Porto Things To Do – Attractions & Must See

Portugal’s second largest city, Porto has long been of the centers of European civilization. Today, Porto is a thriving metropolitan area with a native wine culture and a charming waterfront that was home to the Romans.

Porto Things to Do

From the famous port wine to the breathtaking hills, this is a city that calls to the traveler. This is a great city to walk, take a boat tour, or enjoy a funicular ride.

Start With The Water

Porto is located along the banks of the River Duoro. Boats ply the river here, offering a matchless view of the entire city and a place to cool off during the hot summer. You can take an entire day trip up the full length of the river. You can also take a tour , aptly named the Six Bridges Tour, that will lead under the six bridges in the city: Freixo, the S. Joao, the Dona Maria Pia, the Infante, Dom Luis 1 and the Arrabida. This takes about an hour. If you want to get back up the hills of the rest of the city, it’s a steep climb. You can walk or you can take the Funicular Dos Guindais. The funicular offers a fast trip up the hill for a small fee.

Ribeira District

The heart of the city, the Ribeira District dates back to Roman times when it was a key port for the empire as it allowed residents easy access to the water. Later part of a medieval market, this area has since been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Grab a map so you can take a stroll along the wonderfully inviting maze-like streets. Look for ancient Roman walls and the main square with more than a dozens of places to eat.

Sampling Wine

Porto is probably most famous for the city’s sweet port wine. You’ll find over fifty port wine sellers and makers here. Many companies offer a tour of the region’s wine caves where wines are sold. You can tour wineries and get multiple samples afterwards. Many places also port wine at far lower prices than you can expect to pay anywhere else.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do in Porto.