As you may have noticed, at Porto Secreto we’re always looking for the best plans to make the most of the city. Around here, our ‘eyes’ range from restaurants to exhibitions and much more. However, how about an itinerary of free (or almost) things to do in Porto?
In this list you’ll find free or affordable tips so you can enjoy Invicta without emptying your wallet. There are many options, so just choose your favorite plan. Or keep checking our website. You’re sure to find something you like!
Table Of Contents
- 1 - Visit the Portuguese Center of Photography
- 2 - Practicing pilates, yoga and tai chi
- 3 - Stroll through the Urban Markets
- 4 - Study or work in a library
- 5 - Immerse yourself in an urban art itinerary
- 6 - Discover 4 of the best gardens in the world
- 7 - Consuming culture in museums
- 8 - Have a picnic
- 9 - Enjoying the thousand charms of Serralves
- 10 - Entertaining children
1 – Visit the Portuguese Center of Photography
You may not know it, but you can visit the Portuguese Center of Photography for free. There are temporary, permanent and traveling exhibitions.
If you want, you can also book a group visit. To do this, all you have to do is book the visit by e-mailing the following form. Check the website for all the detailed information you need to know.
It’s a good idea to get a group of friends together and get to know the jail where Camilo Castelo Branco lived.
📍 Largo Amor de Perdição, Porto
2 – Practicing pilates, yoga and tai chi
Until the end of March, the municipal initiative “Days with Energy” offers free yoga, pilates and tai chi classes in four pavilions in the city of Porto.
The sessions take place on Saturdays and require prior registration, by 5.30pm each Friday, on the Sports Portal.
📍 Various locations
3 – Stroll through the Urban Markets
There are several markets scattered around the city, such as the Mercado da Alegria in the Passeio Alegre Gardens, or the Mercado da Batalha, in Praça da Batalha.
A way to support local handicrafts and commerce, but also to take a stroll in the fresh air.
📍 Various locations
4 – Study or work in a library
One of the free things to do in Porto, for example, is to immerse yourself in one of the municipal libraries. You can choose to go there to devour books, study or even work.
Some of the options are the Almeida Garrett Library, or the Municipal Public Library of Porto.
📍Various locations
5 – Immerse yourself in an urban art itinerary
Urban art is increasingly present in Porto, making its presence felt in various nooks and crannies. That’s why we’ve come up with a suggested itinerary for days without rain!
📍 Various locations
6 – Discover 4 of the best gardens in the world
Porto stands out internationally with four green spaces recognized by the prestigious “Green Flag Award”.
The Palácio de Cristal Gardens, the Passeio Alegre Garden, the City Park and the Porto Botanical Garden have renewed their seal of quality, confirming the excellence in the management and maintenance of these spaces.
Take the opportunity to visit these award-winning gardens and enjoy the natural beauty in the heart of the city... Best of all, you don’t have to pay to get in!
📍Various locations
7 – Consuming culture in museums
There are several museums in Porto, capable of pleasing almost any type of public. However, prices can sometimes be an obstacle when it comes to consuming the best of culture.
In this context, we highlight the possibility of visiting some of the city’s museums for free:
- Military Museum, on Sundays and public holidays, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, for citizens residing in Portuguese territory
- Casa do Infante, at weekends
- Biodiversity Gallery, with free entry on the second Sunday of each month, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., among other spaces.
📍Various locations
8 – Have a picnic
Spending quality time outdoors with friends, family or your partner is always a good 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 still tax-free.
Humor aside, the truth is that there are several places in Porto where you can have a picnic, such as Parque da Cidade.
📍Various locations
9 – Enjoying the thousand charms of Serralves
Did you know that you can visit Serralves for free? Yes, it’s true! Every first Sunday of the month, from 10h00 to 13h00.
📍 R. Dom João de Castro, 210
10 – Entertaining children
For those looking for inexpensive options to entertain children, Porto offers several alternatives.
From playgrounds, such as Parque da Praia do Homem de Leme, to green spaces like Quinta do Covelo, with educational activities related to the environment, there are options for all tastes.
You can also discover museums that are perfect for children or explore labyrinths and theme parks in Gaia.
📍Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
