The first time I visited Porto, I literally had to pick my jaw up off the ground. This city is ridiculous—in the best possible way. Those colorful houses tumbling down to the river, the way the sunset lights up the port wine cellars, and don’t even get me started on how the locals can make you feel like family within minutes of meeting them.
I’ve explored a lot of beautiful places in Portugal, but Porto hits different. The Livraria Lello alone is worth the trip—picture the most gorgeous bookstore you’ve ever seen, then multiply that by ten (seriously, the staircase looks like it’s flowing like red wine). Ready to see my 12 favorite spots that make Porto an absolute knockout? Let’s dive in!
Best Things to Do in Porto
Looking for the coolest things to do in Porto? Climb the iconic Clérigos Tower for panoramic city views, relax in the scenic Crystal Palace Gardens, and walk across the historic Don Luis Bridge for breathtaking river sights. Experience the coastal charm of Foz do Douro, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or architecture, here are the top attractions to visit in Porto.
1. Clérigos Tower
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 🏛️, view seekers 🌆, photographers 📸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Baroque architecture, panoramic city views, intricate stone carvings, stunning bell chamber
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing the 240 steps for 360° views, exploring the attached church, capturing sunset from the top
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace – Luxury hotel with Belle Époque charm in the heart of Porto
Need the ultimate Instagram backdrop? Clérigos Tower has views that’ll make your followers insanely jealous. This iconic 76-meter Baroque landmark stands proudly in northern Porto’s historic center.
I couldn’t believe the panorama after conquering its 240 spiral steps. The reward? Sweeping vistas from the Douro River to the Atlantic. Below, the attached Clérigos Church showcases exquisite marble and gold-leaf detailing.
Visit late afternoon when golden light bathes the terracotta rooftops. The tower sits just minutes from bustling Aliados Avenue and trendy Galerias de Paris street. After dark, nearby bars and restaurants come alive with locals enjoying Porto’s vibrant nightlife.
The surrounding area offers excellent shopping and dining options. Don’t miss the adjacent Livraria Lello, often cited as the world’s most beautiful bookstore.
2. Crystal Palace Gardens
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🌿, peacock spotters 🦚, relaxation seekers 🧘♀️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Manicured gardens, riverside setting, romantic pavilions, resident peacocks, breathtaking Douro views
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching peacocks roam freely, picnicking with river views, exploring the themed gardens, sunset strolls
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Crowne Plaza Porto – Elegant hotel within walking distance of the gardens
Desperate for a midday wine break with a view? Jardins do Palácio de Cristal offers the perfect escape just west of Porto’s center. These spectacular gardens provide a refreshing retreat from city exploration.
Peacocks strut freely throughout the grounds, adding unexpected photo ops to your visit. From here, you’ll enjoy postcard-worthy vistas of the Douro River and Vila Nova de Gaia across the water.
The gardens feature distinct themed sections. Don’t miss the romantic Rose Garden and aromatic Herb Garden. Belle Époque gazebos provide perfect sunset viewing spots.
Located in the Massarelos district, these gardens sit a short walk from the Romantic Museum. Nearby, the Soares dos Reis Museum showcases Portuguese art in a former palace. The western waterfront below connects to downtown via scenic riverside paths.
3. Dom Luis Bridge
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture enthusiasts 🏗️, urban explorers 🚶, sunset chasers 🌅
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Double-deck iron architecture, sweeping river views, connects Porto’s historic center with Vila Nova de Gaia
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking across the upper deck at sunset, viewing Porto’s riverfront from the middle of the Douro, watching boats pass below
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Eurostars Porto Douro – Riverside hotel with bridge views and easy access to both banks
Want to walk between two cities in five minutes? Dom Luis I Bridge lets you do exactly that. This magnificent double-deck iron arch spans the Douro River between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
The upper deck offers the most spectacular viewpoint in the city. From here, Porto’s colorful Ribeira district unfolds to your north while Gaia’s port wine cellars beckon from the south.
Designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, this 1886 engineering marvel once held the record for world’s longest iron arch. The metro line crosses its top level while cars use the lower deck.
The bridge connects Porto’s riverside Ribeira neighborhood with Gaia’s Jardim do Morro. Both ends offer funiculars and cable cars to avoid steep climbs. Time your crossing for sunset to witness the river bathed in golden light.
4. Foz do Douro
- 🏆 Best For: Ocean lovers 🌊, lighthouse enthusiasts 🗼, promenade walkers 🚶♀️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Meeting point of river and ocean, rocky Atlantic coastline, historic lighthouse, elegant seaside promenade
- 📸 Top Experiences: Walking the Pergola da Foz, watching waves crash against Felgueiras Lighthouse, sunset beach strolls, dining with ocean views
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Vila Foz Hotel & Spa – Luxurious 19th-century mansion with ocean views and upscale amenities
Craving both city buzz and beach vibes? Foz do Douro offers this perfect combo just 15 minutes west of downtown Porto. This upscale district marks where the mighty Douro River meets the wild Atlantic.
