Best Things to Do in Porto (and 5 Tourist traps) – A Local’s No-BS Guide

14 places in this vlog

In the order they appear. Tap a time to play it here, or ↗ to open YouTube at that second.

1. 2:04

   Dom Luís I Bridge

   🏢 Landmark · Ribeira

   Walking the upper deck is free, and it leads straight to Jardim do Morro.

2. 2:22

   Jardim do Morro

   🌳 Park · Vila Nova de Gaia

   Best at sunset, when locals drink beer on the grass to street music.

3. 2:39

   São Bento Station

   🏢 Landmark · Baixa

   Called one of the most photogenic places in Porto and a must to walk into.

4. 2:59

   Bolhão Market

   🛒 Market · Baixa

   Touristy now, but good for bread, cheese and olive oil to take home as food souvenirs.

5. 4:40

   Palácio da Bolsa

   🏰 Palace · Ribeira

   Book ahead; the often-overlooked entry hall is a highlight.

6. 5:15

   Six Bridges Cruise

   🚡 Activity · Ribeira

   Especially nice at sunset; book ahead to avoid ending up with a loud group tour.

7. 5:33

   Vila Nova de Gaia

   🏘️ Neighborhood · Vila Nova de Gaia · brief mention

8. 5:51

   Serralves

   🏛️ Museum · Lordelo do Ouro

   Worth a morning even if modern art isn't your thing, thanks to the gardens and treetop walk.

9. 6:27

   Matosinhos

   🏘️ Neighborhood · Matosinhos

   Grilled fish comes with potatoes and salad, more authentic than pricey downtown octopus.

10. 7:02

    Passeio das Virtudes

    🌳 Park · Miragaia

    Bring a beer or soda in the late afternoon; it's free with no reservation needed.

11. 7:46

    Livraria Lello

    🛍️ Shopping · Vitória

    Rated the biggest tourist trap: long queues and so packed inside that photos are impossible.

12. 8:21

    Tram Line 1

    🚡 Activity · Ribeira

    Listed as a tourist trap: long lines, no advance booking, and a cramped, hot, bumpy ride.

13. 8:46

    Majestic Café

    ☕ Cafe · Baixa

    Tourist trap: €6 for an espresso and no locals. Take a photo and move on.

14. 9:03

    Clérigos Church and Tower

    🏢 Landmark · Vitória

    Skip the narrow, crowded tower climb and visit the church's multimedia show instead.