Top Things to Do in Porto in Winter

Winter in Porto presents a unique opportunity to explore this enchanting city under a truly different light. In winter, you’ll find fewer crowds and mild weather to enjoy Porto’s vibrant culture. The days are shorter and there will be more rain than in the summer season. While it’s not beach weather for many, we’d argue that winter in Porto is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in authentic Portuguese experiences. Here are the top things to do in Porto in winter, from indoor musical events and museums to wine and food tastings to outdoor activities.

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Weather: How Cold Does it Get in Porto in Winter?

Porto has a relatively mild winter compared to many European cities. In winter, temperatures average a low of 7°C to a high of 14°C (low of 45°F to a high of 57°F). This makes it quite comfortable to stroll through the streets or along the river and beaches without the heat you can find in the summer. Rain is common, so packing a waterproof jacket or umbrella is wise. When planning your trip, balancing both indoor and outdoor activities is wise. Ideally, leave this flexible until you have the weather forecast, so that you can have your indoor activities on rainy days.

Is Porto Worth Visiting in Winter?

Porto in winter offers a uniquely charming experience. The mild temperatures, even with an increase in rain, make it a worthwhile destination even during the cooler months. Explore the city’s rich cultural heritage, from touring Vila Nova de Gaia’s renowned port wine cellars to wandering through less crowded museums and historical churches. Porto’s cuisine provides comforting warmth with traditional dishes like Francesinha and Caldo Verde, perfect for a cooler or rainy day. With fewer tourists and a relaxed atmosphere, winter is an ideal time to enjoy Porto’s authentic beauty and vibrant lifestyle at a leisurely pace.

Tip–>The most crowded time during the winter is around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Visitors enjoy the festive decorations and activities, including vibrant Christmas markets and exciting New Year’s celebrations.

If you decide to visit Porto in winter, consider combining this with a winter visit to Lisbon, the Alentejo and Algarve, or even the island of Madeira, to round out your Portugal explorations.

Top Activities in Porto in Winter

1. Explore the Port Wine Cellars

Winter is the perfect time to delve into the flavors of Porto’s world-renowned port wine. Head south across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia’s wine cellars, where you can taste various types of port. Be sure to take a tour to learn about the port wine production and participate in exclusive winter wine tastings. These which a more intimate atmosphere compared to the busy summer months.

Choose just one wine cellar to visit and tour, perhaps enjoying a lunch or dinner afterwards. Or, consider taking a small group tour that stops by at a number of different cellars. For those interested in a tour, we’d recommend the “Porto: Port and Douro Wine Walking Tour with Tastings”, with 10 tastings from 3 different wine cellars.

2. Enjoy the Local Cuisine and Porto’s Markets

Porto’s cuisine is wonderfully suited for the cooler weather. A few of the top treats are:

• Francesinha, a local sandwich layered with meats and covered in melted cheese and a thick tomato-beer sauce. It is usually served with French Fries.
• Caldo Verde is a lighter alternative. It’s a comfort soup made with potatoes, kale, and chorizo, perfect for a chilly or rainy evening.

One of our favorite things to do in Porto is to spend time in the incredible food markets. A personal favorite is the Bolhão Market, which you’ll find right next to Chapel of the Souls and Bolhão Station. This happened to be just around the corner from the language school where I took a language immersion course, so it was the perfect spot to explore during breaks. It is also a great spot to explore during a brief rain storm.

Food tours are a wonderful way to sample a variety of local dishes, beyond just the Franceshina and Caldo Verde mentioned above. Taking the “3 Hour Food Tour” in Porto, visitors learn not just about the food, but also about Porto’s history, architecture, and culture.

3. Visit the Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Here you can admire its stunning neo-Gothic architecture and the famous staircase that inspired J.K. Rowling. Unfortunately, Livraria Lello has become overcrowded with throngs of tourists. We generally avoid visiting in high season or even in shoulder season, since there are lines out the door. In winter, it is far less crowded, making it a more serene and enjoyable cultural outing. Don’t expect to an empty bookstore, but the visitors should be more reasonable.

TIP–> There is a cost to enter the bookstore (as of 2024, it is 8 Euros per person). The full cost of the ticket can be used towards the purchase of a book in the store. Though we haven’t tried to buy merchandise here ourselves, our understanding is that this cost can only be used towards books, not merchandise.

