With its twisting cobbled streets, its well-known wine cellars and its historic structure, you would possibly assume Porto is a metropolis break for adults solely. However whereas there’s lots to tempt grown-ups (did I point out the port cellars?), the intense buildings and quirky avenue artwork are as charming for youthful guests – and that’s simply the beginning of the sights in Porto with youngsters.
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You’ll discover excursions with a twist, some distinctly uncommon methods to get round, eye-catching tiles and loads of indoor choices if – like us – it’s essential discover the very best issues to do in Porto within the rain.
As a bonus, the comparatively small centre and easy-to-use public transport makes it easy to pack lots in – helped alongside by loads of spots to refuel with ice cream (and pasteis de nata). These are my high 39 issues to do in Porto with youngsters.
Head to the river
Porto rises up the hills above the Douro River, with Vila Nova de Gaia throughout the water – and La Ribeira, Porto’s riverfront, continues to be the center of town.
Cafes line the financial institution, you’ll be able to wander the promenade stretching west and there’s all the time some avenue performances; we noticed large bubbles being blown and an a capella group singing, dancing and flag waving.
Take a cruise
Sail underneath the six bridges which cross from the heights of Porto to the alternative financial institution on a ship journey alongside the river, on a basic 6 Bridges boat tour.
There’s quite a lot of completely different firms to select from, which principally depart from Cais da Ribeira and Cais de Gaia, and takes round 50 minutes to do a loop. There’s typically commentary in regards to the sights of Porto, nevertheless it wasn’t vastly thrilling on our cruise: youngsters are prone to benefit from the views greater than what’s coming by way of the headphones.
The boats themselves are pretty easy – seats with a small coated space, though there are fancier options together with port cruises in case your youngsters are are comfortable to spend longer on board. Spot the standard picket rabelo boats as you sail too.
Or you’ll be able to select to cruise on one of many conventional boats themselves, like this 6 Bridges Cruise.
You can even get a reduction on Douro River cruises with the Porto Card, with choices legitimate for 1-4 days, together with transport or with out
Attempt a Duck Tour
Take a look at out Porto’s Superb Amphibious Journey, a 75-minute Duck Tour of Porto and Gaia from land and the water that’s large enjoyable for teenagers (and massive youngsters).
The intense yellow amphibious autos have been initially used within the Second World Conflict, though they’ve had fairly a number of upgrades since then
Commentary is in English and Portuguese, with an opportunity to see town in a really completely different approach than your common sightseeing tour.
Board a tram
Town’s historic trams nonetheless run two completely different routes by way of town, together with Tram 1 which follows the waterfront – you’ll spot the pale creamy yellow trams trundling round, and it’s simply extra enjoyable than taking the bus.
Throughout peak season, you might battle to search out house alongside this route so board at Infante, by the church of Sao Francisco, or the opposite finish at Passeio Alegre.
A single ticket prices 6 Euros for adults, 3,50 Euros for teenagers, two-day passes are 6 Euros for teenagers, 12 Euros for adults.
Take a look at my full information to Portugal with youngsters right here
Attempt a tuk tuk
Good for nipping by way of town’s small streets, little eco-friendly tuktuks make for a way more quirky Porto tour than the standard choices – and take an equally enjoyable have a look at the sights.
You may select from completely different routes, on each the left and proper banks in addition to brief variations – this two-hour TuktourPorto tour takes you from town to the ocean, and is appropriate for age 7+, whereas this Portuk Porto tour is the same size however focuses on the historic centre. There’s a alternative of sundown, daytime and evening excursions, and also you even get a glass of port alongside the way in which!
If you’d like a shorter possibility, there’s additionally a 50-minute tuk tuk tour of the centre which is appropriate for all ages. Purchase tickets prematurely or you’ll be able to typically choose up the tuktuks close to the Torre dos Clerigos.
Take a bus tour
Hop on (and off) one among a number of bus excursions which run across the metropolis with the standard open high decks so you’ll be able to soak within the metropolis out of your seat as you hearken to the information.
The Grey Line hop on hop off bus contains an optionally available boat journey, with 24h and 48 tickets accessible. Or Yellow Bus Porto has its personal hop-on hop-off routes as effectively.
