Porto Activities & Guided Tours

What to do in Porto: best activities, boat trips and guided tours

All information about guided tours, activities, boat trips and excursions in Porto and Portugal. Tips for fun activities and things to do in Porto can be found here:

Tips for activities in Porto

Online you will find a wide range of activities, city tours, guided walking tours, boat trips and excursions in Porto. We have listed the most interesting activities and things to do, like visiting port cellars of boat trips to the Douro Valley.:

1. Douro boat trip

A very popular activity in Porto is taking a boat trip on the Douro River. This can be a shorter boat trip along the 6 bridges or a more extensive boat trip in the Douro valley. Take a boat tour along the Douro River to see Porto from a different perspective. The traditional Rabelo boats provide a charming way to view the city’s landmarks and bridges. Tip: If you only have time for one excursion from Porto, this excursion to the Douro valley definitely is my favourite choice. You will take a long boat trip in the valley and at a few stops you can enjoy port wine and a traditional Portuguese lunch. More boat tours you can choose from in Porto:

2. Tour in a port cellar

A visit to Porto is not complete without a tour of a port cellar with the accompanying port tasting. Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can tour historic port wine cellars. Learn about the production process and enjoy tastings of various port wines. Book a guided tour at one of the following well-known port cellars (my personal favorite is the Cockburn Cellar Tour):

3. Fado

Attending a Fado show in Porto is a must for experiencing authentic Portuguese culture. Fado, a traditional genre of music characterized by its melancholic tunes and poignant lyrics, is performed by talented singers accompanied by classical guitar. For an intimate experience, visit venues like Ideal Clube de Fado Porto, Fado na Baixa, Casa da Guitarra and Caves Cálem, where you can enjoy soulful performances in a cozy setting. Many shows include a dinner option, allowing you to savor local cuisine while immersing yourself in the hauntingly beautiful melodies of Fado. Booking in advance is recommended, as these performances are popular among both locals and tourists. You can reserve one of the following Fado shows:

4. Porto guided tours

See many highlights of the city in a short time and hear interesting background stories? Then go on one of the tours below with a local guide. My favorite way to explore Porto is by a guided bike tour. During this 3-hour bike tour a guide will take you to the most beautiful places.

5. Day trips in the area

Actually, you can't visit Porto without taking an excursion in the Porto area. Porto offers several fantastic day trip options. Visit the Douro Valley for wine tasting and stunning vineyard landscapes. Explore the historic city of Guimarães, known as the birthplace of Portugal. Head to Braga to see the magnificent Bom Jesus do Monte sanctuary. Discover the coastal charm of Aveiro, often called the "Venice of Portugal," with its canals and colorful boats. Alternatively, enjoy the scenic beauty and beaches of the nearby towns of Matosinhos and Espinho. In the article below you will get a comprehensive overview of the best excursions in the Porto area:

6. Culinary activities

Indulge in Porto's culinary delights, such as the famous Francesinha sandwich, fresh seafood, and pastel de nata. Visit the Bolhão Market for an authentic taste of local produce. Are you a real foodlover? Then the following culinary activities in Porto are recommended during your Porto city trip:

7. Tickets for popular activities

Have you already bought your tickets for the main Porto sights? Some popular sights and activities in Porto, like visiting the FC Porto Stadium of boat trips of the Douro Valley:

8. Special activities

Looking for original activities in Porto? The city has special multimedia shows, discover the city with a tuk-tuk or, for example, go off-road driving in a buggy: