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Porto is one of the most-visited destinations in Portugal, thanks to its UNESCO-listed historic center, majestic waterways, and rich history.
If you’ve already seen a live Fado performance, eaten a francesinha sandwich, and visited the bookstore that supposedly inspired a location in the Harry Potter series, it’s time to dig deeper into Porto’s lesser-known sites and activities.
For insider tips on architecture that rivals the grand Palácio da Bolsa and quirky alternatives to walking tours, bookmark our guide to the 15 can’t-miss hidden gems in Porto.
1. McDonald’s Imperial
- Address: Praça da Liberdade 126, 4000-322 Porto
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 3.30 am
Branches of McDonald’s don’t often make their way onto hidden gems lists, but Porto’s Imperial branch may just be the most attractive place in the city to grab a midnight snack. The McDonald’s branch opened in the 1990s, but this beautiful place was once an opulent coffee shop and dates back to the 1930s. Many of the original features are still in place, and the stained glass windows and chandeliers pair perfectly with a Big Mac.
2. Jardim Botânico do Porto
- Website: mhnc.up.pt/jardim-botanico-do-porto/#english
- Address: 1191 Rua do Campo Alegre, 4150-173 Porto
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 1 pm & 2 pm – 6 pm Tuesday to Sunday
Porto’s botanical gardens are a lush escape from the city and are the perfect place to spend a quiet afternoon away from the crowds. Wander past the red house and explore the Rose Garden, the J Letter Garden, and the Fish Garden with its tranquil water lilies.
3. Paint Your Own Azulejo Portuguese Tiles
- Website: gazeteazulejos.com/tile-painting-workshops
- Address: R. do Duque de Palmela 230, 4000-372 Porto, Portugal
- Opening hours: Check the website for booking options
If you’re spending time in Porto, there’s no doubt that you’ll have admired the azulejo tiles adorning Porto Cathedral, Capela das Almas, Casa da Música, Sao Bento Train Station, and many residential buildings. At Gazeta Azulejo you have the opportunity to paint a tile of your very own. During the workshops, you’ll learn about the history and techniques behind these iconic tiles. Workshops are in English, and you can take your tile home as a unique souvenir.
4. Banco de Materiais (Bank of Materials)
- Website: museudoporto.pt/en
- Address: Praça de Carlos Alberto, 71, Baixa, 4050-157 Porto
- Opening hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday to Sunday
Portugal is home to dozens of fascinating museums and galleries, but for something a little more off the beaten path, the Bank of Materials is worth a visit. This warehouse-esque building is home to hundreds of examples of Porto architecture from various periods. Here, experts collect and restore cast iron, tiles, stucco, and other materials to gift them back to the city to be reused. Visiting the collection is free and is a wonderful way to get a glimpse of Portuguese architecture from years gone by.
5. Aveiro
Day trips to visit the wineries of the Douro Valley are a popular excursion for visitors, but Aveiro is a hidden gem just an hour outside of Porto. Head here in the morning to stroll among the canals and see the colorful boats that were traditionally used to harvest seaweed, then check out the opulent marble tomb in Museu de Aveiro after lunch.
The trip is easy to do alone on the train, or you can opt for one of the guided tours that leave from Porto’s city center.
6. Porto’s Street Art
The urban center of Porto is home to some of Europe’s best street art. Here are some of the must-see pieces to look out for:
Look at Porto
Address: Rua de Ancira 83
Look at Porto was created by Vhils who is widely credited with being Portugal’s best-known urban artist. This is one of two works by him in Porto and the giant face is a must-visit for street art aficionados.
Half Rabbit
Address: Rua Guilherme Gomes Fernandes
Bordalo II hails from Lisbon and is known for the large animals that he creates with waste. His half-grey and half-in-color rabbit in Porto is sculpted from trash and aims to promote sustainability.
Mural da Trindade
Address: Opposite Trindade Metro Station
This vibrant artwork was the first of several murals commissioned by Porto City Council and can’t be missed when you walk past the Trindade car park. The piece was created as a collaboration by Hazul Luzah and Mr Dheo. One side features a faceless figure by Hazul, and the other features a realistic image of Dheo’s father with Porto in his hand.
7. Ponte da Arrábida
- Website: portobridgeclimb.com
- Address: R. do Ouro 680, 4150-553 Porto, Portugal
- Opening hours: 2.30 pm – 4.45 pm daily
The Dom Luis I bridge that spans the Douro River and links Vila Nova de Gaia to Ribeira is one of the most iconic sites in Porto. However, for a more adventurous way to see the river from above, try climbing the arch of Ponte de Arrábida instead. This is the only European bridge of its kind that is open to visitors. Once at the top, you’ll be 65 meters off the ground and will be rewarded with stunning views of the beautiful city of Porto below.
The climb is done under the supervision of expert guides with all the necessary safety equipment, and it’s accessible to most people with a decent level of fitness.
8. TukTuk Tours
- Website: tuktourporto.com
- Address: Torre dos Clérigos, R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto
- Opening hours: Check the website for tour times
Do you want to enjoy some sightseeing without the hassle of walking? Try a TukTuk tour instead. These electric Thailand-style vehicles are safe and comfortable and allow you to see much more than you could on foot.
