Is Porto in Portugal Worth Visiting?
YES! In fact, it's one of my new favorite places. You may also wonder, what's better, Lisbon or Porto? For me, Porto by far! There is a lot to see and do in Lisbon, too!
Porto—Portugal’s second city—captivated us with its wine, rich history, charming neighborhoods, and delightful food scene. If you’re a lover of wine (especially Port), culture, and unique experiences, Porto is a destination that checks every box. From sipping wine in cellars to indulging in sweet pastéis de nata, there’s no shortage of wonderful things to do here.
How many days in Porto is enough? My daughter Tabitha and I had the opportunity to experience Porto’s vibrant spirit in just three days. Let me take you through our journey, and by the end of this post, you’ll be planning your own adventure to this stunning city!
Why Porto? (A Wine Lover’s Dream)
10 Amazing Things To Do in Porto
- Explore Porto by Tuk Tuk: If you want a unique way to see Porto’s winding streets and scenic neighborhoods, look no further than a Tuk Tuk tour. We hopped on a Tuk Tuk to take us around the city, and it was an absolute blast! This three-wheeled vehicle is perfect for navigating Porto’s hilly terrain, and the drivers are incredibly knowledgeable about the city's history and landmarks.Our Tuk Tuk driver gave us an in-depth tour, pointing out iconic spots like Livraria Lello (the famous bookstore), São Bento Railway Station (with its magnificent azulejos), and the Palácio da Bolsa. It was a fun, efficient way to cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time—plus, we got to zip through alleyways and discover hidden gems.
The beauty of a Tuk Tuk tour is that it feels personal and flexible. You can ask your driver to take you to specific places or leave it up to them to show you the best views. Here's a link to our tour and I recommend you book in advance, although there are plenty to choose from when you get there. I had some left-over Expedia points and it was a free tour for us.
- Tapas, Tapas, Tapas: As lovers of good food, we couldn’t leave Porto without indulging in some traditional Portuguese tapas (known locally as petiscos). The food scene here is rich with flavors, from the famous bacalhau (salted cod) to the simple, yet delicious, pastéis de bacalhau (codfish cakes). We also savored sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines) and alheira (smoked sausage), all washed down with generous pours of local wine.
For the best tapas, head to Taberna dos Mercadores, a cozy restaurant tucked away in the heart of Ribeira. The atmosphere is casual but the flavors are anything but. Another fantastic spot is Cantinho do Avillez, where we sampled some modern twists on traditional Portuguese dishes. Or just find a spot along the river and watch the people!
- Take a River Cruise: We did this later in the day after some Port tasting and before dinner. It was such a beautiful evening and if you go around the right time, you can see the sun set. Relaxing ride up and back and under some of the most famous bridges. Here's information on our tour.
- Port Tasting: When in Porto, a Port wine tasting is non-negotiable. This is the heart of Port production, with dozens of cellars lining the Douro River, each offering its own take on this rich and beloved wine. We visited a couple of the most famous wine lodges to learn more about the history and craftsmanship of Port wine and, of course, to indulge in tasting after tasting. I highly recommend you visit Taylor's. They have some amazing wine, a gorgeous patio, and a very showy peacock!
Pastel de Nata Baking Class: No visit to Portugal is complete without trying a pastel de nata, the country’s beloved custard tart. We took part in a delightful class where we learned how to make these delicate pastries from scratch. We were guided by a local baker, who taught us the secrets behind the perfect flaky crust and silky custard filling. The best part? Getting to eat our creations fresh from the oven! This is the class we took and I highly recommend it.
- Tile Painting Class: Portugal’s azulejos (decorative tiles) are iconic, and their intricate designs tell stories of the country’s history and culture. We had the chance to take part in a tile-painting class, where we learned the traditional techniques used to create these beautiful works of art. After a few hours of painting, we walked away with our own hand-painted tiles—something I’ll treasure forever. Here's the class I know you will love!
- Day Trip to Costa Nova: Famous for its colorful striped houses, Costa Nova is a beach town that feels like a hidden gem. We spent the day walking along the beach, taking photos of the iconic houses, and enjoying the coastal atmosphere. To get there, we took the train to Aveiro and then an Uber (which is very reasonable in Portugal) up to the beach. We found a great spot for lunch and ordered a bottle of wine to share and watch the beach. You can also find some great tours on Viator if you don't want to brave the train!
- Day Trip to Aveiro: Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is a picturesque city with canals, charming streets, and Art Nouveau architecture. We didn't have time for the gondola ride through the canals, but it looked like a lot of fun. We did get to try the city’s famous ovos moles (sweet egg pastries). I liked them but my daughter said no go. We did take the train and it's an easy and short walk into town from the station. You can then just wander around. There are plenty of restaurants and a small mall. You can easily put Costa Nova and Aveiro in the same day trip if you like.
- Livraria Lello Bookstore: 'The Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World.' We didn't make it inside because we didn't get tickets in advance. I highly recommend that you do that, and here is a link I found that gives you access to this and Clerigos Tower. Why is Livraria Lello so famous? It's the inspiration behind some famous scenes in the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling who used to live in Porto for some time.
- Evening at BASE: This urban outdoor garden bar is a GREAT place to sit on the grass, listen to some up beat music, enjoy your wine, and watch the sunset. It's centrally located near some key sites, too. It is very trendy and hip and gets busy so go early if you want a table. If you don't love wine, you can also get cocktails and coffee.
Final Thoughts
Porto exceeded all expectations. Between the unforgettable wine tastings, exploring the city by Tuk Tuk, learning to bake pastéis de nata, and soaking in the sights of the river, every moment felt like a special experience. Whether you’re a wine lover, a foodie, or someone who just enjoys a city full of history and charm, Porto offers something for everyone.
If you're looking to experience Porto for yourself, I highly recommend checking out the classes and activities we did. And when you do, make sure to leave a little time to wander and explore—it’s the best way to truly feel the pulse of this beautiful city.
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- Explore by Tuk Tuk
- Pastel de Nata Cooking Class
- Tile Painting Class
- Livraria Lello Bookstore Tickets
- River Cruise
Be sure and check out my tips on Tenerife and make that your next vacation!
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