15 Amazing Things to do in Porto with kids
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Planning a family trip to Portugal and looking for the best things to do in Porto with kids? You’re at the right place! Keep reading to find out the best family-friendly activities worth adding to your Porto itinerary.
Porto is a destination that is often overlooked by families. People think of Porto as the destination for the Douro Valley, vineyard visits and lively nightlife – activities that are not family-friendly. However, it is a charming city with plenty of things to do for the whole family. As Porto’s city centre is fairly small, it is easy for families travelling with children to visit Porto on foot or by public transport. On our last trip to Portugal with our children, we were completely charmed by the city of Porto. We fell in love with the narrow streets lined with shops and restaurants. In this article, we share 15 amazing things to do with kids in Porto.
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15 things to do with kids in Porto
Douro River Six Bridges Cruise
A Six Bridges cruise on the Douro is undoubtedly one of the best things to do with kids in Porto. Indeed, boat tours are usually a big hit with children. On board a typical Rabelo boat, a guide will explain the history of the Rabelos on the Douro. During the cruise, you will see the magnificent city of Porto and the six famous bridges that cross the Douro. Your kids will be delighted to wave at the passengers on the other boats you pass.
The six bridges cruise on the Douro is a perfect activity to do with children – the duration isn’t too long and keeps the kids interested. It’s a good option for resting your children’s tired little legs after exploring the city on foot.
The cruises depart from and arrive at the quay in the Ribeira district. So you can take the opportunity to stroll around this beautiful area and eat a good gelato while waiting to board the boat (or when you disembark).
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Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
To reduce the logistics of travelling with young children, it’s a good idea to visit the city of Porto on a hop-on hop-off bus. On board, you have access to an audio guide available in several languages that tells the history and highlights of the districts you are visiting. There are several stops at tourist attractions along the way. You can get on and off the bus as many times as you like during the validity of your ticket (24 or 48 hours). This is one of the best things to do with kids in Porto to see as many of the sights as possible without walking all over the city.
For parents, tickets include a guided tour and a wine tasting (location determined according to the date of your visit).
Two options are available: 24H and 48H tickets.
Visit the Palacio da Bolsa
A visit to the Palacio da Bolsa is one of the best things to do in Porto with kids. The whole family will be impressed by the splendour of the Palace, built in 1842. A guided tour is the only way to visit the palace. Tours in several languages are offered every day. The guided tour is well worth it! You’ll discover some magnificent rooms and a rich history.
Your kids will have lots of fun visiting this palace with its impressive décor: chandeliers, chandeliers and tapestries are just some of the features that will charm the whole family.
Just outside the palace, you can enjoy a quiet moment in the beautiful garden. From there, you can admire the architecture and exterior beauty of the palace.
Find additional information on the Palacio da Bolsa’s website
World of Discoveries
Here’s one of the most fun attractions to visit with kids in Porto: the World of Discoveries. In this museum, you’ll discover the history of Portugal through the eyes of Portuguese explorers. This interactive exhibition, featuring 20 thematic installations, recreates the voyages of Portuguese navigators such as Ferdinand Magellan and Vasco de Gama. You’ll also board small (indoor) boats to discover the Portuguese odyssey. The World of Discovery is generally a family favourite. It’s a great thing to do in Porto with kids, especially on a rainy day.
Gaia Cable Car
On the other side of the Douro is the small town of Gaia. You simply have to cross the Dom Luìs I bridge to reach Gaia. From there, you’ll have a magnificent view of Porto. The main street – mainly pedestrian – is bustling with tourists. This is also where you’ll find the Gaia cable car. The cable car connects the town of Gaia (where you’ll find several wine and port cellars to visit) with the Jardin de Morro, just off the pedestrian access to the upper level of the Dom Luìs I bridge.
As you ride in the cable car, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the Douro River and the city of Porto. Children are sure to love this unusual mode of transport. It definitely is one of the greatest things to do in Porto with kids.
The trip takes approximately 5 minutes and covers a distance of 600 meters.
Click here for additional information.
Livraria Lello – Harry Potter Bookshop
Enter a unique world – the one that inspired J.K. Rowling to write the Harry Potter books. This bookshop dates back to 1880, and moved into its current premises in 1906. The wooden details of the décor and the famous spiral staircases are impressive.
You need to buy a ticket in advance to enter the bookshop. Each ticket corresponds to a credit that will be deducted when you buy a book.
Little Harry Potter fans (as well as their parents) will be impressed by this magnificient bookstore. It is definitely one of the musts when travelling to Porto with kids.
For more information, click here.
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Porto Tuk Tuk City Tour
Guided tours in tuk tuks allow tourists to discover the city in an original and fun way. Because they’re small and environmentally friendly, they’re easy to squeeze into the city’s narrow streets. This means you can visit a large part of the city without having to walk up the many hills and stairs in Porto city centre. During your tour, the guide will tell you the history of the city and share interesting highlights. Tuk tuk rides are undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Porto with kids – the whole family will love it!
You can buy your tickets in advance or grab one whenever you like – they’re usually parked outside some of the city’s central attractions, including the Torre dos Clerigos.
A stroll through Porto’s gardens
Crystal Palace Gardens
This park offers some of the best views in Porto. This large botanical garden is the perfect place to let your children run around and stretch their legs. You can see peacocks and labyrinths of plants. It’s also a great place to relax and have a picnic with magnificent views over the Douro.
Serralves Gardens
The Serralves Foundation contains a museum, exhibition space and an 18-hectare park. You can take advantage of this large area to stroll around and observe pantes and other species (birds, ducks, etc.). The museum is also an interesting place to visit in Porto with kids – this large house promoting contemporary and Portuguese art is sure to impress your children.
