Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and family-friendly activities. Its charming old town, scenic riverside, and array of cultural attractions make it an ideal place to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Read our guide to visiting Porto with kids.
Here’s why Porto should be on your family trip to Portugal:
- Rich history: Immerse yourselves in Portugal’s fascinating past through historical landmarks, museums, and captivating stories.
- Lively atmosphere: Experience the city’s vibrant energy with its colorful streets, bustling markets, and friendly locals.
- Outdoor adventures: Explore scenic parks, embark on river cruises, and enjoy the refreshing Atlantic breeze along the coast.
- Delicious food: Savor Portugal’s culinary delights, from fresh seafood and flavorful pastries to kid-approved pizzas and pastas.
- Affordable destination: Porto offers excellent value for money, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious families.
Things to Do in Porto With Kids
Porto caters to all ages, offering a diverse range of activities to keep your children entertained:
- Take a Douro River Cruise: Embark on a scenic boat trip along the Douro River, admiring the city’s iconic bridges and the stunning landscape of the valley.
- Explore the Ribeira district: Wander through the charming Ribeira district with its colorful houses, traditional boats, and lively restaurants.
- Visit the Serralves Museum & Park: Immerse yourselves in art and nature at the Serralves Museum, surrounded by beautiful gardens and interactive exhibits.
- Discover The World of Discoveries: Learn about Portugal’s Age of Exploration through interactive displays, costumes, and engaging activities at this exciting museum.
- Ride the Funicular Railway: Take a scenic ride on the Gaia Cable Car, offering breathtaking views of the city and the riverfront.
- Enjoy a beach day: Escape to the nearby beaches of Foz or Matosinhos, perfect for building sandcastles, swimming in the refreshing ocean, and enjoying delicious seafood.
- Go on a street art hunt: Explore hidden gems and unleash your creativity by searching for Porto’s vibrant street art throughout the city.
- Catch a football game: Witness the passion of Portuguese football by attending a game at the Estádio do Dragão, home to FC Porto.
- Explore the São Bento Railway Station: Marvel at the station’s stunning azulejo tiles depicting historical scenes and transportation motifs.
- Indulge in a Pastel de Nata: Savor Portugal’s iconic custard tarts, a delicious treat enjoyed by both adults and children.
Best Places to Visit in Porto With Kids
Porto boasts a wealth of historical and cultural treasures waiting to be explored:
- Dom Luís I Bridge: Walk or take a tram across this iconic bridge, offering panoramic views of the city and the Douro River.
- Ribeira District: Explore the charming Ribeira district with its colorful houses, narrow streets, and traditional restaurants.
- Serralves Museum & Park: Immerse yourselves in art and nature at the Serralves Museum, surrounded by beautiful gardens and interactive exhibits.
- Sé Cathedral: Discover the city’s majestic cathedral, showcasing Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles.
- Palácio da Bolsa: Explore the opulent Stock Exchange Palace, adorned with intricate carvings and luxurious decorations.
- Church of São Francisco: Marvel at the ornate Baroque church, renowned for its gilded woodwork and elaborate carvings.
- Casa do Infante: Visit the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator, a key figure in Portugal’s Age of Exploration.
- Jardim do Palácio de Cristal: Relax and explore the peaceful Crystal Palace Gardens, featuring greenhouses, lakes, and scenic walking paths.
- World of Discoveries: Learn about Portugal’s Age of Exploration through interactive displays, costumes, and engaging activities at this exciting museum.
- FC Porto Museum: Delve into the history and achievements of FC Porto, one of Portugal’s most successful football clubs.
Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Porto
Finding the perfect accommodation for your family is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Here are some top picks for family-friendly hotels in Porto:
- Hotel da Bolsa: Located in the heart of the city, this historic hotel offers spacious family rooms, a swimming pool, and a kids’ club, making it ideal for families with young children.
- Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel & World Heritage Site: Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century building, this hotel boasts family rooms, a rooftop pool with stunning views, and a central location close to major attractions.
- Vila Gale Porto: Situated near the Douro River, this modern hotel offers family rooms, a swimming pool, a playground, and a dedicated kids’ club with activities and entertainment.
- NH Collection Porto Batalha: Featuring spacious family rooms, a swimming pool, and a central location close to São Bento Station, this hotel provides a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the city.
