Porto is a beautiful city in Portugal that effortlessly blends old-world charm with a vibrant spirit. It sits perched along the Douro River in northern Portugal, and it’s known for its colourful riverside buildings, iconic bridges, and world-famous port wines. Although Porto has quickly become one of the most popular destinations in Portugal, its winter season is still highly underrated. With fewer crowds and cooler temperatures at this time of the year, you’re able to explore the city at a slower pace. There are still many unique things to do in Porto in the winter, so don’t worry.
The history of Porto stretches back over 2,000 years, when it was founded as a Roman settlement. Porto played a key role during the Age of Discoveries, just like Lisbon did, and you can still see its maritime past throughout the streets of its historic old town. From neoclassical landmarks to medieval cathedrals, Porto’s history is one that’s still firmly on display wherever you turn.
If you plan to visit Porto during the winter months, you’ll be able to experience the city beyond its usual highlights. You’ll also be able to enjoy visiting historic cafes, walk around the cobbled streets, and take a scenic journey along the Douro River without being crammed into your seat.
Getting around Porto
If you’re visiting Porto, getting around the city is very easy due to its public transportation network. To make things easier, you can grab a 24-hour unlimited transportation pass with the Porto.CARD. Our card was included with the Porto City Pass Premium from MEGAPASS. All we had to do was show the ticket on our phone at the tourism office next to the cathedral and we were provided with our passes for the next 24 hours.
If you’d rather pay for a single journey, these tickets are available at metro stations or from Porto Airport. Any ticket you choose needs to be validated before your first trip. Alternatively, Porto can be a lot of fun to walk around, but make sure you bring comfortable shoes because there are a lot of hills and steps to climb.
Unique things to do in Porto, Portugal in the winter
Vintage Food & Port Wine Tour with Taste Porto
One of the best things to do in Porto in the winter, or any time of the year, is to go on a food and wine tour. We joined Taste Porto for their Vintage & Port Wine Food Tour which lasts for around 3.5 hours. This small-group tour offers a great combination of traditional Portuguese dishes alongside carefully selected Douro and port wines. The places we stopped at were a mixture of family-run establishments, historic cafes, and hidden wine bars – and none of them disappointed.
Apart from eating and drinking, our guide also taught us about Porto’s food culture and how it’s deeply tied to working-class roots. During the wine tastings, we learned about the wine trade history of the city too. Taste Porto offers some fantastic guided tours throughout the year, so I’d recommend visiting their website to see what tour suits you best. In the winter, you’ll find it’s easier to book a timeslot which is great if you’re booking last minute.
Church of Saint Ildefonso
The Church of Saint Ildefonso is one of the most striking landmarks in Porto. It’s instantly recognizable thanks to its blue and white azulejo tiles adorning its exterior. This church was built in the 18th century and sits near Praça da Batalha. Its tiles depict scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso and the Gospels, making it a beautiful place to stop even on a cloudy winter morning. If you want photos outside without crowds, I’d recommend coming as close to sunrise as possible.
Visiting the Church of Saint Ildefonso is one of the best free things to do in Porto. That’s right – the interior is completely free to enter. The decorations inside aren’t as elaborate as the tiles on the outside, but it’s still worth heading inside for a brief look.
Go on the Gaia Cable Car
If you’re looking for unique things to do in Porto, look no further than the Gaia Cable Car. This cable car offers a stunning view of the riverside, running between the promenade to the upper deck of the Dom Luis I Bridge. The ride is relatively quick and it’s a good alternative to climbing the steep hills to get to the viewpoint. It’s also very convenient if you want to visit the wine cellars in Gaia and pair it with a beautiful sunset view afterwards.
A one-way ticket for the Gaia Cable Car costs €7.00 and a return ticket costs €10.00. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket office at the base of the stairs, before joining the queue for the cable car.
