Porto — Travelrags

Lonely PlanetAug 25, 2026

The 15 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal

Find all of Porto

25 things in this story

Casa de Chá da Boa NovaRestaurantMichelin-star restaurant.
francesinhaRestaurantA multilayered meat and melted cheese sandwich.
São BentoTrain stationTrain station with 20,000 tiles adorning its interior.
Palácio da BolsaAttractionFormer stock exchange palace with gold-leaf Salão Árabe.
Vila Nova de GaiaNeighborhoodAcross the river, surrounded by port wine houses.
Capela das AlmasPlace of worshipChurch with a blue-and-white tile facade.
Rua de Santa CatarinaNeighborhoodStreet where you can find Igreja de Santo Ildefonso.
Igreja de Santo IldefonsoPlace of worshipChurch with a blue-and-white tile facade by Jorge Colaço.
Igreja do CarmoPlace of worshipChurch with a notable tile facade.
Banco de MateriaisMuseumPioneering materials bank featuring tile samples.
FleurdelisPlaceSells ready-made tile pieces.
Fontainhas districtNeighborhoodEast side of town, witness the best bash for Festa de São João.
SerralvesNeighborhoodContemporary art museum, art deco mansion, and gardens.
Casa da MúsicaMuseumContemporary music venue designed by Rem Koolhaas.
Open House PortoRestaurantFestival welcoming visitors into striking buildings.
SocorroMarketRecord shop that doubles as an alternative concert venue.
Radioclube AgramonteRestaurantAlternative concert venue.
FiascoBarA favorite hangout in the Bonfim district.
Primavera SoundFestivalFestival in early June for bigger acts.
Sé do PortoPlace of worship12th-century cathedral with a cloisters tile makeover.
Igreja dos ClérigosPlace of worshipChurch with grand paintings and sculptures.
Igreja de São FranciscoPlace of worshipChurch with opulent gilded altarpieces.
Festa de São JoãoFestival
Gazete AzulejosPlace
Elsewhere
Casa da ArquitecturaMuseumMatosinhos, PortugalHosts architecture exhibits, walking tours, and Open House Porto.

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Lonely PlanetAug 18

11 of the best places to visit in Portugal

Beyond the obvious towns of Lisbon and Porto, Portugal promises lively historic cities, incredible beaches and wonderful wine regions.

14 things in this story

Ribeira DistrictNeighborhoodstart exploring Porto here
Douro ValleyNeighborhoodwine region east of Porto
World of WineMuseumcomplex of museums, restaurants, and bars
Elsewhere
Praia do AmadoSightAlgarve, Portugalbeach in Algarve
Museu Nacional do AzulejoMuseumLisbon, Portugalhas a trove of ceramic tiles
Castelo de São JorgeAttractionLisbon, Portugalhilltop castle overlooking Lisbon
pastéis de nataRestaurantLisbon, Portugalcustard tarts found in Lisbon
Setúbal PeninsulaNeighborhoodLisbon, Portugalweekend playground south of Lisbon
Costa da CaparicaSightLisbon, Portugalendless beachfront south of Lisbon
Parque Natural da ArrábidaNature reserveSetúbal, Portugalcliffs, coves, and beaches
Praia do Portinho da ArrábidaSightSetúbal, Portugalbeach with fine sand and azure waters
MinhoNeighborhoodBraga, Portugalverdant region of valleys and wilds
Quinta NovaHotelPinhão, Portugal
Casa CimeiraHotelPinhão, Portugal

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Condé Nast TravelerAug 11

The Best Hotels in Porto, According to Our Portugal-Obsessed Editors

The top Porto properties to book for sweeping views, fine dining, or private port tastings.

