With its twisting cobbled streets, its well-known wine cellars and its historic structure, you would possibly suppose Porto is a metropolis break for adults solely. However whereas there’s loads to tempt grown-ups (did I point out the port cellars?), the brilliant buildings and quirky road artwork are as fascinating for youthful guests – and that’s simply the beginning of the points of interest in Porto with youngsters.
accommodates affiliate hyperlinks*
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 is advisable discover one of the 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 loads 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 guts of town.
Cafes line the financial institution, you may wander the promenade stretching west and there’s at all times some road 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 other financial institution on a ship journey alongside the river, on a basic 6 Bridges boat tour.
There’s a wide range of totally different corporations to select from, which largely go away from Cais da Ribeira and Cais de Gaia, and takes round 50 minutes to do a loop. There’s usually commentary concerning the sights of Porto, but it surely wasn’t vastly thrilling on our cruise: youngsters are prone to benefit from the views greater than what’s coming by means of the headphones.
The boats themselves are pretty easy – seats with a small lined space, though there are fancier options together with port cruises in case your youngsters are are joyful to spend longer on board. Spot the normal picket rabelo boats as you sail too.
Or you may select to cruise on one of many conventional boats themselves, like this 6 Bridges Cruise.
You can too 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
Check out Porto’s Superb Amphibious Journey, a 75-minute Duck Tour of Porto and Gaia from land and the water that’s big enjoyable for youths (and large youngsters).
The brilliant yellow amphibious autos have been initially used within the Second World Battle, though they’ve had fairly just a few upgrades since then
Commentary is in English and Portuguese, with an opportunity to see town in a really totally different manner than your common sightseeing tour.
Board a tram
Town’s historic trams nonetheless run two totally different routes by means of town, together with Tram 1 which follows the waterfront – you’ll spot the light creamy yellow trams trundling round, and it’s simply extra enjoyable than taking the bus.
Throughout peak season, you could battle to seek out area 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 youths, two-day passes are 6 Euros for youths, 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 means of town’s small streets, little eco-friendly tuktuks make for a way more quirky Porto tour than the same old choices – and take an equally enjoyable have a look at the points of interest.
You possibly can select from totally different routes, on each the left and proper banks in addition to quick 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 an analogous size however focuses on the historic centre. There’s a alternative of sundown, daytime and night time excursions, and also you even get a glass of port alongside the best way!
If you need 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 may usually choose up the tuktuks close to the Torre dos Clerigos.
Take a bus tour
Hop on (and off) one in every of a number of bus excursions which run across the metropolis with the same old open high decks so you may soak within the metropolis out of your seat as you hearken to the information.
The Grey Line hop on hop off bus consists of an optionally available boat experience, with 24h and 48 tickets accessible. Or Yellow Bus Porto has its personal hop-on hop-off routes as properly.
Take the cable automobile
See Porto from on excessive and get a hen’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 all the way down to the port warehouses and the boat excursions, so it’s straightforward to issue it into your exploring.
Simply among the best issues to do in Gaia aside from these port tastings – and as we found, there are some nice views of Porto even when it rains. You should purchase 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 view – add Porto’s carry to your record as properly, the Funicular dos Guindais, operated by a sequence of counterweights.
Climbing 61 metres up the facet of a cliff from Ribeira to Batalha, it’s enjoyable to experience for older youngsters and will additionally are available in very helpful when you’re exploring Porto with a child…
As a result of with hills as steep as Porto’s, who wouldn’t wish to hop in a carry at instances!
Spot road artwork
Wander alongside the curving Rua das Flores, with its delis and boutiques, tiled buildings and floral shows and it’s also possible to see road artwork overlaying the electrical energy packing containers alongside its size – all embellished barely in a different way, it’s the right 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 road artwork tour, together with stops at totally 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 road 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 totally different works.
Discover the rabbit
Even when you’re not an enormous fan of road artwork, who wouldn’t wish 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 may see the work by Bordalo II a block again from the Gaia waterfront, not removed from the funicular cease. Constituted of recycled supplies and garbage, the concept is to shine a highlight on society’s wastefulness.
Watch a present in a church
For one more 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 lightweight with the church’s Baroque structure, plus inspiration from a poem by Álvaro de Campos, “Ultimately, the easiest way to journey is to really feel.” The proper 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 when you’ve got no intention of heading out of town, it’s value 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 try this at dwelling? 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 appears oddly acquainted, there’s 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 excellent photographs).
