Even though the weather is a bit unpredictable, the truth is that you can (and should) still make the most of what’s left of the warmest season. That’s exactly why we’ve put together a guide dedicated to the best of summer in Porto and the surrounding area.
Literally, from one end of the alphabet to the other, we’ll introduce you to a vast array of activities for all ages and tastes. After all, this is the time of year when getaways start “taking over” our minds, but the truth is that there are plenty of things to do right here in the city. So , if your vacation is still a while away, take advantage of this opportunity and check out these tips!
Traveling and discovering new places always feels good, especially in the summer. However, it’s also important to “step into” the role of a tourist in your own city.
With that in mind, we invite you to (re)discover some of Porto’s top tourist attractions. Or take a look at this list of experiences you should try at least once in your life.
During the hottest season of the year, it feels great to enjoy cold drinks, right? At Porto Secreto, we have suggestions to suit every taste, from cocktails to bubble tea—not to mention beer.
Enjoying concerts is a delightful experience all year round, but it’s even better by candlelight. This summer, Porto (and beyond) is hosting a new series of Candlelight shows at iconic venues such as the Pestana Palácio do Freixo and the Hilton Porto Gaia.
The lineup is varied, and the shows always take place in special venues. So get ready to hear classical compositions, ABBA songs, Michael Jackson hits, and more— in ways you never thought possible.
How about making the most of summer in Porto by taking a boat ride on the Douro River?
Without a doubt, this is a wonderful way to enjoy the warm weather, with a refreshing breeze off the freshwater and a breathtaking view.
Any self-respecting Porto native loves to spend a lovely summer evening on a terrace, with or without a view of the Douro River.
So, take a look at our suggestions, order a beer, and relax as you enjoy the longest days of the year.
The 13th edition of the Book Fair brings together more than 200 initiatives across 144 booths run by publishers, booksellers, and used-book dealers. This year, the event pays tribute to Porto-born poet Inês Lourenço and , for the first time in its history, welcomes international guests such as Mohammed El-Kurd, Rim Battal, Elvis Guerra, Keeley Forsyth, and Angélica Liddell.
In addition to books, the cultural program includes free concerts every day in the late afternoon at the Concha Acústica— featuring performances by Manuela Azevedo and Hélder Gonçalves, Janeiro with Tatanka, and Lena d’Água with Benjamim—as well as outdoor movie screenings and art installations. For the little ones, there are more than 80 activities planned, including creative workshops, storytime, and games at the Almeida Garrett Municipal Library and throughout the gardens.
Whether by the sea or in the city center, there’s no shortage of places to enjoy ice cream in Porto. Served in a cup or a cone, with classic or less obvious flavors—just pick your favorites.
In Porto , you can find delicious ice cream to cool you off on hot days at spots like:
- Gelataria Neveiros, Rua Formosa 285;
- Gelataria Brera, Rua de Santa Catarina 273;
- Gelataria Portuense, Rua do Bonjardim 136, among many others.
H for Hot Five Jazz & Blues Club
The city’s cultural offerings are becoming increasingly diverse, so you can find everything from jazz concerts to unique experiences like the “Serial Killer Speakeasy.”
In other words, it’s time to dive into the terrifying stories of Bundy, Dahmer, Gacy, and Gein with a tasting menu of four themed cocktails and more.
This small, uninhabited island, measuring 1,400 square meters, lies where the Paiva River meets the Douro. Known for the tragic love legend between a farmer and a noblewoman, it also preserves the ruins of the foundations of an ancient medieval watchtower carved into the rock.
Access is only by water— whether by kayak, boat, or on a private yacht tour departing from Marina do Freixo. The boating experience includes a Port wine tasting, a platter of regional specialties, and a crossing of the Crestuma-Lever Dam.
From June to September, we all try to spend as much time as possible outdoors— for example, on long late-afternoon strolls through Porto’s most beautiful gardens.
Or even for picnics with your significant other, friends, or family.
We know this suggestion isn’t in Porto, or even in the surrounding area… But trust us, it’s really worth the trip to Lisbon. After all, MEO Kalorama is the ultimate summer festival.
Plus, this year, the music festival is heading into its 5th edition, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever!
The 4th edition of the immersive nighttime exhibition returns to Serralves Park under the creative direction of Nuno Maya and produced by the OCUBO studio. Under the theme “Light vs. Darkness,” the 2-km route features 20 light art installations that combine technology, visual effects, and interactivity.
