{"id":7042240,"date":"2026-08-19T23:36:59","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T23:36:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/uncategorized\/hidden-gems-in-porto-the-best-non-touristy-things-to-do\/"},"modified":"2026-08-19T23:36:59","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T23:36:59","slug":"hidden-gems-in-porto-the-best-non-touristy-things-to-do","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=7042240","title":{"rendered":"Hidden Gems in Porto: The Best Non-Touristy Things to Do"},"content":{"rendered":"


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I explored Porto for over 2 weeks, and every place I travel to, I make it a must to explore off the beaten track. These were my favorite hidden gems in Porto. Porto holds a special place in my heart \u2013 I really fell in love with it. The views are stunning, the sunsets are magical and fun to be a part of with all the crowds at Jardim do Morro, and there\u2019s so much to stumble upon and discover. If you hate flocking to the busy tourist spots, then these non-touristy things to do are just perfect. <\/p>\n

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12 Hidden Gems in Porto<\/span><\/h2>\n

I recommend 3 days or more in Porto<\/a> to experience it\u2019s hidden gems and even take a day trip to the Douro Valley<\/a> via its scenic train<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1. Jardins do Pal\u00e1cio de Cristal<\/span><\/h3>\n
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My favorite thing I did in Porto<\/a> was to visit this stunning botanical garden called Jardins do Pal\u00e1cio de Cristal. It was huge and full of so much greenery and free-roaming peacocks and chickens. The peacocks were gorgeous! Wow, if you\u2019ve never seen one, it\u2019s actually so cool to spot them here. There are endless beautiful viewpoints of Porto as well. I spent a good 3 hours here because I loved it that much.<\/p>\n

2. Largo da Pena Ventosa<\/span><\/h3>\n
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This colorful street is hidden down an alley you wouldn\u2019t suspect. It\u2019s nothing but a pretty street to capture the essence of Porto\u2019s quintessential vibes. There are also a couple of bars you can sit at right in front of here if you feel like having a break from the city.<\/p>\n

3. River Soul Hotel<\/span><\/h3>\n
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I stayed at the River Soul Hotel<\/a> in Porto on the Gaia side, and it was the best decision ever. Room rates were quite reasonable, especially for me traveling solo. The highlight for me was the views straight from my balcony. Plus, I could see the cute Gaia cable cars zooming right past my window! I highly recommend staying at this little gem if you\u2019re visiting Porto.<\/p>\n

4. Digby Restaurant <\/span><\/h3>\n
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Looking for an amazing meal in Porto with a view? Well, Digby Restaurant is that! It was actually one of my best meals while in Portugal. The Portuguese meats were a standout dish, and I also loved the dessert I got with rhubarb. It\u2019s hidden away inside the Torel Avantgarde Hotel, a 5-star boutique hotel.<\/p>\n

5. Half Rabbit Mural<\/span><\/h3>\n
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O Coelho (the Half Rabbit) is a unique street art located on a side street along the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia. So many tourists get off the Gaia cable car and have no idea that this cool piece of artwork is just moments away. The rabbit is built on the corner of the building, which makes it look almost 3D. It was created in 2017 by Portuguese artist Bordalo II. You will also find his artwork in other parts of Porto and even in Lisbon. If you want to see more of it, you can do a Google Maps search for Bordalo II. This artist is known for transforming pieces of trash into animals and art.<\/p>\n

5. Explore the Bonfim neighborhood<\/span><\/h3>\n
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The Bonfim neighborhood is a very cool and underrated neighborhood in Porto. It\u2019s full of charming homes, parks, and cafes. I stumbled upon a gorgeous park called Jardim Marques de Oliveira and loved relaxing here. It was so pretty and filled with many locals. Next to it was one of my favorite little coffee shops in Porto called Combi Coffee Roasters<\/a>. I really liked the atmosphere, and it was a place you could sit and chat with a friend or read a book. I continued my walk through this charming neighborhood and stumbled upon a really cool-looking cemetery<\/a>. Here you\u2019ll find beautiful old tombs, elaborate mausoleums, sculptures, and ornate family chapels, making it feel almost like an open-air museum. I walked all the way to the famous Bonfim Cathedral, and it was such a nice day exploring Porto outside of the touristy attractions.<\/p>\n

