Things to do in Porto for free

Porto, the second most important city in Portugal, is home to around 220,000 people and also welcomes huge number of visitors each year. As a city, it has lots of attractive features from tree-lined streets to lively bars. Porto also boasts a top-notch selection of attractions. And these don't have to break the bank! Here we bring you five of the top things to do in Porto, and we definitely recommend that you try and check them out during your stay.

The Sao Bento Railway Station

Step inside this railway station and you'll find so much more than just somewhere to arrive in or depart from Porto. The Sao Bento railway station is an important landmark building thanks to the huge areas of painted tiles on the station's walls. Battles scenes and more can be seen in the blue and white works of art, encompassing around 20,000 different tiles.

Book hostels in Porto

The Praça da Cordoaria

Not far from the renowned Torre dos Clérigos, this open park area sports a pond, lots of shaded areas where you can lounge on the grass, and plenty of benches to sit on. And interestingly, free WiFi is offered in this spot so if you've got your computer, you can whip it out and check your email.

Book hostels in Porto

The beach at Matosinhos

This is the place to go if you're looking to enjoy some of the best golden sandy beaches Porto has to offer. Sunbathing, swimming and surfing are all popular activities here, with numerous surf shops having set up along the sea front. These offer equipment rental and lessons. So if you feel like catching your first wave, this is place to go.

Book hostels in Porto

Ponte Luis I

Here you'll find some of the most stunning views of Porto including the Ribeira area and some of the city's main sights, as well as some of Porto's other famous bridges, the Douro and Gaia, the area across the river from Porto. Along with the pedestrian paths at both sides of the bridge, it's also traversed by one of the city's metro lines.

Book hostels in Porto

Catedral de Porto

When you step inside the cathedral here, you'll notice the contrast between the mostly plain stone walls and the ornate altar. This important house of worship is filled with wooden pews where people can sit and take in the surroundings, which include a number of impressive stained glass windows. On the walls just outside the entrance, you'll see more of the blue and white painted tiles that are a feature of many of Porto's most beautiful structures. Open Apr-Oct 8.45am-12.30pm & 14.30pm-7pm, Nov-Mar 8.45am-12.30pm & 14.30pm-6pm.

Book hostels in Porto

We're always looking to hear from you so to make that even easier we're now available on facebook and twitter. Drop us a line some time, don't be shy!