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Best Things to do in Porto (2026)

Many of Porto's best experiences are about the river and the food. A slow walk along the Ribeira waterfront, from Praça da Ribeira towards the Dom Luís I Bridge, is the natural place to start, ideally early in the morning or in the evening light. From there it is a short crossing of the lower deck to Vila Nova de Gaia, where the port wine lodges line the hillside; Taylor's Port Cellars offer a self-guided visit with an audio guide and a tasting of three ports. Booking online is sensible in summer.

The restored Mercado do Bolhão is the place to see local produce, best on a weekday morning, and it is surrounded by historic pastry shops and cafés. For a change of pace, ride line 1 of the heritage trams along the Douro to Foz do Douro, where the river meets the Atlantic, and return the same way or stop at the Tram Museum in Massarelos. In the evening, a short fado concert at Casa da Guitarra introduces Portugal's best-known musical tradition in an intimate setting. Most of these experiences fit easily into two or three days, and several, such as the Ribeira walk, are free.

5 places · Updated November 12, 2026

Our top 3 things to do in Porto

  1. Ribeira Riverside Walk Historic waterfront walk, RibeiraA walk along Porto's medieval waterfront, from Praça da Ribeira past the old quay walls to the Dom Luís I Bridge, at the heart of the UNESCO-listed centre.
  2. Mercado do Bolhão Historic food market, BaixaPorto's restored 1914 market hall, reopened in 2022, where fishmongers, butchers, greengrocers and small restaurants trade around a two-level open courtyard.
  3. Taylor’s Port Cellars Port wine cellar visit, Vila Nova de GaiaSelf-guided visits through Taylor's 300-year-old port lodge in Vila Nova de Gaia, with an audio guide in 13 languages and a tasting of three ports.