The rain is back and now what? 15 of the best activities to do on gray days

Anyone from Porto is used to dealing with rain on a regular basis. But what can you do outside on those days? It’s true that staying at home in the warm is always an option. But the truth is that in a city like Porto there are always plenty of things to do, even when São Pedro decides to treat us to less pleasant weather.

From gastronomy to the best hot chocolates, not forgetting museums and exhibitions, or even gaming venues and immersive shows; this is a must-see for anyone looking to get out of the house. Now, stop making excuses, get your umbrella ready and take a look at some of the best things to do in Porto.

Visit exhibitions

If, after eating (a lot and well), you still don’t feel like going home, you can always enjoy our city’s cultural agenda.

After all, there are always several exhibitions on in Porto. And on rainy days, it’s a program that tastes even better, right?

Attend a ballet show

Get ready for a magical experience when you see “We Call It Ballet – Sleeping Beauty” this winter in Porto. A different way to experience classical music and the delicacy of this dance.

Enjoy a delicious brunch

Brunch is already part of every Porto resident’s imagination. But where to go with your friends?

There’s no shortage of options, so it’s best to take a look at our itinerary full of suggestions.

Play indoor mini-golf

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If you’re looking for fun even on rainy days, then Minigolf Porto could be an option you should consider. Located in Rua Dr. Alfredo Magalhães, it’s a relaxed place with a retro décor full of neons.

The indoor circuit has 18 holes and, as well as shots, there’s table football, pool tables, air hockey and a bar, where inspiration comes in the form of cocktails.

Embark on an immersive experience

Shows and immersive experiences are here to stay (and that’s a good thing). At the moment, there are several taking place in Invicta, so we’ ve selected a few for you:

• “Dalí Cybernetics”, at Alfândega do Porto;
• “Spiritus“, at the Clérigos Church”, among other options.

Warm your heart and soul with hot chocolate

Few things feel better on rainy days than a delicious hot chocolate.

Alone or accompanied, to relax or read a book, this is always an option for any Porto resident.

(Re)discovering our history by visiting monuments

Porto was recently named the Best Metropolitan Seaside Destination. But believe us, it’s not just tourists who can and should enjoy the best of our history.

That’s why we advise you to visit some of our main ex-libris, where there’s always so much to learn and contemplate. These are just a few of our favorites (but there are many more, of course!):

• Palácio da Bolsa;
• Castelo do Queijo;
• Clérigos Church and Tower;
• Porto Cathedral, among others.

Throwing axes in the heart of Porto

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Located in the heart of Porto, on Rua das Oliveiras, USAxe Club Porto is a different kind of place. There, you can eat, drink… and literally throw axes!

With an atmosphere inspired by the United States of America, here you can test your aim and have a great time.

Visit the best museums in Porto

As well as being places of art and culture, many of Porto’s museums tell important parts of our history, including some peculiar curiosities.

There’s no shortage of museums in Invicta , dedicated to the most varied themes and full of attractions. So we’ve put together a brief cultural itinerary with some of our favorites:

• MMIPO – Museu e Igreja da Misericórdia do Porto;
• Porto Pharmacy Museum;
• Serralves Museum;
• Soares dos Reis National Museum, among others.

Visit a Port Wine Cellar to forget the rain

Whether in a restaurant or a wine cellar, a glass of Port always tastes good. At Cais de Gaia you’ll find some of the most famous brands of this true ‘nectar of the gods’.

So take advantage of the rainy days to explore the Port wine cellars. Some of the best known are, for example:

• Ferreira Cellars;
• Taylor’s;
• Caves Fonseca;
• Cockburn’s, among many others.

Book guided cultural tours

We’ve already mentioned Porto’s museums and monuments, but there are still other specific places you can (and should) visit.

For example, Casa Museu Fernando de Castro, the city’s most eccentric building, is offering guided tours of its space for just €5.

Drinking coffee in a historic Invicta spot

Rain outside and a warm cup of coffee in your hand, it’s a nice setting, right?

In Porto, there are almost ‘historic’ places where drinking coffee tastes even better, such as:

• Café Ceuta;
• Café Majestic;
• A Brasileira;
• O Guarany, among others.

Sweeten your mouth with the best custard tarts

Pastéis de nata are always a good choice, whether on hot or cold days. From the north to the south of the country, it’s impossible to remain indifferent to their taste.

In Invicta, of course, there are several places where you can ‘devour’ absolutely delicious pastéis de nata.

Among other places, our itinerary highlights, for example:

• Fábrica da Nata;
• Confeitaria do Bolhão;
• Castro, etc.

‘Devouring’ books in Porto’s best bookshops

A book-related suggestion couldn’t be missing from this list. After all, one of the best things to do at any time is to discover a good story, right?

You can take advantage of rainy days , for example, to (re)discover some of the old bookshops that still operate in Porto. An (almost) obligatory itinerary for all lovers of old and/or used books.

Tasting a good craft beer

Did you know that there are over 100 registered craft beer brands in Portugal alone? This is testament to the appreciation of national consumers for this drink; and the tripeiros are no different.

In Invicta, there are several places where you can taste a good beer, whether you’re visiting the brewery or enjoying the cultural offer.

We’ve put together an itinerary so that you can raise your glass high, in places such as:

• Fábrica da Nortada;
• Catraio Craft Beer Shop & Bar;
• Letraria Craft Beer Garden Porto;
• Armazém da Cerveja, among others.