Regarded as one of the best city-break destinations in Europe, most first time visitors only give themselves a few days to explore Porto. However, soon you’ll find out there’s a lot more to the city than meets the eye, and that 3 or 4 days are ok if all you want to do is scratch the surface. Still, and even if you’re running on a tight schedule, there are some activities and sights whose visit is mandatory when coming to the city for the first time.
Here are 5 things to do in Porto during your first time visit:
SEE CAIS DA RIBEIRA
I mean…would you go to Paris and not see the Eiffel Tower?! Much like the iron titan in the French capital, the Cais da Ribeira is Porto’s postcard picture, and therefore its inclusion on this list is a no-brainer. With its stacked rows of colourful buildings standing at the edge of the Douro, few other riverfronts are as impressive. And, as a bonus, you get to climb the D. Luís I Bridge and enjoy great views of the quay and the river from above.
CLIMB TORRE DOS CLÉRIGOS
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Dominating the downtown’s skyline, Torre dos Clérigos is quite literally an attraction you cannot miss, as you’ll see it from pretty much everywhere in the city centre. However, in order to really experience it, you must endure its 225 steps and climb all the way to the top. Don’t feel discouraged though, once you check out the amazing views you’ll instantly understand why this is one of the best things to do in Porto! Tickets for the tower and the adjoining church can be bought directly on the spot for 4,00€.
READ ALSO: 5 Must visit churches in Porto
TRY THE INSANE FRANCESINHA
Photo by: Raphael Alvim
Ever wondered what a heart attack would look like on a plate? Then make sure to check (and taste!) Porto’s take on the eternal Croque Monsieur. Stuffed with all kinds of fresh and smoked meats and drizzled with a spicy, thick sauce, this juggernaut of a sandwich might set you back a couple of years down the road, but it’s a memorable and delicious meal. Since you shouldn’t have more than one of these while in Porto, we urge you to go all-in and try the one from Café Santiago, the most popular place among locals to have this iconic dish.
READ ALSO: 5 Francesinha spots in Porto you need to try
VISIT LIVRARIA LELLO
Photo by: Raphael Alvim
Whether you define yourself as a bookworm or not, this bookshop will leave you stunned. In fact, it has been featured on many lists as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, a claim that is backed by JK Rowling – she admitted this was one of her favourite things to do in Porto, and a place that inspired her into writing the Harry Potter franchise. We recommend buying your tickets online in order to avoid queues, as these tend to get particularly crazy during Summer. However, if you’re visiting in Winter, you can buy your tickets at the bookshop’s official kiosk, located right around the corner at the Antigos Armazéns do Castelo, and though these will cost you 4,00€, you can actually use this sum to buy a book and take home an awesome souvenir.
ALSO: Book A Harry Potter Inspired Tour in Porto (24€/person)
TASTE PORT WINE
Finally, one does not simply visit Porto without trying this delicacy of a drink (insert Sean Bean meme)! We recommend taking one of the many wine cellars tours available, one of the most popular activities in the city. However, if you’re looking for a less touristy wine experience, you must visit Gota a Gota Winehouse, a quaint little bar that also works as a wine shop where you can enjoy a more personal service in a very inviting atmosphere.
READ ALSO: Top 3 Port wine tasting experiences of Porto
