Rainy days don't have to mean staying at home. That Porto is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, no one has any doubts. But did you know that Porto in Winter has a very special charm? On top of that, in Winter there are fewer tourists wandering around the city, so you can stroll around calmly, without crowds. Alone, as a couple or with friends, discover what to do in the beautiful "Cidade Invicta" on rainy days. From multimedia showstoconcerts, to snacks in very special places, to visits to the city's most emblematic spots, the diversity of activities in Porto leaves no one indifferent. Put on your rain boots, your raincoat and see how easy it is to liven up a gray day.
Climb the Clérigos Tower and watch the multimedia show at the Clérigos Church
As one of the city's landmarks, the Clérigos Tower is part of almost every itinerary, but did you know that, during part of the year, you can climb 75 meters high at night and enjoy the night views over the city from this masterpiece by architect Nicolau Nasoni? At the Clérigos Church, don't miss the immersive show “Spiritus”, an inspiring audiovisual experience that combines light, music and architecture.
Visit the Palácio da Bolsa
Palácio da Bolsa, built in the mid-19th century, is a majestic building with an interesting mix of architectural styles, and one of the best activities in Porto on gray days. The Arab Room, completely covered in a thin film of gold, leaves visitors astonished. Right next door, you can take the opportunity to visit the Ferreira Borges Market, another historic building, a magnificent example of Iron Architecture.
Have lunch at Bom Sucesso Market
Continuing on the path of historic buildings, but now on a more gastronomic side, the next suggestion for what to do in Porto in Winter is to have lunch at Bom Sucesso Market. This old market, first opened in 1952, is currently a leisure and commercial space, with more than 40 stores and restaurants, 26 stalls and an area for leisure and cultural shows. The difficult part will be choosing between so many delicious available proposals!
Watch a show at Casa da Música
One couldn't talk about the best things to do in Porto in Winter without mentioning the Casa da Música, an emblematic space that combines unique architecture with an impressive cultural diversity. Here, you can attend concerts in the most varied musical areas, from fado, opera, jazz, symphonic music, rock and electronic music. Designed to mark the year 2001, in which the city of Porto was European Capital of Culture, it is the first building built in Portugal exclusively dedicated to Music.
Take the little ones to a theme park or aquarium
If you are with children, the need to find alternatives for rainy days is more required. Here, the trick is to turn to theme parks, such as World of Discoveries, dedicated to the Portuguese Discoveries, or an aquarium such as Sea Life, where children and adults alike can delight in observing 3000 marine creatures. Another option are places with trampolines, such as Jumpers - Trampolim Parque, great for burning off energy on rainy days.
Read a book on a covered terrace in the sea front
In a city with such a strong connection to the sea and river, the desire to be by the sea also emerges in Winter. To satisfy this desire, we suggest that you choose a closed terrace and enjoy reading a good book, or simply having a snack with friends. Tavi, an iconic bakery opened in 1935, is a great option for rainy days in Porto in Winter.
Visit the Port Wine Cellars
Any opportunity is a good one to pay a visit to the famous Port Wine Cellars, with a wine tasting to liven up the gray days. Located on the banks of the Douro River, in Vila Nova de Gaia, in these cellars you can learn about the history of the famous Port Wine and taste this incredible nectar. With more than 150 years of history, you can choose the Caves Ferreira, Ramos Pinto, Sandeman, Cálem, among others.
Have a snack at Majestic Café
We finish our suggestions for what to do in Porto in Winter with another option to fill your stomach, in a very special place, the Majestic Café. It is one of the oldest and most traditional cafés in Invicta, in the middle of Rua de Santa Catarina, don't forget to pay attention to the wonderful decoration that takes us back to the Belle Époque, with carved wooden details, imposing mirrors and Art Deco lamps. Try the famous "Rabanada à Majestic"!
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