- Aparthotel Adagio Porto Serralves: Offering the flexibility of self-catering apartments with separate bedrooms and living areas, this aparthotel is ideal for families seeking a more spacious and independent stay.
Best Time to Visit Porto
Porto enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm summers and cool, wet winters. The best time to visit with kids is during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall), offering pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to peak summer months.
- Spring (March-May): Enjoy comfortable temperatures, vibrant spring flowers, and fewer crowds.
- Summer (June-August): Experience warm weather, perfect for beach days and outdoor activities, but be prepared for potential crowds and higher prices.
- Autumn (September-November): Savor milder temperatures, fewer crowds, and opportunities for harvest festivals and cultural events.
- Winter (December-February): While generally mild, winter can be rainy and chilly. However, you can enjoy festive decorations, lower prices, and fewer crowds.
How Long to Stay in Porto
The ideal duration of your Porto trip depends on your family’s interests and pace of travel. However, 3-4 days is a good starting point, allowing you to explore the city’s highlights and embark on day trips to nearby attractions.
- 3 days: Perfect for a quick city break, covering major attractions like the Ribeira district, Serralves Museum, and a Douro River cruise.
- 4-5 days: Allows for a more relaxed pace, including additional activities like visiting museums, exploring the surrounding areas, and enjoying leisurely strolls through the city.
- 7 days or more: Ideal for families seeking a deeper immersion into Porto’s culture and history, offering time for day trips to Guimarães, Braga, or the Douro Valley.
Porto Family Itinerary
Planning your itinerary in advance ensures you maximize your time and experience the best of Porto with your kids. Here’s a sample 3-day itinerary:
Day 1:
- Morning: Explore the Ribeira district, take a Douro River cruise, and admire the Dom Luís I Bridge.
- Afternoon: Visit the Serralves Museum & Park, enjoy a picnic lunch in the gardens, and explore the interactive exhibits.
- Evening: Indulge in a delicious dinner at a traditional Portuguese restaurant and enjoy the vibrant nightlife along the Ribeira.
Day 2:
- Morning: Discover the São Bento Railway Station, marvel at the azulejo tiles, and learn about the city’s history.
- Afternoon: Take a funicular ride up to Vila Nova de Gaia, visit a Port wine cellar for a tasting tour, and enjoy stunning views of the city.
- Evening: Explore the lively streets of the city center, do some souvenir shopping, and catch a street performance.
Day 3:
- Morning: Choose one activity based on your interests, such as visiting the World of Discoveries, attending a football game, or going on a street art hunt.
- Afternoon: Relax on the beach at Foz or Matosinhos, build sandcastles, and enjoy refreshing ice cream.
- Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant with panoramic views of the city, reflecting on your memorable family adventure in Porto.
Getting Around Porto With Kids
Porto is a walkable city, making it easy to explore many areas on foot. However, several transportation options are available for longer distances or exploring further afield:
- Metro: The city’s efficient metro system is a convenient and affordable way to travel between major districts.
- Buses: Public buses offer extensive coverage throughout the city and surrounding areas.
- Trams: Take a scenic tram ride across the Dom Luís I Bridge for a unique experience.
- Taxis and Ubers: Taxis and Ubers are readily available and can be convenient for getting around.
Additional Tips for a Family-Friendly Trip to Porto
- Pack essentials: Bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, hats, and light rain gear depending on the season.
- Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases: Saying “Olá” (hello), “Obrigada/o” (thank you), and “Por favor” (please) goes a long way.
- Purchase a Porto Card: This city pass offers free access to public transportation, discounts on attractions, and other benefits.
- Pre-book tickets: Consider booking tickets for popular attractions in advance, especially during peak season, to avoid queues.
- Embrace the slow pace: Porto is a city best explored at a leisurely pace. Allow plenty of time for wandering, exploring hidden gems, and enjoying spontaneous moments.
- Engage your kids: Involve your children in planning activities, choosing restaurants, and learning about Porto’s history and culture.
- Be prepared for hills: Porto is a hilly city, so wear comfortable shoes and utilize the funicular railway or public transportation if needed.
- Sample local delicacies: From Pastel de Nata to Francesinha sandwiches, explore Porto’s culinary scene and introduce your children to new flavors.
- Embrace the unexpected: Be open to spontaneous discoveries and unexpected encounters that can add charm and memories to your trip.
By following these tips and utilizing the information provided, you can plan a fun-filled and enriching family vacation in Porto, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.
