Everyone who goes to Porto comes back saying how “authentic” it feels compared to Lisbon. I always thought that was just something people said when they wanted to sound cultured. But after spending a considerable amount of time in Porto compared to Lisbon, and finding the best things to do in Porto, I get it now. It really does feel different.

It’s slower, softer, and somehow more emotional. The kind of city that greets you with chipped tiles, a fresh cup of espresso, and the smell of grilled fish in the air. It’s not trying to be perfect, and for me, that’s exactly what makes it special.

If you’re planning your list of things to do in Porto, here’s my version of what’s actually worth it. These are the experiences I loved, what surprised me, and even one I’d probably skip.

Ribeira

Every trip to Porto seems to start at Ribeira, and honestly, there’s a reason for that. The colorful riverfront, the sound of street musicians, the sunlight bouncing off the water. It’s the Porto you expect, and it delivers.

Grab a seat by the Douro, order something cold, and just watch the chaos unfold. There’s always something happening. Locals shouting greetings across the street, tourists trying to get the same perfect photo, someone busking a version of “Girl from Ipanema” for the fifth time that day.

If you walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge (even halfway), you’ll get the kind of view that makes you stop mid-sentence. That’s when Porto really starts to sink in.

Not far from here is Neta 3 Padaria Confeitaria, a small bakery that feels like a neighborhood secret. It’s where I had one of my favorite snacks in Porto, a pistachio pastel de nata that somehow made every other one I tried later feel less exciting. They also serve simple, savory pastries that are perfect for a quick stop between wandering and watching the boats on the river.

If you’re making a list of things to do in Porto, Ribeira deserves to be near the top. It captures everything the city is about.

The Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls)

The Capela das Almas is one of those places that’s even more impressive in person. The walls are covered in blue and white azulejos, and the detail is wild. Every square inch tells a story.

It’s located on Rua de Santa Catarina, the main shopping street. You can grab a coffee, turn a corner, and suddenly you’re standing in front of this bright blue masterpiece.

Go early if you want a quiet moment and an uninterrupted photo op. I had some slow (some might call it lazy) mornings in Porto, so both times I went, I arrived just in time to meet every other tourist trying to get a good shot.

Mercado do Bolhão

If you want to see Porto at its most real, spend a morning at Mercado do Bolhão. It’s not just a market, it’s where locals actually shop for their fruit, fish, and flowers. The renovated building still feels authentic, just a little brighter and more open than before.

You’ll hear vendors calling out prices, watch fresh pasta being made and prepped for lunch, and probably end up snacking as you go. I picked up a cup of fresh fruit and tried a few savory pastries and small bites from different stalls. It wasn’t fancy, but it was one of those moments that made me feel part of the rhythm of the city.

And since you’re already in the area, Manteigaria is right around the corner. Stop by for a pastel de nata fresh from the oven, still warm and perfectly caramelized on top. It’s the kind of bite that makes you pause for a second before going back for another. Besides, having a pastel de Nata is like a rite of passage when you’re in Portugal.

If you go, go early. By late morning, it gets crowded fast, but that first hour when the city is still waking up is when it feels the most alive.

São Bento Station (Estação de São Bento)

Even if you’re not catching a train, stop by São Bento Station (Estação de São Bento). It’s one of those places that reminds you how much art is woven into daily life here. And if you are itching for a little day trip, I highly recommend heading to Pinhão, in the Douro Valley for some wine tasting, hiking, and gorgeous views of the plentiful vineyards. I stayed for a couple days and did a hike through the vineyards one morning — you can watch the full hike here!

The walls are covered in more than twenty thousand azulejos that tell stories from Portuguese history, from royal processions to scenes of everyday life. You’ll see commuters rushing to their trains while tourists stand frozen in awe, necks tilted back to take it all in…oops, that was me. 

I ended up staying longer than I expected, just watching how the light shifted across the tiles. There’s something about how ordinary and extraordinary coexist in this space that makes it hard to leave.

Jardim do Morro

Keep walking across the bridge and you’ll hit Jardim do Morro, the park everyone gathers in for sunset. It’s simple. Just grass, a few trees, and the best skyline view in Porto. I sat there with a pastry and just watched the city light up one window at a time.

If you don’t feel like walking back, there’s a cable car nearby that takes you down toward Gaia’s waterfront. It’s a little touristy, but still worth doing once.

Igreja do Carmo (Two Churches, One Secret)

If you’re looking for things to do in Porto that mix history and surprise, stop at Igreja do Carmo. Igreja do Carmo is one of those places that looks like it belongs in a movie. Its baroque architecture and blue azulejo wall make it one of Porto’s most recognizable landmarks. However, there’s a fun detail most people miss. It’s actually two churches, separated by one of the narrowest houses in the world. The gap was originally built to keep the nuns and monks apart. Cool, right?

Around the back, there’s a fountain and a small square that’s perfect for people-watching. The streets nearby are filled with cafés and vintage stores, so it’s a good place to wander without an agenda…something I must say I’m quite good at.