The stunning Pergola da Foz creates perfect framed shots of the ocean. Beyond it, the 19th-century Felgueiras Lighthouse stands defiantly against crashing Atlantic waves.
Small golden beaches dot the shoreline between dramatic rocky outcrops. The neighborhood blends historic mansions with modern luxury apartments. You’ll find the city’s most exclusive restaurants along Avenida do Brasil.
Tram #1 provides scenic transportation between Foz and downtown. Nearby, the Serralves Museum showcases contemporary art in beautiful gardens. The coastal promenade continues south to the massive Matosinhos Beach, popular with surfers and seafood lovers.
5. Palácio da Bolsa
- 🏆 Best For: Architecture admirers 🏛️, history enthusiasts 🕰️, luxury seekers ✨
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Neoclassical exterior, opulent Arab Room with gold leaf detailing, grand staircase, intricate wood carvings
- 📸 Top Experiences: Guided tour of the ornate interior rooms, admiring the Arab Room’s Moorish splendor, exploring the former stock exchange halls
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Pestana Porto – A Brasileira – Elegant hotel in historic building close to the palace
Ever wondered where Porto’s elite made their fortunes? Palácio da Bolsa reveals the city’s prosperous trading past. This 19th-century stock exchange building sits in Porto’s historic center, steps from the riverfront.
The unassuming Neoclassical exterior hardly prepares you for the opulence within. The showstopper is the breathtaking Arab Room, adorned with over 18kg of gold leaf in intricate Moorish patterns.
Guided tours take you through the grand Pátio das Nações with its impressive glass dome. The magnificent marble Grand Staircase demonstrates the wealth of Porto’s merchant class.
Located in the UNESCO-listed historic district, the palace neighbors the Gothic St. Francis Church. The surrounding Ribeira area offers charming narrow streets lined with traditional restaurants and shops. Infante D. Henrique Square provides easy orientation nearby.
6. Parque das Virtudes
- 🏆 Best For: Sunset watchers 🌅, urban garden lovers 🌳, photography enthusiasts 📸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Terraced gardens, spectacular river views, historic city walls, hidden urban oasis
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching sunset over the Douro, photographing the terraced landscape, relaxing with locals, enjoying Porto’s best natural viewing platform
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Flores Village Hotel & Spa – Charming accommodation in a renovated historic building near the park
Hunting for Porto’s best sunset spot? Locals will direct you to Jardim das Virtudes. These terraced gardens cascade down a steep hillside in Porto’s western historic center.
The park preserves sections of medieval city walls while offering uninterrupted views across the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia. Strategically placed benches invite lingering as the sun sets.
Once a vineyard, today it’s where Porto residents gather for sunset drinks. The multiple garden levels feature shady trees and flowing water features. Photographers love capturing the terraced landscape.
Located near the Miguel Bombarda art gallery district, the park sits a short walk from the Clérigos Tower and Porto Cathedral. Below, the Vitória neighborhood offers authentic local restaurants. The Miragaia riverside area stretches east toward the bustling Ribeira district.
7. Peneda-Gerês National Park
- 🏆 Best For: Nature lovers 🍃, wildlife enthusiasts 🦌, hikers 🥾
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Portugal’s only national park with dramatic mountains, crystal-clear waterfalls, ancient oak forests, and traditional stone villages
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in natural lagoons, spotting Garrano wild horses, hiking ancient Roman roads, exploring remote mountain villages
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Pousada Gerês-Caniçada – Charming mountainside hotel with stunning lake views
Escape the digital world and discover Peneda-Gerês, northern Portugal‘s ultimate adventure playground just 90 minutes from Porto. This wild paradise spans 70,000 hectares of granite peaks and emerald valleys. I’ve never felt more refreshed than after swimming in the park’s natural lagoons surrounded by ancient oak forests.
Castro Laboreiro village offers authentic mountain culture with stone houses and local gastronomy. Don’t miss the Tahiti Waterfall for Instagram-worthy dips or the 2,000-year-old Geira Roman Road. Spot Garrano wild horses roaming freely across meadows.
Visit in spring for wildflower explosions or autumn when misty valleys create the perfect backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
8. Porto Cathedral
- 🏆 Best For: History buffs 📜, architecture admirers 🏛️, photography enthusiasts 📸
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Imposing Romanesque architecture, intricate azulejo panels, panoramic views from the terrace, centuries of layered history
- 📸 Top Experiences: Admiring the Gothic cloister, exploring the silver altarpiece, viewing 14th-century azulejo tile murals, capturing sunset from the cathedral terrace
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Pestana Porto – A Brasileira – Elegant hotel in a historic building steps from the cathedral
Get your ultimate Porto power shot at the commanding Porto Cathedral perched atop the city’s highest hill in the historic center. This 12th-century fortress-church dominates the skyline with its twin towers and battle-ready appearance.
