During the week, we are ‘consumed’ by the routine of work and/or studies, and there seems to be little or no time left for leisure and entertainment. So the question is: what to do during the week?
From exhibitions to concerts, we’ve decided to put together some of the best activities to do in and around Porto. All you have to do is enjoy them!
Table Of Contents
Francesinha Festival overlooking the Douro
The Francesinha Festival returns to WOW, in Vila Nova de Gaia, on April 25 and 26, promising an authentic celebration of this emblematic Porto dish.
At this event, you can enjoy traditional francesinhas and innovative versions, such as chicken, cod, seafood, vegetarian or even with pizza dough, all accompanied by live music and a breathtaking view over the River Douro.
The menu includes a choice of francesinha, potatoes and a drink for €15, with tickets available online or on site.
📍WOW, Vila Nova de Gaia.
🗓️ April 25 and 26, 2025.
Free “Abril Febril” concerts at the Crystal Palace
The “April Fever” event celebrates the Carnation Revolution with three free concerts in the Acoustic Shell of the Crystal Palace Gardens, in Porto, on April 24.
The program, promoted by Galeria Municipal do Porto, includes performances by Claiana (18h30), Nenny (19h30) and Prétu (20h30).
This initiative is part of the Freedom Day celebrations and promises an evening of music and reflection on the ideals of April.
📍 Crystal Palace Gardens, Porto.
🗓️ April 24, 2025.
New restaurants to try in Porto
If you’re looking for a new gastronomic experience, this selection of new restaurants in Porto offers places for all tastes, from sophisticated atmospheres to more relaxed proposals.
Among the highlights are Restart by Vila Foz overlooking the Douro, Éon in Palacete Severo with a 14-course tasting menu, Roast, which focuses on rotisserie-roasted meats and vegetables, and Ramen Shifu, perfect for fans of Japanese pop culture.
There are also options such as Blss U with a concept inspired by the seven deadly sins, L’Égoïste with a reinvention of Portuguese dishes, Imanol Barra Basca dedicated to Basque cuisine, or Cusco with Peruvian-Portuguese fusion on the rooftop of the Hilton Gaia, among others.
Watching the play “Hamlet”
For those who enjoy theater and don’t want to wait until the weekend, here’s a suggestion: “Hamlet”, showing at the Teatro Nacional São João.
Nuno Cardoso’s adaptation of one of William Shakespeare ‘s most emblematic works delves into the complexity of human existence.
What does this mean? Well, the narrative explores the dichotomy between action and inaction, as well as the incessant search for a sense of identity.
📍Praça da Batalha, 112
April 16th and 17th at 7pm
Tickets between €5 and €20
April 25th celebrations: music, fireworks and tradition
Porto is once again celebrating the Carnation Revolution with a program full of free activities for all ages on April 24 and 25.
Among the highlights of the city’s April 25 celebrations are the traditional parade, traditional games, spectacular fireworks and various musical moments, including the long-awaited concert by rapper Capicua .
The celebrations kick off on the evening of April 24 with a tribute to Carlos Paredes at 10pm, followed by Capicua’s concert at 10.15pm, and culminating with fireworks at midnight.
On the 25th, the festivities continue with traditional games in the morning, a tribute to the anti-fascist resistance, a Freedom Parade and concerts by projects such as Cantar Abril and Retimbrar, evoking names such as José Afonso and Carlos Paredes.
📍 Avenida dos Aliados, Praça do General Humberto Delgado, Largo Soares dos Reis, Porto.
🗓️ April 24 and 25, 2025.
Immersive concerts at the Clérigos Church
The emblematic Clérigos Church in Porto is hosting the cycle of immersive concerts “Spiritus Vitae – Sounds of Spring”, a unique experience that combines music and visual projections inspired by nature and the renewal of spring.
Promoted by the Ocubo studio in partnership with the Irmandade dos Clérigos, this thematic series presents compositions by artists such as Bach, Hans Zimmer and Mozart, providing moments of light and hope. For around 40 minutes, the audience is transported to an immersive universe.
📍Clérigos Church, Porto.
🗓️ April 3, 4, 8, 9, 17, 18, 24 and 25 at 21:30.
Tickets available here