Porto, Portugal’s vibrant coastal city, is a tapestry of tradition, innovation, and irresistible charm. Known for its riverside wine cellars, terracotta rooftops, and cobbled streets, this city offers much more than the usual guidebook entries. If you’re a curious traveler yearning to dive beneath the surface, here’s your comprehensive list of Things To Do Porto—with a twist. This guide is tailored for first-time visitors who want to experience the city authentically, through local culture, hidden gems, and a few delightful surprises.
1. Discover the Ribeira—But Take the Long Way
Yes, the Ribeira district is one of the most iconic things to do Porto, but instead of going straight there, begin your walk from Miragaia. This quieter neighborhood gives you an unfiltered view of Porto life, where locals hang laundry over balconies and children play in alleyways. From there, follow the riverfront until you reach the Ribeira. The approach makes the experience feel like a slow reveal—a cinematic intro to Porto’s most picturesque corner.
2. Sip Port Wine—At a Hidden Family Cellar
Everyone will tell you to visit the famous Port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. But to make your things to do Porto list truly unique, opt for a small, family-owned cellar like Quinta dos Corvos or Cálem’s private tastings. Here, you’ll learn the real stories behind this fortified wine from the people who live and breathe it. It’s intimate, authentic, and a world away from tourist crowds.
3. Take a Tram Ride—Then Wander Off the Route
Tram 1 from Infante to Foz do Douro is on every list of things to do Porto, and for good reason. The vintage tram hugs the Douro River and gives postcard-worthy views. But here’s the twist: hop off before the final stop and explore the Passeio Alegre Garden and its surrounding neighborhoods. Few tourists walk this far, but the rewards include secret cafés, mural art, and some of the best sunsets in Porto.
4. Skip Livraria Lello, Read at a Hidden Literary Spot
Livraria Lello is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and naturally, it lands on most things to do Porto lists. But it’s often crowded. For a quieter, more meaningful literary escape, visit Gato Vadio—a cultural café and bookshop with soul. Located in Cedofeita, this cozy spot hosts book readings, indie film screenings, and coffee-fueled conversations with locals.
5. Taste Francesinha—But at a Local Dive
Tasting a Francesinha—Porto’s famous sandwich—is among the essential things to do Porto. Most tourists flock to Café Santiago, but locals might nudge you toward Bufete Fase or Lado B for a richer, spicier version. It’s a heavy dish layered with meat, sausage, cheese, and drenched in beer-based sauce. Order it with a cold Portuguese beer, and you’ve got yourself a true Porto experience.
6. Cruise the Douro River—With a Local Twist
Boat tours on the Douro are standard things to do Porto, but if you want something less commercial, book a private Rabelo boat ride with local operators. Some even include a glass of Port and stories from the boatmen themselves. You’ll see the bridges, the skyline, and the gentle waves of the Douro from a different perspective—personal and poetic.
7. Climb Clerigos Tower—Then Explore the Backstreets
A climb to the top of Clérigos Tower is a classic among things to do Porto, offering panoramic views of the city. But don’t stop there. The backstreets behind the tower lead into Galerias de Paris, a lively nightlife hub. During the day, these narrow lanes reveal stunning street art, record shops, and boutique cafés you won’t find in mainstream guides.
8. Enjoy Contemporary Art—At a Farmhouse-Style Museum
For art lovers, visiting Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art is one of the most enriching things to do Porto. But the true twist lies in its surrounding estate. Wander the gardens, admire the pink Art Deco villa, and don’t miss the treetop walk that lets you stroll through the canopy. It’s an immersive experience that blends nature and creativity beautifully.
9. Take a Cooking Class—Not Just a Food Tour
Food tours are fun, but one of the best things to do Porto is to actually learn how to cook a traditional Portuguese dish yourself. Sign up for a cooking class where you can make dishes like bacalhau à Brás or caldo verde, followed by a shared meal. It’s the perfect way to connect with Porto’s culture through your taste buds.
10. Watch the Sunset—From a Secret Rooftop
Watching the sunset over Porto is among the most romantic things to do Porto. While the Dom Luís I Bridge is a popular viewpoint, the locals head to Guindalense FC terrace or Mira Douro rooftop for a more relaxed vibe. Order a drink, soak in the view, and listen to local musicians play into the evening.
11. Explore the Street Art Scene
Few travelers realize that one of the most alternative things to do Porto is to follow its street art trails. From the massive rabbit sculpture made of recycled trash by Bordalo II to tucked-away murals in Campanhã, Porto’s graffiti is vibrant, political, and bursting with personality. Join a street art walking tour or explore solo with a camera in hand.
12. Visit São Bento Station—Then Look Beyond the Tiles
The tiled walls of São Bento Station are on every list of things to do Porto. But step outside and explore the Igreja de Santo António dos Congregados, right next door. This lesser-known church is equally stunning inside, and rarely crowded. The hidden chapels, frescos, and peaceful ambiance make it a worthwhile stop.
Final Thoughts: Porto, Beyond Expectations
Porto is full of postcard moments, but the real magic lies in its untold stories, unexpected turns, and warm encounters. Whether you’re here for the first time or the fifth, there are always fresh things to do Porto that go beyond the obvious. The secret? Take your time, follow your instincts, and don’t be afraid to go off the beaten path.
At 21 Sensations, we believe that travel is about connecting—with people, with culture, and with yourself. This guide is your invitation to experience Porto the way it deserves: honestly, curiously, and wholeheartedly.
