The Atlas Obscura Guide To Porto

17 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Porto, Portugal

Updated June 19, 2026

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Unusual Attractions in Porto

Porto, Portugal

Livraria Lello

One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world hides a neo-Gothic interior behind an art nouveau facade.

Interior details.

Porto, Portugal

Igreja de São Francisco

The stunning interior of this Gothic church is covered in ornate gold details.

Close-up of the McDonalds marquee with the Imperial eagle

Porto, Portugal

McDonald's Imperial

This restored Portuguese cafe may well be the most beautiful place in the world to grab a Big Mac.

It’s easy to miss the house wedged between these churches.

Porto, Portugal

Carmo and Carmelitas Churches

A hidden three-foot-wide house separates these two regal churches.

Igreja de São Francisco Catacombs

Porto, Portugal

Igreja de São Francisco Catacombs

Ancient catacombs form the foundation for this Rococo orgy of a church.

São Bento Railway Station

Porto, Portugal

Sao Bento Station

Elaborate tile work in this railway station tells the story of Portugal.

Porto, Portugal

Jardim Botânico do Porto (Porto Botanical Garden)

A small but charming botanical garden that contains many exotic plant species.

See All 17 Things To Do in Porto

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Porto

Close-up of the McDonalds marquee with the Imperial eagle

Porto, Portugal

McDonald's Imperial

This restored Portuguese cafe may well be the most beautiful place in the world to grab a Big Mac.

This “little French girl” is a Porto icon.

Porto, Portugal

A Regaleira

The original version of Porto's most famous sandwich is just as good here as it was a century ago.

Although this braised tripe is of humble origins, it’s given the royal treatment here.

Porto, Portugal

Líder

Dine on Porto-style tripe at a restaurant run by the head of a gastronomic brotherhood dedicated to uplifting this humble dish.

See all 4 Places to Eat in Porto

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Porto, Portugal

Restaurants 4

Architecture 4

Sacred Spaces 3

Churches 3

Museums 2

Transportation 2

Architectural Oddities 2

Trains 2

Bookstore 1

Holiday 1

Railroads 1

Unesco 1

Houses 1

Universities 1

Medical Museums 1

Pharmacy Museums 1

Shops 1

Food 1

Astronomy 1

Planetariums 1

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Stories About Porto

Author Gary He poses in front of a McDonald’s in Taupō, New Zealand, located in a retired DC-3 aircraft.

‘McAtlas’ Explores the World’s Most Unique McDonald’s Locations—and Dishes

This global guide to McDonald’s covers everything from Thailand’s corn pie à la mode to Sweden’s ski-thru window on the side of a mountain.

by The Podcast Team, Atlas Obscura

People walk in front of the azulejo tiles on the exterior of Capela Das Almas in Porto.

Instead of Money, This Portuguese 'Bank' Safeguards 27,000 Handpainted Tiles

This collection of azulejos in Porto isn’t just for conservation and display—it’s also open for withdrawals.

by Keith Barry, Atlas Obscura