How to Enjoy Porto During Rainy Days

Don’t let a few raindrops dampen your spirits in Porto! While the city’s charming streets and riverside promenades shine in the sun, a rainy day here offers a unique opportunity to experience its cozy, cultural, and culinary delights from a different perspective. Embrace the atmospheric drizzle and discover the many warm and inviting spaces Porto has to offer.

Here’s how to make the most of a rainy day:

Dive into a World of Port Wine

There’s no better excuse to indulge in Porto’s most famous export than a rainy afternoon. Head across the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia, where countless Port wine cellars await. Most offer guided tours that delve into the history and production of Port, culminating in a delightful tasting. Popular choices include Taylor’s, Graham’s, Sandeman, Cálem, and Ferreira, each offering a unique experience. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially on a wet day, as these tours fill up quickly.

Explore Porto’s Rich Museum Scene

Porto boasts an impressive array of museums that offer a perfect escape from the weather.

• Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art: A must-visit for art lovers, set within beautiful grounds (though you can enjoy the indoor galleries).
• Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace): Marvel at the opulent interiors, particularly the stunning Arab Room, on a guided tour.
• Centro Português de Fotografia (Portuguese Centre of Photography): Housed in a former prison, this unique museum offers fascinating photography exhibitions.
• World of Discoveries: An interactive museum that brings Portugal’s Age of Discoveries to life, great for all ages.
• WOW (World of Wine): Located in Gaia, this expansive cultural district features multiple museums dedicated to wine, cork, chocolate, and more, along with restaurants and shops – a full day’s indoor adventure.

Seek Sanctuary in a Cozy Café or Bookstore

• Livraria Lello: While often crowded, this iconic bookstore is breathtakingly beautiful and a classic rainy-day refuge (arrive early!). We also have an article about other bookstores you should go while in Porto that you can check here. (meter ligação com o artigo da filipa)
• Majestic Café: Step back in time in this historic Belle Époque café on Rua Santa Catarina, famous for its elegant ambiance.
• Combi Coffee Roasters or C’alma Coffee Room: For specialty coffee enthusiasts, these spots offer high-quality brews and a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Many independent cafes also offer delicious pastries and a chance to truly unwind.

Indulge in Culinary Delights

Rainy days are perfect for savoring Porto’s hearty cuisine.

• Mercado do Bolhão: Explore this recently renovated historic market. It’s bustling, vibrant, and has various stalls offering local produce, cheeses, and small eateries where you can grab a warm, traditional meal.
• Mercado Bom Sucesso: Another excellent indoor market, it’s packed with gastronomic stands offering a wide range of food options, from traditional Portuguese dishes to international flavors.
• Pastel de Nata Cooking Classes: Learn the secrets of this iconic Portuguese custard tart in a hands-on workshop. Several places in Porto offer this delightful experience:
• Porto: Pastel de Nata Pastry-Making Workshop (Boiler Studio, Rua Chã 77): A popular workshop offering step-by-step instructions and complimentary drinks. Prices generally start around $40-$50 per person.
• Pastel de Nata Workshop – Cooking Class in Downtown Porto | Bainharia (Rua da Bainharia, n.º 135): Held in a charming concept store, this class includes Porto wine tasting and offers a recipe to take home. Prices are typically around €35-€40.

A rainy day in Porto is far from a wasted one. It’s an invitation to slow down, explore the city’s indoor gems, and discover its cozier, more intimate side. So grab an umbrella, or simply embrace the romantic mist, and let Porto charm you, rain or shine.