7 Things To Do In Porto

Porto, the oldest city in Portugal, is not only a sight to behold, but it’s also crammed with activities. Here are seven things to do in Porto:

1. Take a Ride on the Vintage Side

In Porto, there are three tram lines, which allow you to ride beautiful and vintage wooden trams. If you prefer a scenic ride, you should take Linha 1, found along banks of the Douro to Foz. You’ll even get to take a 10-minute walk along the river to the coast. When you take Linha 22, it’ll take you for a loop around Porto’s central city. Enjoy the historic architecture and bright colors of the buildings.

Aside from trams, other modes of transportation available in the area include a metro, funicular, and river taxis. For a beautiful panoramic view, ride one of their cable cars which cross on top of the famous Ponte de Dom Luis bridge going to Gaia, also known as the Teleferico de Gaia.

2. Port in Porto

Cross the Douro to visit Vila Nova de Gaia, the sister city of Porto. There you will see one of the iconic port houses. Take a tasting tour and try the namesake alcohol of the city.

You can take a tour and join the tasting session, so you can appreciate the subtle differences between vintage, ruby, and tawny port. Plan for an exciting afternoon because servers are very generous when pouring.

One of the most historic and the Symington family’s flagship brand is Grahams. If you want a spot make sure you book ahead of time! It is worth a visit to try the most popular port in the world, eat at their delicious restaurant on-site and take in stunning views of Porto.

3. Enjoy A Food and Wine Tour

Take a walk around different cafes, bars, and delis in Porto. Get a feel for the local cuisine! Try dishes like the pastel de nata or seafood. You can also try getting in touch with Blue Dragon city tours to guide you around the area.

4. Indulge in Hangover Food

Try ordering a Francesinha, and you’ll probably find yourself on food coma afterward. It is a big calorie-laden sandwich that has sausage, steak, and ham, stuffed inside it. There’s also melted cheese and gravy in it, and usually served with tomato sauce, and beer.

5. Try Hand Painting

As you walk around Porto, you’ll notice the nice Azulejo tiles used in some buildings. For a historically-inclined activity, try painting your own. There is a two-hour workshop conducted behind Gazete Azulejo.

6. Check Out the Street Art

Porto’s street art is awe-inspiring not only in scale but also in detail. Some of the renowned international artists featured include Costah, Guate Mao, Vhils, and Daniel Eime.

7. Go on a Day Tour to Douro Valley

Douro Valley is home to a variety of port vineyards of Porto. Take in the fresh air and stunning vistas as you tour world-renowned port creators’ sanctuaries.

You should also visit wine producers and the port lodges. After which catch a ride on the traditional wooden boat and cruise around the Douro river. To get there, join a mini-bus tour, or ride a train from the Sao Bento station.