Porto, a city steeped in magic and history, is a treasure trove of enchanting adventures for kids and families. As if conjured by a spell from the Wizarding World itself, Porto's narrow cobblestone streets and charming squares are filled with wonder and excitement, waiting to be discovered by young wizards and Muggles alike.
Begin your journey at the Livraria Lello, a bookshop so magical it might well have been plucked straight from Diagon Alley. With its stunning, winding staircase and ceiling painted in intricate designs, it’s a place where imaginations can take flight, and stories come alive. You might even spot a book that looks like it belongs in Hogwarts' library.
Next, hop on the historic trams that rattle through the city like enchanted carriages. As you ride along, you’ll pass through bustling markets, where the aroma of freshly baked pastries and the sounds of cheerful chatter fill the air. The Mercado do Bolhão is a feast for the senses, with vibrant stalls offering everything from sweets to spellbinding trinkets.
For a touch of nature, visit the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal. These gardens are a labyrinth of winding paths, lush greenery, and secret nooks perfect for hide-and-seek. Overlooking the Douro River, the views are nothing short of spectacular–an ideal spot for a family picnic.
Don’t miss the Sea Life Porto, where magical creatures of the deep, from gliding stingrays to shimmering jellyfish, await your discovery. It's an underwater adventure that feels like a journey through the pages of a magical bestiary.
The picturesque narrow cobbled streets of Downtown Porto are part of the city's charm. They are, however, quite steep in places and tiring on feet, both old and young. Luckily there are many fun ways to get around. Porto's historic trams still run three different lines throughout the city, including the Tram #1 which follows the riverfront between the historic centre and the garden of Passeio Alegre. Passing the Tram Museum [ ► ] along the way.
Another amusing way to see the city is to take a Tuk Tuk guided tour that passes the main attractions of Porto.
More About [ ► ]
Road trains are a common sight in most touristy cities around the world. Porto's Road Train chugs its way past most of the emblematic landmarks and stops at Real Companhia Velha port lodge with admission included. The whole tour takes about 100 – 120 minutes.
More About [ ► ]
If you really want to be a savvy traveller, you can buy a combination ticket. It comprises a Hop-On Hop-Off option on the old trams, a tour bus, wine tasting and a river cruise. More About [ ► ]
Cycling
The hilly, narrow cobbled lanes of old town Porto may seem at first unsuitable for cycling, however, cyclists seem to be everywhere in Porto. Drivers are well used to people riding bikes on the road and occasionally will give you a polite beep on the horn to let you know they acknowledge you. There are also great dedicated traffic-free cycle routes following flatter terrains on either side of the river extending well out of the centre of the city. Cycling in Porto is actually one of the most enjoyable ways to explore this scenic part of Portugal.
Hop aboard one of Porto Duck Tours' distinctive yellow vehicles and see some of the city's most talked about sights. Learn interesting facts about the city and enjoy action-packed live commentary. It's amazing fun for everyone, whether it's with the kids, family, friends, or even a special occasion. The Ducks, originally used in World War II, have been completely rebuilt from scratch and modified to meet the strict safety regulations. More About [ ► ]
Yellow Bus is a Portuguese tour company owned by Carris and operates Portugal's top cities. They provide a broad range of tours in Porto and Northern Portugal…
Explore Porto and the 6 bridges of the Douro (Via D'Ouro) by bus and boat
More Info & Book Online ►
Create your own itinerary in Porto with two fun bus routes
Three essential ways to travel around Porto all with one ticket
More Info & Book Online ►
With this entrance ticket you can gain entry to the SEA LIFE Porto at your leisure. Buy online before you arrive to avoid queues and have the convenience of the e-ticket on your phone. Children under three get in for free. Book with confidence with FREE CANCELLATION.
Monday - Friday: 10h00 - 18h00, Weekends: 10h00 - 19h00
Adult: €15.50, Child & Concessionary: €10.50
The Sea Life Porto is one of Porto's top family attractions and is home to about 5,600 marine creatures. Sea Life Porto is divided into twelve different distinct areas and 32 aquariums. The aquatic creatures live in various habitats, from freshwater landscapes to Atlantic and tropical oceanic and rugged coastal environments.
