Top 5 Things to Do In Porto

I first came to Porto on a Windstar cruise that was sailing from Dublin to Lisbon. Although I only spent a few hours in the port, I knew it was love at first sight from the moment I arrived in Porto. An excellent perk to cruise travel is discovering new places that I plan to return again to explore in-depth at another time.

Walking in Porto 

Built into the cliffs at the mouth of the Douro River in Portugal, Porto is a compact, hilly city that is best explored on foot. It is an architectural gem made for meandering through neighborhood squares, strolling down medieval alleyways while you make your way down to the water riverfront.

Note: If you are looking to get out and explore beyond the city center, I suggest renting a car to explore FOZ, Braga, Guimaraes, Viana do Castelo, or Vila Real.


Porto Portugal

The Ribeira district is located alongside the river and is one of Porto’s oldest neighborhoods. It is part of the city’s historic center and protected by UNESCO. Shops, wine bars, and restaurants line the quayside making it a picture-perfect spot for a drink overlooking the Duoro.

Porto PortugalShop Local

Porto’s cobblestone streets are lined with boutique shops like A Vida Portuguesa. Visit the Armazém, a converted old warehouse with vintage shops, art galleries, and a tapas bar. Or walk along the Rua de Miguel Bombarda, known as the arts block, to browse in the stores that open at noon.Portugal

Churches

Among the architectural highlights of Porto are the many baroque and gothic-style churches. You don’t need to be religious to appreciate the beauty and history of these archaic structures. Probably the most famous is the Clérigos Church with its iconic tall bell tower and the Church of São Francisco with its fine rose windows and gilded interior. Don’t miss the Church of Santa Clara. Its unassuming façade gives way to an extravagant and beautiful nave adorned with ornate gold-leaf woodwork.

Porto PortugalEating in Porto

Located directly across from the well-known Church of Carmo, you will find several cafes lining the street. We enjoyed a healthy breakfast at Noshi Coffee before setting off to explore. For authentic Portuguese cuisine make a reservation at one of Porto’s Michelin-starred restaurants, Pedro Lemos, or for more casual fare try A Cozinha do Manel. 

Eating in Porto

Port Tastings

Recognized around the world for its trade in port wine, port cellars can be found all over the city. Nearly all of them offer tours and tastings. However, you will enjoy more than just a sweet glass of red wine at the Caves Cálem. In addition to premium wine tastings, visitors pass through an interactive museum to learn about the port-making process. They also have an opportunity to listen to traditional Portuguese Fado music. Browse the store or relax on the wine bar terrace with a glass of port. From here you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city. Soon Caves Cálem will be offering a 5D film that is a complete journey of the senses.

River Cruise

Disclosure: The cruise was provided by Windstar Cruises. No other compensation was received for this review. This post reflects the honest opinion of my experience without outside influence.

This article originally appeared in Porthole Cruise Magazine. 

Commenting area

  1. I keep hearing such awesome things about Porto and your photos show why. Looks like a great city to just wander around it. Another place to add to my bucket list!

    • Dana Freeman March 28, 2018 at 7:41 am · · Reply

      I want to go back because I feel like I barely scratched the surface only being there one day. I guess though that is the beauty of a cruise. It gives you a taste of a place and then makes you want to go back!

  2. Porto was my favorite place in all of Portugal! Thanks for bringing back great memories!

  3. I’ve yet to visit Porto but I’ve heard so many great things about the city that I really need to plan a trip! I love cities that I can just wander around and the cobbled streets, vintage shops and tapas shops make Porto sound exactly like my kind of place.

  4. I visited Porto years ago and remember eating sardines by the waterfront, buying beautiful ceramic and sampling the port. I’d love to go again!

  5. Great list. I’ve only managed to do two of these activities; walk and port tastings. Until visiting Porto, I had no idea how incredible the city was and just how delicious port wine truly is. Perhaps on our next trip we can try out the other activities.

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