With the arrival of August, summer reaches its peak and is even the favorite time for many Porto residents (and not only) to take a longer vacation. If you’re spending your well-deserved break in the city, or you’re still working, don’t worry. There’s plenty to enjoy.
Here, we’ll talk about the best rooftops and terraces with views of the Douro River, but also about boat and train rides. At the same time, culture never stops, so there’s no shortage of tips on concerts, experiences and exhibitions. Let’s take a look at the list and choose the best plans?
Table Of Contents
Concerts & Festivals
Candlelight Concerts
The magical candlelight concerts will return to Porto next month, with a diverse program and several dates.
From tribute sessions to fado to the grunge of Nirvana, not forgetting the hits of Abba, there’s plenty of music waiting for you in emblematic places around the city.
📍Various locations
Porto Pianofest
In the ‘sweet month of August’, there’s music for all tastes, including classical music fans.
If that’s you, then pay attention, because Porto Pianofest is back for its 9th edition, from August 1 to 11.
The initiative will bring several concerts, masterclasses and even some free performances to Porto, Famalicão and Matosinhos.
The most emblematic stages include Casa da Música, Palácio da Bolsa and Museu do Romântico. Tickets are already on sale.
📍Various locations
👉More information: full program here
We Call It Flamenco
Spain is synonymous with good soccer, or it wouldn’t be the team that won Euro 2024, but also with ‘caliente’ music.
If you want to feel the warmth of ‘nuestros hermanos’ culture up close, then you can attend another incredible “We Call It Flamenco” show at the end of August.
At the Hilton Porto Gaia, you’ll experience the rhythm of flamenco with bailaores, virtuoso guitarists and singers.
📍Hilton Porto Gaia, Vila Nova de Gaia
👉 More information: Fever platform
Culture & Art
Outdoor movies
In the summer, watching movies outdoors is always a good idea.
At the moment, in Porto you can enjoy the following initiatives:
- “Cinema Fora do Sítio”, in Porto’s gardens, squares and squares, on Fridays and Saturdays, always at 10pm (free admission).
- “Cinema na Vinha” (Cinema in the Vineyard ), in the garden of the “most beautiful house in Porto” (price is €10 and registration is required).
Neighborhoods
The municipal program “Vizinhanças” is back for its 3rd edition, from July 14 to August 25, with lots of entertainment.
On Sundays, Porto’s public spaces will host various free activities, including games, storytelling sessions, theater, illusionism, workshops, music and more.
Access to this initiative is free and aims to involve not only those who live nearby, but also visitors.
📍Various public spaces in Porto, specifically municipal gardens and green spaces
👉More information: official program here
Porto Book Fair
It’s not long now until the city’s biggest literary festival returns to the Palácio de Cristal Gardens. From August 23 to September 8, the best of literature will pass through this green space in Porto.
This year’s main honoree will be the Portuguese poet Eugénio de Andrade. In all, the cultural program includes various talks, concerts and activities for families, as well as the usual book sales.
📍Garden of the Twin Cities, in the Crystal Palace Gardens
👉More information: Porto Book Fair website
Porto Pharmacy Museum
Have you been to the Pharmacy Museum? If not, then take advantage of the summer vacations for a different cultural program that allows you to travel through the ancient history of health.
What’s more, here you’ll find two ‘hidden treasures’: a reconstruction of the Estácio Pharmacy; and an Islamic Pharmacy from the 19th century.
📍Rua Eng. Ferreira Dias, 728
More information and bookings: here
Experiences, Attractions & Games
Paper Costume Parade
Have you ever heard of the St. Bartholomew’s Parade? If you’re from Porto, the answer is probably yes. However, if you’re just passing through, it’s worth watching the paper costume parade, a centuries-old tradition that is anything but boring.
This year, the emblematic initiative will take place on Sunday, August 25, between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., starting at Jardim das Sobreiras (in the Cantareira area).
Afterwards, the traditional paper costume parade literally ends in the sea – in the waters of Praia do Ourigo.
Immersive experiences
Immersing yourself in the world of immersive experiences is a good program, rain or shine. So take advantage of the summer break and discover the various exhibitions taking place at Alfândega do Porto (and beyond).
At the moment, these are some of the attractions you can find, in a perfect program for kids and adults alike:
📍Alfândega do Porto, R. Nova da Alfândega & other places in the city
Free heated swimming pool
Those who live in Porto and the surrounding area know that getting into sea water and/or swimming pools can sometimes be a bit tricky due to the low temperatures.
However, nearby, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, this is not a problem. There is a heated swimming pool with sea views and free admission. This attraction is especially suitable for children.
📍Praia de Canide Norte, Canidelo, municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia
Piscina das Marés, one of the most beautiful in Portugal
For those who don’t like sand, the Piscina das Marés, in Leça da Palmeira, is an excellent choice for a dip.
With ocean water, this complex was designed by the incomparable Siza Vieira and is classified as a National Monument.
📍Av. Liberdade, Leça da Palmeira
More information: here
Minigolf Porto
This is undoubtedly one of our favorite spots in Porto. That’s why we recommend it for birthday parties, romanticdates, or simply for an afternoon well spent with friends.
With an 18-hole indoor circuit, Minigolf Porto also includes other entertainment, such as table football, pool tables, air hockey and, of course, the bar.
📍Rua do Dr. Alfredo Magalhães, 24
Tickets: Fever
Leisure & Travel
Medieval Journey in the Lands of Santa Maria
When it comes to historical re-enactments in Portugal, there’s nothing quite like the “Medieval Journey to Terras de Santa Maria”. Located less than 30 minutes by car from the city of Porto, the event kicked off on July 31 and runs until August 11.
Every year, the medieval fair grows by leaps and bounds, attracting countless visitors and increasing its attractions. This time, more than a hundred shows and re-enactments are expected on a daily basis, covering 37 hectares and 17 themed areas.
The program is diverse and includes medieval battles, guided tours by a court jester, dancing, a royal procession and much more. All this on a journey back in time to the reign of King Duarte in the 15th century. A real history lesson (and a lot of fun)!
📍Historic center of Santa Maria da Feira
MEO KALORAMA, the ultimate summer festival
Porto is and always will be our greatest love, but for those who love music festivals, we believe it’s worth a little getaway to Lisbon. Why? Then, from August 29 to 31, there’s MEO KALORAMA.
After two successful editions, the festival returns this year stronger than ever, with a varied musical line-up, including big names and emerging artists.
The line-up includes, for example, Massive Attack, LCD Soundsystem, Sam Smith, Peggy Gou, Jungle, The Kills and many others.
📍Bela Vista Park in Lisbon
👉 Tickets: Fever platform
Editor’s note: this article will be updated frequently to include more suggestions for plans!