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 overlooking 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 Candlelight concerts, promoted by Fever, continue to liven up the summer in Porto with their intimate candlelit shows.
During August, you’ll have the chance to attend some concerts at the Pestana Palácio do Freixo and The Log Porto Hotel by Piamonte Hotels, always with a varied line-up.
What’s more, this time of year is also synonymous with Candlelight Open Air, an unforgettable outdoor experience.
📍Various locations
Porto Pianofest
In the ‘sweet month of August’, there’s music for all tastes, and that includes classical music fans.
If that’s you, then pay attention, because Porto Pianofest is back for its 10th edition, from August 1 to 12.
The initiative will feature various concerts, masterclasses and even some free performances. Among the most emblematic stages are Casa da Música, Palácio da Bolsa and Museu do Romântico. Tickets are already on sale.
📍Various locations
👉More information: full program here
Culture & Art
Open-air cinema in Porto
During the month of August, Porto will be transformed into a large open-air movie theater with the return of the “Cinema Fora do Sítio” initiative .
The event promotes free movie screenings every Friday and Saturday at 9pm, spread across different gardens, squares and squares in the city.
The program includes 10 films, from big box office hits to award-winning productions, designed for the whole family – from kids to adults.
Among the highlights are titles such as “Mission Impossible: The Final Hit”, “F1 – The Movie”, “Paddington in the Amazon” and “Lilo & Stitch”.
📍Porto’s gardens, squares and squares
🗓️ August 1st to 30th
Neighborhoods
The municipal program “Vizinhanças” is back for its 4th edition, from July 20 to August 31, with lots of entertainment.
On Sundays, Porto’s public spaces will host various free activities, including games, 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 gardens and municipal green spaces
Porto Book Fair
The Porto Book Fair is about to liven up the city in its 12th edition, promising 100 free shows and a special tribute to Sérgio Godinho.
This year’s event is notable for the presence of authors such as João Luís Barreto Guimarães, Lídia Jorge and Djamilia Pereira de Almeida, as well as a closing show starring the honoree.
If you want to know all the details and highlights, you can read the article about the great literary festival in the Crystal Palace Gardens. Daily concerts in the Acoustic Shell and activities for everyone will make the Fair a must for culture lovers.
📍Crystal Palace Gardens
🗓️ August 22nd to September 7th
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 will allow you to travel through the ancient history of health.
What’s more, here you’ll find two ‘hidden treasures’, namely: 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
Quinta da Conceição swimming pool
A true summer refuge for those who don’t need sand: the Quinta da Conceição Swimming Pool is located in Leça da Palmeira, surrounded by a green park that combines leisure, architecture and historical heritage. This space, created by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, impresses with its minimalist design and harmonious integration with nature.
Discover this pool in the municipality of Matosinhos and enjoy a unique experience where relaxation and modern architecture go hand in hand. In addition to the pool, there are changing rooms, a bar/lounge and garden areas, making it an ideal destination for the whole family during the bathing season.
📍 Av. Antunes Guimarães, 13 or Rua de Vila Franca, Leça da Palmeira – Matosinhos
🗓️ Open from June 14 to August 31, daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Immersive exhibitions
Porto is becoming a benchmark for immersive experiences, with something for everyone. From interactive theater to multimedia shows, it’s worth exploring this creative universe and experiencing the city in a completely different way.
In this guide to immersive experiences in Porto, discover attractions where you can fly over the city like a dragon, be a juror in an electrifying trial or immerse yourself in the universe of artists such as Amália Rodrigues and Monet & Klimt.
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 option for taking 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
In Portugal, when it comes to historical re-enactments, 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 runs from July 30 to August 10.
The program is diverse and includes medieval combats, 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 Afonso V in the 15th century. A real history lesson (and a lot of fun)!
📍Historic center of Santa Maria da Feira
Artificial beach with warm waters 1 hour from Porto
Less than an hour from Porto, Praia da Noeirinha, in Aveiro, offers a real haven with water at around 25ºC.
On this urban beach with salty waters that are refreshed daily, you can enjoy tranquil baths, a natural salt spa, picnic areas or a snack bar, and even guided tours of the traditional local salt pans.
Ideal for those who want to take a dip without having to face icy waters, in a unique and historic leisure space.
📍Artificial Beach of Aveiro – Avenida Doutor David Cristo s/n, Marinha da Noeirinha, Aveiro
Editor’s note: this article will be updated frequently to include more suggestions for plans!