Things to do in Porto

Things to do in Porto

Top 10 Things to do in Porto

Experiences for every interest

All Things to do in Porto

Explore Porto with a local of your choice

Learn about their personal stories, and find out how you can explore Porto together

What other travelers love about our local experts

Dale
About local
6 March 2025
Fun in Porto

Vera was very fun to spend time with, and sample some of the yummy food in Porto

cemcneely56
About local
18 February 2025
Our Porto Experience with Mayumi.

We enjoyed Mayumi’s tour tremendously. Her extensive historical and cultural knowledge provided a wonderful experience wandering through Porto’s sites.

Alexandra
About local
9 February 2025
Excellent tour

Me and my husband had a wonderful time with Miguel yesterday! He took us around to try some delicious traditional foods and drinks, told us a lot about Porto and Portugal in general and I gotta say that was a fantastic experience. We fell in love with the city and cannot wait to come back. 10 out of 10!☺️

4bcqh92n8b
About local
5 February 2025
Amazing walk around The City

Theresa met me at my hotel & we set off to see the sights & buildings I had expressed an interest in. Theresa was good company and knowledgeable. During her guided walk she gave a concise account of the history - I complemented her on her ability to make her talk relevant & to the point. She knew that I had wanted to use her tour as a familiarising myself with Porto walk. She achieved her aim as today I set off myself to explore & as a result of her guided walk yesterday I found my way around At the end of our walk along the river She kindly walked me to The Funicular so that I could make my way back to my hotel without having to walk uphill. I would recommend Theresa’s tour as she is intelligent and articulate & good company.

A coastal city known for its magnificent architecture and natural beauty, Porto is a city that boasts many colours and flavours, combining a decadent history with a more modern vibe that attracts hip crowds from across the world. Porto welcomes travellers with open arms with plenty of things to do, check out below some incredible options!

  • See the beautiful Sao Bento Station

    This train station is a major transportation hub of the city but is it’s Beaux arts style architecture that brims with a culturally- rich history, making it one of the most beautiful train stations in the world.

    Built in 1903, Sao Bento was once a Benedectine monastery that was rebuilt into a masterpiece and designed by Jorge Colacao. The stunning design includes over 20,000 ceramic tiles that line the walls, illustrating a fascinating past. The first stone was actually laid by King Carlos I himself! This is a major destination for tourists alike but you can still get the local touch by grabbing a Portuguese custard tart at a nearby bakery on Rua Loureiro.

  • Go dance Forro

    Off the beaten path of touristy nightclubs, many locals reject the billboard charts and opt for a night of dancing up a storm to the rhythm of Forro. Forro is a type of Brazilian music and a dance that originated in the Northeast that combines elements of Zamumba, triangle and accordion. With 25% of the foreign population in Portugal being Brazilian, it makes sense they would have taught the Portuguese a thing or two about how to party!

    Club Ceuta features a live Brazilian percussion band on Saturdays, but to get your fix during the weekdays, head to Galerias de Paris on a Thursday for lessons. It doesn’t matter what day, you local guide can find the perfect Forro place for you. So, grab a partner and swing your hips to the contagious dance of Brazilian Forro, one of the top things to do in Porto!

  • Cruise along the Douro River

    One of the top things to do in Portugal is undoubtedly seeing the coastal landscape. When it comes to scenic waterways, Porto is on top of its game! The Douro River sits between Porto and it’s neighbouring region Vila Nova de Gaia, with several bridges that cross over including the famous Dom Luis bridge.

    Your local guide knows that starting at Cais Ribeira is the most scenic route to take and its best to go down the “ribeira” using a Rabelo-a boat that used to carry Port wine barrels in the olden days, so just follow their lead! If you’re not in the mood for a cruise why not sit by the shore and take in its beauty? Enjoy the cooling breeze from the river with your local host and experience all the Douro has to offer.

  • Porto wine tasting with a local

    When visiting Portugal, it should be on your bucket list of things to do in Porto to try its famous Port wine. Wine cellars and lodges all sit next to the riverside in Vila Nova de Gaia, making it easy to spend a full day hopping from one to the next. For an authentic local experience follow your guide to the smallest wine cellar with more local brands that you can’t find elsewhere that easily!

    Vinologia is a great place to start your search as it has over 200 different Ports to try. Learn a thing or two through private guided tastings from knowledgeable locals who truly know what Port wine is supposed to taste like and the history behind it. Your local guide will be able to answer your questions on things like the aging process and technique and with all that wine talk you may end up bringing a bottle (or a case) home!

  • Enjoy the view through the eyes of a local

    Miradouros (which means viewpoints) are scattered all over Porto since the city is full of hilly cobblestoned roads that grant opportunities to get a fantastic view of the city’s gorgeous landscape. Centralized in a Jewish neighbourhood, from Miradouro Da Vitoria you can see not only the colourful houses but also several cathedrals, the Douro river and wine cellars.