15 things in this story

Palacete SeveroHotelRestored house with 20 rooms, spa, pool, bistro, and restaurant.
Rua das FloresNeighborhoodCobblestoned street near the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Ribeira DistrictNeighborhoodWinding, cobblestoned streets near the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
The Editory Boulevard AliadosHotelHotel with playful, funky interiors and a new dining concept.
Gio Party & PastaRestaurantNew dining concept with circus-themed murals and Italian classics.
Infante SagresHotelPorto's first five-star hotel, restored with sensitive character accents.
Scarlett Wine & FoodRestaurantServes local bites like bolinho de bacalhau and Douro Valley wines.
Gran Cruz HouseGuest houseIt is in Praça da Ribeira, overlooking the Douro River, which is the Gran Cruz House, a charming hotel in this…
The RebelloHotelIndulge in luxurious accommodations, exquisite dining, and a range of spa treatments and wellness services at our hotel…
Tivoli KopkeHotelVisit one of the best hotels in Vila Nova de Gaia, located close to Douro riverfront.
The LargoHotel
Casa da Companhia, Vignette CollectionHotel
Torel Palace PortoHotel
Outside Porto MoucoHotel
Elsewhere
The YeatmanHotelVila Nova de Gaia, PortugalHotel with a decanter-shaped pool and terrace overlooking Porto.

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Atlas ObscuraAug 11

19 Creepy Catacombs Around the World You Can Visit

Catacombs—underground rooms and tunnels used as cemeteries—date back to first-century Rome, but the most famous (and infamous) were created across Europe in the 17th century. Overcrowding in Paris’s more traditional burial spaces, as well as sanitation issues, led authorities to turn the miles of tunnels connecting quarries under the city into crypts. It’s believed that more than six million pe…

21 things in this story

Igreja de São Francisco CatacombsSightCatacombs hold tombs for members of the Franciscan order.
Elsewhere
Templo ExpiatorioPlace of worshipLeón, MexicoNeo-Gothic church providing entry to an underground world.
Catacombs of Washington, D.C.SightWashington, United StatesCreated by Franciscan monks to channel the Holy Land.
Petrovaradin FortressSightNovi Sad, SerbiaHidden underground military galleries, a four-story network.
Old St. Patrick’s CathedralSightNew York, United StatesCatacombs open to the public for candlelight tours.
Delmonico familyPlaceNew York, United StatesFounders of New York’s oldest surviving restaurant.
Sanità districtNeighborhoodNaples, ItalySite of Greek-era catacombs with oldest surviving Christian art.
St. Paul’s and St. Agatha’s catacombsSightRabat, MaltaHolds one of the finest surviving examples of an agape table.
Fontanelle Cemetery CavesSightNaples, ItalyCave complex used as a burial ground since the 1500s.
Santa Maria delle Anime del Purgatorio ad ArcoSightNaples, ItalyBegan burying Naples’s poor and unclaimed in 1638.
Catacombs at Templo ExpiatorioSightLeón, MexicoLabyrinth of catacombs formed from seven interconnected crypts.
Warstone Lane Cemetery CatacombsSightBirmingham, United KingdomTiered, semicircular catacombs resembling a Roman amphitheater.
Maltese Catacomb ComplexesSightRabat, MaltaComplex holds tombs for over 1,000 bodies.
Ta’ Bistra CatacombsSightMosta, MaltaLargest catacomb complex found outside Rabat.
The Sacconi Rossi CryptSightRome, ItalyCrypt decorated with bones of deceased brothers.
The Catacombs of St. Peter’s AbbeySightSalzburg, AustriaServed as a sacred burial site and hermitage.
Melník Chapel of BonesSightMelnik, CzechiaVault holds exhumed bodies from plague-ridden cemeteries.
Klatovy Catacomb MummiesSightKlatovy, CzechiaVentilation system naturally mummified bodies.
Museum Romeinse Katakomben (Roman Catacombs Museum)MuseumValkenburg, The NetherlandsFaithful reproduction of Roman catacombs in a quarry.
Capuchin Monastery CatacombsSightPalermo, ItalyNearly 8,000 corpses dressed in their Sunday best.
Catacombes de ParisMuseumParis, FranceHolds remains of six to seven million Parisians.

