1. explore Porto on foot

Medieval city walls, cobblestone streets, narrow alleys and hidden squares: if you want to see Porto's most secret corners as well as the city's numerous sights, you should go on a Guided Walking Tour. There are plenty of providers, including many that offer free walking tours in Porto. Tip from the editors: the tours from Withlocals. To get you in the mood and oriented, this should be the first item on the Porto Bucket List.

 

2. Sightseeing Tour with a Tram

 

Riding the public transit system can be so stylish. ©Unsplash

The historic streetcars in Porto are not only an experience, but also a sight in themselves. With their interiors of wood, brass and control levers, they take you back to times long past. The most scenic line is the Linha 1, which runs along the Douro River to the district of Foz. The Linha 18 and Linha 22 are also museum lines.

 

3. discover the Douro

Porto is located at the mouth of the Douro River. This meanders through the entire country to the Spanish border. A river cruise also offers completely new perspectives on the city of Porto. FeelDouro for example, offers private and customized tours.

 

4. make a stop at Harry Potter

 

A bookstore you need a ticket for. But so beautiful! ©Unsplash

What does Hogwarts have to do with Portugal? Quite a bit. Joanne K. Rowling was inspired by all corners of the country for her book series about the sorcerer's apprentice. One of these places is Livraria Lello. Opened in 1869, it is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. In order to fend off the onslaught, the Livraria Lello a small obulus. This can be offset with a purchase.

 

5. Photo pitstop at the Miraduoro da Vitória

A "Miraduoro" is a viewpoint - Porto has a few of them. The one that offers wonderful views of the Dom Luis Bridge, the Bishop's Palace and Porto Cathedral for free is the Miraduoro da Vitória. It is located on Rua da Bataria da Vitória.

 

6. Eat Pasteis de Nata

 

Delicious tradition. ©Unsplash

 

Porto has a lot to offer in terms of culinary highlights. Pasteis de Nata are the sweet top dog in Portugal. Crispy and airy on the outside, the little tarts are filled with a custard-like cream. You can enjoy the specialty in a beautiful setting in the 120-year-old bakery Confeitaria do Bolhão in the R. Formosa 339.

 

7. get a taste of market air

The Mercado do Bolhão has a long history. Located in an old neoclassical building, it is the most important food market in the city. The building is currently being restored, which is why the temporary alternative market is located on Rua de Fernandes Tomás. It is said that the renovation work will be completed in September 2022.

 

8. stroll through the Palácio da Bolsa

 

The old stock exchange is hard to beat for pageantry. ©Shutterstock

 

Once upon a time there was a monastery, then the stock exchange: the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) was built between 1842 and 1910 on the remains of the monastery next door. It is located in the old town of Porto, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. In terms of beauty, the interior of the building is hard to beat. During a 45-minute guided tour, you'll stroll through the Pátio des Nações with its glass dome and up the breathtaking staircase.

 

9. experience the most popular neighborhoods

 

Ribeira beckons with lively nightlife. ©Unsplash

 

The Ribeira, Baixa and Bolhão neighborhoods are also a must on a Porto bucket list. The three districts are among the most historic in the city. The density of sights is high, as are the cafés, bars and stores. Ribeira is best known for its riverside location and colorful house fronts.

 

10. enjoy sunset in a special place

 

Does the bridge remind anyone of Paris? Oui! ©Unsplash

The Dom Luis I Bridge is a masterpiece of the builder's art and a design piece in equal measure. Designed by Gustav Eiffel (yes, him!), it is the place to enjoy the magical sunsets of Porto in a particularly atmospheric way.

 

11. drink port wine

No Porto bucket list without the country's most important export: Port wine. The Douro Valley is famous for its Port production - and has been since the 17th century. On the other side of the Dom Luis I Bridge is the town of Vila Nova de Gaia. Here you can find the most famous Port houses in the city. Most of them offer cellar tours and tastings. Worth seeing is the Espaço Porto Cruzis worth seeing. The five-story building is completely dedicated to port wine production. In addition to games, exhibitions and wine tastings, there is also a wonderful rooftop terrace with 360-degree views of the city.

 

12. go sightseeing by gondola

 

From A to B at dizzying heights. ©Unpslash

 

There are also gondolas in Porto. Not like in Venice though. More like in Austria. Because in Vila Nova, the Teleférico de Gaia cable car leads from the waterfront promenade along the Douro with the Jardim do Morro park. During the ride, you can enjoy views of the Douro Valley, Ribeira, the Ponte Dom Luis I and Porto opposite.

 

13. climb a church

The tower of the baroque Clérigos Church, over 75 meters high, can be seen from afar. It towers above many of the buildings in the city. From the top you have a unique view. However, you first have to climb the 240 steps that lead up ...

 

14. stroll along the promenade

 

Pleasure stroll by the ocean. ©Shutterstock

The trendy district of Foz do Douro scores with a beautiful, long promenade. It is lined with palm and pine trees, as well as a pergola that reminds one a little of Nice. Not far away is the Farol Molhe do Douro lighthouse, which was in operation for 120 years. Today, new food concepts, bars and restaurants are constantly springing up in the area. A walk along the promenade at sunset is particularly romantic. Definitely put on the Porto bucket list!

 

15. relax on the beach

The Douro is undoubtedly the lifeline of Porto. On hot summer days at the latest, however, one remembers that Porto is also located by the sea, among other things. Beach fans have a choice of at least ten beaches, just a few minutes from the city center. The one at Parque de Cidade in Matosinhos is super easy to reach by metro. The municipality is located about ten kilometers northwest of Porto.