Winter is almost over and the many magnolias in bloom are already heralding the arrival of spring; a time of year when our city becomes even more beautiful and colorful. And there are plenty of things to do in Porto (and the surrounding area) in March.
From themed events to immersive experiences, candlelit concerts and film festivals, not forgetting important dates such as Women’s Day and Father’s Day… There are activities to suit all tastes. Shall we get to know them?
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Explore Porto by Architecture
Promoted by Porto City Council and Casa da Arquitectura, the cycle of free visits “Porto de Arquitetura” is back for another edition, between March and July.
This month, the buildings opening their doors are the following:
- Portuguese Football League Headquarters | OODA Office – March 1
- Monte da Lapa | Álvaro Siza – March 15
Participation in these visits is free, but requires prior registration, which can be done on the official Casa da Arquitectura website.
📍In the city of Porto
📅Between March and July
🎫Free entry
Go to Fantasporto
The Porto International Film Festival, or simply Fantasporto, is once again bringing the best of the Seventh Art to Invicta for its 45th edition, from February 28 to March 9.
In all, the event will feature 23 new feature films and 28 shorts. This year, the themes relate to some contemporary problems and challenges, such as Artificial Intelligence.
📍Batalha Cinema Center, Batalha Square
🗓️ From February 28 to March 9
Tickets and more information on the official website
Watch “Menopausa”, a play with Cláudia Raia
At 58 and with a career spanning more than four decades, Cláudia Raia is one of the biggest names in acting in Brazil. And between March 6 and 9, she will take to the stage of the Coliseu Porto Ageas with the play “Menopausa”.
The narrative focuses on the 50+ woman, portraying situations experienced at this stage of life, through short scenes, musicals and amusing and sometimes dramatic characters.
Anxieties, worries, bodily changes, relationships, career, health, beauty and much more are addressed in an honest and equally ‘light’ way with a bit of laughter thrown in.
📍Rua de Passos Manuel, 137
Between March 6th and 9th, 9pm
Tickets on sale from €22.50
Experience a different evening at Divas & Cocktails
The MXM Art Center, in the Foz do Douro area, is promoting a themed show to celebrate Women’s Day, on March 8, starting at 21:30.
“Divas & Cocktails” combines music from Beyoncé to Amália Rodrigues with refreshing and delicious drinks. The ticket for the show includes a special cocktail.
📍Rua do Ouro 264, Porto
📅 March 8th, from 9:30pm
Tickets on sale from 25€
Visit exhibitions
One of the best things to do in Porto, whatever time of year it is, is to appreciate art. So take advantage of the month of March to visit some exhibitions in the city. For example:
- “Meu Cristo”, an exhibition by sculptor Paulo Neves, at the Clérigos Tower and Museum
- “Offering Cloud of Scatterd Genitalia”, by Devendra Banhart, at the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art;
- “Dalí Cybernetics: the immersive experience”, at Alfândega do Porto
- Collection of over 200 Amy Winehouse books, in the Gemma Room at Livraria Lello
📍Various locations in Porto
Try a Michelin restaurant
In February, the second gala of the Michelin Guide Portugal distinguished eight new restaurants with a star, including one in Porto.
Although it’s not within everyone’s reach, if you get the chance, you can take the opportunity to ‘dive’ into a Michelin journey in these spots:
- Antiqvvm, Porto
- Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, Leça da Palmeira
- The Yeatman, Vila Nova de Gaia
- Blind, Porto
- Oculto, Vila do Conde
- Vinha, Vila Nova de Gaia
- Euskalduna Studio, Porto
- Le Monument, Porto
- Pedro Santos, Porto
- Vila Foz, Porto
📍Various locations in and around Porto
Feel the magic of Candlelight concerts
Have you ever been to a Candlelight Concert? If not, the time has come to do so.
Take advantage of the month of March and take a look at the schedule of the famous candlelight shows :
- Candlelight: The Best of the Beatles, at the Pestana Palácio do Freixo | March 7
- Candlelight: Rock Classics, Pestana Palácio do Freixo | March 11
- Candlelight: The Best of Queen, Pestana Palácio do Freixo | March 11
- Candlelight: Coldplay vs Imagine Dragons, Palácio da Bolsa | March 14th
- Candlelight: Queen vs Abba, at Palácio da Bolsa | March 14
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer, Hilton Porto Gaia | March 15, among others.
📍Various locations in and around Porto
📅 Various dates
Shopping at Porto Vinly Market
There are often several urban markets in different parts of the city. However, if you’re a music fan, you won’t want to miss another edition of the Porto Vinly Market.
Taking place in the Maus Hábitos space , you can find a variety of records and, possibly, some musical rarities, but there are also books and magazines, among other items.
📍Rua de Passos Manuel 178, 4th Floor
March 8th, from 2pm to 7pm
Celebrating Father’s Day
Father’s Day is almost here, so take the opportunity to show how much you love one of the most important people in your life.
You could take your hero out for a delicious brunch, or try a wine tour (with tasting). But whatever it is, do it with love!
📍Various locations in and around Porto
📅 March 19th
Editor’s note: this article will be updated frequently with new plans and activities relevant to the month of March, whenever justified!