Miradouros Porto

Discover Porto sights

Porto has so many great places to explore! From historic sights and riverside views to wine cellars and local neighbourhoods, these guides are based on our first-hand experiences as we visit Porto at least once a year. They’ll help you discover Porto including hidden gems and plan a trip to Portugal’s second-largest city with confidence.

PORTO TRAVEL GUIDE

Discover Porto: highlights, experiences, and hidden gems

Watching the view from the Dom Luis I Bridge is one of the top things to do in Porto. You see the River Douro with many boats, Porto on the right hand and Vila Nova de Gaia on the left hand.
PORTO CITY HIGHLIGHTS

25 best sights in Porto

From historic landmarks to scenic viewpoints, this guide covers the must-see sights in Porto, plus a few places many visitors miss on their first trip.

See the best sights in Porto
This image captures the exquisite Arab Room at Bolsa Palace in Porto, featuring intricate Moorish-inspired designs on the walls, arches, and columns. The room is adorned with stunning geometric and floral patterns, highlighted by stained glass windows and polished wooden floors. This opulent space reflects a blend of cultural influences and serves as a masterpiece of craftsmanship and artistry within the palace.
HISTORIC PORTO LANDMARK

Visit the Bolsa Palace

One of Porto’s most impressive buildings, the Bolsa Palace offers a fascinating look into the city’s trading history and grand architecture.

Discover the Bolsa Palace
The iconic red staircase inside Livraria Lello Porto, winding elegantly under a stained-glass ceiling. The bookstore's neo-Gothic design, wooden bookshelves, and intricate carvings create a magical literary atmosphere. Visitors explore the space, adding to its vibrant and historic charm.
The ICONIC BOOKSTORE

Livraria Lello in Porto

Known as one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops, Livraria Lello is a popular stop in Porto and worth visiting with the right expectations.

Plan your visit to Livraria Lello
Porto boat tours passing under the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, a historic iron arch bridge spanning the Douro River, with the modern Arrábida Bridge in the background.
DOURO RIVER EXPERIENCES

The best Porto boat tours

Seeing Porto from the water gives you a whole new perspective on the city, its bridges, and the riverside neighbourhoods.

Explore Porto by boat
The chancel of São Francisco Church Porto with golden baroque decorations
Golden BAROQUE MASTERPIECE

São Francisco Church

This richly decorated church is one of Porto’s most surprising interiors, with layers of gold, history, and symbolism. Also known as the Golden Church!

Explore São Francisco Church
The Serralves Foundation is one of the best Porto what to do activities. Pictured is the pink villa Casa de Serralves with fountains in the front.
ART & NATURE IN PORTO

Serralves Museum and Park

Serralves combines contemporary art, beautiful gardens, and calm spaces, making it a perfect break from the busy city centre.

Visit the Serralves Museum
A vibrant mural of a champagne coupe overflowing with golden bubbles that splash against a bright pink umbrella inside the Pink Palace WOW.
CREATIVE WINE CONCEPT

Pink Palace Experience at WOW

A playful and colourful museum that mixes wine, pop culture, and Instagram-worthy spaces in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Visit the Pink Palace
Clérigos Church and Tower in Porto, with a street view of the bell tower.
The highest viewpoint

Clérigos Tower and Church

Climb one of Porto’s most famous towers for sweeping views over the historic centre and the Douro River. You will also visit the stunning church!

Climb the Clérigos Tower
Cathedral in Porto Portugal on a sunny day with blue skies behind the façade.
RELIGIOUS HERITAGE

Discover Porto Cathedral

Sé do Porto is one of the city’s oldest monuments and a key stop for understanding Porto’s history and skyline.

Visit Porto Cathedral
Seeing the Port wine barrels in the Port cellars during a port tasting in Porto
PORT WINE EXPERIENCE

Port wine cellars in Porto

A visit to Porto isn’t complete without learning about port wine, from traditional cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia to tastings with a view.

Discover the port wine cellars
Brightly painted indoor street scene at The Wine Experience in Porto with whitewashed buildings, colourful blue and yellow trims, potted plants, and a patterned cobblestone walkway.
WINE CULTURE & EDUCATION

Wine Experience Museum at WOW

This interactive museum explains Portuguese wine in an accessible way, ideal if you want to understand what’s in your glass.

Explore the Wine Experience
PRACTICAL PORTO TRAVEL TIPS

Helpful guides to plan your time in Porto, Portugal

A stunning view of the Dom Luís I Bridge spanning the Douro River in Porto, Portugal. The metal arch bridge connects the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, with colorful buildings and red-tiled rooftops in the background. The clear blue sky and calm river reflect the city's charm.
PORTO VIEWPOINTS & VIEWS

Best viewpoints in Porto

Porto is full of beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Douro River and the historic city centre, from famous miradouros to quieter local spots.

Find the best viewpoints in Porto
Colourful garlands radiate across a bright blue sky above a narrow Lisbon street. White buildings frame the overhead decorations for the Popular Saints Festival.
PORTO FESTIVALS & TRADITIONS

Festas dos Santos Populares in Porto

Every June, Porto celebrates Santos Populares with colourful decorations, street parties, grilled sardines, and live music across the city.

Discover Santos Populares in Porto
Porto Cathedral in the background with rain puddles in front. Visiting the cathedral is one of the many things to do in Porto when it rains
RAINY DAY TIPS

Things to do in Porto with rain

Rainy day in Porto? This guide shares indoor attractions, cosy cafés, museums, and practical ideas to enjoy the city even when the weather turns.

See what to do in Porto when it rains

Porto travel FAQ

How many days do you need in Porto?

Most visitors need 2 to 3 days to see Porto’s highlights. With 4 days or more, you can explore hidden gems, visit wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, or take a day trip to the Douro Valley or Braga.

Is Porto walkable?

Yes, Porto is very walkable, especially in the historic centre. Keep in mind the city is hilly, so comfortable shoes are essential. Trams, metros, and ride options make it easy to cover longer distances.

When is the best time to visit Porto?

Spring and autumn are ideal for sightseeing, with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is lively but busy, while winter is quieter and atmospheric, with occasional rain but mild weather.