Things to do in Porto: tiled churches, port cellars and the Douro
Porto is a granite city on a steep hill above the Douro, with tile-covered churches and port cellars across the river. Two to three days is right. The one thing to know: it is built on slopes, so plan around the hills.
The short answer
- First trip
- Ribeira, the Dom Luís I bridge, a port cellar in Gaia, and the tiles at São Bento.
- Where to stay
- Baixa for convenience, Ribeira for atmosphere, Cedofeita for quiet.
- How many days
- Two days for the center, three if you add the Douro valley.
- Best time to go
- May to June and September to October for mild weather.
- Book ahead
- Livraria Lello tickets, a cellar tour and Douro trips.
- From the airport
- The metro violet line takes about 30 minutes to the center.
Where to stay in Porto, in brief
Baixa
first-time visitors
The central grid, a short walk to the station and the main sights. Busy at night.
Ribeira
river views
The old quay with narrow houses and restaurants. Pretty but crowded, and steep to climb back.
Cedofeita
cafes and quiet
A residential area with galleries, cafes and shops, 15 minutes' walk from the center.
Vila Nova de Gaia
port cellars
Across the river, with cellars and the best views of Porto. A quieter base if you do not need the nightlife.
Things to do in Porto
Ribeira
Walk the quay, then climb to the Sé Cathedral for the view. Go in the morning, before the groups.
Dom Luís I Bridge
Cross the upper deck on foot for the best view of the city and the river. Take the cable car down.
São Bento Station
The entrance hall is covered in blue tiles showing Portuguese history. Free to see.
Livraria Lello
A bookshop with an ornate staircase. There is an entry fee and a queue, so go at opening.
Book timed tickets online.
Port wine cellars in Gaia
Tour a cellar across the river, learn how port is made and taste two or three styles.
Book popular cellars a day ahead.
Palácio da Bolsa
The former stock exchange, with a gilded Arab Room. Entry is by guided tour.
A day ahead in summer.
Clérigos Tower
Climb the tower for views across the roofs. Go early to avoid the queue.
Serralves Foundation
A museum and a large park in Porto's west. Good for a half-day away from the center.
What to book before you go
These sell out. Most of the rest of Porto can be decided on the day.
Every tour and ticket in Porto, and which to pick- Livraria Lello1 to 3 days ahead
Timed tickets keep you out of the queue.
- Port cellar tour1 day ahead in summer
Smaller cellars fill up, and the English tours are limited.
- Douro valley tour or train2 to 5 days ahead
A full day out, with limited places in summer.
What to skip in Porto
- Livraria Lello at midday
It is crowded and expensive for what it is. Go at opening, or visit other tiled interiors for free.
- Restaurants on the Ribeira quay
The setting is lovely and the food is priced for tourists. Walk up the hill for better value.
- Rabelo boat tours with no plan
Half-hour river cruises are fine but short. Choose the six-bridge cruise or skip it.
Best time to visit Porto
Porto is best from May to June and September to October, with mild weather and fewer crowds. July and August are warm, but rarely as hot as Lisbon.
Winters are damp and gray, and the hills can be slippery. Hotel prices fall and the city is quiet, which suits food and cellar visits.
- From Porto airportThe metro violet line takes about 30 minutes to the center. A taxi takes about 25 minutes.
- MetroThe metro covers most of what you need. Buy an Andante card at a station.
- On footThe center is walkable, but steep. Wear shoes with grip.
- By tram and cable carTram 1 runs along the river and the Funicular dos Guindais links Ribeira with the upper town.
Porto in three days
- Day 1
Walk Baixa, São Bento, Livraria Lello and Clérigos. Spend the evening in Ribeira.
- Day 2
Cross the bridge to the Gaia cellars. Take the cable car back and have dinner in Cedofeita.
- Day 3
Take a Douro valley trip by train or boat.
Day trips from Porto
- Douro valleyA river valley of terraced vineyards. Take a train to Pinhão, or a day tour with a boat.
- GuimarãesA walled historic town about an hour away by train.
- AveiroA canal town with painted boats, about an hour by train.
Porto: questions people ask
How many days do you need in Porto?
Two days covers the center and Gaia. Add a third for the Douro valley.
Is Porto worth visiting?
Yes. It is smaller and cheaper than Lisbon, with strong food and a good river setting.
What is the best time to visit Porto?
May to June and September to October.
Where is the best area to stay in Porto?
Baixa for convenience, Ribeira for views and Cedofeita for quiet.
Is Porto hilly?
Yes. The center is steep, so wear flat shoes and use the metro and funicular.
Can you visit Porto from Lisbon in a day?
The train takes about three hours each way, so it is better as an overnight stay.