A fascinating city in coastal Portugal, Porto has lately emerged as one of the most revered holiday destinations in Western Europe. The city offers a plethora of tourist attractions including a hip nightlife, many historical spots, and tourist-friendly conveniences. So, it is hardly surprising why Porto allures visitors belonging to different age groups and backgrounds. Lined with quaint narrow streets, the locality is renowned for the production of its exotic Port. The city’s most ancient district, The Ribeira District is known for its old houses and classical charm of the bygone times. If you really wish to know this vibrant city even better, try out some of the best non-touristy things to do in Porto, Portugal.
1. Visit Livraria Lello bookshop (from USD 54.0)
Irrespective of whether you are a bookworm or not, a visit to the famous Livraria Lello bookshop should not be missed at any cost when you are in Porto. It is strategically located a few minutes from the city center and is truly one of the most amazing places to be. It is considered as one of the most renowned bookstores on the planet. Designed by Xavier Esteves, a famous architect, it was inaugurated in 1906 and is a popular spot in the city.
Visit Livraria Lello bookshop
Address: R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal
Website: Visit Livraria Lello bookshop
Opening hours: 9:30am - 7pm (daily)
Porto Downtown Tour
Duration: 3 hours
2. Enjoy a magical train tour (from USD 15.0)
If you want to get up close and personal with the major highlights of the city of Porto, do not miss this exciting train tour. As there are departures at regular frequencies all throughout the day, you can choose a time based on your preference. Once you begin your ride, listen to some of the exciting audio rides and also enjoy two wine tastings while touring one of the local wineries. You will pass through famous historic sites like ão João National Theatre and other important tourist spots during your ride.
MagicTrain Tour and Port Wine Cellar Visit & Tasting
Duration: 100 to 120 minutes
3. Vineyard and wine tasting tour to Douro Valley (from USD 109.0)
Your visit to Portugal will be incomplete if you miss the wonderful experience of local wine tasting. However, this tour entails a visit to three beautiful vineyards in the region. You will also get a chance to savor exotic local wines while marveling at the mesmerizing vistas of the Valley’s vineyards. Get familiar with the wine preparation process in the Douro Valley from people who are directly associated with it. End your tour with a scrumptious Portuguese lunch in a village called Pinhão.
Douro Valley with Wine Tastings and Lunch from Porto
Duration: 9 hours
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4. Enjoy a trekking trip from Porto to Geres Waterfall (from USD 110.0)
Enjoy visiting the country’s only national park, Peneda-Geres National Park, while going on this exciting trek that lasts for an entire day. Start your trip from Porto and cross the lovely countryside and the majestic green mountains while enjoying a nail-biting 4X4 ride. You will get the golden opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Portugal during this exciting tour. Your experienced guide will be more than willing to respond to your queries and click some pictures of the waterfalls to capture your memories forever.
Small Group Peneda Geres National Park Full Day Tour from Porto
Duration: 9 to 10 hours
Porto Tour Guide
Rui Alves
I offer tours and guide services in Portugal, from North to South, with professionalism and love representing the best hidden gems of our country.
Tours by Rui
5. Shop till you drop at Via Catarina
The city of Porto is not only famous for its majestic monuments but also for its wide array of shopping destinations. From retail spaces to stylish boutiques, the city has so many shopping options that you simply cannot return empty-handed. So take some time and shop for designer garments, antique items, personalized gifts, intricate handicrafts, and more at Via Catarina. Some other prominent shopping destinations in the city include Patch Porto, Mercado Loft Store, THE - Design e Moda, and Coração Alecrim.
Shop till you drop at Porto
Address: R. Guedes de Azevedo 125, 4000-272 Porto, Portugal
Website: Via Catarina
Opening hours: 9am - 10pm (daily)
6. Marvel at the street art in Porto (from USD 23.86)
If you were under the impression that Porto is popular only because of its port wine and picturesque beauty, think again! The city is also associated closely with its mesmerizing street art which features subjects that may vary from political themes to sceneries, monuments, and other objects. Street art is created in several ways, including freehand paints, and is an absolute visual treat that you simply cannot afford to miss.
Rua Miguel Bombarda
Address: Rua Miguel Bombarda, Porto
Website: Miguel Bombarda
Porto: Half-Day Street Art Tour
Duration: 3.0 hour
7. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Douro River (from USD 368.98)
Go on board and start your cruise as you sail through the lovely Douro River. Make sure to travel with your friends or family and marvel at the beautiful landscapes on the banks of Vila Nova de Gaia, as well as Porto. Relish some fine Port wine which Portugal is famous for while appreciating some of the historic bridges. Enjoy this wonderful trip with your loved ones as you get familiar with how these two cities are historically related to each other.
Porto: 2-Hour Private Cruise on the Douro River
Duration: 2 hour
8. Visit the distinctive Museum Of Bread (from USD 117.0)
Hardly any visitor can resist the charm of this lovely museum. You can come here with your entire family and know about the bread making process in detail. You can savor the lip-smacking local products and also enjoy an authentic Portuguese lunch with your entire family at the site. Your little ones will be absolutely thrilled while watching the “Cycle of Bread,” which showcases the process of bread-making in a unique way. There is a restaurant inside the museum which serves regional Portugal delicacies and an ancient bakery.
Discover Serra da Estrela
Duration: 10 hours
9. Experience the joy of tile painting (from USD 42.0)
If you are vacationing in Porto, you must attend this workshop which is one of a kind for sure. The culture of Portugal is synonymous with Azulejos and facades; using them is regarded as one of the world’s most wonderful heritage crafts. You will also have the opportunity to know more about this beautiful art while painting your own tile. The best part of this workshop is its suitability for all kinds of participants. As the coordinators speak in languages like Spanish, Portuguese, and English, you will not have any problem with understanding the concepts.
Porto Paint Traditional Portuguese Tiles Workshop
Duration: 2 hours
10. Indulge in kitesurfing (from USD 158.0)
If you are an outdoorsy person and would love to try out kitesurfing, look no further. This tour is conducted by the sole national kitesurfing school in Portugal with a team of seasoned teachers to guide you on the various techniques based on your skills and experience level. An ideal way to know more about this outdoor sport, you will be supplied some of the finest materials and personalized attention. You can join these fun classes whenever you visit Porto.
Kitesurf School
Duration: 3 hours
Have a pleasant stay at Porto
So, what are you waiting for? Update your travel itinerary and make sure that you explore these recommended non-touristy things to do in Porto, Portugal. Get to know the city better and enjoy your vacation!
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