More information is available here.
Santo Inacio Zoo
A visit to the zoo is one of the top family-friendly activities in Porto. The whole family can have fun admiring over 600 different animals in the largest zoo in northern Portugal. There’s also a tropical greenhouse, a reptile house and an Asiatic lion tunnel.
Tickets can be bought in advance here or on the spot.
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Sea Life Porto
Visiting Sea Life Porto is one of the best things to do in Porto with kids on a grey or rainy day. You’ll see stingrays, sharks and fish of all kinds. It’s quite a small place, but it’s very well laid out. You can walk through an aquatic tunnel where you’ll be surrounded by fish. A visit to this aquarium is a great experience for families in Porto.
Visit a wine cellar
Visiting a wine cellar and taking part in a tasting session is a must on any trip to Porto. Although this activity is obviously not aimed at children, the whole family can have a great time. In fact, many wine cellars offer interactive guided tours with colourful visual presentations that captivate children.
On our last trip to Porto, we visited the Calem wine cellar, located in Gaia – just across the Dom Luìs I bridge. The section of the museum where part of the guided tour takes place is modern and impressive. Our young children were impressed by the light shows and videos on display. Also, during the port tasting, small glasses of orange juice were waiting for the children at the place designated for our family. A nice touch that encourages families to choose this wine cellar – and helps parents to enjoy the port more calmly while the children are busy drinking their juice.
Given the popularity of this activity, we recommend that you book and buy your tickets online.
Please note that guided tours are available in several languages – so be sure to book in advance according to the presentation schedule.
Funicular Dos Guindas – Lift
Porto’s streets are very steep, which means that your legs will be put under a lot of strain during your visit to the city centre. A short break can be worthwhile, especially if you’re travelling with young children who are exhausted from walking. In that case, you can opt to take the Funicular dos Guindas lift, which links the Ribeira and Batalha districts. As you climb 61 metres up a ravine, you’ll enjoy a magnificent view of the Douro and the Dom Luìs I bridge. This lift is also an excellent option if you’re travelling with a baby in a stroller in Porto. You won’t have to climb dozens of steps to reach the other level.
Check out this website for more information.
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FC Porto Stadium
Do you have any little soccer fans in the family? If so, visiting the FC Porto Stadium is definitely one of the best things to do in Porto with kids. Discover the history of the professional soccer team FC Porto by visiting the FC Porto museum and stadium. The visit lasts approximately 1h30-2h and is sure to impress the whole family.
For more information or to buy tickets, click here.
Beaches
Easy access to beaches on the Atlantic coast is one of Porto’s (fairly) well-kept secrets. In fact, in approximately 20 minutes by public transportation, you’ll have access to some beautiful beaches on the Portuguese coast. The two closest are Praia de Matosinhos and Praia do Ourigo. It’s an inexpensive activity that usually pleases the whole family. Add it to your list of things to do with children in Porto.
During our most recent trip to Porto, we travelled to Espinho for a family beach day trip! We ABSOLUTELY loved this place.
Quinta do Covelo Park
If you’re looking for a place where your children can play freely, the Parque Quinta do Covelo is the perfect place. It’s a large park with several children’s play areas and walking trails. There’s also a bistro with a terrace where you can enjoy a bite to eat with the whole family. It’s sure to be one of your children’s favourites in Porto.
FAQ: Visiting Porto with Kids
1. Is Porto a family-friendly destination?
Absolutely! Porto is a fantastic city for families, with its rich history, walkable streets, and a variety of fun attractions for kids. From scenic river cruises to interactive museums and beautiful parks, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained.
2. What’s the best time of year to visit Porto with kids?
The best times to visit are spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant, and the crowds are smaller, making it easier to explore the city with kids.
3. How do we get around Porto with kids?
Porto’s public transport system is easy to navigate, with trams, buses, and metro options. However, many of the main attractions are within walking distance, making it a very walkable city. Just be aware of some hilly streets, especially if you’re pushing a stroller.
4. Are there family-friendly restaurants in Porto?
Yes! Porto is full of family-friendly restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine. Many restaurants offer high chairs and kid-friendly menu options, and Portuguese people are generally very welcoming to families with children.
5. What are some must-see attractions in Porto for kids?
Top kid-friendly attractions include the World of Discoveries, a fun and educational museum, Serralves Park with its beautiful outdoor spaces, and the iconic Livraria Lello bookstore. Don’t forget to take a boat cruise on the Douro River!
Conclusion: The 15 Best Things to Do in Porto with Kids
Porto is a magical destination for families, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and fun activities that kids will love. From exploring ancient castles and iconic bookstores to taking scenic boat rides and playing in lush parks, there’s something for every child’s interest. Porto’s laid-back vibe and friendly atmosphere make it easy for parents to relax and enjoy their time with little ones.
Whether you’re wandering the charming streets, savoring local treats, or discovering Porto’s fascinating history, your family is sure to have an unforgettable experience. With so many things to do, Porto is a destination that both kids and parents will want to visit again and again!
Planning a family trip to Portugal? Read these posts next:
– 9 AMAZING DAY TRIPS FROM PORTO WITH KIDS
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– The Best Time to Go to Portugal: Your Family-Friendly Guide
– WHERE TO STAY WITH KIDS IN LISBON
– 7 INCREDIBLE DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON BY TRAIN FOR FAMILIES
– 11 Absolutely Great Things to do in Cascais with Kids
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