Although the weather is a little unstable, the truth is that we are already counting down to the arrival of the hottest season. That’s why we’ve put together a guide dedicated to the best of summer in Porto and the surrounding area, including several suggestions for making the most of it.
Literally, from one end of the alphabet to the other, we’re going to take you through a multitude of plans for all ages and tastes. After all, at this time of year, getaways ‘invade’ our minds, but there are plenty of activities to do in the city. So, if there’s still some time left before your vacation, take advantage and check out these tips!
Table Of Contents
- A for Tourist Attractions
- B for Drinks
- C for Candlelight Summer
- D for Douro
- And Esplanades
- F for Festivals
- G for Ice Cream
- Time to paint in the dark
- I for Immersive
- J of Gardens
- K for Kalorama
- L for Lights
- M for Diving
- N de Nata
- The Ocean
- P for Swimming Pools
- Q for Cheese
- R for Rooftops
- S for SEA LIFE Porto
- T for Afternoons with friends
- U of Urban Art
- Van Gogh's V
- W for We Call It Flamenco
- X for X-treme
- Y de Yakuza by Olivier
- Z Zoos
A for Tourist Attractions
Traveling and seeing new places always feels good, especially in summer. However, it’s also important to ‘dress up’ as a tourist in the city itself.
In this context, we invite you to (re)discover some of the main tourist attractions in Porto. Or take a look at this list of some of the experiences you should do at least once in your life.
B for Drinks
In the hottest season of the year, it feels good to enjoy cool drinks, right? At Porto Secreto we have suggestions to suit all tastes, from cocktails to bubble tea, not forgetting beer.
C for Candlelight Summer
Enjoying open-air concerts is a particularly pleasant experience during the warmer season, especially if it’s by candlelight. This year, Porto (and beyond) will host a new Candlelight Summer series, which promises to create unforgettable memories.
The program is varied and the shows always take place in special places. So get ready to hear classic compositions, songs by ABBA, Queen, Coldplay and much more, like you never thought possible. And you can book your seat here.
D for Douro
How about taking advantage of the summer in Porto to take a trip on board a boat on the River Douro?
Without a doubt, this is a very pleasant way to enjoy the heat, amidst the freshwater breeze and breathtaking scenery.
And Esplanades
Any self-respecting Porto resident loves to spend a good summer’s evening on a terrace, with or without a view of the Douro River.
So take a look at our suggestions, order a fino and relax to the rhythm of the longest days of the year.
F for Festivals
Without a doubt, summer in Porto and the surrounding area is synonymous with ‘hard partying’. There are various festivals, medieval fairs and, of course, music festivals. So we’ve put together a guide to some of the best music events of 2024.
From the city of Invicta, with MEO Marés Vivas, to Lisbon, with MEO Kalorama, not forgetting the Minho classics such as Parede de Coura and CA Vilar de Mouros, nothing is left to chance.
G for Ice Cream
Whether by the sea or in the city center, there’s no shortage of places to eat ice cream in Porto. Served in a glass or cone, classic or less obvious flavors, you just have to choose your favorite.
In Invicta you can find delicious ice creams to refresh your days, in places such as:
- Gelataria Neveiros, Rua Formosa 285;
- Gelatopia, Rua Ferreira Borges 68;
- Gelataria Portuense, Rua do Bonjardim 136, among many others.
Time to paint in the dark
The city’s cultural offer is increasingly wide-ranging, so you can find everything from exhibitions to new experiences like the “Neon Brush”.
In other words, it’s time to paint in the dark. After all, it’s a painting workshop, surrounded by neon lights and with a drink included.
I for Immersive
Exercising outdoors, contemplating the sunset or enjoying visits to some of the most beautiful viewpoints are activities that feel good in summer.
However, you can always take advantage of the fact that, in theory, you have a little more time to visit the incredible immersive experiences in Porto.
J of Gardens
From June to September, each of us tries to spend as much time as possible outdoors, for example, on long late-afternoon strolls in Porto’s most beautiful gardens.
Or even picnics with your partner, friends or family.
