
Porto’s weekend plans have cultural proposals (and more) for all tastes and ages. From exhibitions to concerts , not forgetting gastronomic tips, there are plenty of different experiences for you to make the most of.
So leave your excuses behind, forget the sofa at home and get ready for a lot of fun. Alone or together, outdoors or indoors, there ‘s no shortage of activities for you to enjoy your well-deserved rest.
Table Of Contents
- Candlelight Spring: Rings, Thrones & Dragons
- Craft beer festival overlooking the Douro
- "Healthy Porto" free guided walks
- Celebration of Masks and Iberian Traditions in Gaia
- Mourning Festival: breaking taboos around loss in Porto
- Sushi food tour of Porto
- Explore the Porto Photography Biennial with 16 free exhibitions
- Guided tours of Porto's monumental cemeteries
- The best croissants in Porto
- Discover "Experience - Trindade"
Candlelight Spring: Rings, Thrones & Dragons
For those looking for an intimate program, the next Candlelight Spring is a good choice.
On May 23rd, the Pestana Palácio do Freixo will be the setting for a candlelit show featuring the best of “Game of Thrones” and “Lord of the Rings”.
🗓️ May 23, at 9:30 p.m.
Craft beer festival overlooking the Douro
From May 23 to 25, the Craft Festival returns to WOW in Vila Nova de Gaia, celebrating craft beer with a privileged view of the Douro River, various snacks and lots of music.
Brands such as 12 Marias, Sovina and Delirium Tremens will be present in the VP’s outdoor area. Entry is free, you just have to buy the official glass (€3), but those who already have one from previous editions can reuse it. The craft beers available start at €2 and the event promises to be fun for three unmissable days.
📍 WOW, Vila Nova de Gaia.
🗓️ May 23 to 25, 2025.
“Healthy Porto” free guided walks
From May to September, the “Healthy Porto” program invites everyone to take part in 22 free walks, guided by professionals, to explore the city’s most emblematic places.
This initiative by the Ágora municipal company, in partnership with RunPorto, promotes group physical activity and the appreciation of Porto’s heritage.
The routes are around 5 km long and are open to all ages, but require prior registration. An excellent opportunity to get your body moving, get to know Porto and experience the summer in a healthy way!
📍Various points in the city of Porto.
🗓️ May 24th to September 27th, always at 10am.
Celebration of Masks and Iberian Traditions in Gaia
The International Festival of the Iberian Mask returns to Vila Nova de Gaia on May 23 and 24, celebrating ancient customs with parades of caretos, masqueraders and music from both sides of the border.
The program includes debates, exhibitions and the eagerly awaited International Parade of the Iberian Mask, which promises to liven up the streets near the Luís I Bridge and Cais de Gaia.
More than 500 participants will fill Gaia with color and tradition, making this edition an unmissable moment to experience Iberian heritage. Be aware of some traffic restrictions on these dates.
📍Vila Nova de Gaia.
🗓️ May 23rd and 24th, 2025.
Mourning Festival: breaking taboos around loss in Porto
Bereavement is still a little-talked-about topic, but the new Bereavement Festival wants to change that in Porto, with free entry and activities for all ages.
The event, promoted by Associação Compassio, takes place on May 24 and aims to demystify the pain of loss – not just of people, but also of animals, jobs, relationships and more – through talks, artistic moments and spaces for sharing in various parts of the city.
📍Praça do Marquês, Escola Superior de Educação de Paula Frassinetti, Paróquia da Senhora da Conceição, Porto.
🗓️ Dates: May 24, from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Sushi food tour of Porto
In this guide to restaurants for sushi in Porto, you’ll find a selection of top spots, from innovative spaces like Tokkotai to classics like Ichiban and Shiko.
The list highlights sushi houses that mix Japanese tradition with creativity, some ideal for an affordable lunch or even a romantic dinner.
There are options for all palates, always with a focus on the freshness of the ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere. Discover authentic flavors and unique experiences in Porto’s sushi universe.
📍Various locations in Porto and beyond
Explore the Porto Photography Biennial with 16 free exhibitions
The 4th edition of the Porto Photography Biennial returns to the city with the theme “Tomorrow Today”, artistically exploring the relationship between present actions and future consequences.
The event features 16 free exhibitions spread across emblematic locations in the city, such as the Portuguese Photography Center, São Bento Metro Station and the Soares dos Reis National Museum.
Among the highlights are the exhibition “Luminófilos [Lightseekers]”, which explores light as a central element, “Rizomas” by artist Joana Dionísio and “Vivificar”. In addition to the exhibitions, the Biennale is promoting the Futures Meet-up event on June 6 and 7.
📍Various emblematic locations in Porto
🗓️ May 15 to June 29
Guided tours of Porto’s monumental cemeteries
Between May and September, Porto hosts the XV Cemeteries Cultural Cycle, with ten free guided tours of the Prado do Repouso and Agramonte.
This initiative, promoted by the municipality, allows visitors to discover the rich heritage, monuments and sculptures of these two cemeteries, which have been recognized as Monumental since 2005.
During the visits, participants have the opportunity to meet historical figures buried there, as highlighted in the program of the cultural tour of Porto’s cemeteries. Participation is free but requires prior online registration and is limited to 50 people per session.
📍 Prado do Repouso Cemetery and Agramonte Cemetery, Porto.
🗓️ From May 3 to September 21, 2025.
The best croissants in Porto
Porto style croissants are distinguished by being made with brioche dough, resulting in a soft texture and unique flavor, often finished with sugar syrup or Port wine.
In this itinerary of the city’s best croissants, you’ll discover the ten finalists in the “O Melhor Croissant à Moda do Porto” competition, from classics to lesser-known bakeries.
Each place is part of the O Melhor Croissant Route, available online, and we won’t know who the big winners are until May 27.
Discover “Experience – Trindade”
Porto is full of incredible monuments and temples that deserve a visit, such as the Igreja da Trindade. Located in the city center, you can take advantage of the weekend to discover the “Experience – Trindade”.
Alone or accompanied, you can explore historic rooms and rare pieces never before on public display, climb the Bell Tower and enjoy a breathtaking view of Porto and beyond.