The Best 7 Things to Do Solo in Porto, Portugal

Today, we’re talking about a city close to my heart—Porto, Portugal! Since I’ve been on a social media hiatus, I’ve been sorting through my blog drafts and realized I haven’t written about my time in Portugal, Bath, my most recent trip to England, or even Australia and New Zealand! That’s a lot of destinations I need to cover.

Table of Contents

Exploring Porto

Porto was such a fun experience, and despite visiting in November, the humidity caught me off guard! One thing I loved about traveling from Lisbon to Porto was how quick and easy the train ride was. Comparing the two cities is engrossing – Lisbon, with its coastal location and breathtaking mountain views (especially from the cathedrals), feels bright and airy. Meanwhile, Porto, with its gray limestone architecture, has a much moodier aesthetic. If Lisbon is light and vibrant, Porto is its brooding, poetic counterpart.

The Best 7 Things to Do Solo in Porto, Portugal

I have plenty of great food recommendations, but I’ll save those for another post about my week-long stay. What I loved most about Porto was how effortlessly beautiful it is. Even on rainy days (and I mean pouring rain), the city retained its charm. The darker architecture blends beautifully into the landscape, giving Porto an undeniable allure.

The people? Incredible. Everyone I met was kind, welcoming, and full of life. I never felt awkward asking for a table for one or getting someone to snap a photo of me. If you’re considering visiting solo, don’t hesitate—Porto is the perfect city for it.

Port Tasting and Cellars!

Fun fact: Port wine comes from Porto! The city is famous for it, and let me tell you, they have a lot of it. I booked a tasting at Calem Cellars, which has one of the most beautiful views of the city from the Ribeira District. One of the best things about joining a wine tour? Making new friends! Sitting down for a tasting with strangers always leads to great conversations.

A few cellars to see:

Go to Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is often called the most beautiful bookstore in the world, and while I agree, I need to be honest—it was overwhelming. It was so packed with tourists that I could barely move, let alone take a good photo (mine is blurry 😭). The experience was more stressful than magical, which was a real disappointment.

That being said, it’s still worth seeing, but go early. Be first in line. Once you’re inside, there’s no time limit, so getting in before the crowds makes all the difference.

Stroll Through Ribeira District

The Ribeira District stole my heart. It’s one of the most vibrant areas in Porto, and as soon as the sun comes out, people flock to the streets, cafés, and waterfront. The hills offer some of the best views in the city, and it’s the perfect place to wander aimlessly and soak up the atmosphere.

One must-visit spot is Mercado Municipal de Gaia, a fantastic food market where you can support local vendors while indulging in delicious cheese, meats, and Port wine tastings. Again, ALL LOCAL! Seriously, don’t miss it.

📍 Mercado Municipal de Gaia: Largo Sampaio Bruno 10, 4400-161 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Visit São Bento Railway Station

Trust me—just go. This station is breathtaking, and its iconic blue-and-white tile murals are even more stunning in person. The way the light changes throughout the day makes each visit feel like a new experience.

Go to Bolhão Market!

Yes, another market, but guys, this one has a completely different vibe! Bolhão Market feels more like a classic farmer’s market, with fresh produce, flowers, and handmade goods. You can grab a quick breakfast or lunch here, but the real joy is wandering through the stalls and chatting with vendors. I also had one of the best freshly made juices in Portugal here!

Bolhão Market is known as Porto’s Historical Market because its first market opened in 1837. It’s going very strong for just spending an hour there. It’s a lot of fun and you can practice your Portuguese when ordering.

Take a Tile Walk

My favorite part of all of Portugal were the tiles. Art History Major over here 🙋‍♀️ and I can’t help but love everything about hand-painted tiles. I wish I had picked one up as a souvenir.

If you love art, take a self-guided tile walk around the city and snap photos of your favorites. You won’t regret it!

Take a Day Trip to the Douro Valley

Oh. My. Gosh. Do this. If you love wine, scenic landscapes, or just want a mini adventure outside the city, a Douro Valley day trip is a dream come true. Here are a few fantastic tour options:

Again, my friends, I loved Porto so much. I honestly loved Portugal in general. I would love nothing more than to go back one day.

Have you been to Porto? What would be at the top of your must-see list? Let me know in the comments!