Igreja de Santo Ildefonso

This one doesn’t get the same attention as Chapel of Souls, but it deserves it. It has the same tile charm without the crowds. You can actually take your time and appreciate the details.

It sits on a hill near the city center, and if you visit in the evening, the light makes the blue tiles almost glow.

Vila Nova de Gaia

Technically, this isn’t Porto, but it’s worth crossing the river for. Vila Nova de Gaia is where all the port wine cellars are, but even if you’re not into wine, go for the view. This has to be one of my hands down favorite things to do in Porto, and I have a feeling it might be yours, too.

Walk along the waterfront, find a quiet spot, and look back at Ribeira. It’s one of those views that makes you pause and just take it all in. The colors, the sound of the river, the rhythm of people walking by.

While you’re over here, stop by Sabores d’Fininha. It’s tucked in the Gaia side, a cozy spot that feels relaxed and unpretentious. I had clams and a few tapas while watching the sunset, and it turned out to be one of my favorite meals from the trip. The service was warm, and it felt like the kind of place where you could easily spend hours without realizing it.

Livraria Lello — The Place I Skipped (And Why)

So here’s the thing. Livraria Lello is probably on every “things to do in Porto” list, and I wanted to love it. But the truth is, I didn’t go inside.

Not because I didn’t care, but because I didn’t want to stand in line for a ticket to a bookstore. From the photos I’ve seen, it is stunning, yes. But walking by, seeing the long, crowded lines, it felt that it might be more like a photo backdrop than a place to actually enjoy books.

If you feel the same, try Flâneur instead. It’s smaller, quieter, and has the cozy atmosphere every real bookworm looks for.

That said, if you’re a Harry Potter fan or love old-world architecture, it probably is worth checking out. Many people believe J.K. Rowling drew inspiration from its carved wooden staircases and whimsical interior.

Rua de Santa Catarina

This street is loud, busy, and full of life. It’s where I stopped most mornings after leaving my hotel, sometimes for coffee, sometimes just to watch people go about their day. And there’s pretty much always at least one musician or artist performing on the street. So stop and enjoy the music for a bit. And if you love it, show them with a donation. My favorite artist that I encountered during my time in Porto was Lizana Loch. She is extremely talented and at times, gave me goosebumps. Watch a snippet of her playing here.

Santa Catarina is one of the city’s main shopping streets, filled with locals heading to work, tourists weaving between stores, and the smell of espresso drifting from cafés. If you need a place to slow down for a bit, Café Majestic is the classic stop. It’s a little extravagant, but stepping inside feels like time travel.

And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, grab gelato from Amorino nearby. The staff are so sweet and they’ll even shape your scoops into a rose if you get a cone.

Teatro Nacional São João — For the Artsy People

You don’t have to be into theater to appreciate this place. I walked by during the day, noticed the doors open, and wandered in. It ended up being one of my favorite surprises in Porto.

The interior is beautiful, and it’s a great way to see another side of the city. Even if you don’t speak Portuguese, check the schedule. Sometimes they host live music or dance performances that anyone can enjoy.

Wander the Streets and Take the “PORTO” Photo

One of the best things you can do in any city is just walk. Porto is perfect for it. The streets twist and turn in ways that make no sense until they suddenly open up to a view of the river or a hidden courtyard café.

At some point, you’ll probably find yourself in front of Porto City Hall, where the big blue “PORTO” sign stands. It’s one of those classic photo spots that everyone takes, and honestly, it’s fun to lean into it. Not all touristy things will appeal to you, but you’re still a tourist, after all. So, why not?

Take the photo, grab a pastel de nata nearby, and keep wandering. The city rewards curiosity. You’ll stumble across tiled buildings that look like art, balconies dripping with plants, and small shops where time moves slower.

Sometimes, the most memorable things to do in Porto aren’t the ones that make it onto a list. It’s just being present in the middle of it all.

Igreja da Trindade

If you’re exploring near Porto City Hall, take a short walk to Igreja da Trindade. It’s one of those places you might pass without realizing how peaceful it is inside. The church has a simple beauty that contrasts the more elaborate tilework around the city.

The facade is made of granite and feels understated, but once you step inside, it’s calm and softly lit, with high arches and delicate details that make you want to stay for a few minutes.

It’s a nice little pause if you’ve been walking all day or just took a photo at the “PORTO” sign. The area around it is also great for wandering, with cafés tucked along side streets and locals going about their day.

Why Porto Stayed With Me

Porto feels familiar even if it’s your first time there. It’s not polished or predictable, and that’s exactly what makes it beautiful. Take your time here. Don’t plan too much (unless you’re type A lol, do your thing). Sit in cafés, order another espresso, and let the city unfold at its own pace.

The best things to do in Porto aren’t always the biggest landmarks. Sometimes it’s buying fresh fruit from a market stall, ordering another espresso you don’t really need, or wandering with no plan at all. That’s when the city really starts to show you who it is. And I had the pleasure of staying at arguably the best boutique hotel in Porto. It gave me the perfect base to explore the city and I highly recommend it for anyone who values a comfortable hotel in a prime location.