Looking for a summer getaway that blends culture, coastlines and epic vibes?
Visit Porto and the surrounds and you’ll find just that!
Whether you’re into catching waves, chasing sunsets with a cold drink in hand or putting on a few kilos on local food and wine tours, this coastal city in Northern Portugal always delivers.
And the best part? Just 40 minutes south you’ll find Maceda! This ridiculously chilled surf town now has its own music festival that’s a guaranteed good times: Plums & Rhums.
No matter where you land, you’re in for a treat!
From UNESCO World Heritage sites and francesinhas in the city center to beach breaks and beats by the sea, you’ve come to the right place.
Here’s your ultimate guide to making the most of both Porto and its surrounding region this summer.
Go to a music festival in Maceda
If you’re craving something a little off the beaten path, mark your calendar for Plums & Rhum — the ultimate beachside music festival happening yearly at Maceda Surf Camp!
This special São João edition is all about good vibes, live beats and summer fun. Expect an eclectic mix of Tropicália, cumbia, Latin rhythms, forró and a touch of Brazilian flair, with live music setting the tone.
Need fuel for your dance moves? Pizza, grilled sardines and a fully stocked bar await. The venue? Our back-to-nature surf camp surrounded by pine forests and sand dunes, just a short trip south of Porto by public transport or car.
What’s that? Entry is free?
You bet!
Just book a stay with us and dance barefoot under the stars.
Visit the historic center and UNESCO world heritage sites
Wander through Porto’s historic center and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
There are narrow streets, tiled façades and colourful buildings stacked along the Douro River.
The Ribeira district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the beating heart of the city. Grab a pastel de nata, stroll along the Gaia promenade and soak in the views of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge (a.k.a. Ponte de Dom Luís). A must on any Porto itinerary.
Make time for the Porto Cathedral, Torre dos Clérigos and São Francisco church too!
You can also walk down Rua das Flores or Rua de Santa Catarina for a taste of local life.
From the Stock Exchange Palace to the Crystal Palace Gardens, you’ll feel the soul of a city that bridges the Middle Ages with modern charm.
Talk about romantic!
Search for the best francesinha sandwich in town
No trip to Porto is complete without diving into the ultimate comfort food: the francesinha.
This colossal (and quite honestly… kinda intimidating) sandwich is a local favourite. Stacked with steak, cured ham, linguiça, fresh sausage and molten cheese, then drenched in beer-rich tomato sauce, it’s a rite of passage for solo travelers and foodies who spend time in Porto.
Try a few versions around town: Café Santiago near Rua de Santa Catarina, Lado B near the Coliseu or Brasão Cervejaria close to the city centre are all good.
Whether you’re doing a self-guided food tour or just following the locals, these eateries are a good place to start.
Go bar hopping and try speciality craft beers, spirits and cocktails
Explore Porto’s buzzing nightlife through its bars, breweries and rooftop terraces!
We love Catraio on Rua de Cedofeita for its epic craft beer selection and chilled backyard vibe. Or head to Letraria, a leafy beer garden that feels like a hidden oasis in the city.
Into cocktails? Torto delivers some of the most creative drinks in town, while the 17º Bar on the upper deck of Dom Henrique Hotel gives you skyline views with your spritz.
Quench your thirst after a walking tour or get pumped for your night out.
Either way, the city’s mixology game is hella strong.
Feast till your heart’s content at a traditional restaurant
Porto’s food scene is packed with a dozen restaurants that honour traditional recipes with big flavour and zero fuss.
The Maceda crew’s top picks? Adega Vila Meã for classic northern dishes, O Rápido for their legendary tripe stew just steps from São Bento and Casa Nanda, a cozy, family-run spot with standout grilled meats and seafood.
From hidden taverns to vibrant seafood restaurants in Matosinhos Beach, there’s something for every appetite (and every price point).
Hit us up if you need tips!
Learn to surf in a Portuguese surf town
As the team behind Maceda Surf Camp, we’ve helped hundreds of first-timers stand up on a board and guided countless improvers toward more confident, stylish surfing.
Just 40 minutes from Porto, our home break at Praia de Maceda offers consistent waves, untouched nature and a chill atmosphere that makes it ideal for learning.
No crowds, no pressure… all fun!