4. Attend a Concert at Casa da Música

Take advantage of the off-season to enjoy a performance at the iconic Casa da Música. Check the latest schedule on the Casa da Música website, and purchase tickets in advance if there is a highly sought after show you’d like to attend. Winter schedules often feature a mix of classical music, jazz, and modern performances, providing entertainment for a variety of musical tastes.

5. Experience Christmas Markets and New Year’s Festivities

If you’re visiting during early winter, don’t miss Porto’s Christmas markets, where you can shop for crafts, taste local treats, and enjoy seasonal entertainment. The most well known Christmas market is the Mercado de Natal, which is held in the gardens of the Palácio de Cristal. Enjoy traditional Porto foods mentioned and port wine or hot wine (vinho quente). For those looking for one of a kind gifts or souvenirs, check out the Porto Christmas Urban Market.

Another way to enjoy the holiday experience in Porto is to visit a Christmas Fado show. Cap off your holidays by watching the New Year’s Eve fireworks displays over the Douro River.

6. Tour the Museums and Churches

With fewer visitors, winter is an excellent time to explore Porto’s museums and historical churches without the crowds. Take your time as you explore the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art and the Soares dos Reis National Museum, which offers insight into Portuguese art and history.

Visit churches like the Sé Cathedral, Clérigos church and tower, Church of Saint Ildefonso, and Chapel of the Souls. During the winter, visitors are able to appreciate their beauty and architectural significance without being rushed.

7. Walk Along the Ribeira

The Ribeira district, with its colorful houses and riverside promenade, is especially beautiful in the soft winter light. Enjoy a leisurely walk with stunning views of the Douro River and the Dom Luís I Bridge, and perhaps stop by one of the many cafes for a hot drink.

This is also an ideal spot for a dinner, ideally with views overlooking the river and bridge. A few options to explore are Terreiro, with its outdoor seating and views over the river, or on the high-end, Ode Porto Wine House. The wine house doesn’t have the same views, but it does have a great atmosphere with exposed white stone walls and wooden beams (reserve this one well in advance).

8. Discover the Douro Valley

Though a bit colder than in the high season, the Douro Valley’s winter scenery is breathtaking. It is easy to take a day trip to the Douro Valley, where visitors enjoy mist-covered vineyards and serene river landscapes. The easiest way to explore is with an organized tour, which often includes a boat ride, wine tasting in more.

9. Enjoy Day Trips to Nearby Towns

Winter is a great time to take day trips from Porto. Some of our favorites in winter are to the nearby towns of Braga, Guimarães, and Ponte de Lima. Guimarães and Ponte de Lima are some of the oldest towns in Portugal. Each offers unique historical sites, charming streets, and local culinary delights, making them perfect for day trips from Porto.

Be sure to read up on tips and tricks to successfully renting a car in Portugal before renting a car for your day trips. Public transport is also available for many of these day trips.

10. Enjoy a Scenic Bike Ride or Walk Along the Coast

Take advantage of Porto’s milder winter weather by biking or walking along the coast. The coastal paths are less crowded and offer stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, providing a nice break from the city center. Keep in mind that it can be chilly, especially on windy or wet days on the coast. This makes stopping at cafés along the promenades all the more enjoyable.

A few of our favorite winter coastal bike rides and walks are:

• Renting a bike in Vila Nova da Gaia and biking to the picturesque chapel of Senhor da Pedra (or, take the metro to Miramar and walk to the beach);
• Walk from Porto out to Foz do Douro, following the Douro River (or, take the #1 Tram for a fun and classic experience all or part of the way, then walk along the coast);
• Walk from Foz do Douro up to Matosinhos, enjoying the spectacular views, cafés, and the Castelo do Queijo;
• From Matosinhos, continue north across the drawbridge to Leça da Palmeira, where you can watch some great surfing and stunning sunsets;
• Walking up to Viana do Castelo’s Santa Luiza Sanctuary or along Praia del Norte (north beach).

All of these Porto beaches can be accessed by public transportation.

TIP–> If you plan to walk to Matosinhos, check out the seafood tours to round out your experience. Check out either the “From Your Sea to Our Plate” Tour or the “Pinhais Sardine Factory” Tour for a very unique food tour and tasting experience.