10 THINGS TO DO WHEN IT RAINS IN PORTO

Category: Rain, what to do in Porto, museums, churches, markets, fado, wine tastings
Reading time: 4 min

The city of Porto has a unique charm, and there are plenty of interesting things to do even when it's raining.

Here's a list of 10 activities you can do when it’s raining in this wonderful city!

1) Visit Lello Library:

Explore one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello. With its stunning architecture and historical significance, it's a perfect place to spend a rainy day. Remember to book in advance through their website. We always recommend to visit the library the later time you can, as it tends to be very busy during the morning.

Lello Library

2) Indulge in Port Wine Tasting:

Take shelter from the rain by visiting one of Porto's many port wine cellars. Learn about the history of port wine and enjoy tastings in the cozy atmosphere. We recommend Burmester Wine Cellar, as it is a beautiful space with a guided visit and it includes 2 port wine tastings! To book you can click here.

3) Visit the Stock Exchange Palace:

This architectural gem is a testament to the city's rich mercantile history and serves as a symbol of Porto's economic significance. One of the most celebrated features of the palace is the stunning Arabian Hall, or "Salão Árabe." This opulent room is a masterpiece of Moorish Revival architecture. A piece of advice: Try to go as soon as possible to choose the language you like for the tour, as it is first come first choose.

4) Dine in a Traditional Portuguese Restaurant:

Rainy weather is perfect for savoring traditional Portuguese cuisine. Choose a local restaurant to enjoy dishes like bacalhau (codfish), caldo verde (green soup), or the authentic Francesinha (meat sandwich). You can check the best places we recommend to try Francesinha here.

5) Visit the Contemporary Art Museum of Serralves:

Explore modern art at the Serralves Museum. The exhibitions inside provide a thought-provoking experience, and the architecture of the museum itself is worth seeing. The gardens of the place are an absolute wonder to explore.

6) Take a Tram Ride through the Old Town:

Experience the charm of Porto's old town from the comfort of a tram. The rain won't dampen the beauty of the narrow streets and colorful buildings. You can get tram number 18 in front of Clerigos Tower, or Tram number 1 from St Francis Church, this one will take you to the end of the Douro River, where you will be able to see a wonderful lighthouse.

Tram Number 18

7) Relax in a Historical Café:

Enjoy a cup of coffee in the historic Majestic Café, Brasileria Café or Café Guarany. Those are lovely, atmospheric spots that have been a gathering place for intellectuals and artists for decades. If you would like to check out more historical cafés, you can head to our Historical Cafés Blog Post here.

8) Attend a Fado Performance:

Immerse yourself in the soulful sounds of Fado, a traditional Portuguese music genre. There are many venues in Porto that host live performances, providing a cozy escape from the rain. We recommend the Fado that offers Casa da Guitarra, as you will be able to enjoy the music while tasting a wonderful port wine glass. You can book directly by clicking here.

9) Visit Bolhão Market:

Explore the bustling Mercado do Bolhão, an indoor market where you can experience the vibrant local culture, shop for fresh produce, and sample regional delicacies. Also, enjoy the “petiscos” (Portuguese-style tapas) and it's fine wine that the market has to offer. You will find stalls where you can eat oysters, cheese platters, sardines, patés, etc.

10) Visit the beautiful churches that Porto has to offer:

Such as the St Francis Church, the Carmo Church, the Chapel of Souls, the Church of Santa Clara, the Church of Santo Ildefonso, and even the magnificent 12th-century Cathedral.

BONUS activity:

Visit any of the WOW Museums located on the other side of the river (Vila Nova de Gaia). They have immersive experiences where all the senses are involved. Such as The Pink Palace, Wine Experience, Chocolate Museum, and Cork Museum or learn about history at their Bridge Collection Museum or Porto Across the Ages Museum. You can book those through here.