Choose from a wide range of tours, including the romantic ‘Porto by night’ route and a Serra do Pilar Monastery tour, where you’ll have an opportunity to indulge in some port wine tasting in the on-site cellars.
9. Go Thrifting in Porto’s Markets
Porto might not be your first choice of destination when looking for retail therapy, but the thrifting scene is a true hidden gem. The following markets are worth visiting if you’re on the lookout for rare finds and vintage pieces.
Clérigos Market
- Website: fleamapket.com/listing/mercadinho-dos-clerigos
- Address: Rua de Cândido dos Reis, 4050-162 Porto
- Opening hours: 10 am – 7 pm every second and fourth Saturday of the month
Lovers of antiques shouldn’t miss Clérigos Market and its many stalls packed full of home furnishings, trinkets, and souvenirs. Expect everything from chandeliers to locally-made home furnishings made from cork.
Mercado da Alegria
- Website: facebook.com/p/Mercado-da-Alegria
- Address: Rua do Passeio Alegre, , 4150-570 Porto
- Opening hours: 10 am – 8 pm Sunday to Thursday / 10 am – 9 pm Friday & Saturday
Head to Passeio Alegre Garden for the charming daily market with more than 60 stalls to browse. Shop for hand-crafted accessories, clothes, and home goods, or head down for a tasty brunch of Portuguese sausages and cheese. There’s live music, too, so the vibe is always fun.
Mercado da Foz
- Website: facebook.com/MercadoDaFoz
- Address: Rua de Diu 4150, 4150-276 Porto
- Opening hours: 7 am – 5 pm Monday / 7 am – 11 pm Tuesday to Saturday
For fruits, flowers, and other fresh produce, don’t miss Mercado da Foz. This small but perfectly formed covered market is also home to several cafes and restaurants — head here for dinner or simply hang out with a glass of vinho and watch the world go by.
10. Buggy and Quad Tours
- Website: oportobuggy.com
- Address: Rua das Agras 40, 4585-028 Baltar, Porto
- Opening hours: Check the website for tour times
Discover Oporto’s charming countryside on four wheels on a buggy or quad tour. Take your pick from several thrilling routes that traverse rivers and tackle bumpy courses while offering stunning views of northern Portugal’s rugged landscape.
11. Cruise the Douro River
For a different vantage point of the two sides of the Douro River, book a scenic river cruise. There are plenty of tour operators to choose from, and they offer everything from romantic boat tours that include a Fado show to party cruises with live DJs and fully-stocked bars. Opt for a sunset cruise to see Porto bathed in golden light as you cruise under the city’s famed bridges.
12. Explore a Unique Church
For an alternative to the famed Clérigos tower, check out Igreja Paraquial De Nossa Senhora Da Boavista. Known by locals as Igreja do Foco after the neighborhood it’s located in, this unique church’s surprising architecture incorporates timber framework and exposed concrete, giving it a brutalist appearance.
13. FC Porto Museum & Stadium Tour
- Website: fcporto.pt/en/museum
- Address: Entrada Nascente, Piso 34350-415 Porto
- Opening hours: 10 am – 7 pm daily
Soccer is a big business in Portugal, and FC Porto is the second most successful team in the country. Whether or not you are a fan of the sport, you’re sure to enjoy a tour around the spectacular stadium and accompanying museum. Expect to discover interactive displays about the team’s most iconic players and their many victories over the years.
And if you happen to be in town on match day, grab yourself a ticket and join the passionate fans to soak up the electrifying atmosphere.
14. Douro Estuary Nature Reserve
- Website: natural.pt/protected-areas/reserva-natural-local-estuario-douro
- Address: Rio Douro, Porto
- Opening hours: 24/7
The Douro Estuary Nature Reserve is a lesser-known spot that offers 62 hectares of flora and fauna. As a protected area, the reserve is a feeding and nesting zone for various migratory birds, including sandpipers, grey herons, and kingfishers.
There’s plenty of marshland and dunes to explore, and the elevated wooden walkways make it easy to walk in the natural environment safely and without any risk of harm to the plants and creatures that live underfoot. Don’t miss the visitors’ center, where you can learn more about the nature reserve.
15. Oporto dos Gatos Cafe
- Website: facebook.com/OportoCatcafe
- Address: Av. de Rodrigues de Freitas 93, 4300-466 Porto
- Opening hours: 12.30 pm – 7.30 pm Tuesday to Saturday
Whether you’re a cat lover, a vegan, or both, you’ll enjoy spending time at Oporto’s first cat cafe. The 100% vegan menu includes dishes such as hot dogs, soups, and salads, and their rich homemade brownies are an indulgent treat. Cats aren’t permitted in the dining area, so you don’t have to worry about fur, but guests are welcome to play with the kitties in a separate room or the outdoor area.
Discover Porto’s Endless Hidden Gems
Porto is the perfect destination for a long weekend of shopping, eating, and sightseeing. But, as you can see, with so many hidden gems on offer, there’s plenty to do to keep you entertained for a week or even two. Which one will you explore first?
