What to Do in Porto: Essential Experiences for Your Portugal Itinerary

“Porto is to Lisbon what San Francisco is to Los Angeles” was the comparison we couldn’t quite shake off during our recent trip to Porto. Portugal’s second city lies further north, where the weather can be less predictable and the atmosphere feels more authentic and lived in. Rather than Lisbon’s pastel coloured streets that bask in sunshine for the majority of the year, Porto offers a grittier charm that feels a little more local.

We spent 48 hours exploring this historic city and found that Porto has a ton of great experiences on offer if you spend just a short while doing your homework. From hunting down the legendary cachorrinhos in no-frills local hangouts to getting lost in winding back streets lined with beautiful tiles, some of Porto’s best experiences lie just off the beaten path.

The city’s history as a key port creates a backdrop that’s both authentic and charming at the same time. Whether you’re crossing the towering Dom Luís I Bridge for panoramic views or sampling traditional Portuguese pastries, Porto has ways of surprising you around every corner.

Here’s what we’d recommend adding to your itinerary if you find yourself with a couple of days to explore Portugal’s most rewarding city.

Grab one of Porto’s Legendary Cachorrinhos

Given how food obsessed we are, sampling one of Porto’s famous cachorrinhos was naturally the first item on our list. This local specialty bears almost no resemblance to your typical American style hot dog. Instead, the cachorrinho uses a panini style bread stuffed with fresh sausage, spicy linguiça, melted cheese, and sometimes ham, all brought together with a perfectly spiced sauce. The whole thing gets pressed and grilled until golden and crunchy, then sliced into bite-sized pieces that are perfect for sharing.

The most famous spot to try one is Gazela, a no-frills hangout frequented by tourists and locals alike with a proper dive bar atmosphere complete with neon signs and beers flowing freely. The vibe here is casual but slightly chaotic, with a fast-paced, diner style service that keeps things moving. If you’re after something with a view, head to Guindalense football club where you can enjoy your cachorrinho alongside a drink whilst taking in great views of the bridge and river. Both spots offer the authentic local experience that makes taking a slight detour for this Porto specialty so worthwhile.

Cross the Iconic Dom Luís I Bridge

The Dom Luís I Bridge is easily Porto’s most recognisable landmark. A dual level metal arch bridge that spans the Douro River between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. When it was built, it was the longest bridge of its type in the world spanning 172 metres and it remains an impressive sight today that dominates the city’s skyline.

You can cross the bridge on both levels with the lower level being used by road traffic to connect the waterfront areas on both sides, including Porto’s Ribeira district and Gaia’s port wine lodges. However, we’d strongly recommend taking the upper level for the best views across the city and river. This upper area is shared with the metro line and connects Porto’s city centre on the north bank to Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank. If the thought of climbing the 200 feet of steps up to the upper level doesn’t appeal to you, there’s a funicular available on the Porto side that’ll save your legs. No funicular on the Vila Nova de Gaia side unfortunately but you can take the cable car up from street level if you’re looking to avoid the climb whilst also taking in some amazing views.

Catch the Sunset from Jardim de Morro

Once you’ve crossed the Dom Luís I Bridge to the Vila Nova de Gaia side, carry on just a few steps further towards Jardim de Morro for what are arguably the best views back over Porto. This elevated park sits right at the end of the bridge and offers sweeping views across the Douro River to Porto’s colourful riverside buildings. The tiered stone steps make it perfect for watching the sunset paint the city in golden light, but the park draws crowds every evening so you’ll want to arrive early to secure a good spot.

There’s a bar in the park called “Esplanada Jardim do Morro” which has both a terrace inside or a counter outside for to-go drinks. You can also grab something from the various sellers who offer snacks and cold beverages. It’s got a laid-back vibe despite being fairly busy with tourists, and the views alone make it worth dealing with the crowds.

Go Shopping on Rua de Santa Catarina

Porto’s main shopping street, Rua de Santa Catarina, is a buzzy pedestrianised cut through that serves as the city’s commercial centre. You’ll find all the usual chain shops here like Zara, H&M, Benetton alongside a couple of shopping centres including Via Catarina. If you’re after something a bit more authentic, the nearby Mercado do Bolhão offers fresh food, local specialties, and souvenirs in a more traditional market setting.

The street isn’t just about shopping though. There’s also the famous Café Majestic, an art nouveau establishment that’s undeniably beautiful but comes with prices to match its reputation. The best way to reach the area is via Bolhão metro station, which drops you right at the northern end of the street near the market.

Discover Porto’s Beautiful Azulejo Tiles

Portugal’s love affair with decorative tiles, known as azulejos, dates back to the 15th century when the Moors introduced this art form. The word itself comes from the Arabic “al-zulayj,” meaning “small polished stone.” What started as more geometric Islamic patterns evolved into the distinctive blue and white designs we see today, heavily influenced by Chinese art that arrived through Portugal’s trade routes.

Porto has some particularly impressive examples scattered throughout the city, many of which you can visit for free. The Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas) features stunning blue and white tiles covering its exterior walls. You can pop inside but just remember to dress respectfully and respect the silence inside. São Bento station is another must-see, with its main hall covered in elaborate 20th-century azulejos depicting scenes from Portuguese history.

