Porto is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and is starting to be discovered by visitors coming to Portugal, so know the top things to do in Porto so that you don’t miss any Porto highlights

Porto is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond the main capital of Portugal. Known for its historic charm, stunning riverside views, and renowned port wine, Porto offers a unique and enchanting atmosphere that is becoming more and more popular.

From the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to the labyrinthic streets of Ribeira, the city captivates visitors with its rich heritage and picturesque landscapes. With its vibrant cultural scene, delectable cuisine, and warm hospitality, Porto promises an unforgettable journey for every explorer. I am always impressed when I visit Porto, so this post will tell you all about the top things to do in Porto but you are of course free to discover all the other Porto beautiful places on your trip.

THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN PORTO

The list of the top things to do in Porto is:

1. SAO BENTO TRAIN STATION (ESTACAO DE SAO BENTO)
2. CARMO CHURCH & CARMELITAS CONVENT (IGREJA DO CARMO E CONVENTO DAS CARMELITAS)
3. CLÉRIGOS TOWER (TORRE DOS CLÉRIGOS)
4. LELLO BOOKSTORE (LIVRARIA LELLO)
5. MAJESTIC CAFE (CAFÉ MAJESTIC)
6. STOCK EXCHANGE PALACE (PALÁCIO DA BOLSA)
7. CHURCH OF SAINT IDELFONSO (IGREJA DE SAO
8. CHAPEL OF SOULS (CAPELA DAS ALMAS)
9. PORTO CATHEDRAL (SÉ DO PORTO)
10. RIBEIRA DISTRICT (DISTRITO DA RIBEIRA)
11. DOM LUIS BRIDGE (PONTE DOM LUIS)
12. MORRO GARDEN (JARDIM DO MORRO)
13. ALIADOS AVENUE (AVENIDA DOS ALIADOS)
14. CHURCH OF SAINT FRANCIS (IGREJA DE SAO FRANCISCO)
15. BOLHAO MARKET (MERCADO DO BOLHAO)

Looking at a map this would be how these top things to do in Porto would be located:

SAO BENTO TRAIN STATION (ESTACAO DE SAO BENTO)

São Bento Train Station was inaugurated in 1916, built on the site of a former Benedictine monastery. Renowned for its stunning azulejo tile panels, which show historical and cultural scenes from Portugal, the station is a true architectural gem.

Over the years, São Bento Train Station became less busy for train connections but has now become a significant landmark to visit in Porto. I was very amazed by the bright yellow colors contrast with the stunning blue and white tiles, looks like an art gallery. And of course you can visit for free!

CARMO CHURCH & CARMELITAS CONVENT (IGREJA DO CARMO E CONVENTO DAS CARMELITAS)

The Carmo Church and Convent in Porto was built in the 17th century, and its architecture reflects the Baroque style of that period. The convent was home to the Carmelite Order and the church adjacent to it was a place of worship for nuns.

The tiles that ornament the church from the outside are one of the most beautiful to see in Porto and the church interior is also amazing to visit. The convent is linked to it and you can visit the old rooms, halls, catacombs and then a terrasse for a nice panorama of the nearby square and Clerigos tower. But the external facade will already make your visit here worth it!

Carmelitas Church is open Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, being closed on Sundays. Entry fee is 3.50€ per adult

CLÉRIGOS TOWER (TORRE DOS CLÉRIGOS)

The Clérigos Church and Tower were built in the 18th century and is considered one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The church was designed by Nicolau Nasoni and construction began in the mid-18th century, while the tower was completed in 1763.

The tower stands at approximately 75 meters (245 feet) tall and offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the Douro River from its observation deck. the church is in a beautiful oval shape full of orange and white marble, you can get a nice perspective from above when heading to the tower staircase.

The Clérigos Tower is open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Sunday. The entry fee to the Clerigos Tower is €6 for adults, and free for children under 10.

LELLO BOOKSTORE (LIVRARIA LELLO)

Lello Bookstore was opened in 1906 by the Lello brothers, and its stunning neo-gothic architecture was designed by Xavier Esteves, sometimes reminding of Gaudì’s style. The bookstore has become famous for its beautiful facade, intricate wood carvings, and a striking red staircase, which is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling in her Harry Potter series. J.K. Rowling lived in Porto for some time.