K for Kalorama
We know this suggestion isn’t in Porto, or even on the outskirts… But believe us, it’ s definitely worth the trip to Lisbon. After all, MEO Kalorama is the ultimate summer festival.
What’s more, this year, the music event is on its way to its 3rd edition, and it’s stronger than ever!
L for Lights
Candlelight Concerts are held in countless cities around the world… And Porto is no exception. During the summer, there are several candlelight shows.
M for Diving
Slides and waterfalls are some of the attractions that make water parks one of the main summer diversions for taking a dip.
Near Porto and in the north of Portugal, you can find some in Amarante, Penafiel and beyond. You’re already thinking of taking a dip on your vacation, right?
N de Nata
Pastéis de nata leave us salivating, whatever the time of year.
At Porto Secreto we have our own favoritespots to ‘devour’ this wonder, and we’ll certainly repeat the dose during the summer break.
The Ocean
If there’s one thing you don’t want to miss during the summer in Porto, it’s spending long periods of time by the Atlantic Ocean. After all, you don’t have to go far to enjoy a whole day at the beach or enjoy a good meal by the sea.
What’s more, there are also good beaches on the outskirts of the city, for example in the municipalities of Matosinhos, Vila Nova de Gaia and, of course, Vila do Conde.
P for Swimming Pools
Summer is synonymous with wanting to spend your life literally soaking wet. That’s why few things feel as good as swimming in the best pools.
In Porto, there aren’t really any outdoor options, but in the surrounding area there are several possibilities, such as the Piscina das Marés, in Leça da Palmeira.
Q for Cheese
Cheese, snacks and wine are the perfect combination for an evening in the sun, don’t you think? In Invicta, there are several wine bars waiting for you to make the most of the summer.
R for Rooftops
From June to September, rooftops are one of the favorite spots to liven up your social life even more.
With panoramic views , ambient music, snacks and drinks, this is an excellent option for spending summer afternoons.
In our guide, you’ll find several suggestions, from the ‘classics’ to the latest venues.
S for SEA LIFE Porto
The Porto aquarium is one of Porto’s main tourist attractions, but also one of the children ‘s favoritespots.
However, the truth is that this is a perfect place for kids and adults alike. Here, you can discover the secrets of underwater life, come face to face with seahorses or friendly penguins.
T for Afternoons with friends
At any age, spending evenings with friends can do ‘a thousand wonders’, create unforgettable moments and even help you forget your problems for a while.
In this scenario, how about brunch? In Porto, there are several places where you can enjoy a delicious meal and, at the same time, spend quality time with your loved ones.
U of Urban Art
In many nooks and crannies of Porto, there are forms of urban art. So take advantage of sunny days to walk around the city and take photos of their outdoor works.
Van Gogh’s V
We know that in the warmer season the desire to go outdoors is greater than anything, but take advantage of the longer days to visit the “Living Van Gogh” exhibition.
After all, this is an absolute premiere at Alfândega do Porto, offering an unforgettable experience, between light projections and interactive installations. We’ve been and we recommend it!
W for We Call It Flamenco
There are many similarities between Spain and Portugal. However, on the other side of the border, there is a ‘caliente’ air that finds in flamenco one of its best forms of expression.
“We Call It Flamenco” is an original Fever initiative that is coming to Porto and the surrounding area, so you can feel the warmth of Spanish culture up close!
X for X-treme
If you like indoor activities, even during the summer, then take the opportunity to dive straight into the world of virtual reality.
Viral VR is a different and very fun space, located near the Boavista area.
Here you can find car simulators, virtual escape rooms, adrenaline-filled experiences and much more.
Y de Yakuza by Olivier
Located in the heart of Avenida dos Aliados, Yakuza by Olivier is an option to consider for those who like Asian food.
However, there are other tips, especially if you can’t live without delicious sushi.
Z Zoos
Children love being around animals. That’s why you can take advantage of the long summer days to take the little ones to some zoological parks, for example:
- Zoo Santo Inácio;
- Maia Zoo;
- Ornithological Park, among others.