To celebrate 10 years of Sea Life Porto's existence seven Humboldt penguins have taken up residence on their own designated island within the aquarium grounds. One of the unique themed areas is dedicated to the unique eco-system of the Douro River. Within the Rockpool exhibit, you'll be able to touch a sea urchin or a starfish. Walkthrough Portugal's first underwater tunnel for a fish-eye's perspective of the 500,000 litres of water contained within the main tank. Home to hundreds of species, including a green turtle Mariza who weighs over 130kg, friendly rays and black tips sharks. See the animals being fed; sharks at 11h00 and 14h30, rays at 1h00 and 16h00. More About [ ► ]
Trips on the river are a great way to see Porto from a unique perspective and to cool down during the hottest hours of the day. There is no shortage of companies offering river trips and tours of various duration, from a basic fifty-minute "bridge Tour" to longer full-day tours and multi-day cruises up the Douro Valley to Régua and beyond. The main touring season is between March and October, most frequently in the summer months. Short duration trips depart from both banks of the river; the Ribeira in Porto and the quayside in Vila Nova de Gaia.
The 400hp jet-boat experience speeds its passengers upstream on the Douro River. It is modelled on speed boat adventures found in New Zealand. The thrill starts at the Cais da Ribeira and takes you on a range of adrenaline-filled adventures up or downstream of various lengths and prices. The tours are operated by Tomaz do Douro and offer a 15% discount for holders of the Porto Card. Children between the ages of four and ten can join in with the fun but must be accompanied by an adult. | Daily: 10h00 - 18h00 | Porto Card: -15%
Contact Details
5 Praça da Ribeira, 4050-513 Porto, Portugal |
41° 08' 25.6" N | 08° 36' 46.7"W
+351 222 081 935 | geral@tomazdodouro.com | Website
Enjoy a traditional “6 Bridges Cruise” along the River Douro and follow in the footsteps of the old wine merchants who transported wine from the valley to the wine cellars. Board the boat at the Ribeira Quay and sail for 50 minutes along the river. Admire the beautiful landscapes and buildings of Ribeira and Vila Nova de Gaia from the water. The cruise is the perfect chance to learn more about the historic bridges which connect Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Learn more about their construction and curiosities, and upon arrival at the last bridge, see the Foz do Douro where the river flows into the ocean.
Check Availability
Benefit from a hotel pick-up and then embark on a full day's sightseeing tour of Porto by land and water. Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is home to exceptional architectural heritage and was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1996. After enjoying the delights of old Porto, head off to Gaia where you'll taste different varieties of Port. Then, cruise aboard one of the traditional flat-bottomed Rabelo boats and journey past 6 bridges. Learn more about the historic bridges that connect Porto and its twin city of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Check Availability
With this entrance ticket you can gain entry to the World of Discoveries is an Interactive Museum and Theme Park at your leisure. Buy online before you arrive to avoid queues and have the convenience of the e-ticket on your phone. Children under three get in for free. Book with confidence with FREE CANCELLATION.
The World of Discoveries is an Interactive Museum and Theme Park which re-enacts the amazing adventures of the Portuguese navigators, crossing oceans to discover previously unknown worlds. World of Discoveries is a much-needed addition to Porto's long list of attractions. It aims is to create a family-friendly experience which both educational and fun.
Walk in the footsteps of Portugal's famous and charismatic characters in Portugal's age of discovery such as Infante Dom Henrique of Portugal, Ferdinand Magellan, Vasco da Gama, Pedro Alvares Cabral and Bartolomeu Dias. Hop on-board a galleon and re-live their adventures through interactive multi-sensory exhibits, including a nine metre long tunnel which replicates the Cape of the Good Hope. Live theatre performances from park staff dressed in 15th-century costume is a fun way to bring history to life. Experience how it felt to see un-known lands for the first time such as Ceuta, the Cape of Storms, Black Africa, tropical forests, India, Timor, China and Macau, Japan and Brazil.
