Planning a trip to Porto with kids? This beautiful city in northern Portugal is famous for its wine and colorful tiled buildings, and it's surprisingly family-friendly. As a mom traveling with my two daughters (ages 5 and 8), I discovered that Porto offers plenty of activities that both parents and kids can enjoy together.

Here's our family's 2-day Porto itinerary, filled with stunning views, fun activities, and delicious food.

Where to Stay in Porto With Kids

We stayed at the Eurostars Porto Douro Hotel, and it was perfect for families.

 - Great location: Just a short walk along the river to the main tourist spots

- Only 5 minutes to the funicular, which takes you up to the Ribeira district and Porto Cathedral

- Spacious family suites with river and bridge views

- Delicious breakfast

- Rooftop terrace with city views

- Clean and well-maintained

A taxi from Porto Airport to the hotel costs around €40. We give this hotel a 5-star family-friendly review.

Day 1: Exploring Ribeira and the River

Morning: Walking by the River and the Bridge

View from the bridge

We started our first day with a walk from the hotel to Luís I Bridge. The views of the old city and the river are breathtaking and make a great photo spot for the whole family.

Right next to the bridge, you'll find the funicular, which takes you to the top of the Ribeira district. Kids love the short ride up!

Porto Cathedral and Historic Streets

At the top, we visited the Porto Cathedral, one of the city's main landmarks. The view from here is incredible. From there, we strolled towards Rua das Flores, a lively street full of local artisan shops.

Square in front of the Porto Cathedral

 

Lunch at Cozinha dos Lóios

We had lunch at Cozinha dos Lóios. If your kids enjoy fish, try the Bacalhau (codfish) dumplings. For dessert, the lime tart is worth ordering.

Lunch at Cozinha dos Loios

 

Afternoon: Torre dos Clérigos and Ribeira

After lunch, we walked up to the Clérigos Tower, passing by charming shops and street corners. Then we made our way back down towards Cais da Estiva by the river.

Clérigos Tower

 

6 Bridges Boat Tour

A highlight for the kids was the 6 Bridges boat tour on the Douro River. It's a relaxing ride with views of Porto from the water.

Boat tour

 

Dinner in Ribeira

For dinner, we chose one of the many restaurants by the river. We recommend Riviera, where you can enjoy fresh local dishes with a view.

Day 2: Books, Bridges, and Fun in Gaia

Morning: Livraria Lello (The Harry Potter Bookstore)

 

We visited Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world (and said to have inspired J.K. Rowling).

Tips for visiting with kids:

- Book tickets in advance (you can't enter without one)

- The Silver Ticket (€10) is enough and can be used toward the purchase of a book

- There's a selection of children's books in English, French, Spanish, and Italian

- Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds

 

Coffee and Pastéis de Nata

Where to eat pastéis de nata

 

On the way to the upper side of Luís I Bridge, we stopped at Manteigaria for their pastéis de nata (custard tarts). Freshly baked, they're the perfect snack with coffee.

Crossing the Bridge and Gaia Cable Car

Walking across the upper deck of Luís I Bridge is an experience in itself with unforgettable views. On the other side, we took the Teleférico de Gaia (cable car) down to the riverbank.

The kids loved the ride, and at the bottom, there's even a small playground to let them run around.

Lunch in Vila Nova de Gaia

Gaia is full of wine cellars, but there are family-friendly restaurants too. We recommend T&C for its large terrace, good food, and kids' menu.

Two most typical Portuguese food: Pastéis de Bacalhau - Codfish cake and Franceshina - Portuguese sandwich

 

Afternoon: WOW and Local Experiences

From the park, you can climb up to the WOW (World of Wine) complex. Even if you don't go inside, the area has views and family-friendly dining options.

Another fun stop is Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau, where you can enjoy codfish dumplings with a glass of Port wine while listening to live piano music. It's a unique experience where kids enjoy the music, while parents enjoy the food and wine.

Right nearby, you'll also find The Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines, a colorful and playful shop that children will love exploring.

Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau

 

Final Thoughts: Porto With Kids

Visiting Porto with kids was a wonderful experience. The city is walkable, safe, and full of activities that are engaging for the whole family. From riding funiculars and cable cars to tasting local specialties and exploring colorful streets, Porto has something for everyone.

If you're planning a family trip to Portugal, Porto should be at the top of your list.

Baby Equipment Tips for Porto

One important thing to know before visiting Porto with kids: the city is full of stairs, uphill streets, and cobblestone roads. This makes it tricky to move around with certain strollers.

Here are our recommendations:

- Avoid light strollers with very small wheels or twin strollers (they're difficult to maneuver on Porto's streets)

- Bring or rent a single foldable lightweight stroller with large wheels

- Consider a baby carrier or backpack for the steep and uneven areas

Baby equipment tip for Porto

 

Since Porto is a city best explored on foot, even older kids can get tired quickly. Carrying them in your arms isn't always practical, which is why having the right equipment makes all the difference.

The good news: you don't need to travel with bulky gear. You can rent strollers, carriers, and other baby equipment from local Babonbo providers in Porto. That way, your family can explore comfortably while traveling light.