Admire the view from Torre dos Clerigos
Another must-see attraction in Porto is Torre dos Clerigos. This 18th century Baroque tower was built by an Italian architect, and it offers incredible panoramic views over the Douro River, terracotta rooftops, and the Atlantic Ocean in the distance. There are 225 steps to climb to get to the top but the view is definitely worth it. You can complete your visit by exploring the museum and church too, if you have the time.
A general ticket for the tower and museum costs €10.00, and on certain days there are also night tickets available that cost half of the price. Climbing to the top of Torre dos Clerigos has to be on anyone’s list of things to do in Porto in the winter.
Drink wine inside an old church
No trip to Porto is complete without drinking either port or green wine. There are plenty of bars and restaurants offering both drinks around the city, but for a truly unique experience in Porto that most people miss, you need to step foot inside Capela Incomum. This small wine bar is situated in an old converted chapel, offering one of the best off-the-beaten-path things to do in Porto. Capela Incomum also has a small food menu if you’re feeling hungry. It’s charming and cozy place to relax away from the major tourist hotspots.
City Sightseeing hop-on-hop-off bus tour
A great way to see any city in a short amount of time is by taking either a guided walking tour or a bus tour. We tend to lean towards bus tours, even if we have enough time to explore places on foot. City Sightseeing is always a good option as their hop-on-hop-off tours show you the main highlights while giving you a running commentary about what you’re driving past.
In Porto, City Sightseeing offers two routes. The red route will take you through the old town and continue to the beach area, before heading back along the riverside. The blue route is focused more on Vila Nova de Gaia. Whichever route you choose, the ticket is valid for 24 hours and you’ll get a few discounts on tours and restaurants in Porto with your ticket too. This bus tour is one of the top things to do in Porto in the winter since their buses are less crowded and more enjoyable.
Livraria Lello
Did you know that Porto is said to have influenced J. K. Rowling when she was writing Harry Potter? There are several unique places in Porto to visit that ooze magical charm, including the iconic bookstore called Livraria Lello. This is one of the world’s most famous bookstores, known for its stained glass ceiling, neo-Gothic design, and ornate staircase. It was opened in 1906 and is a must-see for both architecture fans and book lovers.
Buying tickets for Livraria Lello in advance is essential, even in the winter. We had the Gold Voucher thanks to our Porto City Pass Premium from MEGAPASS. This voucher is slightly more expensive than the regular entry ticket, however you essentially “skip the queue” during your timeslot and you’re entitled to take a small book home with you as a souvenir. Make sure you add this iconic European bookstore to your list of things to do in Porto, whatever time of the year you visit.
Relax on a Douro River cruise
One of the best things to do in Porto is to go on a Douro River cruise. Even in the winter, though the weather is cooler, this 50 minute boat ride is still very enjoyable. This is another activity that’s included in the Porto City Pass Premium from MEGAPASS. The tour is operated by Douro Acima who are very easy to locate along Cais da Ribeira. During the tour you’ll pass under six bridges while receiving commentary about the history of the bridges as well as the neighbourhoods you’re going past. Make sure you have warm clothing on though, especially if you book the morning tour.
Stroll along the Ribeira Promenade
After you’ve finished your river cruise, take some time to walk along the Ribeira Promenade. This is the heart of Porto’s riverside life, lined with historic buildings, cafes, and offering beautiful views across the river to Gaia’s wine cellars. The promenade offers a much more relaxed vibe during the winter months, and a stroll here lets you appreciate everyday life in Porto a little more. The Ribeira Promenade is especially magical later in the afternoon, as the sun starts to set and a golden glow is reflected onto the buildings.
Escovaria de Belomonte
Any fan of Harry Potter should jump at the chance to visit Escovaria de Belomonte. This is a big hidden gem in Porto, especially if you’re interested in traditional crafts. The store was founded in the early 20th century and it specializes in handmade brushes, grooming tools, and combs. These are all made using traditional methods too, and stepping inside feels like you’ve entered a living museum. Escovaria de Belomonte is a nice place to stop to buy a practical but unique souvenir in Porto.
