Things to do in Porto & The Douro Valley

Porto Highlights

Porto, a captivating city in northwest Portugal, hugs the steep banks of the Douro River as it nears the Atlantic. Its historic Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of narrow, winding streets lined with colorful buildings, lively cafes, and traditional port wine cellars. Dom Luís I Bridge, an iconic double-deck metal arch, soars above the river, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, the heart of the port wine trade. With its rich history, distinctive architecture adorned with azulejo tiles, and the sweet aroma of aging port, Porto offers a unique and enchanting Portuguese experience.

Join us! Our Itinerary for 3 days in Porto, June 2026 (last updated October 2025)

  • Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge

    Walk across the upper or lower level of this iconic double-deck bridge for stunning panoramic views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. The views are particularly magical at sunset.

  • Explore the Ribeira District

    Wander through the narrow, winding streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, admire the colorful buildings, and soak in the lively atmosphere along the Douro River. Enjoy a meal or drink at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

  • Visit a Port Wine Cellar

    Head across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia and take a tour of one of the historic port wine cellars. Learn about the production process and enjoy a tasting of this famous local wine. Popular options include Sandeman, Taylor's, and Graham's.

  • Climb the Clérigos Tower

    Ascend the 225 steps of this baroque tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. The adjoining Clérigos Church is also worth a visit.

  • Discover Livraria Lello

    Step into one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, with its stunning neo-Gothic architecture and famous red staircase that is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling. Be prepared for a possible queue and an entrance fee that is often discounted with a book purchase.

  • Take a Six Bridges Cruise

    Enjoy a relaxing boat trip along the Douro River and admire the six bridges that connect Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, each with its unique architectural style.

  • Explore the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace)

    Take a guided tour of this opulent 19th-century neoclassical building, particularly the richly decorated Arabian Hall.

  • Visit the Igreja de São Francisco (Church of Saint Francis)

    Don't be fooled by its austere exterior; the interior of this church is a dazzling display of baroque splendor with intricate gold-leaf carvings.

  • Explore the Bolhão Market

    The Bolhão Market, a historic open-air market dating back to 1837 and a Porto icon, has been restored into a stylish Beaux-Arts building. It houses around 80 traditional stalls and family businesses across three floors, selling fresh produce, fish, meat, and wine, alongside modern coffee shops and restaurants. It's a great stop on a tapas or walking tour to experience Portuguese street food and culture.

  • Ride the Gaia Cable Car

    Enjoy a scenic ride from the Vila Nova de Gaia riverfront up to the Dom Luís I Bridge level, offering great views of Porto and the port lodges.

Our Favourite Porto Discoveries

  • Lunch or drink at the Yeatman hotel bar for the best city view.

  • Small group boat tour (avoid crowded giant Rabelo boats).

  • Try a francesinhas (we had to share as it’s a heavy dish!)

  • Pastel de Nata pastry (custard tart) with your coffee (warm with cinnamon is the best!)

  • Watch the sunset on the Dom Luis I Bridge.

  • Craft Beer/Breweries at Cervejaria Nortada, Armazem da Cerveja.

  • Attend a Porto football (soccer) game!

Our wishlist for our next visit:

  • Bolhão Market

  • Wow Porto Museum district

  • Join a food tour

  • Visit the Time out Market

  • Sunset boat ride

  • Sunset at Miradouro do Jardim do Morro (daily live music for sunset)

  • Visit Bosco Porto restaurant

  • Go to Adega Leonor for their sangria and Portugese sausage

  • and mooooore! :)

We book our tours on Get Your Guide, Viator or Tripadvisor. Happy to share links to past tours.

Douro Valley Highlights

Nestled inland from Porto, the Douro Valley unfolds as a breathtaking landscape of terraced vineyards clinging to steep hillsides that plunge down to the winding Douro River. This UNESCO World Heritage site is the heartland of Port wine production, where traditional quintas (wine estates) dot the scenery, offering tours and tastings of their renowned fortified wines. Beyond the vineyards, the valley boasts picturesque villages, charming guesthouses, and scenic drives that reveal stunning vistas at every turn. The Douro Valley is a sensory delight, where the beauty of nature intertwines with the rich history and flavors of Portuguese winemaking.

  • Visit Wine Estates (Quintas)

    Explore the numerous wine estates, from large estates to family-run quintas. Take tours to learn about wine production and enjoy tastings of Port and DOC Douro wines. Some popular options include Quinta do Tedo, Quinta da Seixo, and Quinta de la Rosa. One of our personal favourite is Ventezelo! Lovely restaurant and views over the valley.

  • Take a Scenic Boat Trip

    Cruise along the Douro River on various options, from short one-hour "rabelo" boat tours (traditional cargo boats) to full-day excursions from Porto to Pinhão. Enjoy the stunning views of the terraced vineyards from the water.

  • Visit Local Towns & Villages

    Explore the Douro's charming villages and historic towns, from Pinhão with its azulejo-adorned train station and the quaint Wine Villages of Provesende and Favaios, to Vila Real or Lamego, where a climb up the impressive baroque staircase leads to the stunning Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies.

  • Discover the Douro Museum

    Learn about the history and culture of the Douro region at the Douro Museum in Peso da Régua.

  • Enjoy a Scenic Train Ride

    The railway line from Porto to Pocinho is considered one of Europe's most beautiful rail journeys, following the river and offering fantastic views. The stretch between Pinhão and Pocinho is particularly stunning.

Organised Tours in the Douro 

There are many companies that run tours around the Douro from historical to walking and kayaking. Here is a list of companies (we have not tested them personally but checked for 5* reviews):

  • Douro Walking Tours- Guided walks/hikes, foodie tours and cooking classes.

  • Luxury Douro Tours - Historical, scenic or foodie tours in vintage cars.

  • Living Tours - Classic Douro Valley day out with winery tour, boat ride and scenic viewpoints. Pickup available from Regua.

  • Douro Travel - Historical village tours (churches & monuments), can also provide personalised tours e.g to Casa de Mateus Palace.

  • Go On Bike - E-bike tours of the Douro Valley. Based in Regua.

  • Self Guided Walk of part of the Caminho Santiago “Portuguese Way of the Interior”. Parts may be on the road.

Our favourites so far…

  • Watching the sunrise/set over the Douro Valley.

  • Admire the vineyard patterns that spread across the mountains.

  • Eat delicious cheese and charcuterie boards!

  • Wine and nibbles at the Quinta do Ventezelo restaurant (call to check availability).

  • The view from our hotel room. Vila Gale Douro Vineyard (not to be confused with the one in Regua) or Delfim Hotel.

  • Take a boat ride from Pinhao (1hour or 2hours).

  • Take the train from/to Porto from Regua or Pinhao.

Sunrise over the Douro river, spot the boat and train going past. Photo taken by Sarah-Louise on one of our trips.