With its twisting cobbled streets, its well-known wine cellars and its historic structure, you may suppose 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 brilliant buildings and quirky avenue artwork are as fascinating for youthful guests – and that’s simply the beginning of the points of interest in Porto with children.
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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 – you could 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 children.
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 the town.
Cafes line the financial institution, you possibly can wander the promenade stretching west and there’s at all times 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 traditional 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 usually commentary in regards to the sights of Porto, but it surely wasn’t vastly thrilling on our cruise: children 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 children are are joyful to spend longer on board. Spot the standard picket rabelo boats as you sail too.
Or you possibly can 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
Strive a Duck Tour
Take a look at out Porto’s Wonderful Amphibious Journey, a 75-minute Duck Tour of Porto and Gaia from land and the water that’s enormous enjoyable for teenagers (and massive children).
The intense yellow amphibious automobiles have been initially used within the Second World Battle, though they’ve had fairly a couple of upgrades since then
Commentary is in English and Portuguese, with an opportunity to see the 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 means of the 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 might wrestle to search 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 teenagers, two-day passes are 6 Euros for teenagers, 12 Euros for adults.
Try my full information to Portugal with children right here
Strive a tuk tuk
Excellent for nipping by means of the 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’ll be able to select from completely different routes, on each the left and proper banks in addition to quick variations – this two-hour TuktourPorto tour takes you from the 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 selection of sundown, daytime and evening excursions, and also you even get a glass of port alongside the best way!
If you would like a shorter possibility, there’s additionally a 50-minute tuk tuk tour of the centre which is appropriate for all ages. Purchase tickets upfront or you possibly can 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 possibly can soak within the metropolis out of your seat as you take heed to the information.
The Grey Line hop on hop off bus contains an elective boat experience, with 24h and 48 tickets obtainable. 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 the 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 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.
Journey the funicular
The Gaia cable automobile isn’t the one place to get an excellent view – add Porto’s carry to your listing as properly, 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 experience for older children 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 carry at occasions!
Spot avenue artwork
Wander alongside the curving Rua das Flores, with its delis and boutiques, tiled buildings and floral shows and you can too see avenue artwork overlaying the electrical energy packing containers alongside its size – all adorned barely otherwise, 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 children and budding artists, you may get a flavour of the artwork dotted throughout the town on a devoted Porto avenue artwork tour, together with stops at completely different areas devoted to city artwork. This two-hour personal tour visits among the key areas as you discover Ribeira, or there’s a three-hour avenue artwork group tour led by an area 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 a large 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 possibly can see the work by Bordalo II a block again from the Gaia waterfront, not removed from the funicular cease. Created from recycled supplies and garbage, the concept 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 lightweight with the church’s Baroque structure, plus inspiration from a poem by Álvaro de Campos, “In the long run, the easiest way 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 if in case you have no intention of heading out of the 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 (adorned) ceiling, you don’t have to 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 the town. Why, my daughter puzzled, don’t we try this at dwelling? Good query…
For concepts of extra nice day journeys from Porto with children, take a look at my high picks
Cross the bridge
If the Ponte Dom Luis I appears to be like 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 excellent photographs).
The higher degree is for pedestrians and metro trains solely, or on a windy day (or with children who don’t fancy being fairly so excessive) you possibly can 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 – at the beginning of that century, you wanted to stroll throughout a bridge constituted of previous port boats lashed collectively.
Take a strolling tour
Should 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 children to attempt.
The Metropolis Highlights tour is appropriate for all ages, and a terrific introduction to the town, as is that this three-hour tour of the historic centre. whereas this Highlights, Gems and Curiosities tour provides in a couple of quirky sights in addition to the same old choices.
Should you desire to have your individual personal 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 Excellent 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 children desire a problem, set off on a mission to guard the town’s heritage, fixing riddles and clues, and passing a few of Porto’s key sights alongside the best way. You can even attempt a mini hunt of your individual, and look out for among the metropolis’s symbols, together with a lion and an eagle.
Wish to theme your stroll round Porto’s meals, with a foodie strolling tour of the town? Scroll down for extra particulars
Uncover the World of Discoveries
There’s a enjoyable technique 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 have to 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 massive 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 international locations 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 completely satisfied by the legendary sea monsters depicted too.
You should buy tickets with free cancellation and it’s preferrred when you’re trying to find 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 listing for sunny days too.
In case your children 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 the town’s historical past – and some of its secrets and techniques
See Henry the Navigator
In line 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 kids however you possibly can’t go to Porto and never see not less than one port cellar – they line the waterfront in Gaia, so you have got loads of selection, however we cherished Caves Calem.
There’s a small interactive museum first, together with a bit to check whether or not you possibly can establish 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 pictures and data beamed onto the larger barrels together with the completely different water ranges throughout latest floods.
The large vats themselves – one in every of 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 verify.
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
Considered one of a number of conventional markets dotted across the metropolis, the Mercado do Bolhao is a good place to wander round, with recent produce, fish and cheese on the stalls, in addition to a couple of memento stands dotted round as properly.
Relationship again to 1837, you can too cease for a chunk in one of many cafes, choose one thing up for a snack or simply absorb the environment.
And preserve a watch out for particular occasions through the yr, in addition to choosing up a couple of treats as a memento.
Be part of a meals tour
Higher for older children than youthful choosy eaters (like my daughter), a meals tour is a improbable technique to discover and check out the native dishes on the identical time – Francesinha is the very 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 possibly can choose from a number of tales as to why they’re known as tripe eaters, but it surely’s one other native speciality.
