9 things to do in Porto with kids

9 things to do in Porto with kids

Porto, Portugal is a great city to go for a short break. It’s an ‘up and coming’ city on the tourist scene, so you’ll find lots to do there but without the huge costs of some of the more well known locations. If you’re looking for a cheap holiday in Portugal then I’d highly recommend it. Here are some ideas for things to do with kids in Porto. 

Take a ride on the cable car

The cable car gives you a lovely trip along the Duoro river, from which you can see Gaia’s rustic red rooftops and winding streets. It’s 6 euros for an adult single ticket or 9 euros for the return. Children are half price. We also got a free pass to one of the port cellars with our ticket including a free Port tasting. Well worth it! 

Go on the Funicular 

Porto is hilly! If you’re not in the mood for a steep walk, or just want something to entertain your children then take a trip up the north side of the river on the Funicular. 

Take a walk along the river

On the north side there are many many places to eat and drink as a nice big wide pathway where you can easily take a stroller. On the south side you’ll find most of the Port cellars. Most of these are very child friendly – they won’t mind you bringing your children while you have a quick taster. 

See the Peacocks at Crystal Palace Gardens

Image of a Peacock on grass with trees in the distance
Peacock at Crystal Palace Gardens

Crystal Palace Gardens are one of my absolute favourite places to go with the family in Porto. The gardens are lush and green – a lovely and relaxing place to walk around. There are also Peacocks freely roaming on the grass, which are always a hit with the children. 

Visit the Lello & Irmão bookshop

See if you can spot any similarities to Hogwarts while you’re there – J.K.Rowling lived in Porto for 10 years and used to drink coffee on the second floor of the bookstore. 

Buy traditional Portuguese products at A Vida Portuguesa

Situated at Galeria de Paris 20, A Vida Portuguesa is your stop for buying traditional Portuguese crafts. The building is lovely too – well worth a visit. 

Have a cheeky Port taster while the kids play

Lots of the Port wineries are surprisingly child friendly. Often they will have old barrels around that the kids can play on and no one seems to mind you bringing children in. 

Go to the Sardine shop

Picture of a window display at the sardine shop. Display shows a colourful mini carousel with designer sardine tins.
At the sardine shop

A sardine tin for each of the previous 100 years? Oh yes. As well as a display worthy of a steampunk fairground. My kids were mesmerised. 

Watch the sunset on the beach at Foz

Sunset on Foz beach, Porto, Portugal
Sunset on Foz beach

Foz is only a couple of stops on the metro, or a slightly longer walk along the river if you’re more of an active type. Here you can find beautiful white sand beaches, and plenty of cafes to have a piña colada. 

More places to go with kids

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