top of page
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Youtube

Top 10 Things to Do in Porto, Portugal 🇵🇹

Porto completely stole my heart. From tiled train stations to sunset views and soulful street music, this city is packed with experiences that blend culture, history, and pure magic.


In this guide, I’m sharing my Top 10 things to do in Porto, based on my own adventures in this riverside city. And don’t forget — you can watch the full countdown video on my YouTube channel, Divine Eye Adventures (👇https://youtu.be/sBTFI2_Lqyc?si=rp7ML4SVE7sNy01Y).


10) Ribeira & Gaia Riverfront

The Douro River is the heartbeat of Porto. Walking along Ribeira on one side and Vila Nova de Gaia on the other is the perfect way to start exploring. Cafes line the promenade, street performers fill the air with music, and colorful houses rise up the hillside. Don’t miss the rabelo boats floating on the river — a reminder of Porto’s winemaking heritage.

Rabela Boats on the Douro River with the Dom Luis I bridge in background
Rabela Boats on the Douro River with the Dom Luis I bridge in background

9) São Bento Train Station 🚉

This isn’t just a train station — it’s an art gallery. Over 20,000 blue-and-white tiles (azulejos) cover the walls, telling stories of Portugal’s battles, history, and culture. Even if you’re not catching a train, step inside and marvel at one of the most beautiful stations in the world.

Clock at Sao Bento Stations
Clock at Sao Bento Stations
Azulejos at Sao Bento
Azulejos at Sao Bento

8) Mercado do Bolhão

A lively food market where locals shop for produce, meats, and flowers. The newly renovated building has kept its historic charm, making it a great spot to experience Porto’s daily rhythm. Stop here for fresh snacks or just to soak in the atmosphere.

Cheese Stand at Mercado
Cheese Stand at Mercado
Pedestrian takes a bite
Pedestrian takes a bite

7) Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas)

You can’t miss this church, completely covered in dazzling blue-and-white azulejo tiles. The panels depict scenes from the lives of saints and are some of the most striking examples of tilework in the city.

Exterior of Chapel of Souls
Exterior of Chapel of Souls

6) Clérigos Tower

A true icon of Porto. Climb 240 steps up this baroque tower, and you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across the city and the Douro River. The climb is a workout, but the view from the top is unforgettable.

Clerigos Tower overlooking Porto
Clerigos Tower overlooking Porto


5) Street Performers in Downtown Porto 🎶

Some of my favorite moments in Porto weren’t tied to landmarks at all — they happened in the streets. Musicians, dancers, and artists bring Porto’s downtown to life, adding soul and spontaneity to every walk through the city.

College students performing on streets of Porto
College students performing on streets of Porto

4) Douro River Cruise & The 6 Bridges ⛴️

Seeing Porto from the water is a must. A river cruise takes you beneath six unique bridges that connect Porto and Gaia, each with its own story. From 19th-century engineering marvels to modern designs, the cruise blends history with incredible views of the cityscape.

Douro River Cruise
Douro River Cruise
Boat turning around with bridge in view
Boat turning around with bridge in view

3) Jardim do Morro Sunset 🌅

This hillside park is where locals gather to watch the sun dip below the horizon. We were lucky enough to capture it on the summer solstice, making the moment even more magical. Bring a blanket, grab a drink, and enjoy one of the best sunset spots in the city.

Summer Solstice sunset on Douro River from Jardim do Morro
Summer Solstice sunset on Douro River from Jardim do Morro

2) Wine Tour at Burmester 🍷

You can’t visit Porto without learning about — and tasting — its most famous export. Burmester offers an incredible tour of their cellars, where you’ll walk among aging barrels and learn how port wine is made. Of course, the tasting at the end is the highlight.

Burmester Winery
Burmester Winery
Barrels of Port Wine
Barrels of Port Wine

1) Explore the Streets of Porto 🚶

At the end of the day, Porto’s greatest gift is the city itself. Wandering through cobblestone alleys, discovering tiled facades, stumbling upon hidden squares, and soaking in the atmosphere — exploring the streets is the best way to fall in love with Porto.

Streets in Historic District set up for Festival
Streets in Historic District set up for Festival
Night time at a Miradoura overlooking the River
Night time at a Miradoura overlooking the River


Final Thoughts 💭

Porto is a city of charm, flavor, and unforgettable moments. From sunsets and wine to historic tiles and riverside walks, there’s something here for every traveler.

🎥 Watch my full Top 10 Porto Video here:


👉 Which of these would be YOUR #1 thing to do in Porto? Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear!

Cute Signage outside a shop
Cute Signage outside a shop

 
 
 

Comments


bottom of page