What to do in Porto on excessively hot days
For a scorching summer, here is are freshing list. When the thermometers are punishing, we suggest an alternative itinerary in some perfect refuges in the city: cool options for you to “escape” the hottest hours.
Diving in a pool… with balls
In so hot weather, you can dive into the pink ball pool at the Pink Palace. A museum full of charming settings, where you can rest under the ramada, ride in a Cadillac, sit in the saloon, among other experiences. A real wave of excitement around Rosé wine, where adults can taste 5 different types of this nectar and children have very fresh grape juice alternatives. This is just one of WOW’s seven museums, a must-visit place for you to linger on days when you absolutely can’t spend time in the sun.
Exploring the Port wine cellars
Port wine has always been preserved in Vila Nova de Gaia, precisely because the warehouses on that bank are not as exposed to heat. The cellars are cool, many of them have guided tours through the barrels and you can learn everything about the production of Port wine. We suggest visiting Taylor’s or Fonseca, for example: they are good alternatives on hot days.
Bathing in the cool northern sea
If even in the heat you don't miss an opportunity to go to the beach, then between Porto, Matosinhos and Gaia you will have beautiful possibilities: Matosinhos Beach, Foz Beach, Lavadores Beach, among many others. If you prefer a swim in calmer waters, we suggest going to Marés Swimming Pool: with salt water, designed by the architect Álvaro Siza Vieira and located in Leça da Palmeira, it is an ex-libris of this area. And, of course, between the sand and the terrace, you will find refuge to make the most of the day.
Immersion in culture
If it's cool places you're looking for, cultural or religious venues can be an excellent bet. They are usually air-conditioned and allow you to refresh your body and enrich your soul, all at the same time. You can choose between several possibilities: Serralves Museum, Casa da Música, Soares dos Reis Museum, Lello Bookstore, Porto Cathedral, Clérigos Tower, etc.
Eat, drink and relax
In Porto and its surroundings, you will find very friendly cafes, bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy a cold drink, an ice cream or a snack. You can take the opportunity to visit the Majestic Café, on Santa Catarina Street, and learn about the entire history of this chic and emblematic place in the city.
More modern, but equally classy, you can visit Angel’s Share, on the other side of the river: with huge windows facing the Luis I Bridge and Ribeira, you can enjoy the view sipping a glass of wine or one of the author cocktails in the menu.
Original purchases
And if at the end of this day you still feel like taking a real dip, stop by the Duck Store and take a duckling for a swim with you. The world-renowned store opened at WOW and there you can find rubber ducks for all tastes! With an innovative and passionate philosophy, the brand makes the rubber duck a universal item: “it knows no borders, does not discriminate against people and has no political connotation… it has healing properties… it is soft, friendly and suitable for all ages”.
River ferry
For a quick and fresh connection between the two banks, you can try the Douro River Ferry: it crosses the river from Ribeira to Cais de Gaia (and vice versa) and arrives in 5 minutes. This way, you avoid a scorching walk under the intense sun, enjoy the river breeze and even manage to take some interesting photographs from the Douro riverbed to either bank. Efficient and delicious: the most refreshing way to observe the city.
If you combine these activities we suggest here, you can make the most of the city of Porto and its surroundings, even on extremely hot days. Because scorching temperatures are not prohibitive: you just need to find alternatives that allow you to stay cool and comfortable.