It has become very popular as Lello bookstore is considered by many the most beautiful in Portugal and one of the top 10 bookstores in Europe, but its worth the crowds and the entry fee, that you can anyways use as a discount when buying a book there. There are books in 6 languages, so surely you will find one for you. Make sure you head to the last shelves of the ground floor for the Harry Potter special books and merchandise section!

The Lello Bookstore is open from Monday to Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM. The entry fee is 5 euros, redeemable when purchasing a book. You need to reserve it online on the same day or prior to your visit, choosing a time slot.

MAJESTIC CAFE (Café Majestic)

Majestic cafe is one of the most beautiful cafes in Portugal, with an elegance dating to its early times in 1921, where it was the meeting point for the local elites.

Its Art Nouveau style makes it the most amazing icon of what luxury looked like back in the early 20th century in Porto , so definitely worth a stop for a coffee and a nice local pastry!

STOCK EXCHANGE PALACE (PALÁCIO DA BOLSA)

The Palácio da Bolsa in Porto was commissioned by the city’s Commercial Association in 1842, following the destruction of the Saint Francis Convent in a fire, to reflect the city’s commercial importance and wealth, opening in 1910.

The construction of the palace began in 1842 and took over 60 years to complete. the palace has a striking architecture, blending various styles including Neoclassical, Gothic, and Renaissance elements. Its now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and serves as a prominent cultural and event space in Porto.

I was especially amazed by its grand hall with the glass roof, the elegant staircase and the Arabic golden room that looks like you are in an 1,001 nights palace. The square outside called Ferreira Borges is also really beautiiful as well as the renewed market. Its location near Douro river makes it easy to find.

The Stock Exchange Palace in Porto is open Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, being closed on Saturday and Sunday. The entry cost is 10€ per adult and a mandatory guided tour of 30 minutes is included. There are tours in several languages so just select the timeslot you prefer.

CHURCH OF SAINT IDELFONSO (IGREJA DE SAO ILDEFONSO)

The Church of Saint Ildefonso in Porto was built in 1709 in Baroque and Rococo style. The church’s facade is adorned with stunning tiles, depicting religious scenes and motifs, a feature added in the 1930s. The interior of the church is really interesting, featuring ornate woodwork, gilded carvings, and an impressive altarpiece. But like other churches in Porto, its exterior is the highlight.

The opening times of the Saint Ildefonso Church are Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, closed Sunday. Its free of charge to visit.

CHAPEL OF SOULS (CAPELA DAS ALMAS)

The Chapel of Souls has for me the most stunning azulejo tile facades in Porto. Constructed in the 18th century, the chapel was initially designed as a wayside shrine to offer spiritual support to travelers. The distinctive blue and white tiles, added in the 1920s, depict scenes from the life of St. Francis of Assisi and the Passion of Christ.

Its located on one of the nicest pedestrian streets in Porto called Rua de Santa Catarina, making the way there really nice as the street has beautiful historical buildings as well as many shops.

The Chapel of Souls is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Sunday is closed.. Entrance to the chapel is free of charge.

PORTO CATHEDRAL (SÉ DO PORTO)

In 1110, Porto Cathedral was originally built in Romanesque style. Throughout the centuries, it underwent various renovations and additions, incorporating Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo elements. The cathedral’s imposing facade and interior are truly beautiful.

However the cloister inner courtyard for me steals the show with the many azulejo tile panels spreading across the arcade hallways and then on the 1st floor with many beautiful works. Some say J.K. Rowling also got some Harry Potter inspiration here. And outside the Cathedral there is beautiful panorama view of Douro River and the old town. From here there are several lovely narrow streets heading down to the river, so great place to lose yourself.

Porto Cathedral opening times are Mondays to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM, Sundays: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The ticket cost is 3€ for adults.

RIBEIRA DISTRICT (DISTRITO DA RIBEIRA)

Ribeira District in Porto has a rich history dating back to the Roman times, as Douro River made it a significant trade hub, Then it became very important for the fishing and shipbuilding, that has given its authentic flair of today.