The higher degree is for pedestrians and metro trains solely, or on a windy day (or with youngsters who don’t fancy being fairly so excessive) you may cross with the automobiles on the decrease half trying up on the iron struts.
Accomplished in 1886, it was a giant enchancment on earlier river crossings – firstly of that century, you wanted to stroll throughout a bridge made out of previous port boats lashed collectively.
Take a strolling tour
In case you’re attempting 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 strive.
The Metropolis Highlights tour is appropriate for all ages, and an awesome introduction to town, as is that this three-hour tour of the historic centre. whereas this Highlights, Gems and Curiosities tour provides in just a few quirky sights in addition to the same old choices.
In case you desire to have your personal non-public tailor-made family-friendly tour, take a look at the totally 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 desire 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 best way. You can too strive 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 option 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 youths who aren’t huge 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 carry. On the finish, there’s additionally a small experience with a ship taking you from ‘Lisbon’ by means of the nations found by the Portuguese, in addition to the brand new animals and cultures they discovered alongside the best way.
The crashing CGI waves of the Cape of Storms, because the Cape of Good Hope was first recognized, are vividly actual – and my daughter appeared solely satisfied by the legendary sea monsters depicted too.
You should purchase tickets with free cancellation and it’s ultimate when you’re looking for Porto indoor actions: the unhealthy climate of our go to meant we discovered ourselves in search of 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 keeping 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 may’t go to Porto and never see no less than one port cellar – they line the waterfront in Gaia, so you’ve got loads of alternative, however we beloved Caves Calem.
There’s a small interactive museum first, together with a bit to check whether or not you may determine totally 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 photos and data beamed onto the larger barrels together with the totally different water ranges throughout current floods.
The large vats themselves – one in every of which might maintain 60,000 litres – are fortunately watertight, so the port inside was unhurt. I examined a few glasses afterwards (and you should purchase extra) simply to verify.
Or at Ramos Pintos (reverse the playground!) there’s port and chocolate tastings, when you may 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
One in all a number of conventional markets dotted across the metropolis, the Mercado do Bolhao is a superb place to wander round, with contemporary produce, fish and cheese on the stalls, in addition to just a few memento stands dotted round as properly.
Courting again to 1837, it’s also possible to cease for a chunk in one of many cafes, choose one thing up for a snack or simply absorb the ambiance.
And hold a watch out for particular occasions in the course of the 12 months, in addition to selecting up just a few treats as a memento.
Be a part of a meals tour
Higher for older youngsters than youthful choosy eaters (like my daughter), a meals tour is a improbable option to discover and take a look at the native dishes on the identical time – Francesinha is one of the best recognized conventional dish of Porto, a sandwich with meat, sausage and melted cheese in a beer sauce, usually with a fried egg.
The inhabitants of Porto even have the nickname ‘tripeiros’ – you may choose from a number of tales as to why they’re known as tripe eaters, but it surely’s one other native speciality.
This sequence 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 best 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 strange 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 at all times 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 affordable place for a drink within the metropolis, but it surely’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.
Count on queues outdoors, 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 recognize the type and class (and the sheer deal with of getting one thing to eat or drink right here) than with a toddler.
Hit the seashore
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 seashore.
A number of slices, in reality, though Praia de Matosinhos and the Praia do Ourigo are two of the best to get to and two of one of the best seashores in Porto for youths, 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 youths, with a prize to be gained when you get all of the solutions proper, feeding instances 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 largely translated into English as properly 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, but it surely’s excellent for passing just a few hours in Porto within the rain and a stunning possibility when you go to Porto with toddler.
Santo Inacio Zoo
Meet the animals on the Santo Inacio Zoo is likely one of the largest points of interest in Porto for youngsters. Stretching for 15 hectares with 260 totally different species it has gained awards for its conservation programmes.
It’s dwelling to Himalayan snow leopards and Asian lions, in addition to a string of different huge cats, plus an opportunity to look at stay feedings of the otters, lemurs, penguins and lions too. You possibly can 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 huge cats, plus you may 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 too 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 may have come straight from a magical world (as may various 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 children aged 3+, youngsters underneath 3 go free) is deducted from the fee.
