Porto is not just a city—it’s a feeling. Nestled along Portugal’s northern coast, Porto offers a captivating blend of rich history, soulful culture, and vibrant authenticity. If you’re looking for What To Do In Porto to truly experience its essence, skip the clichés and head straight into the heart of local life. At 21 Sensations, we believe in deeper travel—the kind that resonates long after the trip ends. This guide is your curated roadmap to discovering what to do in Porto for the most authentic vibes.

Explore the Ribeira District Like a Local

One of the first things you’ll notice when exploring what to do in Porto is the charming Ribeira district. Located along the Douro River, this UNESCO World Heritage site bursts with life, colorful buildings, and narrow cobbled lanes.

But don’t just settle for a riverside walk. Wake up early, grab a coffee from a small café like Café do Cais, and watch the morning life unfold. Then lose yourself in the alleyways behind the main strip. Here, the locals hang laundry from windows, old men play cards, and neighborhood life beats quietly and beautifully.

Visit Mercado do Bolhão

If you want to know what to do in Porto that connects you to its roots, head to Mercado do Bolhão. This historic market, recently restored, still holds its old-world charm.

Wander through stalls overflowing with fresh sardines, fruits, spices, and handmade goods. Talk to the vendors, many of whom have been here for decades. It’s a sensory journey and a portal into Porto’s everyday life.

Take a Walking Tour with a Local Historian

Knowing what to do in Porto also means choosing experiences that help you understand the city’s soul. One of the most rewarding ways is through a private walking tour led by a local historian or artist.

Forget scripted guides. These locals offer personal stories that bring the city’s past and present to life—from tales of medieval Porto to the echoes of revolution. Look for community-led projects or small-scale companies that keep tourism sustainable and personal.

Cross Dom Luís I Bridge at Sunset

No list of what to do in Porto is complete without mentioning the Dom Luís I Bridge. While it’s on every tourist list, the magic lies in how you experience it.

Walk across it slowly at golden hour. Stand still at the top deck, where the Metro passes, and watch the sun drop behind the hills. The light bathes the rooftops in honeyed hues, while fado music often drifts up from the riverbanks below. It’s one of those simple, unforgettable moments.

Sip Port Wine Where It’s Made

You can’t explore what to do in Porto without diving into its namesake—Port wine. But don’t just go for any tasting room. Visit one of the family-run lodges across the Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Places like Quinta do Noval or Cálem offer guided tastings with winemakers who live and breathe the craft. Ask questions, taste slowly, and learn how this sweet, fortified wine is so much more than a souvenir.

Take the Tram 1 to Foz do Douro

When deciding what to do in Porto for coastal beauty and local rhythm, hop on the vintage Tram 1. This nostalgic tram follows the Douro River westward, ending at the seaside neighborhood of Foz do Douro.

Here, the pace slows. Walk along the promenade, visit tiny chapels like Capela do Senhor da Pedra, and stop for grilled fish at a family-owned taverna. It’s the side of Porto many miss—but never forget once they find it.

Discover Hidden Street Art in Rua Miguel Bombarda

Wondering what to do in Porto for a dose of creative energy? Make your way to Rua Miguel Bombarda and its surrounding streets. This is Porto’s contemporary art hub—alive with galleries, design shops, and powerful street murals.

On Saturdays, many galleries open their doors for new exhibit launches. Strike up a conversation with an artist or gallery owner. This area offers a modern contrast to Porto’s historical side, yet still pulses with the city’s authentic energy.

Join a Local Food Tour Through Non-Touristy Taverns

To eat in Porto is to understand it. One of the most delicious answers to what to do in Porto is joining a food tour that skips the popular restaurants and heads into real neighborhoods.

Sample francesinha in a hole-in-the-wall tavern, sip vinho verde in a standing-only bar, and try tripas à moda do Porto if you’re feeling adventurous. Tours like Taste Porto focus on ethical tourism and introduce you to places you’d never find on your own.

Visit the Livraria Lello—But Go Early

Yes, it’s famous. Yes, it’s crowded. But when exploring what to do in Porto, Livraria Lello still earns its place—for good reason. This iconic bookstore is a Gothic masterpiece with a staircase so dreamy it inspired J.K. Rowling’s Hogwarts.

To make the most of it, go right when it opens. Buy your ticket online, enter early, and absorb the details before the crowds arrive. The key is timing and perspective.

Take a Day Trip into the Douro Valley

If you have time, one of the top choices for what to do in Porto is to leave the city for a day and head into the Douro Valley. Just 90 minutes away, this UNESCO-listed wine region is pure magic.

Take a scenic train ride or rent a car. Spend the day at a vineyard like Quinta da Pacheca, enjoy a boat ride on the river, or simply take in the terraced hills and slow rhythms. It’s a soul-nourishing escape that still feels deeply connected to Porto.

Enjoy Sunset at Jardim do Morro

Want a relaxed and free option for what to do in Porto? Pack a small picnic and head to Jardim do Morro. Located on the Gaia side of the bridge, this park offers panoramic views of the cityscape.

As the sun sets, musicians often play acoustic sets while locals gather with friends and wine. It’s laid-back, beautiful, and unpretentious—everything we love about Porto.

Explore the Churches…But Look Beyond the Facade

Igreja do Carmo and Igreja de São Francisco are architectural highlights, but when figuring out what to do in Porto authentically, don’t just snap photos. Step inside. Watch the interplay of light and shadows, admire the intricate gilded woodwork, and sit quietly.

Even if you’re not religious, these spaces offer calm, beauty, and connection to centuries of local tradition.

Ride a Boat Down the Douro River—Just Not a Tourist One

If you’re researching what to do in Porto along the Douro, avoid the big tour boats. Instead, look for smaller, wooden rabelos or locally-owned boat tours.

These traditional vessels were once used to transport barrels of port wine. Today, a few passionate locals operate private or semi-private trips that feel more like storytelling journeys than sightseeing tours.

Support Local Crafts at Mercado Bom Sucesso

For ethical shopping, head to Mercado Bom Sucesso. Many overlook it when planning what to do in Porto, but this indoor market offers local design, crafts, and food under one roof.

Skip the mass-produced souvenirs and pick up hand-stitched linens, cork bags, or artisan ceramics. Every item tells a story—and supports the people behind it.

Final Thoughts: The True Vibe of Porto

When wondering what to do in Porto, remember: the most rewarding moments often aren’t in the guidebooks. They happen in between—the laughter shared over a glass of wine, the sound of a busker echoing in an alley, the quiet conversation with a shop owner who tells you their story.

At 21 Sensations, we believe that travel is not about ticking boxes. It’s about connection. And if you follow this guide, you’ll uncover what to do in Porto not just for memories—but for meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Porto?
Spring (April–June) and early fall (September–October) offer ideal weather, fewer tourists, and the best local experiences.

Is Porto a walkable city?
Yes. Most of Porto’s charm lies in exploring on foot. Expect hills, but also plenty of scenic views and hidden corners.

How many days should I spend in Porto?
A minimum of 3 days is ideal to explore the city meaningfully and experience many of the suggestions in this what to do in Porto guide.

Is Porto safe for solo travelers?
Absolutely. It’s one of Europe’s safest cities, with a welcoming and warm local culture.