After surfing, you can relax back at camp with yoga, BBQs or even a workshop or two.
We don’t just run lessons. We introduce you to the Northern Portugal surfing lifestyle. And it’s the perfect break from city life if you’re exploring Northern Portugal or adding day trips to your Porto plan.
Taste some of Porto’s most exclusive wines
As lovers of good wine and good company, we always recommend a wine tour when you’re in Porto.
The port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia are just across the river from the city centre, offering guided tastings, terrace views and deep dives into Port wine traditions (a must!).
If you’re up for it, go a little further with a day trip to the Douro Valley, where vineyard-covered hills and boat rides on the river offer a stunning glimpse of Portugal’s wine culture.
Whether it’s a visit to a wine school or a stop at the Pink Palace, there’s no better place to sip, swirl and learn about Portugal’s finest vinhos.
FAQ: Everything you’ve been wondering about Porto
Q. What are some cool things to do in Porto besides surfing?
Loads. Walk through the Porto old town and lose yourself in the narrow streets. Climb Clérigos Tower for the best view in the city. Step into São Bento train station and check out the massive tile murals. Hop on the cable car over the river or take a breather at Casa de Serralves or Planet Cork. The city’s small enough to wander but packed with personality.
Q. Where can I go wine tasting in Porto?
Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge into Gaia and you’ll land right among the port cellars. Whether you’re winging it or booking private tours, there’s no shortage of great wine tasting spots. It’s a must if you want to understand the soul of the city. Port isn’t just a drink here. It’s history in a glass.
Q. Is the Dom Luís I Bridge the same as the Luis I Bridge or Dom Luis?
Yep. All names for the same bridge. Whether someone calls it Dom Luís, Dom Luis or Luis I, it’s the big iron beauty that links Porto to Gaia. Walk the upper deck at sunset if you can.
Q. What’s the deal with São Bento Station—is it worth a visit?
Definitely. It’s one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe. Inside, the walls are covered with blue and white tiles that tell stories from Portuguese history. Even if you’re not catching a train, it’s worth stopping by.
Q. Are there any Harry Potter connections in Porto?
There are. J.K. Rowling lived in Porto when she was teaching English and it rubbed off on her. The uniforms from local schools helped inspire Hogwarts, and spots like Clérigos Church and nearby bookshops are said to have sparked a few ideas.
Q. How much are ticket prices for museums and attractions?
Most places are affordable. Clérigos Tower, Casa da Música and the Stock Exchange Palace are all under ten euros to enter. Some museums and churches, like Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, are free. If you’re a student or traveling in a group, you’ll probably get a discount.
Q. Can I take river tours from the city?
Yes. Boats leave from the Ribeira and cruise under all six bridges, including the Dom Luís I Bridge. It’s a laidback way to see the city from a different angle. Good option if you need a break from walking.
Q. What’s the best way to explore the old town?
Walk it. Porto’s old town wasn’t built for cars. You’ll stumble onto corners you’d never find otherwise. Think food stalls, tiled houses, tiny bars and francesinhas loaded with beer sauce. Every turn has a lil’ something.
Q. Where’s a good spot for live music or events?
Casa da Música. It’s got a sharp modern look and hosts everything from symphonies to jazz to local experimental stuff. Check what’s on when you’re in town.
Q. Who was King John and why does he show up so much in Porto?
King John I was a big deal. He ruled in the 1300s, married a Lancaster from England and helped set up Portugal’s golden age of exploration. His name pops up all over the city. You’ll see statues, tiled portraits, even street names dedicated to him.
Final thoughts
From surfing and sunsets to francesinha sandwiches and those famous blue and white tiles, Porto and surrounds are must-visit if you’re coming to Portugal.
You’ve got history in the old town, Port wine cellars just across the Dom Luís I Bridge and seafood joints by Matosinhos Beach. Walk Rua de Santa Catarina or Rua das Flores, tour the Stock Exchange Palace or just sit with a glass of tawny. Watching the light shift over the rooftops is a simple pleasure!
Step beyond the new city and the pace slows down. Maceda is just a short ride away, with pine forests, Atlantic waves and the kind of surf camp where strangers become crew real fast.
So pack your board, your camera or whatever shoes you don’t mind wearing out. Porto and its surrounding region are ready when you are.
