Exploring Porto

Porto, the dynamic coastal city known for its stunning river views, historic architecture, and world-famous wine, is the perfect setting for ET 2025. The Local Host Committee has curated an excellent selection of must-see sights and hidden gems to help you make the most of your time outside the congress hours.

Port wine

Porto wouldn’t be Porto without its legendary Port wine, and Dr. Tiago Bilhim, Dr. Ana Isabel Simoes Ferreira, Dr. Tiago Pereira, Dr. Pedro Marinho Lopes, and Dr. Manuela Certo all have high praise. “You cannot miss the chance to visit one of the several Port wine cellars, located on the Gaia riverside, right next to the conference venue. Learn how Port wine is made, enter the cellars where it is stored to age, and taste the various types of Port Wine. Make sure to try the ruby, tawny and vintage styles,” says Dr. Tiago Pereira. Dr. Ana Isabel Simoes Ferreira adds, “Explore the renowned wine cellars, like Sandeman, Taylor’s, and Ferreirinha for tastings and tours.”

“For those interested in culture and art, I recommend visiting the WOW (World of Wine), an interactive space dedicated to Porto’s famous wine culture, with museums, galleries, and tasting experiences,” suggests Dr. Marinho Lopes. Dr. Pereira adds, “It includes seven dynamic themed museums, and it is only a five-minute walk from the congress venue. I recommend The Wine Experience, Porto Region Across the Ages, and Planet Cork. The last entry is at 19:00, so you still have time to visit the museums after the last session.”

Porto’s wine cellars

Photos courtesy of the Porto Convention & Visitors Bureau

 Dom Luís I Bridge

Scenic views

Whether you enjoy them while sipping or snapping photos, Porto’s elevated views are unforgettable. Dr. Pedro Sousa recommends, “You must have a drink at the rooftop of Espaço Porto Cruz (in Vila Nova de Gaia), with an amazing view of Porto’s riverside! On the Porto side, check out Praia da Luz, a bar and restaurant, with a wonderful sea view.”

Dr. Simoes Ferreira notes, “Head to the riverside and walk across this iconic double-deck iron bridge, Dom Luís I Bridge, offering panoramic views of the Douro River.” Dr. Certo and Dr. Marinho Lopes add, “The Dom Luís I Bridge offers stunning views, especially at sunset.” And Dr. Pereira suggests Torre dos Clérigos, saying, “It’s one of Porto’s most iconic attractions, which you can climb and enjoy an excellent view over Porto.”

Historic city walks

Porto’s layered history is best experienced on foot, with treasures around every corner. “Porto is made for exploring! After congress hours, I highly recommend a walk along the Ribeira riverside district — it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of charm, with colourful buildings, and lively cafés,” says Dr. Certo. Dr. Bilhim suggests, “Visit the city centre, including Aliados Avenue, Cordoaria district, and the Porto Cathedral.”

Dr. Belarmino Gonçalves adds, “I recommend exploring the historical downtown that mixes with the Douro riverfront. You’ll see the Avenida dos Aliados, Fundação de Serralves Gardens, the old Porto wine cellars, and the seafront (Foz do Douro).”

Dr. Marinho Lopes advises, “For a more authentic experience, I suggest a visit to Afurada, a charming fishing district in Vila Nova de Gaia. This area offers a more local, less touristy vibe, with traditional restaurants serving fresh seafood in a very picturesque setting.”

Livraria Lello

Photos courtesy of the Porto Convention & Visitors Bureau

Ribeira riverside district

Harry Potter inspo

Dr. Simoes Ferre recommends, “Visit one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, Livraria Lello, famed for its stunning architecture.” Dr. Pereira expands, “Rumour has it that J.K. Rowling’s inspiration to write Harry Potter began in Porto, particularly at this library. She lived in Porto while working as an English teacher in the early 1990s and used to drink a cup of coffee on the second floor of Lello’s bookstore.”

Nature escapes

Looking for a quiet moment in the mornings or evenings? Porto’s natural surroundings provide a peaceful contrast to its urban energy. Dr. Pereira suggests, “If you like nature, you should visit the Parque da Cidade do Porto, with a sophisticatedly designed landscape, with lakes, varied flora and fauna, integrated into the city’s fabric and connected to the sea. On the Gaia side, a little further downstream from the congress centre, I recommend the Reserva Natural Local do Estuário do Douro, a place for observing migratory birds.”

Dr. Certo also recommends a coastal escape: “If you’re looking for a bit of beach time, Foz do Douro is just a short tram ride away, where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean — perfect for a peaceful stroll or a drink by the sea.”

Parque da Cidade do Porto

Photos courtesy of the Porto Convention & Visitors Bureau

Nightlife in Porto

Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Porto’s vibrant social scene lights up. Dr. Sousa offers: “For the more resilient IRs, I suggest the bar and nightclub area on Rua da Galeria de Paris, starting at Base Porto.”