Take the cable automobile
See Porto from on excessive and get a chook’s eye view of the port cellars, the Douro and town from the Teleferico de Gaia, Porto’s cable automobile.
The cable automobile runs from the Jardim de Morro park by the Dom Luis I bridge right down to the port warehouses and the boat excursions, so it’s simple to issue it into your exploring.
Simply among the finest issues to do in Gaia other than these port tastings – and as we found, there are some nice views of Porto even when it rains. You should buy one-way tickets in addition to round-trip choices on-line.
Trip the funicular
The Gaia cable automobile isn’t the one place to get an excellent view – add Porto’s elevate to your record as effectively, the Funicular dos Guindais, operated by a collection of counterweights.
Climbing 61 metres up the facet of a cliff from Ribeira to Batalha, it’s enjoyable to journey for older youngsters and will additionally are available in very useful when you’re exploring Porto with a child…
As a result of with hills as steep as Porto’s, who wouldn’t need to hop in a elevate at occasions!
Spot avenue artwork
Wander alongside the curving Rua das Flores, with its delis and boutiques, tiled buildings and floral shows and you may also see avenue artwork overlaying the electrical energy containers alongside its size – all embellished barely in a different way, it’s the proper place to play spot your favorite.
Or head barely additional out to Rua Miguel Bombarda for extra city artwork among the many galleries.
For older youngsters and budding artists, you will get a flavour of the artwork dotted throughout town on a devoted Porto avenue artwork tour, together with stops at completely different areas devoted to city artwork. This two-hour non-public tour visits among the key areas as you discover Ribeira, or there’s a three-hour avenue artwork group tour led by a neighborhood resident, for a lesson on native artists in addition to an opportunity to see among the metropolis’s completely different works.
Discover the rabbit
Even when you’re not an enormous fan of avenue artwork, who wouldn’t need to see an enormous rabbit? Tucked away on a nook in Vila Nova de Gaia it was constructed utilizing garbage and native supplies, then left half painted and half unadorned.
Maintain your eyes peeled on the funicular, then you’ll be able to see the work by Bordalo II a block again from the Gaia waterfront, not removed from the funicular cease. Produced from recycled supplies and garbage, the thought is to shine a highlight on society’s wastefulness.
Watch a present in a church
For an additional artwork expertise, take a look at the eye-catching Spiritus Multimedia present at Clerigos Church, a light-weight set up projected onto the partitions and roof of the church.
The 30-minute present mixes soundscapes and light-weight with the church’s Baroque structure, plus inspiration from a poem by Álvaro de Campos, “In the long run, one of the best ways to journey is to really feel.” The right motto for a household metropolis break in Porto!
See the tiles at Sao Bento station
If you wish to discover additional afield – Guimaraes, Coimbra or Aveiro (aka Porto’s Venice) are some things to do close to Porto – you’ll be beginning your journey on the practice station of Sao Bento.
However even you probably have no intention of heading out of town, it’s price stopping by the nineteenth century station itself to admire the tiled partitions with the 20,000 hand-painted azulejos representing occasions in Portuguese historical past.
Stretching from ground to (embellished) ceiling, you don’t must know the tales to be impressed. The Capela das Almas close to Bolhao market is one other spectacular spot, though you’ll see tiles throughout town. Why, my daughter questioned, don’t we do this at house? Good query…
For concepts of extra nice day journeys from Porto with youngsters, take a look at my high picks
Cross the bridge
If the Ponte Dom Luis I seems to be oddly acquainted, there’s an excellent purpose – designed by a scholar of Gustave Eiffel (sure, Eiffel as within the tower), the hovering black metallic arches and pylons are elegantly dramatic (and make for nice pictures).
The higher stage is for pedestrians and metro trains solely, or on a windy day (or with youngsters who don’t fancy being fairly so excessive) you’ll be able to cross with the automobiles on the decrease half wanting up on the iron struts.
Accomplished in 1886, it was an enormous enchancment on earlier river crossings – in the beginning of that century, you wanted to stroll throughout a bridge produced from previous port boats lashed collectively.
Take a strolling tour
In case you’re making an attempt to get your bearings, or uncover a few of Porto’s secret highlights, there are a string of enjoyable strolling excursions of Porto with youngsters to attempt.
