Porto with Kids

Porto, a vibrant and historic city in Portugal, is a perfect destination for families with kids. Its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and wide range of activities for young explorers make Porto a delightful mix of fun and education. This expert guide will help you navigate the best family-friendly attractions, parks, museums, and other spots. It also provides practical tips on transportation, accommodations, and dining. Everything you need to plan a memorable three-day itinerary in Porto with kids is right here.

Best Attractions for Kids

Parks and Outdoor Activities

• Crystal Palace Gardens: Free entry, beautiful gardens, and wildlife.
• Quinta da Conceição: Spacious park with a swimming pool and picnic areas.
• Parque Oriental da Cidade: Large playgrounds and gardens.

Museums and Educational Activities

• SEA Life Porto: Marine life exhibits and interactive displays.
• The World of Discoveries: Interactive museum about Portugal’s Age of Exploration.
• FC Porto’s Stadium and Football Museum: Interactive exhibits and stadium tours for young football fans.

Buildings and Historic Sites

• Clérigos Tower: Iconic tower with panoramic city views.
• Livraria Lello: Historic bookstore with a magical interior.
• Sé Cathedral: Historic cathedral with beautiful cloisters and views.

Swimming Pools

• Piscina das Marés: Ocean-fed pool designed by Siza Vieira.
• Piscina da Quinta da Conceição: Family-friendly pool in a beautiful park.

Playgrounds and Ice Cream Shops

• Quinta do Covelo: Large playground in a beautiful garden.
• Gelataria Portuense: Delicious ice cream that will delight kids.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Porto with kids is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. Summer months (July and August) are also popular, but expect higher temperatures and more tourists. Winter can be chilly and wet, but it’s a good time to enjoy indoor attractions and festive events.

Getting Around

Porto’s compact size makes it easy to explore on foot, especially if you stay in the historic center. However, for longer distances or tired little legs, the city offers convenient transportation options:

• Metro: Efficient and connects key parts of the city.
• Buses: Extensive network, including routes to popular attractions.
• Trams: Historical and fun, particularly tram line 1 along the river.
• Taxis and Ubers: Readily available and affordable for short trips.
• Water Taxis: Ideal for crossing the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Where to Stay

Family-Friendly Hotels

• The Yeatman Hotel: Luxurious hotel located in Vila Nova de Gaia, offering family rooms and amenities, with a stunning view of Porto.
• Hotel Infante Sagres: Centrally located boutique hotel with elegant décor and family-friendly services.
• Porto Palácio Hotel & Spa: Offers spacious family rooms and a kid-friendly environment.

Private Residences

• Victoria Project House 1 is a private residence in the historic district, perfect for families seeking a home-like stay.

Where to Eat

Porto is known for its delicious cuisine, and many restaurants cater to families with kids.

• Nosola Italia, near Clérigos Tower, offers a kids menu and gelato.
• Porto Cruz 360 Terrace Bar Lounge, located in Vila Nova de Gaia, provides a rooftop view and a diverse menu suitable for kids.
• Fábrica da Nata is a must-visit for pastel de nata, Portugal’s famous custard tart.

Travel Route for 3 Days in Porto

Day 1: Exploring Historic Porto

• Morning: Climb the Clérigos Tower to start your day with a visit to the iconic tower. The climb up 225 steps rewards you with panoramic views of Porto. Encourage older kids to spot landmarks from the top.
• Late Morning: Walk over to Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores. Marvel at the ornate woodwork and let your children explore the children’s book section.
• Lunch: Enjoy a family-friendly lunch at Nosola Italia. The kids will love the pasta and gelato.
• Afternoon: Head to the Sé Cathedral for a self-guided tour. The cloisters and blue tile panels will fascinate kids, and they can explore the courtyard freely.
• Evening: Finish the day with a stroll along Cais da Ribeira. Kids can chase birds and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Consider having dinner at one of the riverside restaurants.

Day 2: Fun in Vila Nova de Gaia

• Morning: Take a water taxi across the Douro River. It’s a fun and scenic way to start the day.
• Late Morning: While port wine tasting is a must for adults, Calém and other cellars offer activities to keep kids entertained, such as sticker books and interactive exhibits.
• Lunch: Enjoy a rooftop lunch with stunning views of Porto at Porto Cruz 360 Terrace Bar Lounge. The diverse menu caters to all tastes.
• Afternoon: Take a cable car ride for an aerial view of the riverfront, followed by a leisurely walk along Avenida de Diogo Leite.
• Evening: End the day with a relaxing 6 Bridges Cruise on the Douro River. It’s a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

Day 3: Parks and Playtime

• Morning: Spend the morning at the Crystal Palace Gardens. Kids will love chasing peacocks and exploring the vast green spaces.
• Late Morning: Visit SEA Life Porto to see marine life up close. The penguins and touch pools are particularly popular with kids.
• Lunch: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch at the gardens of Quinta da Conceição. It’s a beautiful spot designed by architect Siza Vieira, with plenty of space for kids to run around.Afternoon: Serralves Contemporary Museum and Gardens: Explore the expansive gardens of the Serralves Contemporary Museum. A highlight for families is the Treetop Walk.
• Evening: Ice Cream at Gelataria Portuense. Treat your kids to some of Porto’s best ice cream at Gelataria Portuense. If it’s too crowded, other options to consider are Gelataria Santini or Amorini.

Tips for Tourists

• Remember to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a baby carrier if necessary.
• To avoid long lines, it’s recommended to book tickets for popular attractions in advance.
• Opt for accommodations in the historic center for convenient access to main attractions.
• Porto’s public transport is efficient and family-friendly, so make use of it.
• Schedule breaks in parks or cafés to keep the kids refreshed.