19 fun and cool things to do that make Porto one of a kind

Looking for fun things to do in Porto? This compact city is having its moment, and for good reason. From mouthwatering food scenes to port tasting in centuries-old cellars, Porto packs a serious punch. Watch sunsets from the Dom Luís I Bridge, cruise through Douro Valley’s vineyards, get lost in scenic alleyways, or even go on a Harry Potter tour. Whether flying solo, planning date night, or traveling to Porto with kids, you’ll discover the city’s magic with these 20 unique things to do in Porto.

Fun things to do in Porto as a couple

1. Sip a glass of wine as you cruise the River Douro

The Douro River is one of the most important natural sights near Porto. It’s also the perfect spot for a romantic date. Settle in for a sunset cruise to see the city's beauty from the water.

Highlights:

With a glass of wine in hand, enjoy the gorgeous hills, vineyards, and sleep villages alongside the Douro River. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a dolphin or two frolicking in the water.

2. Ride quad bikes through Serras do Porto

The Serras do Porto mountain range is perfect for an action-packed date. Hop onto quad bikes, strap on your helmet, and fly through the rugged terrain, exploring Roman ruins and Neolithic sites.

Highlights:

Stop in the traditional village of Quintandona. This rustic stone settlement is perfect for lunch.

3. Feel the passion of a Fado concert

Fado is a true Portuguese cultural gem. This emotionally driven, intense music is at its best when performed live in an intimate candlelit venue. Let the singers transport you to another world as you and your partner snuggle up together, listening to the strumming of the unique Fado guitar.

Highlights:

Some Fado shows include dinner, where local specialties are served between performances, creating a true feast for all senses. Sometimes, you can also chat with the musicians afterward and learn more about what makes Fado so remarkable.

4. Cycle along the River Douro at sunset

Porto faces west, so the sunsets here are truly spectacular. Join a sunset cycle tour to enjoy the early evening for yourself. You can ride along the River Douro, watching the water change color as you head all the way to the City Park.

Highlights:

A sunset bike ride is a great way to see the city at the most beautiful time of the day. Not keen on cycling? Head to Jardim do Morro for a picnic and the best views over the famous Ponte Luis I bridge.

5. See the city streets in style in a classic car

A private tour of the center of Porto is a great choice for a date. What could make it even better? Cuddle up in the back of a replica Ford T. As you cruise around the city in a classic car, you're sure to have everybody staring.

Highlights:

On a vintage car tour, your driver will act as a guide. There are plenty of points to stop along the way and snap some epic photos or just admire the sunset.

Fun things to do in Porto with kids

6. Experience the Age of Exploration at the World of Discoveries

The World of Discoveries is a mixture between a theme park and a museum. Many of its rides have a similar format to It's A Small World at Disney but with a historical twist. You'll be following in the footsteps of Portugal's greatest explorers.

Highlights:

Kids of all ages enjoy their time at the World of Discoveries. A favorite is the wild animal models on display in the Tropical Rainforests section.

Address and opening hours:

Rua de Miragaia 106, 4050-387 Porto. Open Tuesday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-6:00 PM. Closed Mondays.

7. Enjoy a kid-friendly wine-tasting at the Pink Palace

The Pink Palace is a truly remarkable museum: it's all about wine, but it's also totally kid-friendly. Adults can explore the history of rosé wine while the youngsters play in the giant pink ball pit.

Highlights:

The absolute highlight is the rosé tasting session. There's real wine for the grown-ups, and kids won't feel left out as non-alcoholic pink drinks are supplied.

Address and opening hours:

Rua do Choupelo 39, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto. Open Monday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

8. Go kayaking at the Peneda-Gerês Park

Need to cool off? Then get out of the city and head for Peneda-Gerês Park. With its beautiful, clear blue lake and delightful sandy beaches, it's the perfect place for a getaway in nature. Kids and grown-ups will love the chance to explore this natural paradise.

Highlights:

Take a kayaking and hiking trip where you'll spend some time exploring the park, but you’ll also be able to sit down and enjoy a delicious picnic along the way.

Address and opening hours:

Peneda-Gerês National Park, 4845-999 Portugal. October to March: Open Monday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. April through September: Open Monday through Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. 

9. Follow in JK Rowling's footsteps on a Harry Potter tour

JK Rowling may be Scottish, but she was living in Porto when she started to write her Harry Potter books. You'll find secret pieces of Potter inspiration dotted around the city, including the fountain with the Gryffindor insignia.

Highlights:

Take a Harry Potter Inspiration Tour, where you'll delve deep into Porto’s secret magic side. You’ll even see the café where Rowling wrote her first book. Not keen on a tour? Explore the one spot you can't miss on your own: Livraria Lello. Note that it gets really crowded, and you must book in advance.

10. Test your secret agent skills with a self-guided treasure hunt

Don't feel like taking a tour to see the sights? Inspire young minds on a sightseeing trip with a difference. Sign up for a self-guided treasure hunt, and you'll find riddles to solve and clues to uncover as you explore the main attractions of this city center.