The Metropolis Highlights tour is appropriate for all ages, and a fantastic introduction to town, as is that this three-hour tour of the historic centre. whereas this Highlights, Gems and Curiosities tour provides in a number of quirky sights in addition to the standard choices.
In case you favor to have your personal non-public tailor-made family-friendly tour, take a look at the completely different choices from Withlocals and Portoalities.
In addition to the road artwork excursions talked about above, there’s additionally a enjoyable Insta Good stroll to seize a few of Porto’s most shareable spots, or a Harry Potter-inspired stroll sharing among the locations JK Rowling visited throughout her time within the metropolis, together with some inspirations for the wizarding world.
In case your youngsters favor a problem, set off on a mission to guard town’s heritage, fixing riddles and clues, and passing a few of Porto’s key sights alongside the way in which. You can even attempt a mini hunt of your personal, and look out for among the metropolis’s symbols, together with a lion and an eagle.
Need to theme your stroll round Porto’s meals, with a foodie strolling tour of town? Scroll down for extra particulars
Uncover the World of Discoveries
There’s a enjoyable method to discover out extra about Portugal’s maritime and explorer historical past on the interactive World of Discoveries museum, which focuses on the Age of Discoveries.
You don’t must learn about Portuguese historical past earlier than you go to, and the tales of life on board are fascinating even for teenagers who aren’t large followers of historical past – plus there are many buttons to the touch, screens to swipe and displays to get palms on with.
In a single nook, barrels of spices conjure up the riches these explorers sought, whereas a small piece of chain mail is impressively heavy to elevate. On the finish, there’s additionally a small journey with a ship taking you from ‘Lisbon’ by way of the nations found by the Portuguese, in addition to the brand new animals and cultures they discovered alongside the way in which.
The crashing CGI waves of the Cape of Storms, because the Cape of Good Hope was first identified, are vividly actual – and my daughter appeared totally satisfied by the legendary sea monsters depicted too.
You may purchase tickets with free cancellation and it’s preferrred when you’re looking for Porto indoor actions: the dangerous climate of our go to meant we discovered ourselves on the lookout for issues to do in Porto when it rains, though that is entertaining sufficient to maintain on the record for sunny days too.
In case your youngsters are too grown-up for one thing like World of Discoveries, take a look at Porto Legends: The Underground Expertise, an immersive multimedia present which introduces you to town’s historical past – and some of its secrets and techniques
See Henry the Navigator
In accordance with custom, this Portuguese prince was born in Porto in 1394 and his statue now towers above the sq. that bears his identify – round 10 minutes from World of Discoveries.
The explorer prince was on the forefront of the Age of Discoveries, when Portugal’s fleet explored the unknown seas, so his story is nice to encourage small adventurers (or wannabe pirates).
Get a style of a port cellar
Admittedly the tasting itself isn’t for youngsters however you’ll be able to’t go to Porto and never see at the very least one port cellar – they line the waterfront in Gaia, so you have got loads of alternative, however we cherished Caves Calem.
There’s a small interactive museum first, together with a piece to check whether or not you’ll be able to determine completely different aromas, plus movies and displays to get palms on with. The tour itself then lasts lower than half an hour, which is ideal for brief consideration spans, with photographs and data beamed onto the larger barrels together with the completely different water ranges throughout current floods.
The large vats themselves – one among which may maintain 60,000 litres – are fortunately watertight, so the port inside was unhurt. I examined a few glasses afterwards (and you should buy extra) simply to ensure.
Or at Ramos Pintos (reverse the playground!) there’s port and chocolate tastings, when you might additionally see the 100,000 litre vat at Taylor’s, in addition to selecting port wine tastings with a Fado efficiency.
Go to the market
Certainly one of a number of conventional markets dotted across the metropolis, the Mercado do Bolhao is a good place to wander round, with contemporary produce, fish and cheese on the stalls, in addition to a number of memento stands dotted round as effectively.
Courting again to 1837, you may also cease for a chew in one of many cafes, choose one thing up for a snack or simply absorb the environment.
And maintain a watch out for particular occasions throughout the 12 months, in addition to choosing up a number of treats as a memento.
Be part of a meals tour
Higher for older youngsters than youthful choosy eaters (like my daughter), a meals tour is a improbable method to discover and take a look at the native dishes on the identical time – Francesinha is the very best identified conventional dish of Porto, a sandwich with meat, sausage and melted cheese in a beer sauce, typically with a fried egg.
