Things to Do in Porto – Porto Bucket List: Sights, Secrets & Surprises
Looking for the best things to do in Porto? This bucket list of sights, secrets, and surprises will help you.
Porto is a city I’ve come to know with curiosity and an abnormal dose of wanderlust. According to Strava (just in case: an app that shows all recorded routes), there are almost no streets I haven’t been. Walking through its cobbled streets, I’ve found peaceful gardens, stunning murals, lively markets, and breathtaking viewpoints that never get old. So which things to do in Porto? I made a list for you.
All of the places on this list I’ve experienced myself (except for one) and can truly vouch for — they’re the ones that made me slow down, look around, and fall in love with the city. However, there is one I haven’t yet set foot in (the crowds and the queues alone made me turn away!), but it is such an icon of Porto that excluding it would feel like cheating you of the full picture. Eh, yes, it is Livraria Lello.
So, what follows are the must-sees that define Porto for so many travelers. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a week, you’ll find the city’s spirit in its tiled churches, riverside strolls, buzzing markets, and even in a few quieter corners where only locals go. So here they are, the best things in Porto.
Monastery of Serra do Pilar
This is the master of all views. From here you have a 270 degree view over both Porto and Gaia, with the river in the middle. It’s an excellent spot for sunset admirers. In case you expect to be thirsty, bring some drinks, as there are no facilities.
Construction began in 1538 and finished in 1672. Although it was built to house Augustinian monks, the monastery played a key strategic role during various battles.
The Half Rabbit
This is a work of art, made by Bordalo II (Artur Bordalo). It is entirely made from trash, scrap metal, and recycled materials collected locally (Bordalo II’s signature style).
If you pay closer attention you will see one side of the sculpture is colourful, while the other is painted in grayscale. It symbolises the contrast between waste and nature.
Largo da Pena Ventosa
This is a place you would not want to miss. A nice little peaceful square, surrounded by colourful buildings. There are two little cafes, one of which also serves food. It is my favourite spot to sit down, enjoy a drink, while observing people passing by.
Ribeira
Stroll through the lively colourful district of Ribeira along the Douro river. It may seem very touristy, but often you will find yourself alone. There are many narrow alleys which will lead you up or down, depending on your route. If you are up for it, you can go all the way up to Porto Cathedral (Sé). Or down of course, which is what I would do
Dom LuÃs I Bridge
This double-deck arch bridge connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. Needless to say, the views on the top deck are breathtaking. Watch out for the metro though. Very frequently trains come from both directions.
Porto Cathedral (Sé)
This is a spot easy to get to. Take the southern exit of Sao Bento metro station and head for the cathedral, which will be on your right. There are views on the river and the city.
Clérigos Tower
Completed in 1763, The Clérigos Tower is a Baroque bell tower in the historic center of Porto, and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. It was originally built as the bell tower for the Clérigos Church, used to call parishioners to service and mark the time.
For sweeping cityscape views, climb the 220 steps of this Baroque bell tower — well worth the effort. Whether it is also worth the money is up to you. Admission is 8 euros (2024 price).
Murals / street art
Porto has quite a lot of street art, with fantastic murals There are some real gems. The best ones are quite spread out, and when you’re just walking around you need a bit of luck finding them. They can be anywhere. If you’re on a mission, check out https://streetartmap.com/porto for a few samples with clues regarding locations.
Soon there will be a page dedicated to street art.
São Bento Station
São Bento is not just an ordinary train station. It’s a masterpiece of tile art. Over 20,000 azulejo tiles, crafted between 1905 and 1916 by renowned artist Jorge Colaço, line the main hall. These beautiful blue-and-white narrate pivotal moments in Portuguese history. Gaze closely at the tiles to really experience it.
It attracts quite a few tour groups, so if photography is your main reason to be here you must visit early in the morning. Having mentioned photography, it depends on the type of photography you are interested in. Personally I want it to be as busy as possible..
Jardim do Morro
Jardim do Morro is Porto’s go-to sunset stage. As the sun drops, locals and travelers spread out across the grassy slopes with picnic blankets, vinho verde, and the occasional guitar. All eyes turn west as the skyline and the Dom LuÃs I Bridge glow in golden light. With each passing minute the crowd thickens, until the sun finally slips behind the horizon—or vanishes into the clouds.
Usually there are live bands and all sorts of artists. Satisfaction guaranteed!
Bolhão Market (Mercado do Bolhão)
Housed in a majestic 19th-century neoclassical building completed in 1914, Bolhão Market is all charm and bustle. Its open-air courtyard is ringed by two levels of galleries, each lined with vibrant stalls. From fresh fish, meats, cheeses, fruit, and vegetables to wine, port, and local delicacies—you’ll find it all here. A few tables and chairs are scattered around, perfect for watching people and enjoying your market haul on the spot.
Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls)
If you can stand all the selfie-taking people, this is a beautiful building covered entirely in blue tiles, (azulejos, the Portuguese word for painted ceramic tiles) depicting the lives of saints.
It is just a cobbled stone’s throw from Bolhão Market.
Livraria Lello
Often hailed as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello feels like something out of a fantasy novel. Reportedly, as I haven’t visited it myself—mainly because of the long queues and the crowds inside. It’s impossible not to mention, given its immense popularity.
It is recommended to book tickets in advance. Pick your date and time slot. Once you’re there, join the queue which shows your time slot. https://www.livrarialello.pt/
No photo, as I haven’t been there and so I haven’t taken one.