Highlights:

A treasure hunt is ideal for kids aged 6 and up. You’ll see the city in a fun new way, with lots of cool, interactive riddles to solve as you go.

Fun things to do in Porto on your own

11. Put on your walking shoes to see the street art scene

Many visitors think of Porto as a historic town, and while it does have an Old Town, it's also a thriving modern city with an urban vibe. In recent years, its street art scene has become increasingly important, with colorful murals transforming run-down neighborhoods into vibrant, open-air galleries.

Highlights:

To learn more about how street art became so important in Porto, take a street art tour where you'll see the most interesting murals in town and learn about the artists behind them. A highlight is the giant rabbit installation in Vila Nova da Gaia by Bordalo II.

12. Join a kayak tour of the Lima River

Escape the heat of the city and discover one of the most beautiful, unspoiled corners of Northern Portugal. The Lima River is renowned for its natural beauty and lack of pollution. It’s ideal for an adventure in a kayak.

Highlights:

If you're craving a workout, there's nothing better than a kayak tour. You'll join a small group as you cross the river's fast-flowing dams, exploring this stunning natural paradise.

13. Explore soccer history at the Dragão Stadium

FC Porto is Portugal's most successful soccer club and was where legendary manager Jose Mourinho first tasted success. Take a trip to the Dragão Stadium and visit the club's museum, where you can see great memorabilia from legendary soccer stars.

Highlights:

Put on your sunglasses because the trophies on display at the stadium might just blind you. Browse the shop to get your favorite memorabilia or tshirt.

Address and opening hours:

Via Futebol Clube do Porto, 4350-415 Porto. Opening times vary according to match schedules.

14. Get dizzy on a trip to the Paiva Walkways

For a day trip that will make an impact, head out of the city to the Paiva Walkways. This series of wooden boardwalks run for more than 4 miles downhill. They offer both a thrilling adventure and beautiful views.

Highlights:

Make a day of it and get your camera ready for the most gorgeous vistas.

15. Make new friends on an epic evening pub crawl

One of the major advantages of traveling solo is how easy it is to make friends. If you're feeling gregarious, sign up for an evening pub crawl. You’ll join a group of like-minded free spirits as you cruise from bar to bar, playing drinking games and trying local Portuguese beverages.

Highlights:

Get ready for a fun time and get your dancing shoes on because the party will go all night as you move from bars to clubs.

Fun things to do in Porto for food and drinks

16. Explore the street food culture on a food walking tour

Wine, beer, bifana pork sandwiches, and delicate morsels of cod await you. Porto's cuisine is utterly delicious, so join a foodie walking tour and eat like a local. Discover the hottest places in town for street food and snacks.

Highlights:

Start with a traditional custard tart for breakfast, but things will turn to the savory side as you indulge in cheese, sausage, and the famous bifana sandwich. If you dare, try the francesinha sanwich.

17. Go for a gourmet adventure in the Peneda-Gerês Park

Want to work up an appetite before indulging? Then head to the glorious, all-natural surroundings of Peneda-Gerês Park. You'll spend your morning hiking, swimming, and exploring before heading to a rustic Portuguese village where a traditional lunch awaits you.

Highlights:

Copy the locals and dip the rustic bread in extra-virgin olive oil for a superb appetizer.

18. Let Grandma teach you the secrets of Portuguese pastries

It's likely that you won't be able to resist nibbling on those delicate Portuguese tarts, the pastéis de nata. Why not attend a cooking class and learn to make them for yourself? An authentic Portuguese grandma will share her secret recipe, teaching you how to make the perfect custard.

Highlights:

At the end of the class, you get to eat your very own homemade pastéis, fresh from the oven.

19. Enjoy the finer things in life with wine and cheese

If you really want to indulge, does anything beat wine and cheese? Try different types of the famous Port wine, sampling a variety to choose your favorite. Then add some traditional Portuguese cheese into the mix and discover which wines and cheeses pair best together.

Highlights:

Go on a wine-tasting tour where you'll have different wines to try. Your hosts will explain more about how Port is made as you nibble on the delicious cheese. Douro Valley is also a great option for wine tasting.

FAQs

What are some fun things to do in Porto at night?

If you like food and drink, try a pub crawl or foodie tour. You can also go up the Clérigos Tower after dark to see the city lit up.

Are there any fun day trips from Porto that I should consider?

There are many great day trips. For example, you can go to the Douro Valley for wine or the Peneda-Gerês Park for natural beauty.

What are some popular festivals or events in Porto?

The biggest and best festival in Porto is São João, on the 23rd of June. The whole city is lit up with fireworks and barbecues.

What are some family-friendly fun activities to do in Porto?

Try a child-friendly walking tour with a fun theme like Harry Potter, or visit the World of Discoveries, a great mix of a theme park and a museum.

What are some fun outdoor activities to do in Porto?

Porto has a lot of great tours. Some involve walking, while others have bikes or scooters. You can also go for a scenic cruise down the River Douro.