The inhabitants of Porto even have the nickname ‘tripeiros’ – you’ll be able to choose from a number of tales as to why they’re known as tripe eaters, nevertheless it’s one other native speciality.
This collection of 10 tastings focuses on a few of Porto and Portugal’s basic dishes, together with pastel de nata, and has vegetarian options. Or this meals tour visits markets and native companies, ending with lunch.
Go for ice cream
Round nearly each nook you’ll discover ice cream on the market, even (we discovered) on a wet February day – among the finest locations is Santini, a Portuguese establishment which has a department between Sao Bento station and the Clerigos Tower.
Or head to Cremosi, for its chilly stone ice cream and weird flavours, scrumptious concoctions at Amorino (which has three branches) or Gelateria Portuense, which has gluten-free ice cream in addition to vegan and lactose-free flavours.
Whichever one you fancy, a scoop or two is all the time useful when you’re in Porto with a toddler (or any age!) and must bribe them up a few of these hills…
Go to the Majestic Cafe
The Majestic Cafe won’t be the most cost effective place for a drink within the metropolis, nevertheless it’s simply one of the fashionable – the Artwork Nouveau constructing first opened in 1921, and after work to revive it, is as glamorous as in its first heyday.
Anticipate queues exterior, so get there early or select an unpopular time, however there’s every little thing from cake to port cocktails on the menu (and pasteis de nata, natch).
Higher with barely older youngsters who’ll admire the model and class (and the sheer deal with of getting one thing to eat or drink right here) than with a toddler.
Hit the seaside
Head west alongside the coast from the river and also you’ll uncover one other of Porto’s secrets and techniques – this metropolis break comes with a slice of seaside.
A number of slices, in actual fact, though Praia de Matosinhos and the Praia do Ourigo are two of the simplest to get to and two of the very best seashores in Porto for teenagers, round 20 minutes from town on both the bus or metro.
If it’s not a sunny day, you’ll nonetheless get to see the waves crashing on the shore, whereas it’s a preferred spot with locals when the solar shines. There are bars and eating places alongside the seafront to refuel between sandcastle constructing too.
Porto Sea Life Centre
Peek beneath the waves alongside the identical stretch of coast, you’ll discover Porto’s Sea Life Centre, the largest within the north of Portugal.
There’s a mini quiz for teenagers, with a prize to be received when you get all of the solutions proper, feeding occasions and intelligent viewing sections, in addition to sharks, turtles, rays, fish galore and maybe the largest spider crab I’ve ever seen.
The indicators are principally translated into English as effectively and as with all Sea Life centres, there’s details about the native space and marine life – plus a small play space on the finish. Not just for moist days, nevertheless it’s good for passing a number of hours in Porto within the rain and a beautiful possibility when you go to Porto with toddler.
Santo Inacio Zoo
Meet the animals on the Santo Inacio Zoo is likely one of the greatest sights in Porto for youngsters. Stretching for 15 hectares with 260 completely different species it has received awards for its conservation programmes.
It’s house to Himalayan snow leopards and Asian lions, in addition to a string of different large cats, plus an opportunity to observe stay feedings of the otters, lemurs, penguins and lions too. You may spot birds of prey shows, see a pygmy hippo, a string of snakes, rhinos and an entire lot extra.
One of many highlights is the with a particular glass tunnel which helps you to get unexpectedly shut to those large cats, plus you’ll be able to take a journey throughout 5 continents of nature with the Wild Life Demonstration.
The zoo is a brief drive from Gaia or the top of the Metro line D at Santo Ovidio.
You can even get joint tickets for the zoo and Sea Life Centre when you’re visiting Porto with youngsters who love animals
Go to Livraria Lello
Indulge your little bookworms. You don’t must have learn the Harry Potter books to like Livraria Lello, the bookshop which is famously stated to have impressed JK Rowling. With its winding spiralling staircases and floor-to-ceiling cabinets of books, it might have come straight from a magical world (as might numerous Porto).
There’s an English youngsters’s part with each classics and extra fashionable youngsters’ books, to not point out souvenirs and loads of alternative for adults. In case you do purchase something, the worth of entry (8 Euros for adults and youngsters aged 3+, youngsters underneath 3 go free) is deducted from the associated fee.