Take a tour of the Calem Cellars
Across the river, in Vila Nova de Gaia, are some incredible wine cellars where you can sample the world’s best port. Calem Cellars are very well known and they’re a good place to start if you want an introduction into port wine. It was founded in 1859 and it has a strong focus on exporting port wines worldwide.
During the guided tour, you’ll learn more about the history of port wine, the cellars, and the company itself. After the short tour is complete, you’re given a minimum of two glasses of port to sample, or you can upgrade your experience to include additional drinks and snacks. This was the final activity included in our Porto City Pass Premium from MEGAPASS, and it was a great way to finish the day. However long you plan to stay in the city, make sure you add at least one port wine tasting session to your list of things to do in Porto.
Grab a hot drink at My Coffee Porto
There are so many cafes in Porto that you won’t know where to start. For one of the best views in Porto though, climb up to My Coffee Porto, located across the road from the Dom Luis I Bridge. This cozy cafe is known for its specialty coffee, and during the winter it’s a nice place to warm up with a hot drink. If the weather is nice, you can sit outside and enjoy the unbeatable view of the bridge and river below. Don’t forget to take a couple of photos before continuing your tour of Porto!
Watch the sunset from Miradouro da Serra do Pilar
Unique things to do in Porto don’t come much better than watching the sunset from Miradouro da Serra do Pilar. This viewpoint offers one of the best panoramic views in Porto, overlooking the Dom Luis I Bridge, the historic centre, and Gaia below. You can easily access this location by taking the Gaia Cable Car to Jardim do Morro and walking the rest of the way up.
While the view is spectacular at sunset, it can get very crowded, even in the winter. I’d recommend coming here both at sunset and during the day so you can view the city in different light settings.
Quirky places to eat in Porto
Do Norte Cafe by Hungry Biker
If you’re looking for a nice brunch spot in Porto, Do Norte Cafe by Hungry Biker is a lovely option. This family-owned restaurant has a menu centred around hearty comfort food, making it the perfect place to eat when the weather is cooler. They have a selection of traditional brunch dishes as well as those with a quirky twist, including their delicious breakfast sandwich with avocado, bacon, and eggs. If you’re looking for something on the sweeter side, their French toast is incredible, topped with plenty of fresh fruits and maple syrup.
Comum
Comum is a cozy, thoughtfully designed cafe that stands out for its minimalist interior and warm tones that pair beautifully with the natural light seeping through the windows. It’s a place that invites you to slow down, especially when the weather starts to turn colder. We visited Comum for breakfast, and although their menu is small it has some tasty options to choose from. I’d recommend ordering their Shakshuka if you don’t mind a little kick in the morning. Pair this with a specialty coffee or a matcha latte and you’ll be all set to start the day.
Casa Guedes
One of the top things to do in Porto is to eat a Francesinha – Porto’s iconic hearty Portuguese sandwich. A great place to try this at is Casa Guedes, which has been open since 1987. Casa Guedes is well known for its traditional dishes, which is why you can find so many locals dining here throughout the week. A Francesinha is a sandwich made with layers of toasted bread and hot meats, such as pork, that’s then topped with sliced melted cheese and a slightly spicy tomato sauce (fried egg is optional). They are very heavy though, so you may want to share one.
Casa Guedes has many more traditional Portuguese dishes on their menu too, so it’s a good place to eat in Porto if you want to try different things all at once. Don’t be surprised if you need to wait in line outside as it’s a very popular restaurant in Porto.
Boa Bao
In the mood for something a little different than Portuguese cuisine? Boa Bao brings the bold flavours of Asian cooking to Porto’s food scene. The restaurant’s quirky interior and relaxed vibe make it a fun dining option in the winter months. Their menu has a strong focus on comfort-driven Asian dishes such as handmade bao buns, ramen, and noodles. You can also order a series of small dishes that are great for sharing. I’d recommend choosing a starter to share and one of their noodle dishes for your main course, such as the Pad Thai.
