Porto · Portugal · Things to do
5 things to do in Porto with kids
The five best things to do in Porto with kids are walking the Douro riverfront, seeing the coloured houses of Ribeira, crossing the Luis I Bridge, spotting the blue azulejo tiles, and taking a day trip up the Douro valley. Porto is compact and hilly, so plan short walking days and use the metro and tram to save energy.
What to do, in order
- 1
Walk along the Douro
The Douro riverfront is the easiest and most rewarding walk in Porto. On the Porto side, the Cais da Ribeira is lined with cafes and flat enough for a stroller. Across the bridge, Vila Nova de Gaia has the port wine cellars and old wooden barcos rabelos, the boats that once carried barrels downriver. Cross at sunset for the light. Boat trips on the river last about an hour and are an easy option for children. Go in the morning for the quietest views.
- 2
See the Ribeira houses
Ribeira is Porto's old riverside quarter, a UNESCO-listed tangle of tall, narrow, colourful houses stacked up the hillside, with washing hung from windows and tiny alleys. It is touristy by the water, so walk a few streets up for quieter lanes and local bakeries. The hill is steep, and cobbles are rough, so a carrier suits babies better than a stroller. The best viewpoint for the whole scene is from the Gaia side across the river, in the late afternoon.
- 3
Cross the Luis I Bridge
The Dom Luís I Bridge is a double-deck iron arch over the Douro, finished in the 1880s. The lower deck carries cars and pedestrians at river level, and the upper deck carries the metro and a walkway about 60 metres above the water. Walking the top deck gives a wide view of both banks, but the height and the passing trains can worry small children, so hold hands and stay on the inside. Cross at sunset, then take the funicular or cable car down.
- 4
Spot the blue azulejo tiles
Azulejos are Portugal's painted ceramic tiles, and Porto has some of the best. São Bento railway station has a hall covered in huge blue and white panels of historic scenes, and it is free to enter. The Igreja do Carmo has a whole side wall of tiles, and many ordinary houses are faced in patterned tiles. Make a game of finding different patterns. Livraria Lello, the ornate bookshop, needs a ticket and draws long lines, so it is optional.
- 5
Visit the Douro valley
The Douro valley is a long river valley of terraced vineyards, about two hours upriver, and a UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Trains from Porto's São Bento station run along the river to Pinhão and beyond, with views much of the way, which makes them a good choice for children. River cruises and guided day tours are the alternative. Visit in September and October for the grape harvest, or in spring for green slopes. Choose a farm or estate with a tour that welcomes families.
Plan it
- Best time
- May, June and September are warm and bright. July and August are hot. Winter is wet and mild. The Festa de São João on 23 to 24 June is lively but crowded.
- How long
- Three days covers these five, including a half day in the Douro valley. Four days lets you slow down.
- Getting around
- The metro links the airport with the centre. Many sights are walkable, but the hills are steep. Trams, buses and the funicular help, and taxis and ride apps are easy.
Good to know
- Wear comfortable shoes. Cobbles and steep streets are hard on strollers and tired feet.
- Lunch is the main meal. Set menus at lunch are the best value.
- Check the weather before the Douro train. Hot summer days can be tiring.
Frequently asked
Is Porto good for kids? +
Yes. It is compact, safe and easy to reach by metro. Hills and cobbles are tiring, so use trams, the funicular and the riverfront. Food is simple and family-friendly, and most restaurants welcome children.
How many days do you need in Porto? +
Three days is enough for the riverfront, Ribeira, the bridge, azulejos and a Douro valley day trip. Four or five days lets you add the beach at Foz and a slower pace.
How do you get to the Douro valley from Porto? +
By train from São Bento station, which takes about two to two and a half hours to Pinhão, or on a guided tour or river cruise. The train is the cheapest and a good way to see the valley.
When is the best time to visit Porto? +
May, June and September offer warm weather and thinner crowds. July and August are hot and busy. Autumn is good for the Douro harvest, and winter is wet but quiet.
