Visiting Porto for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

Like its steep more southerly sibling, Lisbon, Porto is packed with hills. Taking an electric tuk-tuk tour saves you from breaking a sweat and lets you tick off more must-see Porto spots in fewer hours, making it an ideal option if you’re pressed for time. Sit back and see highlights such as Rua Santa Catarina, Porto’s principal shopping street, the landmark Porto Cathedral (Sé Catedral do Porto), and more spots as you get acquainted with Porto's historic architecture and lively streets.

You won’t see many articles about what to do in Porto that don’t mention the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s one of the oldest wine regions in the world. The Douro River (Rio Douro) carves a picturesque path through lush green valleys covered in vineyards, so even if you don’t partake in wine, the valley is still a wonderful place to explore. For a fuss-free experience, you can whizz between wineries without worrying about taking the wheel after drinking on a Douro Valley vineyard tour that includes lunch.

With its double-decker metal arch, Dom Luis Bridge is one of Porto’s most recognizable symbols. It's also one of its most historically significant; it’s especially famous for its link to Gustave Eiffel, as it was designed by one of his students. While cars are only allowed on the bridge’s lower level, pedestrians can walk across both levels of the bridge to enjoy the Douro River from two perspectives. You can pedal over the bridge and cover more top Porto attractions in less time on an electric bike tour.

Insider tip: If cycling across the bridge isn’t enough of a thrill, join the Porto Bridge Climb. You’re guaranteed the best views of the city.

No Porto sightseeing itinerary would be complete without Sao Bento Railway Station, an early 20th-century station whose interior is adorned with blue-and-white depictions of scenes from Portuguese and transport history. It’s a stunning example of Portuguese azulejo tile work that’s best appreciated as part of a history-focused walking tour that can help you decipher the imagery.

Insider tip: Just a 3-minute walk from this spectacular site, there’s another architectural marvel with an unlikely guise. On Liberdade Square you’ll find what may be one of the world’s most beautiful McDonald’s, complete with art deco stained glass windows and a chandelier.

Yet another Portuguese landmark with UNESCO World Heritage status, the 18th-century Clérigos Church and Tower boasts a bell tower that offers panoramic views of Porto. You can climb to the top via a stone spiral staircase and take in the sights. Plus, inside the extravagantly baroque church and museum, you can see a grand marble altar and painted wooden sculptures. You’ll struggle to find a Porto walking tour that doesn’t include this sightseeing staple.

Porto’s wine-making history dates back to the 2nd century BC; needless to say, this ruby nectar is an important part of the city’s cultural heritage. But with dozens of port wine cellars to choose from, it can be hard to distinguish between them and decide which ones you want to visit. Join an in-depth port wine tasting tour that takes you to several different wineries, where you can admire oak barrels and underground aging areas while you educate your palate on what makes the perfect port.

Insider tip: At the start of July, Porto hosts the annual Douro Porto Wine Festival.

Even though it starts in Spain, the Douro River is more closely associated with Portugal—after all, the country boasts some of its most scenic stretches. But you don’t have to go all the way to the Douro Valley to experience it, as it flows straight through Porto’s center. End what’s sure to have been a fabulous day of sightseeing in style during a sunset sailing tour through the city center that includes a glass of port wine.

Perched on the banks of the Douro, the historical district of Ribeira is indisputably the most picturesque part of an already pretty city. Although the colorful buildings and seafood restaurants are lovely to look at close up, listen up for one of the top Porto travel tips: Enjoy the best views of Ribeira from Vila Nova de Gaia, the neighborhood across the river. After admiring Ribeira from land, get a fresh perspective on the waterfront during a private boat tour.

When it comes to cities in Northern Portugal, Porto tends to hog the limelight. But it’s not the only cultural hot spot in this part of the country. One of the top travel tips for Porto is to get outside the city and explore other spots. Head out to Braga, where you’re sure to recognize the UNESCO–listed Bom Jesus do Monte church, a Catholic pilgrimage site famous for its stairway, and Guimarães, hailed as the birthplace of Portugal. Tick off the cities’ top attractions—including Guimarães Castle (Castelo de Guimarães), one of Portugal’s most significant strongholds—on a day trip designed with history buffs in mind.

Book lovers and Potterheads flock to Livraria Lello in their thousands, thanks to the bookstore’s neo-Gothic grandeur and intricate wooden interior. For the ultimate introduction to Porto, combine the bookshop with a river cruise and cable car ride during an action-packed walking tour.

Insider tip: The store (and Porto more broadly) are said to have inspired a lot of Harry Potter content, so Muggles can take a wizard-themed tour of the city for more info.