The city of Porto doesn’t rest in November despite the somewhat low temperatures – 16 degrees Celsius during the day (this is, after all, the beginning of the cold season in Portugal). Even though it’s not as warm as in September and October, many tourists find November an ideal month to explore Porto, as the streets are not that busy, and touristic attractions can be enjoyed in peace.
However, there’s more to Porto than incredible architecture and breathtaking attractions! Like in any other city in Portugal, big or small, there are plenty of events you enjoy. Some of them may be right up your alley, while others focus on local traditions, giving you the opportunity to discover more about the culture of Portugal and Porto itself!
Keep reading to learn more about some of the November events in Porto that you may enjoy!
1. O Rouxinol (The Nightingale)
When: November 1
Where: TNSJ — Teatro Nacional de São João, Praça da Batalha, 4000-102 Porto, Portugal
How much: 5 EUR – 20 EUR
O Rouxinol e o Imperador da China is one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beautiful tales, written in 1843, and you can now enjoy it at Teatro Nacional de São João in Porto!
It tells the story of a small bird whose song captivates the aging emperor, who cages it but later forgets about it in favor of a lavish mechanical nightingale. When the emperor is near death, he realizes that only the forgotten bird’s song can save him.
In Porto, this story becomes a miniature opera in four acts that blends humor, lyricism, and melancholy, exploring themes like life, death, beauty, and imitation. Hurry up to book a ticket – the last show of the season is on November 1st!
2. Maratona do Porto
When: November 3
Where: Porto
How much: Depends on the distance
Just like Lisbon, Porto has its own race event, encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to take a stand and be more active than usual during Maratona do Porto. The event consists of a main marathon that must be completed in a maximum of six hours and implies running over a distance of 42 km, 12 km, or 6 km if you don’t want to tire yourself too much.
If you’re looking to add some more steps to your daily walking goal during your stay in Porto, don’t miss out on Maratona do Porto. The best part is that it’s open to everyone, you don’t have to be an expert marathon runner or an athlete – unless you want to run for 42 km of course!
3. Guided Tour of the Batalha Cinema Center
When: November 2
Where: Batalha Centro de Cinema, Praça da Batalha 47, 4000-101 Porto, Portugal
How Much: 3 EUR
Is it raining in Porto? No worries! You can hide at the Batalha Centro de Cinema and enjoy a guided tour!
This tour provides an exclusive glimpse into one of the city’s most renowned cultural landmarks, allowing you to discover more about its rich history and architectural design.
You’ll get to explore the impressive interior and access areas typically closed to the public, such as the rooftop overlooking Praça da Batalha and Júlio Pomar’s murals. Whether you’re a film enthusiast or not, this tour is an incredible opportunity to appreciate Porto’s cultural legacy!
If you enjoy this tour, make sure to check the program of the Batalha Centro de Cinema – there may be some screenings you’ll want to watch! On November 3rd, for example, you can watch Sorry We Missed You. The center also hosts regular exhibitions that you may want to add to your must-visit list.
kaysgeog, Flickr
4. Candlelight Concerts – Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons
When: From November 8
Where: Palacio da Bolsa, R. de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto
How much: From 25.50 EUR
Candlelight Concerts are more or less the norm when it comes to high-quality musical events in Portugal. In Lisbon, for example, the month of November brings as many as six different concerts. One of these can also be enjoyed in Porto – the Coldplay vs. Imagine Dragons Candlelight Concert.
The performance consists of seven Coldplay songs and six Imagine Dragons songs performed by a string quartet. Believe it when we say it – it will be an out-of-this-world experience for music enthusiasts, regardless of what genre you prefer. And it’s held in Palacio da Bolsa, one of Porto’s most iconic buildings!
5. We Call It Flamenco – A Unique Spanish Dance Show
When: November 23
Where: Hilton Porto Gaia, R. de Serpa Pinto 124, 4400-307 Vila Nova de Gaia
How much: From 19 EUR
The We Call It Flamenco show has performed so far in more than 20 cities throughout Europe. Now, it’s Portugal’s turn to experience this unique Spanish dance show, which aims to entertain locals and tourists from both Lisbon and Porto!
You’ll be able to enjoy Fandangos of Huelva, a majestic guitar solo, as well as numerous Spanish dances – cantinas, buleria, canto, solea, and tangos.
Every dance performance will be accompanied by a virtuoso guitarist, Roque Acevedo Vasquez, as well as a singer, Carlos Guillen Mirandal – all in all, a complete, genuine Spanish flamenco experience!
6. Dali Cybernetics 2024
When: Throughout November
Where: Alfândega do Porto, R. Nova da Alfândega, 4050-430 Porto
How much: From 14 EUR
Do you like Salvador Dali? Do you often find yourself staring at his works, trying to find new meanings or different ways to… see them? If so, this is the perfect event for you. Dali Cybernetics takes the good old works of this famous artist and couples them with projection mapping, sound effects, and digital displays for a new, improved way to experience Dali’s art!
The highlights of the event are the 360-degree view of some of the most famous and influential works of Dali, as well as several virtual reality experiences that will make you feel like you’re literally walking through the mind of the artist!
Each session lasts only 30 minutes but is bound to impress you far beyond your expectations! Did you know that more than 50,000 visitors have already stepped into Dali’s world, thanks to Dali Cybernetics? And they loved it!