Be able to queue if you need a photograph taken, however whereas it’s busy, individuals did their greatest to permit everybody to get the well-known shot. In case you’re on the lookout for concepts of what to do in Porto when it rains, this can be a excellent place to whereas away a while looking, though it could be even busier than standard.
Uncover the puppet museum
Tucked away close to Rua das Flores is the small Museu das Marionetas, a beautiful little museum with a show of puppets from fairytales, in addition to from a preferred Portuguese youngsters’ TV present from the 80s which jogged my memory of the Muppets, and a number of other from grownup theatre.
Just a few Euros to get in (much less you probably have a Porto card), youngsters also can get palms on with a few puppets, be taught a bit extra about how some are made and see marionettes from completely different tales… together with, to my very own delight, Joanica Puff – aka Winnie the Pooh in Portuguese.
It’s small however whereas I anticipated to be out and in rapidly, we ended up spending an hour wandering round. There are many alternatives for teenagers to play, in addition to sit again and watch, which makes it one other pretty possibility when you’re in Porto with toddlers.
Go to the tram museum
Uncover some classic transport on the Museu do Carro Eléctrico, or tram museum – preferrred for teenagers who love completely different types of transport (which implies just about all youthful youngsters) with every little thing from horse-drawn streetcars to unique trams from the 60s on show.
Kids underneath six are free – your ticket additionally provides you one free journey on town’s tram community.
It’s solely a small museum, so don’t count on to spend too lengthy exploring nevertheless it’s a enjoyable choice to whereas away half an hour (or extra with large tram followers).
Discover the Museum of Transport and Communication
Crack some codes on the Museum of Transport and Communication, the place there’s a string of actions to maintain youngsters entertained.
One of many enjoyable actions contains the possibility to crack a secret code within the Talk exhibition, however because it’s set within the metropolis’s Customs Home, you may also play at being a Customs Officer too, earlier than eyeing up the gathering of Presidential automobiles.
Benefit from the Chocolate Story
Your youngsters won’t be excited by port or cork – two of Porto’s greatest industries – however chocolate is certain to attraction.
In addition to getting a glance inside a real chocolate manufacturing facility, you may also uncover extra in regards to the origins of cocoa and the way it’s remodeled from bean to bar. Evidently, there’s additionally an opportunity to check a number of samples.
E book tickets with free cancellation or you may also get entry with a mixed ticket to WOW Cultural District – WOW stands for World of Wine, with loads of possibilities for grown-ups to attempt some native vintages, together with some from the Douro Valley, but in addition entry to Planet Cork and Porto Area Throughout the Ages, which celebrates Porto and its historical past and heritage (together with a full-size duplicate of town’s tram).
Take a look at my full information to Portugal with youngsters right here
Discover the large trowel
Prepare to search out the large trowel – amongst different sights within the grounds of the Serralves Museum. House to town’s fashionable artwork assortment, you’ll discover a string of up to date works together with an enormous pink trowel, and plenty of inexperienced house to discover between artworks.
The 18-hectare Serralves Park can be house to a treetop stroll expertise, excessive up within the cover of the bushes, in addition to a farm, the Cinema Home and an Artwork Deco villa.
Positively one of many quirkier issues to do with youngsters in Porto.
Paint your personal tile
In case you’ve been impressed by the paintings at Sao Bento practice station, or by among the avenue artwork and fashionable artwork in Porto, there’s an opportunity to unleash your personal artistic facet at a tile-painting workshop.
The 2-hour session features a glass of port (or fruit juice for teenagers) in addition to a quick historical past of tiles and tile ornament in Porto, then you’ll be able to choose an current design or provide you with your personal, and choose your creation up two hours after the category finishes.
Open to all ages, however the workshop is healthier for older youngsters who’ll get pleasure from creating their very own paintings memento.
Go to the Crystal Palace gardens
Identical to its namesake and inspiration in London, a Crystal Palace as soon as stood within the gardens of the Palacio de Cristal, opened in 1865 the place it stood till 1951.
Today there’s loads of inexperienced house to run round, themed gardens just like the Backyard of Emotions and the Backyard of Fragrant Vegetation, and nice views – and no entrance price when you’re on the lookout for free issues to do in Porto.