Step inside to witness Portugal’s architectural evolution. The exterior screams medieval might while interior details reveal Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical additions. The stunning blue azulejo tiles in the cloister are my favorite hidden gem in the city.
Head to the cathedral terrace for the most spectacular viewpoint in Porto. Come at golden hour when sunlight transforms the terracotta rooftops cascading toward the Douro River into a photographer’s dream canvas.
9. Porto City Park
- 🏆 Best For: Families 👨👩👧👦, joggers 🏃♀️, picnickers 🧺
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Portugal’s largest urban park with Atlantic Ocean frontage, serene lake, manicured gardens, and wildlife habitats
- 📸 Top Experiences: Cycling the seaside promenade, birdwatching around the lake, enjoying outdoor concerts, watching sunset over the Atlantic
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa – Luxurious accommodation within walking distance of the park
Reset your urban mindset at Porto City Park, where 83 hectares of green space meets the crashing Atlantic waves along Porto’s western edge. This massive outdoor playground offers the perfect work-life balance with scenic running trails and sunset yoga spots.
Rent bikes to explore the park’s diverse ecosystems. The western section connects to Praia Internacional beach, where you can dip your toes in the ocean. Inland paths wind around tranquil lakes perfect for peaceful picnics away from Porto’s busy center.
Visit Sunday mornings when locals jog, cycle, and brunch among blooming camellias in winter or wildflower meadows in summer. The atmosphere feels distinctly local and refreshingly authentic.
10. Povoa de Varzim
- 🏆 Best For: Beach enthusiasts 🏖️, casino-goers 🎰, seafood lovers 🦞
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Golden sand beaches, traditional fishing culture, Belle Époque architecture, lively summer atmosphere
- 📸 Top Experiences: Relaxing on pristine beaches, trying your luck at the historic casino, sampling fresh seafood at harbor restaurants, exploring traditional fishing neighborhoods
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Axis Vermar Conference & Beach Hotel – Beachfront accommodation with direct access to Povoa’s golden sands
Discover the beach escape that Portuguese professionals flee to when Porto heats up. Just 30 minutes north, Povoa de Varzim has six kilometers of golden coastline without international crowds. The town balances traditional fishing heritage with sophisticated resort amenities.
Praia da Lagoa offers the perfect urban beach day with waterfront dining and rental loungers. Venture to Bairro Norte fishing district to see colorful boats and techniques unchanged for generations.
After beach time, try your luck at the elegant Casino da Póvoa dating back to 1934. I couldn’t believe the seafood’s freshness at the harbor restaurants – from boat to plate in hours. Visit the morning fish market to see the day’s catch being auctioned.
11. Ribeira Square
- 🏆 Best For: Atmosphere seekers 🌇, photographers 📷, history enthusiasts 🏛️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: UNESCO World Heritage setting, colorful medieval buildings, riverside promenade, vibrant street life
- 📸 Top Experiences: Enjoying fado music at riverside cafés, photographing the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, taking a traditional rabelo boat cruise, wandering narrow medieval alleys
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Pestana Vintage Porto – Historic hotel housed in 16th-century buildings right on the square
Experience Porto’s beating heart at Ribeira Square, where your Instagram feed and culinary dreams merge in one UNESCO-listed location. This medieval riverside plaza has buzzed with energy as the city’s commercial and social hub since the 13th century.
Multicolored narrow buildings create the perfect backdrop for people-watching at outdoor cafés. Street performers provide soundtracks to riverside dining experiences as boats navigate the Douro below.
The iconic Dom Luís I Bridge frames every photo, while traditional wooden rabelo boats add authentic character. Visit at dusk when golden lights transform the scene into magic. The narrow alleyways leading from the square invite exploration of Porto’s oldest neighborhood.
12. Serralves Park
- 🏆 Best For: Art aficionados 🎨, garden lovers 🌸, architecture admirers 🏛️
- ✨ What Makes It Beautiful: Harmonious blend of contemporary art, Art Deco architecture, and meticulously designed gardens with surprising sculptural elements
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the Contemporary Art Museum, wandering through the formal gardens, discovering hidden art installations, attending outdoor concerts and events
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Torel Avantgarde – Design hotel celebrating art and artists, located near Serralves
Elevate your cultural game at Serralves Park, Porto’s answer to MoMA meets Central Park in one stunning 18-hectare package. This western district sanctuary houses Portugal’s premier contemporary art museum designed by Pritzker winner Álvaro Siza Vieira.
The surrounding park rivals the art collection with formal gardens, woodland paths, and unexpected sculptures. The pink Art Deco Serralves Villa adds architectural eye candy with its 1930s elegance and period furnishings.
Check the calendar for Serralves em Festa, Europe’s largest contemporary arts festival. Walking through the meticulously maintained hedges and reflective pools feels like stepping into a living gallery where nature becomes the most impressive installation of all.
- Read next: 12 Unique Things to Do in Porto