The big news this year is the inclusion of original sound compositions for each of the installations, created by seven Portuguese artists such as Rodrigo Leão, Noiserv, Maria João, and Inóspita. The route also features the community project “O Meu Sol,” developed by the Educational Service in collaboration with elementary school students from Porto.
Waterslides and waterfalls are just some of the attractions that make water parks one of the top summer pastimes for taking a refreshing dip.
Near Porto and in northern Portugal, you can find some in Amarante, Penafiel, and beyond. You’re already thinking about taking a dip during your vacation, right?
Pastéis de nata make our mouths water, no matter what time of year it is.
At Porto Secreto, we have our own favoritespots to “devour” this marvel, and we’ll definitely be going back for more during the summer break.
If there’s one thing you can’t miss during summer in Porto, it’s spending long stretches of time by the Atlantic Ocean. After all, you don’t have to go very far to enjoy a full day at the beach or savor a delicious meal by the sea.
In addition, there are also great beaches just outside the city, for example in the municipalities of Matosinhos, Vila Nova de Gaia , and, of course, Vila do Conde.
Summer is synonymous with wanting to spend your life—literally—in the water. That’s exactly why few things feel as good as swimming in the best pools.
In Porto itself, there aren’t exactly any outdoor options, but in the surrounding areas there are several possibilities, such as the Piscina das Marés in Leça da Palmeira.
Cheese, tapas, and wine are the perfect combination for an evening in the sun, don’t you think? In Porto, there are plenty of wine bars waiting for you to make the most of summer.
From June to September, rooftops are among the favorite spots to liven up your social life even more.
With panoramic views , background music, snacks, and drinks, this is a great option for spending summer afternoons.
In our guide, you’ll find a variety of suggestions, ranging from the “classics” to the newest spots.
The Treetop Walk lifts visitors between 1.5 and 15 meters above the ground on a 260-meter-long wooden walkway. Designed by architect Carlos Castanheira in collaboration with Álvaro Siza Vieira, the trail offers a unique perspective on the biodiversity and the tree canopy of Serralves Park.
The structure is nestled within the 18 hectares of this National Monument, whose French-inspired gardens were designed in the 1930s by landscape architect Jacques Gréber. In addition to the elevated walkway, the property is home to some 8,000 plants of 230 species, outdoor sculptures, a rose garden, and the Camellia Garden.
No matter your age, spending evenings with friends can work wonders, create unforgettable moments, and even help you forget your problems for a little while.
In this scenario, how about brunch? In Porto, there are several spots where you can enjoy a delicious meal while spending quality time with your loved ones.
In many nooks and crannies of Porto, you’ll find expressions of urban art. So, take advantage of the sunny days to stroll through the city and snap photos of its outdoor artworks.
To escape the cold sea water and windy days, Vila Nova de Gaia has three free-access outdoor pools, heated up to 29°C. The facilities are equipped with windbreaks and universal accessibility ramps.
Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis with a rotation system for swimmers. The facilities at Areinho (maximum capacity of 80 people) and Canide Norte (up to 50 people and heated by solar panels) limit each user’s time in the water to 30 minutes, giving priority to children up to two years old, seniors, and people with limited mobility.
The exhibition features 20 themed sections dedicated to the age of exploration and the maritime voyages of historical figures such as Fernão de Magalhães, Vasco da Gama, and Bartolomeu Dias.
A visit to the interactive theme park also includes a boat tour with an audio guide that simulates the scenes and routes of Portugal’s historic maritime expeditions.
The Cénica Porto Hotel is hosting a new edition of Cabaret: New Xperience, a show created in partnership with the MXM company in the space where the historic Teatro Modestos once stood . This immersive experience brings the atmosphere of the Belle Époque to life through artistic and theatrical performances.
The evening features dance performances, live music, comedy, and interactive moments, accompanied by a dinner served before the show that includes an appetizer, main course (with a vegetarian option), dessert, and a selection of drinks.
Located right on Avenida dos Aliados, Yakuza by Olivier is a great option for anyone who loves Asian food.
However, we have even more tips, especially if you can’t live without delicious sushi.
Kids love being around animals. So, you can take advantage of the long summer days to take the little ones, for example, to some zoos, such as:
- Santo Inácio Zoo;
- Maia Zoo;
- the Bird Park, among others.