    Miradouro Virtues is considered to be more of a hidden gem that locals frequent because the wind from the riverside keeps it cool on those hot and humid days. Catch the magnificent views of the sunset and listen to an old local tale from your guide that says that when you look down you’ll see a fountain with water that’s believed to cure diseases. And, if people-watching is your thing, visiting these viewpoints are one of the top things to do in Porto, since you can observe local passerbys and take in the buzzing energy around you.

  • Find some deals at the local Bolhao Market

    Markets are without a doubt one of the top things to do in Porto to get the local vibe of the city, as locals of the city know that,this is where they can get the best deals and the freshest products.

    Visit the Bolhao Market with a local and you’ll be amazed at the lively energy of the market in the early morning on Friday and Saturdays. Stalls with fresh produce, cheeses, olives, smoked meats, pottery, sausages and breads are plentiful and when accompanied by a local that speaks the language, you’ll easily score a deal. Bargains aside, another great thing is that everything is incredibly fresh-you’ll literally see fresh fish lying outside to dry, most likely caught from the Atlantic Ocean earlier that morning.

  • Explore the other side of Porto in Vila Nova De Gaia

    Vila Nova De Gaia is easily identifiable by its Port wine cellars and lodges but although it matches Porto’s iconic architecture, it’s still truly a hidden gem as it never gained quite as much popularity as it’s sibling. Located south bank of the Douro river facing Porto, you will not have to worry about crowds of tourists in this district as it is generally quieter so you can enjoy your sightseeing in peace.

    Locals reside here to avoid the noise and chaos of the touristy neighborhoods but just because it’s quieter doesn’t mean it doesn’t have plenty of things to offer. Go to one of the many rooftop terraces to enjoy the breathtaking views and parks like the Jardim de Morro, where you can also go to enjoy a nice picnic. So, if you want to see the other side of Porto (literally!) then Villa Nova de Gaia is your best bet!

  • Stroll along the roads of the Miradouro

    This is definitely an up and coming district of the city and one of the top things to do in Porto. As you stroll along, there’s a great selection of local bars and cafes to stop in for a drink.  One of the highlights of Miragaia is its ancient buildings that were constructed below the river and once served as a hub for boats being built in the shipyard during the iconic Discoveries era. Your local guide can show you and explain all about them!

    What makes this district incredibly picturesque, and visiting its ultimately one of the best things to do in Porto, is the array of colorful houses in pastels that are incredibly pleasing to the eye. The celebratory vibe of this area is evident during the Sao Joao do Porto festival, where locals of Miragaia rejoice during midsummer. Ask your local guide when this festival takes place and maybe you will be luck enough to go!

  • Learn a thing or two in a cooking class with a local

    The pride of Portugal lies in their cooking and after having a bite of their classic Francesinha dish or Caldo Verde soup you’ll understand why! By immersing yourself in the local gastronomic culture, you will get a chance to grasp a deeper understanding of some seriously delicious recipes from locals in the area who know their stuff!

    Learning how to cook meals from the source is the ultimate way to get to know the country’s heritage and can be a real bonding moment for you and your local host. Your friends and family will be impressed with the culinary skills you picked up from your travels and your fond memories of the adventure will stick with you every time you prepare the dish yourself, making this one of the top things to do in Porto!

  • Enjoy a home cooked meal with a local!

    You don’t really know a city until you’ve tasted it’s cuisine. With a gastronomic heritage as rich as Porto’s, your local host will be more than happy to share with you the mouthwatering delights the Portuguese have to offer.

    Home cooked meals are made with love and there is nothing better than an experience to try food that you’ve never had before. You get to learn so much culture and the many stories behind these traditional meals when feasting with your local host. They throw in that extra spice that you would only know to add if you were from the area and the Portuguese are known to encourage you to eat more and more, so expect to be satisfyingly full by the end of the meal!

Fun things to do in Porto

The best way is the local way! From amazing day trips to exclusive cooking classes, your local host will show you some unique things to do on your private tour in Porto! With so many activities to choose from, your bucket list will be growing by the minute! Get to know the local flavors at a private home dinner, taste your way through cured meats, quince marmalade and delicious cheeses as you discover some beautiful things to see with your local host. History buffs will love listening to the stories of the Camo and Carmelite Church, strolling along the remains of the city walls and shopping for fine fabrics in unique boutiques. Simply let your local host know where your hobbies and interests lie, and they will know just where to go to find the best things to do in Porto! Getting to know Porto with a true local who knows the city in depth is priceless! You’ll be discovering where to go for the best kept secrets, uncovering hidden gems and exploring unique things to see on your private tour. Whether you prefer to take a day trip to the enchanting Duoro Valley or discover the true flavors of Porto closer to home, your local host will be by your side to show you the top activities in Porto! If you’re deciding on the best activities to do in Porto, a WithLocals private tour that is 100% customizable is the perfect place to start. With your local host to show you the way, you’ll discover all the fun things to do in Porto in the way that suits you. Let your friendly host know the things you would most like to see, and they will arrange it all locally for you!

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