Experience the best of
Porto with Withlocals

One of the top things to do in Portugal is undoubtedly seeing the coastal landscape. When it comes to scenic waterways, Porto is on top of its game! The Douro River sits between Porto and it’s neighbouring region Vila Nova de Gaia, with several bridges that cross over including the famous Dom Luis bridge.

Your local guide knows that starting at Cais Ribeira is the most scenic route to take and its best to go down the “ribeira” using a Rabelo-a boat that used to carry Port wine barrels in the olden days, so just follow their lead! If you’re not in the mood for a cruise why not sit by the shore and take in its beauty? Enjoy the cooling breeze from the river with your local host and experience all the Douro has to offer.

When visiting Portugal, it should be on your bucket list of things to do in Porto to try its famous Port wine. Wine cellars and lodges all sit next to the riverside in Vila Nova de Gaia, making it easy to spend a full day hopping from one to the next. For an authentic local experience follow your guide to the smallest wine cellar with more local brands that you can’t find elsewhere that easily!

Vinologia is a great place to start your search as it has over 200 different Ports to try. Learn a thing or two through private guided tastings from knowledgeable locals who truly know what Port wine is supposed to taste like and the history behind it. Your local guide will be able to answer your questions on things like the aging process and technique and with all that wine talk you may end up bringing a bottle (or a case) home!

Miradouros (which means viewpoints) are scattered all over Porto since the city is full of hilly cobblestoned roads that grant opportunities to get a fantastic view of the city’s gorgeous landscape. Centralized in a Jewish neighbourhood, from Miradouro Da Vitoria you can see not only the colourful houses but also several cathedrals, the Douro river and wine cellars.

Miradouro Virtues is considered to be more of a hidden gem that locals frequent because the wind from the riverside keeps it cool on those hot and humid days. Catch the magnificent views of the sunset and listen to an old local tale from your guide that says that when you look down you’ll see a fountain with water that’s believed to cure diseases. And, if people-watching is your thing, visiting these viewpoints are one of the top things to do in Porto, since you can observe local passerbys and take in the buzzing energy around you.

Markets are without a doubt one of the top things to do in Porto to get the local vibe of the city, as locals of the city know that,this is where they can get the best deals and the freshest products.

Visit the Bolhao Market with a local and you’ll be amazed at the lively energy of the market in the early morning on Friday and Saturdays. Stalls with fresh produce, cheeses, olives, smoked meats, pottery, sausages and breads are plentiful and when accompanied by a local that speaks the language, you’ll easily score a deal. Bargains aside, another great thing is that everything is incredibly fresh-you’ll literally see fresh fish lying outside to dry, most likely caught from the Atlantic Ocean earlier that morning.

Vila Nova De Gaia is easily identifiable by its Port wine cellars and lodges but although it matches Porto’s iconic architecture, it’s still truly a hidden gem as it never gained quite as much popularity as it’s sibling. Located south bank of the Douro river facing Porto, you will not have to worry about crowds of tourists in this district as it is generally quieter so you can enjoy your sightseeing in peace.

Locals reside here to avoid the noise and chaos of the touristy neighborhoods but just because it’s quieter doesn’t mean it doesn’t have plenty of things to offer. Go to one of the many rooftop terraces to enjoy the breathtaking views and parks like the Jardim de Morro, where you can also go to enjoy a nice picnic. So, if you want to see the other side of Porto (literally!) then Villa Nova de Gaia is your best bet!

This is definitely an up and coming district of the city and one of the top things to do in Porto. As you stroll along, there’s a great selection of local bars and cafes to stop in for a drink.  One of the highlights of Miragaia is its ancient buildings that were constructed below the river and once served as a hub for boats being built in the shipyard during the iconic Discoveries era. Your local guide can show you and explain all about them!

What makes this district incredibly picturesque, and visiting its ultimately one of the best things to do in Porto, is the array of colorful houses in pastels that are incredibly pleasing to the eye. The celebratory vibe of this area is evident during the Sao Joao do Porto festival, where locals of Miragaia rejoice during midsummer. Ask your local guide when this festival takes place and maybe you will be luck enough to go!

The pride of Portugal lies in their cooking and after having a bite of their classic Francesinha dish or Caldo Verde soup you’ll understand why! By immersing yourself in the local gastronomic culture, you will get a chance to grasp a deeper understanding of some seriously delicious recipes from locals in the area who know their stuff!

Learning how to cook meals from the source is the ultimate way to get to know the country’s heritage and can be a real bonding moment for you and your local host. Your friends and family will be impressed with the culinary skills you picked up from your travels and your fond memories of the adventure will stick with you every time you prepare the dish yourself, making this one of the top things to do in Porto!

You don’t really know a city until you’ve tasted it’s cuisine. With a gastronomic heritage as rich as Porto’s, your local host will be more than happy to share with you the mouthwatering delights the Portuguese have to offer.

Home cooked meals are made with love and there is nothing better than an experience to try food that you’ve never had before. You get to learn so much culture and the many stories behind these traditional meals when feasting with your local host. They throw in that extra spice that you would only know to add if you were from the area and the Portuguese are known to encourage you to eat more and more, so expect to be satisfyingly full by the end of the meal!