Be able to queue if you would like a photograph taken, however whereas it’s busy, folks did their finest to permit everybody to get the well-known shot. In case you’re in search of concepts of what to do in Porto when it rains, it is a excellent place to whereas away a while looking, though it could be even busier than common.
Uncover the puppet museum
Tucked away close to Rua das Flores is the small Museu das Marionetas, a stunning 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 when you’ve got a Porto card), youngsters can even get palms on with a few puppets, study a bit extra about how some are made and see marionettes from totally 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 shortly, we ended up spending an hour wandering round. There are many alternatives for youths to play, in addition to sit again and watch, which makes it one other beautiful 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 – ultimate for youths who love totally different types of transport (which implies just about all youthful youngsters) with every little thing from horse-drawn streetcars to authentic trams from the 60s on show.
Youngsters underneath six are free – your ticket additionally offers you one free experience on town’s tram community.
It’s solely a small museum, so don’t anticipate to spend too lengthy exploring but it surely’s a enjoyable choice to whereas away half an hour (or extra with huge 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 consists of the possibility to crack a secret code within the Talk exhibition, however because it’s set within the metropolis’s Customs Home, it’s also possible to 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 largest industries – however chocolate is bound to enchantment.
In addition to getting a glance inside a real chocolate manufacturing unit, it’s also possible to uncover extra concerning the origins of cocoa and the way it’s remodeled from bean to bar. For sure, there’s additionally an opportunity to check just a few samples.
Ebook tickets with free cancellation or it’s also possible to get entry with a mixed ticket to WOW Cultural District – WOW stands for World of Wine, with loads of possibilities for grown-ups to strive 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 enormous trowel
Prepare to seek out the enormous trowel – amongst different points of interest within the grounds of the Serralves Museum. Residence 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 area to discover between artworks.
The 18-hectare Serralves Park can be dwelling to a treetop stroll expertise, excessive up within the cover of the timber, 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 road artwork and fashionable artwork in Porto, there’s an opportunity to unleash your personal inventive facet at a tile-painting workshop.
The 2-hour session features a glass of port (or fruit juice for youths) in addition to a quick historical past of tiles and tile ornament in Porto, then you may 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 take pleasure in 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 area 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 in search of free issues to do in Porto.
Residence to a string of vegetation together with rhododendrons, camellias, araucarias, ginkgoes, and beech timber, the gardens are additionally stuffed with fountains and statues, in addition to a small chapel and museum, which was as soon as dwelling 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 dangle within the tower (you’ve 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 in every of Porto’s foremost 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 as if 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 no less than one cease to take in the views.
On the Porto facet, the Miradouro da Vitoria appears 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 finest views within the metropolis, trying each methods alongside the Douro, all the way down to Gaia and throughout to Ribeira from underneath its palm timber.
Escape the labyrinth
Wander the maze in Sao Roque park, within the east of town, which additionally has a stunning playground – a pleasant trade-off for youths 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), it’s also possible to discover minarets and water options, in addition to sculpture dotted round.
Go to the Dragon stadium
Discover town’s dragon – not a fire-breathing form, however the image of the FC Porto workforce taking part in at soccer floor, Estadio de Dragao, additionally within the east of town.
You possibly can go to the museum with a guided tour of the stadium as properly, to find extra concerning the Portuguese Primeira Liga workforce, together with an opportunity to see their trophy assortment.
Nice enjoyable for small soccer followers, even when they’re not FC Porto supporters, you may go to the museum any day, however the excursions of the stadium aren’t accessible on match days, so it’s value checking the fixtures earlier than you e-book and go to.
Step into the catacombs
On the Igreja Sao Francisco, one of many largest points of interest is outdoors 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 may 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 photographs allowed, alas.
Play mini golf
Hit a gap in a single and shelter from the solar underneath the timber at one in every of 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 totally 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 outdoors Porto, Portugal with youngsters is one in every of my favorite locations – how about this quirky assortment to encourage in addition to these nice day journeys from Porto.
*First printed February 2018, final up to date 2024*
THINGS TO DO IN PORTO WITH KIDS: PIN FOR LATER
Disclosure: This submit 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 photos copyright MummyTravels
LIKED THIS? SIGN UP FOR MY EMAIL NEWSLETTER