It’s time to welcome Summer with a fresh list of free things to do in Porto. These suggestions will make you get of the house without spending any money, you just have to get your friends and go have fun in the sun.
Here are 13 free things to do in Porto during Summer
1.Go to the flea market/street market
Photo courtesy of: FleaMarket Porto
Every month, you can visit the Flea Market or “Pulga” in different locations during summertime, usually they include gardens or beautiful squares (check their facebook page for updates). Urban Market, Mercado da Alegria or Pink Market are also worth checking out.
READ ALSO: Porto Markets You’ll Definitely Enjoy This Summer
2.Visit Galeria Municipal do Porto and stroll around Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Palacio do Cristal gardensPhoto by: Oportoblog
Galeria Municipal do Porto puts together a regular programme of exhibitions and events around contemporary visual arts, design and architecture. The gallery has free admission and is located in Palácio de Cristal, so it’s the perfect excuse to stroll around the beautiful gardens.
Check the website for more info.
Where: Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Gallery opening hours:Tuesday – Saturday 10.00am-6.00pm; Sunday 2.00pm-6.00pm; (Closed on Mondays and Public Holidays)
READ ALSO: There’s A Porto Museum For Every Taste
3. Take a yoga, tai chi or pilates class at Parque da Cidade
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
If one of your summer goals is to adopt a healthy lifestyle or to train your flexibility, there are yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates classes every Saturday morning at Parque da Cidade. You just have to take a yoga mat, comfy clothes and prepare to take deep breaths and relax.
Where: Parque da Cidade do Porto
READ ALSO: Discover the Secret Backyard Gardens of Porto
4.Have a Picnic at Parque da Cidade
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
If the sun is shining, it’s time to get your picnic basket and fill it with delicious food and drinks. Then, you just have to make your way to Parque da Cidade and find a place to relax while enjoying nature. And please, don’t forget to pick up your trash before you leave!
Where: Parque da Cidade do Porto
READ ALSO: Four Amazing Wineries And Vineyards To Road Trip To Around Porto
5.Walk along Rio Douro and see the bridges
Porto RibeiraPhoto by: Oportoblog
When visiting Ribeira, you’ll see the traditional narrow streets and colorful houses that make the city so magical. You can also walk next to the river while admiring the boats and the bridges D.Maria and D.Luís.
Where: Ribeira
READ ALSO: Discover the Secret Backyard Gardens of Porto
6.Go to the “other side” (Vila Nova de Gaia)
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Take the subway (yellow line) and make your way to Vila Nova de Gaia. You’ll get off at Jardim do Morro, which has a beautiful view of the Douro riverbanks and the city. Since you’re there, take the opportunity to visit Cais de Gaia which is perfect to take lovely walks and admire the Porto Wine cellars.
Where: Jardim do Morro; Cais de Gaia
READ ALSO: Here Is A List Of 13 Porto Tours You Must Plan For During Your Stay
7.See a concert at Casa da Música
Casa da MusicaPhoto by: Oportoblog
Casa da Música is a must visit place due to its unique architecture. On Wednesdays (and occasionally on thursdays as well) they host free concerts at their bar. Just keep an eye on their facebook page and website for more info about the performances.
Where: Casa da Música
READ ALSO: Six Great Internet Cafés in Porto To Get Some Work Done
8.Go to Jardim Botânico
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Jardim Botânico do Porto includes a historical garden, an area with greenhouses with tropical and sub-tropical plants, a rose garden and even lakes. It’s peaceful and the perfect place to hide if you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy nature.
Check the website
Where: Jardim Botânico
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 09:00 am-06:00 pm; Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 am-06:00 pm
READ ALSO: Enjoy Nature and Check out These Five Porto Gardens
9. See some street art and visit art galleries
Mots, Mesk and Fedor inspired by D. Quixote de La MachaPhoto by: João Garcia
Porto has mind-blowing street art across the city, you just have to check this previous publication in order to know where to find it. You can also visit the Miguel Bombarda arts district (check this previous post) or the Gallery Senhora Presidenta.
READ ALSO: Take A Walk And Check Out Insane Porto Street Art
10. See the Sunset at Virtudes or Miradouro da Vitória
Photo by: Nuno Carvalho
Miradouro da Vitória and Passeio das Virtudes are the perfect place to meet up with some friends, enjoy an ice-cold beer and witness an unforgettable sunset with the best view.
Where: Miradouro da Vitória; Passeio das Virtudes
11. Discover the Portuguese centre for Photography
CPF buildingPhoto by: Oportoblog
What once used to be a prison, was transformed into The Portuguese Center for Photography which maintains an annual programme of exhibitions and a valuable collection of cameras you can also admire. Check their website and facebook page for more info about the exhibitions.
Where: Centro Português de Fotografia
12. Check out the Festival Cultura em Expansão
Photo courtesy of: Cultura em Expansão
Festival Cultura em Expansão includes more than 64 free shows, all taking place in different neighborhoods around Porto, running from March to December. Music, dance, theater – you name it. There’s something for every taste and some of the highlights include the band Medeiros/Lucas (15thJune) and the performance “Todos os dias me sujo de coisas eternas” (12thJuly). Check the rest of the programme for more info (portuguese only) and their facebook page.
13. Concerts and Chess at Chess & Hats
Photo courtesy of: Chess & Hats
Starting in June, on Saturdays, musicians are invited to present their projects at the store Chess & Hats inside the Galerias Lumière. The store will also provide chess tables from 01:00 pm to 07:00 pm so you can train your mind and have a little fun. Check the facebook event page for more info.
Have you made plans for summer yet? Let us know in the comment section!