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Lonely PlanetAug 8

15 things to know before visiting Porto

Porto

12 things in this story

AntiqvvmRestaurantDescubra o Antiqvvm, restaurante com 2 Estrelas Michelin no Porto, liderado pelo Chef Vítor Matos.
Cafe SantiagoRestaurantserves one of the best francesinhas
Capela das Almas de Santa CatarinaPlace of worshipfeatures tile facades
Festa de São JoãoFestivalriotous celebration in summer
RibeiraNeighborhoodhistoric architecture, lively dining and drinking
AliadosNeighborhoodheart of the city center, great lodging and dining
Foz do DouroNeighborhoodseaside feel, near beaches on the Atlantic
Luís I bridgeSighticonic bridge near the riverfront
Igreja de Santa ClaraPlace of worshipnear the top of the funicular
francesinhaRestaurantmuch-loved dish of bread, meats, cheese, and sauce
O BuracoRestaurantauthentic, home-style cooking for tripe stew
Pedro LemosRestaurant

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Lonely PlanetAug 6

3 places to go when Porto gets too busy

These cities near Porto offer a dose of Portuguese charm, without the crowds.

22 things in this story

Museu Arte NovaMuseumAveiro, Portugalart nouveau architecture museum
moliceiro boatsPlaceAveiro, Portugaldecorated boats for canal tours
ovo molePublic artworkAveiro, Portugalsweet treat that originated in the town's convent
PeixinhoMarketAveiro, Portugalshop for local treats
Costa NovaNeighborhoodAveiro, Portugalarea with beautiful white-sand beach and candy-striped palheiros
Palacete de ValdemouroHotelAveiro, Portugalhistoric townhouse hotel, former home of novelist
River Axe estuarySightVila do Conde, Portugaladmire rowers and paddle sports
Capela de Nossa Senhora da GuiaPlace of worshipVila do Conde, Portugalwhite chapel with steps leading to sea view
Praia da Senhora da GuiaSightVila do Conde, Portugalsandy town-center beach with rocks and rock pools
Santa Clara monasterySightVila do Conde, Portugalhistorical highlight with aqueduct, converted to hotel
OcultoRestaurantVila do Conde, PortugalMichelin-starred restaurant in monastery cellars
Lince Santa ClaraHotelVila do Conde, Portugalhistoric hotel, spa, mini museum and restaurant
Largo República do BrasilNeighborhoodGuimaraes, Portugalboulevard with central gardens
10th-century castleSightGuimaraes, Portugalbuilt to defend the region from Viking and Moorish attacks
Paço dos Duques de BragançaSightGuimaraes, Portugal15th-century palace with panoramic view
Penha ParkParkGuimaraes, Portugalpark with pine forest and shady trails
International Arts CenterSightGuimaraes, Portugalmodern building with gold blocks
Centro Cultural Vila FlorSightGuimaraes, Portugalold/new mashup cultural center
Casa António RochaSightGuimaraes, PortugalLe Corbusier–inspired housing complex
torta de GuimarãesRestaurantGuimaraes, Portugalcrescent-shaped tart filled with almond and squash paste
Largo da OliveiraNeighborhoodGuimaraes, Portugal
Praça de São TiagoNeighborhoodGuimaraes, Portugal

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Condé Nast TravelerNov 17, 2025

The Best Restaurants in Porto, Portugal's Epicurean Gem

Discover the Michelin-starred spots and relaxed, wine-focused hideaways in Portugal’s second city.

