As interest in visiting Porto only grows stronger, visitors are finding even more things to do in the city. What was once seen for many as a short trip is becoming a longer break, with exploration outside of the city centre and into neighbouring areas. Porto may be Portugal ’s second city – after Lisbon – but it did give the country its name from the Roman Portus Cale.
Centuries later, the city became famous for its ‘divine nectar of the Gods’, tastings of which are highly recommended in any of the port lodges lining the riverside in Vila Nova de Gaia. From there, look across the Douro at Porto’s colourful jumble of medieval houses, soaring church towers and glossy blue and white tiled facades. Then, use the pointers from our pick of the best things to do in Porto to help you weave your way through the city, dipping into its sights, sounds, tastes, and smells to get under its skin.
Arial view of Porto and Dom Luís I Bridge Porto’s often-photographed bridge is what most think of when they picture the city, so why not head there to look across the city and the Douro River? You can walk from one side of the river to the other using the bridge using either the lower level (which is also accessed by cars) or, for those without a fear of heights, the upper level (which also takes trams across). Both have impeccable panoramic views, but it’s hard to beat the feeling of seeing the city from the upper level. Gruta Lisbon’s restaurants might be celebrated, but Porto.
