the restaurant and the menu is a passport.

Don’t miss: Sarrabulho potatoes, Black Angus with smoked rice, onion rings and spinach mousse and the Decadente de Chocolate, a cake with three textures.

What is it? It is one of the busiest places in Porto’s Baixa and a great start to your day. Why? They make the best pancakes in town.

Why go? Besides being tall, fluffy and very tasty, the visitor gets to choose the batter used. There are six options, covering plain, chocolate, oatmeal, vegan, blueberry or Oreo cookie. As for the toppings, there is a bit of everything, from fresh fruit, granola, ice cream balls and Nutella to peanut buttercreams.

Don’t miss: The salty pancake with cheese, bacon and garlic and herb butter. Better yet, just plump for the seasonal pancake, made with whatever ingredients happen to be in season at the time. 

What is it? First it was a basement, now it's a basement- museum. Those responsible for the Sandeman cellars created a museum that contextualizes and tells the history of this brand of Port.

Why go? Coming to Porto and not visiting one of the Port Wine cellars is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. This granite building, built in 1797, houses an impressive collection of paintings, photographs, ceramics and antique bottles, of one of the port's most international brands. Every year they host more than 150,000 visits.

Don’t miss: The explanation of Don, the mythical and mysterious lord in black of the logo created in 1928, dressed in the typical Portuguese students' cape and Spanish sombrero. And, of course, one or two glasses of Port wine. Or three. Okay, fine, four.

What is it? It is one of the most important museums of the country and the first public museum, although with another name and address at the time.

Why go? The museum has a vast collection of paintings from the 16th to the 20th centuries, ceramics, sculpture, engraving, jewellery and textiles. On the walls of this museum you will find paintings by great Portuguese artists such as Henrique Pousão, Silva Porto, António Carneiro, Aurelia de Souza or Amadeo de Souza Cardoso. In addition, the institution also receives temporary exhibitions.

Don’t miss: When you visit the museum, admire the work "O Desterrado" (1872), by the artist who gave the house its name. This is a mandatory stop.

What is it? There is an older brother in Foz, but this one, which opened in 2016, quickly became one of the busiest bars in Baixa.

Why go? Because of the low light, the antique-furnished walls and the good drinks, this is the ideal place to gather friends to chat before or after dinner. Or both. Yeah, definitely both. The menu is full of international beers, good whiskeys and various cocktails.

Don’t miss: Every week a new craft beer is offered, the perfect accompaniment for watching football with a mountain of snacks in front of you. 

What is it? It is a vegetarian restaurant full of tasty, greasy (yes, it is possible), and creative dishes, which gains new converts every day.

Why go? If you think that vegetarian food is all green and always tastes the same, Época is the ideal place to visit to smash those preconceptions into smithereens. The dishes are made with seasonal products, and the space is decorated in the Nordic style, very clean and full of natural light.

Don’t miss: The incredible sauteed brown rice malt with a reduction of soybeans, homemade kimchi, sautéed mushrooms, fried egg, fresh coriander and roasted peanuts, as well as Turkish eggs, fried, served with seasoned greek yoghurt.

What is it? It is close to the upper board of the bridge D. Luís and is a fantastic viewpoint for the historical area of ​​Porto. Not only that, but it is also a beautiful green space.

Why go? Walking from the centre of Porto to this garden is a good way to get to know the city. The upper deck of the D. Luís bridge guarantees you a panoramic view but, in the garden, you can concentrate on the Porto landscape that alone is already worth it. The proximity to the Serra do Pilar is also a plus.

Don’t miss: A sunset lying on the grass, a visit to one of the markets that take place in this space and a cable car ride are always good ideas.

What is it? It is one of the best-known pastries of Porto, such is the quality of its excellent éclairs. Every day 2,500 are made and that number doubles over the weekend.

Why go? Leitaria Quinta da Paço was established way back 1920 in Paços de Ferreira as a dairy factory and still continues to respect that tradition. Its whipped cream, for example, continues to be made only with cream and sugar, as it was in the '50s. The result is a crispy éclair on the outside, because of the choux mass, and very sweet and creamy inside, thanks to the whipped cream.

Don’t miss: Try the classic, our favourite, or maybe try the lemon, the dark chocolate, the caramel and the crunchy one. Fine, try them all.

What is it? It is one of the most eclectic spaces of Invicta, where music, art, food, drinks, cafes and parties meet.

Why go? For many reasons. This space, just in front of the Porto Coliseum, is a cultural producer extraordinaire, with an artistic conscience and an always-open door to the city. It hosts concerts, plays, exhibitions, artistic residences, drinks at the end of the day and parties all night long.

Don’t miss: Go to Vícios de Mesa, the Maus Hábitos restaurant, with many vegetarian options: from the wood-fired pizzas to the falafel, to the salads and lasagne.

What is it? It is one of the most iconic venues in the city, it hosts concerts of various musical genres all year long. It has a restaurant at the top and a cafe on the ground floor.

Why go? There is always something happening at Casa da Música. The calendar is dynamic and innovative and filled with from resident groups such as the Symphony Orchestra, Remix Ensemble and the Baroque and Choir Orchestra. The musical spectrum you'll find here goes from classical music to avant-garde urban trends.

