Want to discover the 11 amazing free attractions in Porto? Then stick with this article, as we’ve decided to give you some tips on incredible tours to enjoy in the city while saving a lot of money.
1. Clérigos Tower and Church in Porto
This monument is the tallest in the city of Porto and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Clérigos Tower and Church are part of the Clérigos Church in the city, which is one of its symbols. So much so that, as soon as you arrive in the city, you’ll notice that the souvenirs sold always show the Clérigos Tower.
2. Bom Sucesso and Bolhão markets in Porto
These two markets are a great way to get to know the lifestyle and daily life of the city. You can find out more about the local food, crafts and even gourmet products.
In Porto, the two main markets to visit are Mercado do Bolhão and Mercado do Bom Sucesso. The former dates back to 1914 and offers meat, bread, fish, vegetables, fruit, seeds and many other products, not to mention snack stalls.
The second dates from 1951 and is just as charming. It has three modern floors with large windows and dozens of restaurants, as well as stalls with fresh produce.
Important tip: To make the most of your trip is to stay in the best region. If you want, see our article here that explains the best area, hotels and how to save a lot on accommodation.
3. Porto’s historic city center
When you visit the city, it’s impossible not to pass through the historic center and be enchanted by the old houses, one right on top of the other, all with old tiles, which give the center of Porto its charm. You can also take a free tour of Porto to find out more about the city.
You can also spend some time admiring the boats on the River Douro and the bridges that cross the river banks in the Ribeira area. The center of Porto also has lots of interesting bars where you can enjoy the atmosphere and daily life of the city.
4. River Douro in Porto
This symbol of the city is of great importance to Porto. After all, the Douro rises in Spain and runs through the north of Portugal until it flows into the sea. In addition, the River Douro is the third longest in the whole of the Iberian Peninsula, which has earned it the title of World Heritage Site as a cultural landscape, according to Unesco.
At Ribeira (the river’s edge), you’ll have the opportunity to take a boat trip along the Douro River, a super cool experience that guarantees beautiful scenery.
5. Avenida Aliados in Porto
Avenida Aliados is one of the most visited places by tourists, as it is in the center of the city and is home to several monuments. At one end of the avenue is the imposing Porto City Hall. At the other end is Praça da Liberdade, which has a statue of King Pedro IV.
This avenue is very popular in the city and has become a stage for cultural presentations, performances and concerts. It is also where local events and celebrations take place, such as the St. John’s Festival, New Year’s Eve and the Pope’s Mass.
Important tip: To make the most of your trip is to stay in the best region. If you want, see our article here that explains the best area, hotels and how to save a lot on accommodation.
6. São Bento Station in Porto
Both inside and outside S. Bento station, you’ll be enchanted by the beauty of its structure. Considered one of Porto’s most historic tourist attractions, the station’s walls, trains and clocks make for incredible photographs to remember your trip by.
7. Dom Luís Bridge in Porto
This old metal bridge connects the two banks of the River Douro (Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia). The bridge’s real name is Luís I, but legend has it that, due to the absence of King Luís I at its inauguration, the city’s population chose to remove the “dom” from its name.
Today, the bridge has two routes suspended in the air: an upper one, which serves as a subway line, for cars and pedestrians, and a lower one, which serves cars and pedestrians.
8. Fernandina Walls of Porto
The city’s Fernandine Walls served to protect Porto from invasions at the time. This activity is perfect for learning more about the city’s history. During the tour, you’ll be able to see many of the city’s beauties, such as the River Douro, the Luís I Bridge, the Gaia waterfront, the Infante Bridge, the Serra do Pilar and much more.
9. Chapel of Souls and Carmo Church in Porto
These two other tourist attractions in the city are very interesting. They preserve the city’s architecture, with traditional tiles on the outside and beautiful sacred altars.
10. Jardim das Virtudes in Porto
This place brings together nature, art, gastronomy and architecture and is ideal for a delightful family stroll. The garden is located just a few meters from the historic center, making it a kind of hidden treasure in Porto.
The green space has more than 750 camellias and is ideal for those who want to relax and enjoy a privileged view of the River Douro and the imposing Alfândega do Porto. Our tip for enjoying this activity is to visit the garden at sunset – this will guarantee an incredible view.
11. São Francisco Xavier Fort in Porto
This fort, popularly known as Castelo do Queijo (Cheese Castle), served Porto as a maritime protection and fortification. Today, it is fully preserved and is under the tutelage of the Northern Delegation Commandos Association. The fort houses a historical military museum and promotes first-rate cultural events.
Save money on your trip to Porto:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Porto cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Tickets: find out where to buy your Porto tickets in the cheapest and safest way – for parks, museums and ticket combos. You can save up to 40%!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Porto. You will find out the best area, the hotels that we have stayed there and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