23 things in this story

1638 Restaurant & Wine BarRestaurantNew opening with an 11-course Sensory Menu.
KaigiRestaurantJapanese-Portuguese restaurant from Vasco Coelho Santos.
BlindCaféExplore o Restaurante Estrela Michelin 2025 no Torel Palace Porto e delicie-se com uma experiência gastronômica única,…
AntiqvvmRestaurantDescubra o Antiqvvm, restaurante com 2 Estrelas Michelin no Porto, liderado pelo Chef Vítor Matos.
Casa de Chá da Boa NovaRestaurantHistoric tea house set on the Costa Verde rocks.
Tia TiaCaféCool inner-city neighborhood spot.
Capela IncomumRestaurantDeconsecrated church turned wine and tapas bar.
CasarioRestaurantRestaurant with views across the Douro River.
The YeatmanHotelRestaurant with sweeping views on either side of the Douro.
OmaRestaurantMichelin Bib Gourmand award for value.
Ogi by EuskaldunaRestaurantBakery supplying bread for Kaigi.
KopkeRestaurantWorld's oldest port wine house.
FlôrRestaurant12-seat bar offering complex cocktails.
Cafe SantiagoRestaurantInventive tasting menu inspired by world cooking.
ÉpocaDeliBustling café known for elevated brunch dishes.
GrutaCaféCozy restaurant with Bib Gourmand status.
Dona MariaRestaurantHomely restaurant paying tribute to Portuguese cooks.
Chez MauriceCaféBeachside restaurant with mojitos.
Boa Nova Tea HouseSightHistoric monument housing a restaurant.
ÉonRestaurantFine dining restaurant focused on past, present, future.
EuskaldunaRestaurantEdgy, innovative, inspiring space with a central counter.
MiBaCaféNeighboring baker supplying brioche for Época.
The LargoHotelHotel where Flôr bar and restaurant belong.

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National GeographicMay 2, 2023

Cafe culture: celebrating 20 of Europe's greatest cafes

Cafes are part of the fabric of European culture. For centuries they’ve been where political rebellions have started, and where writers, artists and other great thinkers have exchanged ideas. The ...

20 restaurants in this story

Cafe MajesticRestaurantCurving marble facade with cherub sculptures.
Elsewhere
Schwarzes CaféPubBerlin, GermanyOpen 24 hours, popular for breakfasts.
Café SacherCaféVienna, AustriaFamous for its original Sachertorte chocolate cake.
Café de la PaixRestaurantParis, FranceHistoric site with gold columns and frescoes.
Sally Lunn'sRestaurantBath, United KingdomServes Bath buns in one of the oldest houses.
Pastéis de BelémRestaurantLisbon, PortugalSells 20,000 pastéis de nata daily.
Bewley's Grafton StreetCaféDublin, IrelandShop Bewley's tea & coffee online and enjoy sustainable Fairtrade products roasted locally in Ireland.
Antico Caffe GrecoRestaurantRome, ItalyRome's oldest coffee shop, decorated with paintings.
Caffè FlorianCaféVenice, ItalyWorld's oldest operating coffee house.
Cafe PushkinRestaurantMoscow, RussiaRestaurant with 19th-century Russian aristocrat's home decor.
Grand CafeRestaurantOslo, NorwayMural depicts Munch and Ibsen.
Mackintosh at The WillowCaféGlasgow, United KingdomOnly remaining tea room by Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
Kavarna SlaviaCaféPrague, CzechiaOffers views of Prague Castle and Charles Bridge.
Cafe GijónCaféMadrid, SpainMeeting point for writers and artists.
Café AméricainCaféAmsterdam, The NetherlandsClassic art deco interiors with Tiffany lamps.
Café GerbeaudCaféBudapest, HungaryOne of Budapest's best patisseries.
Café CentralCaféVienna, AustriaViennese landmark frequented by intellectuals.
Cafe ProcopeRestaurantParis, FranceCredited with popularising cafe culture in France.
New York CafeCaféBudapest, HungaryOpulent space restored with gold leaf and murals.
Conditori La GlaceBakeryCopenhagen, DenmarkOldest pastry shop in Copenhagen.

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