Sunday - Tuesday: 10h00 - 18h30, Friday - Saturday: 11h00 - 23h00, Monday: CLOSED
Adult: €13.00, Concessionary: €10.00, Child 4-12: €7.00, Infant 0-3: FREE
With this entrance ticket you can gain entry to the Porto Legends: The Underground Experience at your leisure. Buy online before you arrive to avoid queues and have the convenience of the e-ticket on your phone. Children under three get in for free. Book with confidence with FREE CANCELLATION.
Porto Legends is an immersive audiovisual attraction that takes place beneath the Porto Customs House. Projecting spectacular visual effects, animations, and virtual live-action actors onto the walls, the show tells the incredible history and myths of Porto and northern Portugal like never before. Narration is provided by Pedro Abrunhosa and Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons.
Learn about the history of the Undefeated City and Northern Portugal with an immersive cinematic experience in the atmospheric underground beneath Porto's Custom House.
Tuesday - Sunday: 10h00 - 19h00, Mondays: CLOSED
Adult: €10.50, Child & Concessionary: €5.50, Child 0-3: FREE
Zoo Santo Inácio is the largest and greenest zoo in Northern Portugal, ideally located only ten minutes away from Porto in Avintes, Vila Nova de Gaia. The zoo houses more than 600 animals, across 200 species, in 15 hectares of spacious and green habitats. Visitors can attend demonstrations (such as feeding sessions) showcasing the natural behaviour of certain animals. The zoo also has a restaurant, three bars, a picnic area and a shop where you can buy gifts.
Zoo Santo Inácio first opened in 2000 and has become one of the major family attractions in Northern Portugal. As well as being an entertainment venue, Zoo Santo Inácio other main concern is the awareness of wildlife protection and animal welfare. Zoo Santo Inácio is internationally renowned for quality and is one of the few Portuguese Zoos which participates with EAZA (European Aquarium and Zoo Association) in European programmes of preservation for endangered species who live at the zoo, such as Asiatic lions, snow leopards, Humboldt penguins, cheetahs, camels, pygmy hippos, Siberian tigers and more. More About [ ► ]
Summer: 10h00 - 19h00, Winter: 10h00 - 17h00
Under 3 Years: FREE, 3-12 Years: €10.50, 13-64 Years: €15.90, OAP: €14.50, Family of 4: €47.90
Cycling with a guide through Porto ensures you explore the best bike routes through Porto. Cycle alongside the river and discover old neighbourhoods in the historical centre designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about its economic significance as a port city, stop for coffee and pastries, before passing through two lovely city parks en route. You'll explore the Ribeira, Miragaia, and Foz Velha along the way. Helmet and bottled water are provided for your comfort and convenience.
Check Availability
Those who wish to explore the old town of Porto away from the river and coast may prefer to have the advantage of a powered assist. Our electric bikes are easy to ride and environmentally friendly! We will go through the entire city centre, passing through the most emblematic places. After we head to the beaches, not without first going through the most modern area of the city, Boavista. The tour ends in the iconic Ribeira area, where we will arrive via the cycle path that runs alongside the Douro River! This is the perfect tour for those who like culture and cycling!
Check Availability
Porto and Gaia share an incredible relationship, with the Douro River in between and the Dom Luis I bridge connecting them. It's pretty easy to discover these two beauties. If you are looking for a unique way to explore these two picturesque cities, join a private bike tour that will take you to see the best of Porto and the beauty of Gaia. Ride through the streets of Porto, admire its highlights and beautiful buildings. Cross the Douro River and enjoy the view! Explore the local streets of Gaia and catch a glimpse of the traditional daily life. On this unique ride, you'll be able to reach hidden streets and spots only known by the locals.
Check Availability
2024 © Mad About Portugal. All rights reserved | Privacy Policy
Lisbon Card 