House to a string of crops together with rhododendrons, camellias, araucarias, ginkgoes, and beech bushes, the gardens are additionally full of fountains and statues, in addition to a small chapel and museum, which was as soon as house to the exiled King of Sardinia.
Climb the Clerigos Tower
It’s 225 steps to the highest of the Torre dos Clerigos – the place 49 bells hold within the tower (you have got been warned when you’re there after they ring!).
However the improbable 360 diploma panorama to look out over makes each thigh-burning step worthwhile. The 18th century tower is one among Porto’s fundamental landmarks, so that you’ll additionally get to see it as you discover town, whereas there’s a light-weight and sound set up contained in the church itself.
Benefit from the views
It looks like there’s barely a foul view of Porto, whether or not you’re peering down atmospheric winding streets or gazing out throughout the river to the brightly painted homes – so even when you don’t fancy climbing the tower, find time for at the very least one cease to absorb the views.
On the Porto facet, the Miradouro da Vitoria seems to be out in the direction of the pink roofs and domes in the direction of Ribeira and past. Or throughout the river, the Jardim de Morro has among the greatest views within the metropolis, wanting each methods alongside the Douro, right down to Gaia and throughout to Ribeira from underneath its palm bushes.
Escape the labyrinth
Wander the maze in Sao Roque park, within the east of town, which additionally has a beautiful playground – a pleasant trade-off for teenagers in Porto in the event that they’ve wandered spherical a port cellar for you!
As soon as owned by the Calem household (of port fame), you may also discover minarets and water options, in addition to sculpture dotted round.
Go to the Dragon stadium
Discover town’s dragon – not a fire-breathing variety, however the image of the FC Porto crew taking part in at soccer floor, Estadio de Dragao, additionally within the east of town.
You may go to the museum with a guided tour of the stadium as effectively, to find extra in regards to the Portuguese Primeira Liga crew, together with an opportunity to see their trophy assortment.
Nice enjoyable for small soccer followers, even when they’re not FC Porto supporters, you’ll be able to go to the museum any day, however the excursions of the stadium aren’t accessible on match days, so it’s price checking the fixtures earlier than you guide and go to.
Step into the catacombs
On the Igreja Sao Francisco, one of many greatest sights is exterior the church itself – down within the catacombs lies tomb upon tomb of monks and among the metropolis’s wealthiest inhabitants.
Maintain a watch out for the glassed over part the place you’ll be able to look down onto piles of bones for a fabulously creepy possibility in Porto with youngsters.
Then head to the church the place the Gothic exterior hides an opulent extravaganza of ornament – over 300kg of gold mud was supposedly used to brighten it, whereas each flat floor appears to be ornamented together with a carved picket Tree of Jesse sculpture. No pictures allowed, alas.
Play mini golf
Hit a gap in a single and shelter from the solar underneath the bushes at one among Porto’s mini golf programs. Clube de Minigolfe do Porto has two separate 18-hole journey golf programs on the Jardim do Passeio Alegre, close to the river Douro to the west of town and never removed from the Fortress of Sao Joao da Foz,
Or there’s a enjoyable indoor mini golf expertise, lit by UV and neon mild for one thing barely completely different, simply north of the historic metropolis centre.
Hit the retailers
Want extra concepts of what to do in Porto with youngsters? Among the many wine retailers and port shops, there are many nice locations for souvenirs.
Loja Tradições on Rua das Flores is right for conventional Portuguese crafts (drop by Chocolateria Equador a minute away for some deliciously grown-up truffles) whereas there are basic toys at A Vida Portuguesa on Rua da Galeria de Paris close to Livraria Lello, and tempting youngsters’ manufacturers at Alma Viva.
For extra concepts on issues to do within the nation exterior Porto, Portugal with youngsters is one among my favorite locations – how about this quirky assortment to encourage in addition to these nice day journeys from Porto.
*First revealed February 2018, final up to date 2024*
THINGS TO DO IN PORTO WITH KIDS: PIN FOR LATER
Disclosure: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. I obtained a Porto Card, river cruise and entry to Sea Life and World of Discoveries courtesy of the Porto vacationer board however all opinions (and unfortunate climate) are my very own.
Serralves villa courtesy of Depositphotos, all different photographs copyright MummyTravels
