Porto is a beautiful and charming city located in the north of Portugal, and its beauty shines especially bright in the spring. During springtime, the city’s cultural scene is in full swing, with music festivals, art exhibitions, and other events that attract visitors from all over the world.
The city is less crowded than in the summer months, making it a great time to explore the city’s narrow streets, historic neighborhoods, and hidden gems.
Spring in Porto starts in March and ends in May, and the weather during this time is mild and pleasant. The temperatures typically range from 13°C (55°F) to 22°C (72°F), with occasional rain showers.
Porto in spring has something for everyone! Let’s take a look at the top 9 Spring attractions in Porto.
Top 9 Spring Attractions in Porto
1. Clérigos Tower
Spring is the perfect time to visit the Clérigos Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in Porto. This impressive tower is located in the heart of the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Porto’s historic center.
Upon reaching the top of the 75-meter tall tower, visitors can take in the stunning 360-degree views of the city, including its red-roofed buildings and narrow streets. During spring, the surrounding gardens of the tower are in full bloom, enhancing the beauty of the tower even further.
2. Explore Ribeira
The Ribeira district of Porto is a popular spot to visit during the spring months. With the warmer weather and longer days, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the colorful streets and lively atmosphere of this historic district. Ribeira is located on the banks of the Douro River and is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it an ideal location for strolling, dining, and shopping.
One of the main attractions of the Ribeira district is the picturesque Ribeira Square, which dates back to the Middle Ages. The square is surrounded by colorful buildings and is a popular gathering place for both locals and tourists. During spring, the square comes alive with outdoor cafes and street performers, creating a vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for soaking up the local culture.
3. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Visiting Jardins do Palácio de Cristal in spring is an experience that you won’t forget. The gardens, located in Porto, Portugal, are at their most beautiful during this season. The weather is perfect for strolling through the gardens and admiring the flowers in full bloom. Bring a picnic towel and enjoy some food and wine surrounded by natured.
The garden’s main attraction is the Crystal Palace, a beautiful glass structure that is surrounded by lush greenery. The palace’s reflection in the nearby lake is truly breathtaking. Spring is also the time when the garden hosts the famous flower festival, which attracts visitors from all over the world.
We recommend taking a walk along the paths and admire the various plant species, including camellias, magnolias, and azaleas.
4. Fado show
Fado, a significant aspect of Portuguese culture, is best enjoyed with a glass of Port wine. You can fully immerse yourself in the magic of a live Portuguese fado performance in Porto, where talented voices sing about love and heartbreak. While listening to the music of the fado guitars, you can also relish the traditional Port wine, which is locally produced in the vineyards of Porto, to get a genuine cultural experience. The show, which lasts 45 minutes, takes place in a typical Portuguese bar.
5. 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour
Sunny weather with mild temperatures are the perfect conditions for a walking tour of Porto. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, this walking tour lasts for 3 hours and provides an opportunity to discover Porto’s rich history and breathtaking landmarks.
The city’s streets and distinctive blend of Moorish and Roman influences are among the highlights of the tour, which also features visits to UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites, including the Porto Cathedral, baroque churches, and the iconic Ponte de Dom Luis I iron bridge.
In addition to exploring the city’s landmarks, the tour provides insights into Porto’s Roman heritage and its contribution to the production of renowned Port wine.
6. Visit local art spots in Porto
There’s no better way to relish a lovely Spring day in Porto than to explore the city’s numerous art locations. Whether it’s traditional shops, galleries, monuments, or street art, there’s a plethora of artistic expressions to be found in every corner of the city.
One art spot worth mentioning is the Cor Própria – Galeria Pop Up, which opened in 2022 as an expansion of an existing gallery. This pop-up gallery has a unique concept where every month it transforms into a new location based on a specific theme, color, and artist, providing a platform for showcasing different local artists.
Another remarkable place is the Ó! Gallery, situated in the artsy Miguel Bombarda Street. This gallery exhibits an array of artworks, illustrations, books, as well as t-shirts and tote bags designed by local artists.
Other notable local art locations in Porto include Squid Ink Works, Circus Network, and Padaria Águas Furtadas.
7. Casa da Música
Casa da Música is a world-renowned concert hall located in the heart of Porto, Portugal. This stunning piece of contemporary architecture is not only a hub for music lovers but also a tourist attraction in itself.
During the spring months, Casa da Música hosts a variety of concerts and events that showcase some of the most talented musicians from around the world. The interior of the building is just as impressive as the exterior, with state-of-the-art acoustics and beautiful design.
In addition to the concerts, the building also houses a music shop, restaurant, and an exhibition space. Visitors can take guided tours of the building, learning about its history and design.
8. São Bento Train Station
São Bento Train Station is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks, located in the heart of Porto. The station is known for its beautiful Beaux-Arts architecture and its impressive azulejo tilework.
The station takes on a special charm during the spring months. As the flowers and trees outside the station come to life, the station’s exterior is surrounded by colorful blossoms and greenery, creating a stunning backdrop for photographers.
During the springtime, the station’s interior is also worth a visit. The natural light adds to the beauty of the intricate azulejo tilework that is featured on the walls.
The station’s busy train schedule means that there’s always something happening, especially in the warmer months, making it a great spot to people watch and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
9. Douro River Cruise
One of the most sought-after river cruises in Porto during the spring season is the 9.5-hour all-inclusive Douro River cruise, where visitors can indulge in a full day of exploration along the Douro Valley’s captivating landscapes.
APortuguese Rabelo boat will take you to Peso da Regua, Pinhao, and Sabrosa from Porto. This spectacular cruise includes two stops at wine estates, where guests can sample some of the finest wines produced in the region’s vineyards. Along the way, there are also stops at viewpoints to savor the stunning scenery, and a typical Douro lunch that features an olive oil tasting.
To ensure visitors get the most out of this experience, the entire river cruise includes a tour guide who provides fascinating insights about the area.
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