Don’t miss the twin churches of Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas, connected by what’s claimed to be Porto’s narrowest house and known for their tiled facades. Lastly, the Church of Santo Ildefonso boasts an elegant 18th-century facade that was covered in striking blue and white tiles during a 1930s renovation.

Stroll the Ribeira Waterfront

The Cais do Ribeira is Porto’s historic waterfront district, with colourful buildings winding down to meet the Douro River. It’s very picturesque and offers some of the best views in the city, but it’s also prime tourist territory with all the pros and cons that brings. You’ll find street performers, souvenir stalls, and a bunch of restaurants, though most fall into the tourist trap category with inflated prices and average food. The real highlight of this area might be taking one of the sunset river cruises that depart from here which allow you to sample some local wine whilst watching the city light up from the water.

If you do fancy a meal in this area, there are a few restaurants slightly further west and away from the main tourist drag. Check out places like Terreiro, Adega São Nicolau or Muro do Bacalhau which still offer prime riverside views whilst maintaining a good price to quality ratio. Even if you skip the restaurants entirely, the waterfront promenade is still worth a look for the views alone, particularly as night draws in and the city starts to come alive.

Sample Porto’s Sweet Treats

While neither of these are exclusive to Porto, the Portuguese have such a talent for pastries that they’re worth seeking out during your visit. For the classic pastel de nata, you’ll find the usual chains like Manteigaria and Fábrica de Nata, but we opted to try Castro this time around for a change. The familiar sweet, light and creamy custard filling was as delicious as ever and we found the pastry itself to be a little more crisp and buttery compared to the ones we’d tried in Lisbon.

The other Porto specialty worth tracking down is an éclair from Leitaria da Quinta do Paço. This northern Portuguese institution is over 100 hundred years old, originally starting out as a dairy before expanding into pastries. Their handmade éclairs are now the stuff of legend, with the classic chantilly cream version being the most popular. These days they also offer more adventurous fillings too like pistachio, strawberry, and even trendier modern options like Dubai chocolate. The traditional recipe remains the standout though with a distinctly rich and creamy centre.

Admire Porto’s Cathedral

Porto Cathedral, or Sé do Porto, is one of the city’s oldest and most important landmarks. Construction began in the 12th century though it’s been modified extensively over the centuries with various architectural styles having an influence throughout its history. The cathedral has played host to some significant events throughout and remains northern Portugal’s most visited monument.

The real draw here might be the €3 ticket, which offers incredible value for what you get. The ticket includes access to the cathedral itself, the 14th-century Gothic cloisters, a small museum, and most importantly, the tower with exceptional views over Porto’s rooftops and the Douro River. We actually skipped going inside the cathedral entirely and just enjoyed the amazing views on offer from the terrace outside. You get a great view across the terracotta rooftops down to the river and beyond, making it one of the best vantage points in the city.

Get Lost in Porto’s Back Streets

Some of Porto’s most beautiful corners are tucked away in the winding alleys and narrow lanes that snake their way between the main tourist areas. These back streets offer a different side to the city as colourful buildings with peeling paint and weathered shutters meet small independent shops selling everything from second hand books to hand painted tiles.

The area heading downhill from the cathedral is particularly rewarding for willing explorers. Streets like Rua das Aldas and Rua de Sant’ Ana work their way down towards the riverfront through some picture postcard alleyways. You’ll find sweeping views that open up unexpectedly between buildings, small squares where locals gather for a coffee and the kind of authentic Porto atmosphere that’s harder to find in the busier main areas. It’s worth allowing yourself some time to get lost as we found some of the city’s best discoveries will happen when you’re not actually looking for them.

Visit the World’s Most Beautiful McDonald’s (Yes, Really)

This might sound like a joke, but Porto is  home to what’s considered the most beautiful McDonald’s location in the world. Situated in a stunning 1930s Art Deco building that was once the Imperial Café, this McDonald’s opened in 1995 after an immaculate restoration that preserved all the original architectural features. The interior is genuinely spectacular – ornate stained glass windows, crystal chandeliers, and decorative plaster that would rival a 5 star hotel.

It’s also one of only a handful of McDonald’s locations worldwide that doesn’t feature the golden arches inside; instead, they’ve used refined silver signage that blends with the elegant surroundings. Even if you’re not planning to eat here, it’s worth popping in just to admire the space. The building still features the Imperial eagle out front, and the high ceilings and gorgeous details make it feel more like a grand European café than a fast food restaurant.

Wrapping Up

Porto may be overshadowed by Lisbon as Portugal’s second city, but our 48 hours here proved it has an entirely unique character. From hearty local food to vibrant azulejo tiles around every corner, the city rewards visitors who take time to look just a few steps beyond the obvious tourist spots. The combination of its working port history, incredible architecture and great comfort food makes Porto feel refreshingly authentic.

While you could easily spend longer here, a couple of days gives you enough time to hit the main highlights whilst still leaving room for those spontaneous discoveries that make trips so memorable. Whether you’re crossing the iconic bridge for sunset views, getting lost in the winding back streets, or simply enjoying a pastel de nata with your morning coffee, Porto has a way of exceeding expectations.