As you’ve probably noticed, here at Porto Secreto we’re always on the lookout for the best ways to help you make the most of the city. We keep our “eyes” open for restaurants, exhibitions , and much more. But how about an itinerary featuring free (or almost free) things to do in Porto?
In this list , you’ll find free or affordable tips so you can enjoy “Invicta” without breaking the bank. There are plenty of options, so just pick your favorite plan. Or keep an eye on our page—you’re sure to find something you’ll love!
You might not know this, but you can visit the Portuguese Center for Photography for free. It features temporary, permanent, and traveling exhibitions.
If you’d like, you can also schedule a group tour. To do so, simply book your visit by email by filling out the following form. Check the website for all the detailed information you need to know.
It’s a great idea to get a group of friends together and check out the prison where Camilo Castelo Branco was held.
You can swap the gym for mornings in the fresh air at Porto’s parks. The municipal program “Dias com Energia” is back in the city’s green spaces with free sessions for anyone who wants to stay in shape or simply start the day by taking care of themselves.
This year, the lineup of yoga, Pilates, and tai chi classes is being expanded to include meditation sessions. All you need to do is choose the activity and the park of your choice, but don’t forget to reserve your spot in advance on the city’s Sports Portal.
Vila Nova de Gaia has three public swimming pools with free admission and heated water. These facilities were designed for those who want to take a dip without facing the cold temperatures of the sea or the Douro River; the water at the Canide Norte pool reaches 29 ºC thanks to solar panel heating.
All pools have limited capacity on a first-come, first-served basis—45 people in Avintes, 50 in Canide Norte, and 80 in Areinho —and allow a maximum of 30 minutes in the water at the busiest locations. Priority access is given to children under two years old, seniors, and people with limited mobility.
There are several markets scattered throughout the city, such as the Mercado da Alegria in the Jardins do Passeio Alegre, or the Mercado da Batalha in Praça da Batalha.
It’s a way to support local crafts and businesses, but also to take a stroll outdoors.
You can swap the hustle and bustle of Baixa and Ribeira for four hectares of tranquility on Rua do Campo Alegre. Formerly owned by the family of Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen— and the inspiration for works such as *O Rapaz de Bronze* — the site is now managed by the University of Porto and features spots like the Jardim dos Catos, the Jardim do Xisto, and the Jardim do Peixe, with its small ponds.
Inside the complex, you’ll also find the Biodiversity Gallery—Centro Ciência Viva, housed in the historic Casa Andresen. Although there’s an admission fee for the museum, the space hosts exhibits dedicated to the natural world, notably featuring the actual skeleton of a fin whale right at the entrance.
Through September, you can explore various green spaces in the city under the moonlight and learn about the habits of bats through these guided night walks organized by the Porto City Council.
During the sessions, you’ll learn about the role these animals play in the urban ecosystem—including the fact that a single bat can devour up to 3,000 insects in a single night—while exploring the park trails with the help of guides. Participation is free, but advance online reservations are required for the specified dates.
One of the free things to do in Porto, for example, is to immerse yourself in one of the libraries in the municipal network. You can choose to go there to devour books, study, or even work.
Some of the options include the Almeida Garrett Library or the Porto Municipal Public Library, among others.
Spending quality time outdoors with friends, family, or your significant other is always a great plan… and also one of the best free things to do in Porto.
So, how about taking advantage of the arrival of spring and having a picnic? After all, it’s something that’s still tax-free.
All joking aside, the truth is that there are several places in Porto where you can have a picnic, such as Parque da Cidade.
You can discover the heritage, art, and hidden secrets of Porto’s two main 19th-century cemeteries through a series of guided night tours. This initiative by the Porto City Council takes participants on a moonlit stroll through the avenues of Prado do Repouso (opened in 1839) and Agramonte (1855) .
The program features ten themed sessions throughout the spring and summer. Admission is free, but each visit is limited to 50 participants, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance on the city’s platform.
Street art is becoming increasingly prevalent in Porto, popping up in all sorts of nooks and crannies. That’s why we’re sharing a suggested itinerary for your rain-free days!
You can explore Serralves without spending a cent on the first Sunday of every month. The Serralves Foundation has extended free admission—which was previously limited to the morning—so you can now spend the entire day touring the complex’s various spaces.
The initiative includes admission to the exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Álvaro Siza Wing, and walks through the park’s gardens.
For those looking for budget-friendly options to entertain the kids, Porto offers several alternatives.
From playgrounds, such as Parque da Praia do Homem de Leme, to green spaces like Quinta do Covelo, which offers educational activities related to the environment, there are options for every taste.
Also discover museums perfect for kids or explore mazes and theme parks in Gaia.