7. Passeio das Fontainhas<\/span><\/h3>\n
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There\u2019s a famous photo on Instagram of the street in Porto, Passeio das Fontainhas. The reality of this photo<\/a> is that it\u2019s someone\u2019s private home and property. I went searching for it in June 2026, only to find it had been repainted and changed so that people would stop invading this poor person\u2019s home to take a photo. It looked completely different and had a gate to prevent people from trespassing. <\/p>\n

Instead, I\u2019d recommend walking down further along Passeio das Fontainhas. There are so many quiet viewpoints with few people around. Including cool little seats you can sit on and admire the views next to you. This little scenic spot is called Miradouro do Passeio das Fontainhas (Google Maps Location<\/a>).<\/p>\n

8. A P\u00e9rola do Bolh\u00e3o<\/span><\/h3>\n
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A P\u00e9rola do Bolh\u00e3o is a sardine shop with the cutest facade in all of Porto! I love the pastel yellow and greens on this facade. The shop actually dates back to 1917 and features\u00a0Art Nouveau from the inside to the exterior. I urge you to also go inside and get a souvenir. The sardine cans are also very beautiful, and if you like sardines, props to you (I don\u2019t!) They did tell me there\u2019s some less fishy flavours though! It\u2019s a Portuguese staple, so don\u2019t miss out. I did end up buying pastel de nata flavoured tea here though, and I\u2019m obsessed \u2013 it\u2019s so good!<\/p>\n

9. BOSCO Porto<\/span><\/h3>\n
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BOSCO Porto is one of the coolest places in Porto for a cocktail, beer, or wine. The atmosphere is lively in the evenings, and the place is tucked away just beyond Porto\u2019s historic center. It\u2019s not a place you would ever find on your own. The views were really nice, and the striped umbrellas made it look so intimate and cozy. I didn\u2019t reserve to come here and was lucky to find a seat. I recommend coming 1-1.5 hours before sunset to make sure you can get a seat. Otherwise, you can stand and chill at the bar \u2013 I think there would still be space for you.<\/p>\n

10. Hidden view of Gaia Cable Cars<\/span><\/h3>\n
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The best view of the Gaia Cable Cars is on\u00a0R. do Gen. Torres<\/a>, which is on the Gaia side. This spot is a bit more discreet and less visited. Which I\u2019m impressed to know because it was one of my favorite views in Porto. <\/p>\n

11. Get Your Photo Printed on a Newspaper<\/span><\/h3>\n
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One of the most unique things to do in Porto is to get your photo printed on a vintage newspaper. You will find these photographers stationed at certain points in the city. I came across it twice. One was across from Majestic Cafe, and the other was after crossing the Lu\u00eds I Bridge and turning right to find the viewpoint on the Gaia side. I didn\u2019t even ask for my photo to be printed while on the Gaia side, but the person had captured me as I was photographing the views and simply gave it to me. While at Majestic Cafe, I asked for my photo and left a small donation. It\u2019s such a cute little memorabilia for your trip.<\/p>\n

12. My Coffee Porto<\/span><\/h3>\n
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This coffee shop has the best view in Porto! If you\u2019re at the famous Lu\u00eds I Bridge on the Ribeira side, cross the street and go up some steps. You will find this coffee shop, My Coffee Porto, and some of the best views of Porto. The seats are limited here, so if you\u2019re lucky, you will be able to snag the outdoor seat in the corner. It\u2019s the best spot at the cafe to admire the views. Don\u2019t forget to enjoy a coffee. The staff is really kind and welcoming, too. <\/p>\n

For more reading, you may also like:
\ud83d\udc8e Hidden Gems in Lisbon
<\/a>\ud83c\udff0 The Ultimate Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon<\/a>
\u2615 My Favorite Cafes & Brunch in Lisbon<\/a>
\ud83c\uddf5\ud83c\uddf9 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal<\/a>
\ud83d\ude82 Douro Valley Train: The Most Scenic Train Ride<\/a>
\ud83c\udf77 How to Enjoy the Best Douro Valley Day Trip from Porto<\/a>
\u2602\ufe0f The Colorful Umbrella Street in Agueda, Portugal<\/a><\/p>\n

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