This collection of 10 tastings focuses on a few of Porto and Portugal’s traditional 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 at all times useful when you’re in Porto with a toddler (or any age!) and have to bribe them up a few of these hills…
Go to the Majestic Cafe
The Majestic Cafe may not be the most cost effective place for a drink within the metropolis, but it surely’s simply some 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 children 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 truth, 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 the 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 most important 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 most important spider crab I’ve ever seen.
The indicators are principally 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 good for passing a couple 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 among the greatest points of interest in Porto for kids. Stretching for 15 hectares with 260 completely different species it has received awards for its conservation programmes.
It’s dwelling to Himalayan snow leopards and Asian lions, in addition to a string of different massive cats, plus an opportunity to look at reside feedings of the otters, lemurs, penguins and lions too. You’ll be able to 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 massive cats, plus you possibly can 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 children who love animals
Go to Livraria Lello
Indulge your little bookworms. You don’t have to 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 various Porto).
There’s an English kids’s part with each classics and extra trendy children’ books, to not point out souvenirs and loads of selection for adults. Should you do purchase something, the value of entry (8 Euros for adults and youngsters aged 3+, kids underneath 3 go free) is deducted from the associated 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. Should you’re in search of concepts of what to do in Porto when it rains, it is a excellent spot to whereas away a while looking, though it could be even busier than regular.
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 children’ TV present from the 80s which jogged my memory of the Muppets, and several other from grownup theatre.
Only some Euros to get in (much less if in case you have a Porto card), children can even get palms on with a few puppets, study 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 shortly, 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 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 – preferrred for teenagers who love completely different types of transport (which suggests just about all youthful children) 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 experience on the town’s tram community.
It’s solely a small museum, so don’t count on to spend too lengthy exploring but it surely’s a enjoyable choice to whereas away half an hour (or extra with massive 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 children entertained.
One of many enjoyable actions contains the prospect to crack a secret code within the Talk exhibition, however because it’s set within the metropolis’s Customs Home, you can too play at being a Customs Officer too, earlier than eyeing up the gathering of Presidential automobiles.
Benefit from the Chocolate Story
Your children may not be excited by port or cork – two of Porto’s greatest industries – however chocolate is bound to attraction.
In addition to getting a glance inside a real chocolate manufacturing unit, you can too uncover extra in regards to the origins of cocoa and the way it’s reworked from bean to bar. For sure, there’s additionally an opportunity to check a couple of samples.
E book tickets with free cancellation or you can too get entry with a mixed ticket to WOW Cultural District – WOW stands for World of Wine, with loads of probabilities for grown-ups to attempt some native vintages, together with some from the Douro Valley, but additionally 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 the town’s tram).
Try my full information to Portugal with children right here
Discover the large trowel
Prepare to search out the large trowel – amongst different points of interest within the grounds of the Serralves Museum. House to the town’s trendy artwork assortment, you’ll discover a string of latest works together with a large crimson 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.
Undoubtedly one of many quirkier issues to do with children in Porto.
Paint your individual tile
Should you’ve been impressed by the paintings at Sao Bento practice station, or by among the avenue artwork and trendy artwork in Porto, there’s an opportunity to unleash your individual 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 short historical past of tiles and tile ornament in Porto, then you possibly can choose an current design or give you your individual, and choose your creation up two hours after the category finishes.
Open to all ages, however the workshop is healthier for older children 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 charge when you’re in search of free issues to do in Porto.
House to a string of crops 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 cling within the tower (you have got been warned when you’re there once 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 primary landmarks, so that you’ll additionally get to see it as you discover the 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 nasty 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 not less than one cease to absorb the views.
On the Porto facet, the Miradouro da Vitoria appears to be like out in the direction of the crimson 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 the 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 can too discover minarets and water options, in addition to sculpture dotted round.
Go to the Dragon stadium
Discover the town’s dragon – not a fire-breathing type, however the image of the FC Porto group enjoying at soccer floor, Estadio de Dragao, additionally within the east of the town.
You’ll be able to go to the museum with a guided tour of the stadium as properly, to find extra in regards to the Portuguese Primeira Liga group, together with an opportunity to see their trophy assortment.
Nice enjoyable for small soccer followers, even when they’re not FC Porto supporters, you possibly can go to the museum any day, however the excursions of the stadium aren’t obtainable on match days, so it’s value checking the fixtures earlier than you guide and go to.
Step into the catacombs
On the Igreja Sao Francisco, one of many greatest points of interest 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 possibly can look down onto piles of bones for a fabulously creepy possibility in Porto with kids.
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 embellish 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 the 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 outlets
Want extra concepts of what to do in Porto with children? Among the many wine retailers and port shops, there are many nice locations for souvenirs.
Loja Tradições on Rua das Flores is good for conventional Portuguese crafts (drop by Chocolateria Equador a minute away for some deliciously grown-up truffles) whereas there are traditional toys at A Vida Portuguesa on Rua da Galeria de Paris close to Livraria Lello, and tempting children’ manufacturers at Alma Viva.
For extra concepts on issues to do within the nation exterior Porto, Portugal with children 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 revealed February 2018, final up to date 2024*
THINGS TO DO IN PORTO WITH KIDS: PIN FOR LATER
Disclosure: This publish comprises affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. I acquired 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 pictures copyright MummyTravels
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