What to See in Ribeira District, besides the Douro River, is the Ribeira Square and promenade to explore colorful buildings, lively cafes and restaurants, the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, an architecture marvel built by Gustave Eiffel school, walk its narrow streets to see some beautiful hidden alleys and take from here a Boat Tour along the Douro River. On a sunny day, its just the place to be and relax after a long day visiting Porto!

Check out also the lovely funicular by the end of the Ribeira promenade, past the bridge , as this 1893 funicular built by a French architect that studied with Gustave Eiffel, is a true historic experience as it passes near the old city walls of Porto and a is a quicker way to connect from Ribeira district to Porto’s uptown in just 5 minutes instead of climbing the stairs up. Here is the link.

DOM LUIS BRIDGE (PONTE DOM LUIS)

The Dom Luís I Bridge in Porto is an iconic symbol of the city near the Ribeira district. Designed by the Belgian engineer Théophile Seyrig, a former business partner of Gustave Eiffel, the bridge was completed in 1886. It was considered an engineering marvel of its time due to its double-decked metal arch structure. The lower deck initially accommodated trams, while the upper deck was used for pedestrian and road traffic. The bridge still connects the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I especially like walking on the top as it has stunning views of the Douro River, Porto’s old town and is also a great sunset spot. Do watch out for the trams here!

MORRO GARDEN (JARDIM DO MORRO)

Morro Garden is probably the most romantic place in Porto, with its perfect location to watch the sunset, the amazing view of Porto downtown and hearing the sound of local musicians playing international music that make the atmosphere simply unforgettable.

Even of its not a secret anymore, its well worth going here around 2 hours before sunset, enjoy a drink or an ice cream and let the day just wind down, before you head to dinner. You can access it via the higher deck of Ponte Dom Luis I or take the lift from the lower deck.

There is also a cable car that offers here a great panoramic ride on the side of Douro River, overlooking Porto city as it travels 600 meters from Gaia city center to Morro Garden in around 6 minutes. Check tickets and schedules here: https://gaiacablecar.com/en/

ALIADOS AVENUE (AVENIDA DOS ALIADOS)

The Avenida dos Aliados is the most beautiful boulevard located in the heart of Porto. Constructed in the early 20th century, the avenue is lined with grand buildings that showcase a diversity of architectural styles, including Neo-classical, French beaux-arts, and Art Deco. The name “Aliados” translates to “allies,” commemorating Portugal’s participation in World War I alongside Allied troops of England, France and the USA.

At the northern end of the avenue stands the imposing City Hall, a magnificent example of French-influenced architecture. The avenue also features the impressive statue of King Pedro IV atop a monumental column at its center. The avenue is often used for big city events and its well worth walking.

CHURCH OF SAINT FRANCIS (IGREJA DE SAO FRANCISCO)

The Church of Saint Francis, or Igreja de São Francisco in Portuguese, is a significant Gothic-style church in Porto. Built in the 14th century, this architectural masterpiece is renowned for its stunning interior, characterized by a wealth of intricate woodwork and exquisite Baroque adornments.

The main chapel is the biggest highlight with its an ornate altarpiece that serves as a captivating example of Baroque design, plus its catacombs, that provide a very unique glimpse into the historical and religious heritage of Porto. These underground chambers are adorned with human skulls and bones!

The Church of Saint Francis is open from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM everyday, with the entry fee being 4€.

BOLHAO MARKET (MERCADO DO BOLHAO)

The Bolhão Market in Porto dates back to the 19th century. Established in 1839, the market sells mostly fresh produce, meats, fish, and flowers. Over the years, the market has undergone several renovations and expansions and despite almost having been demolished, its now a symbol of the authentic Porto spirit.

It will be busy, but get ready for some action in the morning as the sellers try to convince you to buy their fish and vegetables instead of the other stalls, in a kund of ” vocal battle”! Its a lot of fun , so make sure you get there early to see it in full swing.

The Bolhão Market in Porto is open from from Monday to Saturday, from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, being closed on Sundays.

Have a look to my other Portugal travel posts and more great destinations around the World ! If you have any questions, do let me know! Enjoy your visit to Porto and Portugal !