Mercado do Bolhão
An iconic place to eat in Porto is Mercado do Bolhão. This recently restored historic food market is open year-round, but in the winter you’ll find it to be calmer and more enjoyable to walk around. This is where you can shop for things like produce, seafood, and everyday staples from local vendors who have had the same stall passed down through their family for generations.
As well as traditional market stalls that you can order food from, in the upper levels of the market is where you’ll find a few restaurants serving different types of cuisine – using fresh produce, of course. Mercado do Bolhão is an ideal place to sample multiple flavours in one stop, but if you’re not sure where to start you can always join a guided food tour as well.
Apego Restaurante
After a long day of crossing things off of your list of things to do in Porto, it’s always nice to treat yourself. Porto has a growing food scene that’s slowly rivaling that of Lisbon. There are a lot of unique places to eat in Porto, including many Michelin Guide restaurants. We chose to dine at Apego Restaurante, which is an intimate restaurant with a very welcoming atmosphere.
The menu is strongly rooted in contemporary Portuguese cuisine, and the chef beautifully blends traditional recipes with modern presentations. There are two set menu dining options of varying sizes, and you can choose to add a wine pairing to these if you want. We had an incredible dining experience at Apego Restaurante and couldn’t recommend it enough. The price is very reasonable for fine-dining as well!
Where to stay in Porto
Moov Apartments Boavista
It can be difficult deciding where to stay in Porto, especially if you’re visiting on a budget. We spent four nights at Moov Apartments Boavista, centrally located along Avenida da Boavista – one of the most important streets in Porto. The nearby public transportation links make it easy to explore the city throughout the year, and it sits in between Porto’s old town and the airport which is ideal.
If you check-in online you’ll receive the codes to unlock the main door and your apartment on the day of your arrival. Otherwise you can check-in at reception. Inside the building you’ll find a home-away-from-home feel that makes it ideal for short winter trips or longer stays.
The one bedroom apartment with a balcony is a standout choice. The private outdoor space is perfect for watching the city below or enjoying a morning coffee on. The apartment itself comes with a fully equipped kitchenette, a cozy dining area with a TV, soundproof walls for a relaxing sleep, and a spacious bathroom complete with a walk-in shower and amenities. The bed is very large too, so you should have no issues drifting off to sleep.
While most self-catered apartments don’t offer breakfast services, Moov Apartments Boavista do. You can order a daily breakfast box delivered to your door early in the morning. The box sits inside a cubby in the wall until you unlock it from your side, so you can access it whenever you want. It includes a nice mixture of drinks, baked goods, jams, butters, and everything you need to make a sandwich. It’s a great way to save time in the morning.
Beyond the apartments, Moov Apartments Boavista offers a great range of amenities designed for convenience and comfort. Their rooftop terrace has stunning views over Porto, and inside there’s a large work space to take advantage of. On-site paid private parking is also available, as is luggage storage and daily housekeeping if you need it. Overall, we found our apartments to be the perfect option for four nights in Porto, and the self-catering facilities make it a more sustainable way to travel too.
Is Porto, Portugal worth visiting in the winter?
There are a lot of unique things to do in Porto throughout the year, but is the city really worth visiting in the winter? The answer is yes! With less crowds, lower accommodation prices, and a slower pace, winter lets you experience Porto beyond the summer buzz. Many of its best experiences, from port wine tasting to food tours and scenic viewpoints, are more enjoyable without the crowds too. As long as you don’t mind slightly cooler temperatures, you’ll find that Porto offers a rewarding off-season travel experience that oozes cultures, local charm, and history.
If you have any questions about things to do in Porto, where to eat in the city, or where to stay, please feel free to reach out. You can get in touch via email or through the contact form on my website. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and TikTok too, where you’ll come across plenty more helpful travel tips and ideas about where to plan your next adventure.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I would personally recommend.
Pin this blog post for later!
