Top Free Attractions to Experience in Porto: Enjoy Scenic Walks, Vibrant Street Art, and Stunning Sunsets
One of Portugal’s most captivating cities, Porto can be surprisingly affordable to visit. You’ll find good-value lodging, inexpensive public transport, and plenty of budget-friendly places to eat and drink. Porto also offers a myriad of enriching activities you can enjoy without spending any money at all, from taking breezy walks along the seaside to watching the sunset from a charming hilltop garden.
There’s vast potential for DIY adventures while experiencing Porto’s vibrant culture. Hunt for some of Portugal’s finest azulejo-covered murals, track down hidden street art by local artists, or explore a 19th-century graveyard. Here are the best things to do in Porto for free.
Fall in Love with the Colorful Azulejos
Take one look at Porto and you’ll appreciate the city’s affinity for azulejos, the distinctly Portuguese blue-and-white tiles that add vibrancy to the surroundings. Many heritage buildings showcase striking geometric designs or impressively detailed murals, which also serve as open-access history files.
The entrance of the São Bento train station features 20,000 hand-painted tiles depicting scenes from Portugal’s past, highlighting industrial milestones and wartime victories. Other must-see spots include the brilliant, azulejo-covered churches of Capela das Almas, Igreja do Carmo, and Igreja de Santo Ildefonso. For a contemporary twist on tile traditions, check out the artist Júlio Resende’s expressionist masterpiece, Ribeira Negra, located near the Dom Luís I bridge.
Hunt for the City’s Best Street Art
Some of Porto’s finest artwork won’t cost you anything to see – apart from a bit of effort tracking it down. You’ll encounter large-scale murals, hidden stencil paintings, and impressive installations carved into cement walls. Local artists to look out for include Hazul Luzah, known for his geometric works, Costah with his playful, colorful murals, and MrDheo, who dazzles with photorealistic pieces.
High on your list should be Travessa de Cedofeita and Escadas do Codeçal, as well as the parking lot at Trindade, which features extensive murals. Lapa, one metro stop north, is another popular area, as is the gallery-rich Rua Miguel Bombarda.
Take a Seaside Stroll Along the Foz do Douro Promenade
An easy 25-minute bus ride west of the center takes you to the oceanfront district of Foz do Douro. Here, you can follow a paved path for pedestrians and cyclists that stretches past sandy beaches and rugged shorelines, all the way to Matosinhos Beach, approximately 2.5km (1.6mi) north. Along the way, you’ll encounter grassy overlooks, a lovely pergola, and well-placed cafes to take a break while soaking in the beautiful surroundings.
Watch the Sunset from Jardim do Morro
Porto’s golden sunsets have a magnetic appeal. In the late afternoon, crowds of sun enthusiasts flock to riverfront spots to witness the sun’s gradual descent into the Atlantic. Grab a craft beverage, a picnic blanket, and some local cheese, and join the community at Jardim do Morro, where you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of Porto.
Attend Free Concerts at Casa da Música
As the premier venue for concerts in Porto, the Casa da Música hosts free outdoor concerts on the esplanade during summer. From Thursday through Saturday nights, you can enjoy a variety of music, including folk, jazz, classical, and eclectic sounds, as talented groups take to the stage on the cafe terrace.
Explore the Portuguese Center of Photography
Just a short distance from Avenida dos Aliados, you can browse free exhibitions in the nostalgic setting of an old prison at the Centro Português de Fotografia. The center features both permanent and temporary expositions showcasing works from contemporary and historical photographers, displayed across three stories of the former prison.
See the Gardens at Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
The Jardins do Palácio de Cristal provide a delightful green escape in the heart of the city. The stepped terraces offer breathtaking views over the Douro River and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Trek to the Lighthouse Farolim de Felgueiras
While there’s a certain charm to taking one of Porto’s iconic trams along the Douro River, walking this scenic route can be even more rewarding, providing an uncrowded experience.
Start from the Ribeira district and head west for 6km (3.7 miles). Make your way past fishing boats and nets until reaching the ocean. Proceed to the jetty to experience the crashing waves against the hexagonal 19th-century Felgueiras lighthouse.
Visit the Monuments at Cemitério do Prado Repouso
Strolling through Porto’s Cemitério do Prado Repouso may not be at the top of every tourist’s list, yet it offers a unique tranquility with its rows of magnolia and camellia trees, shading the monuments of notable figures and everyday citizens alike.
Get a History Lesson at Igreja da Lapa
The impressive equestrian statue of King Pedro IV of Portugal stands proud in Porto’s main square. A unique historical narrative accompanies the church Igreja da Lapa, which houses one of Europe’s largest pipe organs, designed in a neoclassical style and imbued with significant cultural history.
