Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, is a treasure trove of charm, history, and authenticity. While many travelers flock to the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge or sip Port wine at Vila Nova de Gaia’s cellars, the real soul of Porto lies in its quieter corners, lesser-known districts, and local experiences. If you’re searching for Things To Do Porto that go beyond the usual tourist highlights, this guide by 21 Sensations is your ticket to the city’s most genuine adventures.
Here’s a carefully curated collection of things to do Porto that locals love—immersive, authentic, and unforgettable.
1. Discover the Soul of Bonfim
Often overlooked by guidebooks, Bonfim is one of the most creative and evolving neighborhoods in Porto. Packed with indie cafés, vintage stores, and art spaces, it’s a local favorite for a reason.
Stroll along Rua de Santo Ildefonso for a real slice of community life. Stop at Café Progresso for a coffee that rivals any third-wave café in Europe. For those seeking artsy things to do Porto, check out Maus Hábitos—an experimental space mixing art exhibitions, food, and music events.
2. Explore the Hidden Gardens of Palácio de Cristal
While tourists rush to the Crystal Palace gardens’ main viewpoints, few venture deeper into its trails and secret spots. This botanical haven offers some of the best panoramic views of the Douro River but without the crowds.
One of the most peaceful things to do Porto, a walk here during golden hour reveals landscaped gardens, peacocks, and even an old library. It’s where locals come to read, sketch, and unwind.
3. Taste Traditional Petiscos in a Backstreet Taberna
Forget flashy restaurants and head to a small taberna tucked behind Rua da Alegria. Places like Casa Guedes or A Cozinha do Manel serve petiscos—the Portuguese cousin of tapas—with unmatched authenticity.
Trying local dishes like sandes de pernil com queijo da Serra (slow-roasted pork sandwich with mountain cheese) is one of those things to do Porto that hits every sense. And when paired with a glass of Vinho Verde? Perfection.
4. Take a Street Art Walk in Campanhã
Looking for urban things to do Porto that reflect the city’s modern edge? Head east to Campanhã. What was once an industrial district has blossomed into an open-air gallery thanks to local artists reclaiming walls and old buildings.
Here, creativity runs free—from sprawling murals to abstract alley pieces. Download a free Porto street art map and go off-grid for a few hours to admire how the city breathes new life into old structures.
5. Ride the Historic Tram #18 at Sunset
Sure, Tram #1 is popular for its riverfront route—but locals know Tram #18 offers a more relaxed, scenic, and intimate journey. This historic yellow tram snakes its way through quiet neighborhoods like Massarelos, filled with tiled façades and locals going about their day.
For unique things to do Porto, hop on this tram around sunset and soak in the old-world charm. It’s a slow journey—just the way Porto intended.
6. Visit the Oldest Operating Grocery Store in Portugal
Mercearia do Bolhão, near the iconic market of the same name, is one of Portugal’s oldest still-operating grocery shops. Step inside for a nostalgic dive into hand-labeled jars, salted cod, handmade soaps, and traditional pastries.
Among the most delightful things to do Porto for history lovers, this shop blends retail with heritage. It feels like time stood still—but in the best way possible.
7. Listen to Fado in a Locals-Only Venue
Fado may be more associated with Lisbon, but Porto has its own melancholic melodies. Avoid the staged tourist shows and seek out intimate venues like Casa da Mariquinhas or A Pérola Negra, where performances are raw, unscripted, and deeply moving.
If you’re seeking atmospheric things to do Porto, sitting in a candle-lit room as the voice of fado echoes through ancient walls is a powerful and emotional experience.
8. Picnic Like a Local at Jardim das Virtudes
Locals don’t just picnic here—they gather for sunsets, music jams, or simply a pause from the city bustle. Jardim das Virtudes is a tiered garden tucked behind downtown that offers both greenery and views over the Douro River.
Bring a bottle of wine, some cheese from a neighborhood deli, and soak in the vibe. Among the relaxed things to do Porto, this garden meets all criteria: view, vibe, and authenticity.
9. Explore a 19th-Century Mansion Turned Bookstore
While Livraria Lello draws tourists with its Harry Potter connections, Livraria Moreira da Costa is where bibliophiles truly belong. This vintage bookstore, in operation since 1902, features towering wooden shelves, old-world charm, and a timeless sense of calm.
If unique things to do Porto is your mantra, browsing old travelogues and poetry collections in silence feels like a step into literary history.
10. Get Lost in the Ribeira’s Lesser-Known Alleys
The Ribeira district is a popular destination—but venture away from the riverside crowds and into the tangled alleys above, where laundry hangs from balconies and cats sunbathe on windowsills.
Wander without Google Maps. Discover surprise viewpoints, centuries-old chapels, and tile patterns unique to each building. These spontaneous detours are often the most cherished things to do Porto.
11. Take a Boat to Afurada Fishing Village
Just across the river lies Afurada, a small fishing village that feels frozen in time. Wooden boats bob gently in the harbor, laundry flutters outside stone homes, and seafood sizzles in family-run restaurants.
This day trip is among the most authentic things to do Porto for those wanting to connect with the area’s maritime roots. Rent a bike and follow the waterfront trail—then reward yourself with fresh grilled sardines by the sea.
12. Join a Local Food Tour with a Twist
Skip the big-name food tours and opt for smaller, local-run groups that explore neighborhoods like Cedofeita or Miragaia. Taste dishes that rarely make it to tourist menus and hear stories from Porto’s chefs, shopkeepers, and bakers.
It’s one of those things to do Porto that combines flavors, friendships, and memories. You’ll leave with more than just a full stomach—you’ll carry a deeper understanding of the city.
13. Attend an Open-Air Cinema or Summer Festival
Porto comes alive in the summer with open-air events across the city’s gardens and courtyards. Look out for free film screenings at Parque das Virtudes or jazz nights at Passeio das Fontainhas.
Among the seasonal things to do Porto, these events offer a chance to mingle with locals, discover local music, and enjoy culture under the stars.
Final Thoughts: Porto Beyond the Postcard
When exploring the things to do Porto, it’s easy to fall into the familiar rhythm of guidebook recommendations. But 21 Sensations invites you to slow down, go deeper, and let the city reveal its quieter stories.
Because Porto isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you feel. And the best parts? They’re often hidden just off the path most traveled.