Don’t miss: Get to know this work by the architect Rem Koolhaas through expert-guided tours. The best of all? The amount covers the purchase of a ticket for a concert at Casa da Música.

What is it? It is a store where everything is local, handmade, vintage and focused on sustainability.

Why go? Because you will be able to buy various things, from accessories and clothing to decorations, plants and furniture. The owner, Rita Dixo, upcycles everything from urban garbage or damaged objects and produces pieces that are then sold in the store. There you will also find one of the most beautiful and photogenic doors in the city.

Don’t miss: Meet the Local Food Lab every Thursday, with a kitchen, a terrace and a library room with guests from various areas. Booking ahead is a must.

What is it? A traditional grocery store, founded in 1917, which began as a shop dedicated to tea, coffee and spices. In the meantime, the offer was expanded and now the sausages, the Serra cheese and the candied fruit stand out.

Why go? The imposing façade, in the Art Nouveau style, catches the attention of those who pass and deserves to be appreciated. But it's what’s inside that makes you want to come back. Here you will find almost everything you need, such as cookies, almonds, olive oil, many wines and sausages, all in a family atmosphere.

Don’t miss: Charcuterie, nuts and cod must always be considered on a trip to Pérola do Bolhão.

What is it? The Royal Cocktail Club is a speciality cocktail bar, housed in a 100-year-old building in Baixa. It also happens to be one of the best on the planet.

Why go? Because the stars of the house are the signature cocktails, idealized and prepared by four prodigious mixologists with plenty of experience in the field. There are also alternatives without alcohol, mocktails, which bring all of the fun without any of the day after problems.

Don’t miss: On the lower level, where reservations are a must, there are board games that involve alcohol (of course), a good time and friends. Not necessarily in that order, but you get the point.

What is it? A Michelin star restaurant of fine dining cuisine with very few seats, an open kitchen and a menu that changes depending on the season.

Why go? Get that palate ready for a real party. The tasting menu at Euskalduna is sure to become one of the best dining experiences of your life. Want a tip? Try and nab a seat by the counter to get a sneak peek into the kitchen, where the magic happens.

Don’t miss: The dishes are never the same, but everything is a must. Make your reservation, put on your finest clothes and prepare for magic.

What is it? It is a mandatory place to visit during a night out. It is in the Paris Galleries (Galerias Paris) and has a busy concert schedule worth paying attention to.

Why go? Firstly because on the top floor there is a bar with large sofas and armchairs that invite you to have a drink with friends. And then, because on the lower floor, which is accessed through a grand staircase, there are two dance floors with different music styles for throwing a variety of shapes.

Don’t miss: Theme parties take place regularly, and things tend to stay rowdy until six in the morning. Yes, 6. 

What is it? One of the most important national institutions, a veritable conveyor belt of historical and cultural heritage, composed by the Museum, designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira. It is found next to the Casa de Serralves (Serralve's House), a gorgeous example of Art Deco architecture.

Why go? The Serralves Park, with its great diversity of harmoniously interconnected spaces, is a reference in the landscape patrimony in Portugal. There is no shortage of things to do here, from getting up close and personal with nature to visiting the sculptures that make up the impressive collection. 

Don’t miss: In addition to the temporary exhibitions, there are many other permanent exhibits that will enrapture art lovers of all shapes and sizes.

What is it? To get a handle on the cultural health of Porto, this is the place to go. Together with the Carlos Alberto Theatre and the Monastery of São Bento da Vitória, it serves as a stage for the main cultural events in town.

Why go? If the shows it hosts aren't reason enough, you can always visit this theatre for the ornate and imposing architecture that it is famous for. It was officially inaugurated on May 13, 1798, under the name of Real Theater of St. John, by King João VI.

Don’t miss: Check out the possibility of guided tours that will take you to the showroom, the rehearsal room, dressing rooms and technical areas.

What is it? It is a mandatory stop in the city. Here are the best hot dogs in Porto, which bring people of all ages and professions together, as only hot dogs can.

Why go? Because for more than 50 years the art of cachorrinhos (small hot dogs) has been front and centre of this place's popularity. On a normal day, more than 300 are served, each as good as the last. The bread is thin and crispy and the cheese is melted, arguably the three most inviting words in the English language. In the end, it is all brushed with butter and hot sauce. No, you're drooling.

Don’t miss: Accompany your cachorrinho with one or two cold beers (finos) and go catch a show at the National Theater São João, which is right next door.

What is it? This garden is at the rear of the Justice Palace and is developed on a series of steps. It is here that lives the largest Ginkgo Biloba in Portugal, a tree with about 35 meters.

Why go? As the day begins to approach its end, locals gather in this garden, one of the most sought after in Invicta, for a good time among friends. Do not be surprised to see people of all ages here, playing musical instruments and admiring one of the most beautiful views of the river Douro. Simply gorgeous.

Don’t miss: Join one or two friends, order some beer from the bars around and enjoy the beautiful sunset. Porto doesn't get more blissful than this.