What to do in Porto on rainy days?

What to do in Porto on rainy days

The climate in Porto is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, typical of Mediterranean meteorology with Atlantic influence. Also exposed to winds and fog, variations are constant throughout the year, so it is always worth having some ideas or plans to put into practice when rain suddenly visits the city, even out of season.

In any case, the city is rich in history, culture and gastronomy, and therefore there is no shortage of opportunities for interesting activities to be carried out within its doors.

Probably one of the best suggestions for these cases would be to spend the day at WOW. In the same cultural district, there are museums, restaurants, bars, shopping galleries, leisure and social spaces, as well as magnificent views of Porto, the Ribeira, the Luís I Bridge and the Douro River.

Visit museums

At WOW alone you have six permanent museums to choose from, each dedicated to its theme. History of the Porto region, wine in general, rosé wine, cork, chocolate or the history of humanity presented through the drinking ritual, there are several approaches to the proposed experiences. Just choose and let yourself be involved in each of these trips.

If you prefer other latitudes, you can visit the Serralves Museum, which has permanent and temporary exhibitions of contemporary art. Another possibility is a trip to the Soares dos Reis National Museum, which merges art and history, allowing you to discover Portuguese sculptures, paintings and decorative art.

Explore Churches and historical monuments

If you like centuries-old buildings, you also have an excellent chance at WOW. Did you know that next to the museum in the cultural quarter dedicated to temporary exhibitions – Atkinson Museum –there is an almost unknown chapel, around 300 years old, and covered with murals inside, from ceiling to floor, by the famous architect Nicolau Nasoni?

But you can also choose to visit the Church of São Francisco, famous for its richly decorated baroque interior. Right next door, you have the Palácio da Bolsa, with impressive architecture, including the Arab Room, which is a must-see.

Enjoy cafes and bookstores

Once again, WOW has proposals for this. Angel’s Share Bar is that great place to be to watch the rain fall outside. With sublime views of the Ribeira, the Porto houses and the Luis I bridge and a covered terrace with an Arabic atmosphere, this is an ideal bar to come and spend some time when the sun isn't shining.

If you prefer to visit an older place, you can head to Majestic: one of the most historic and elegant cafés in Porto, perfect for relaxing with a coffee and a pastel de nata. But if your gluttony is for books, then you can visit Livraria Lello, considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and with super bold and attractive stairs.

Tasting wines

In this context, WOW has three different proposals: The Wine School, where you can learn everything about wine and do a variety of tastings; The Wine Experience museum, where you can take part in a visit that gives you all the information about the cultivation of the vineyard, the winemaking process and other matters, and which ends with a tasting of three wines; and the Pink Palace museum, which tells you everything about rosé wine and the lifestyle associated with it, and where you can taste five different wines of this type.

If you choose, you can head to the Taylor’s or Fonseca Port wine cellars, stroll through the respective visitor centers and at the end enjoy a tasting of these fortified wines.

Wander in shopping galleries

Once again, WOW meets requirements here. The Cultural Quarter has 7 stores, each associated with one of its museums, all with a very unique and original curation. It also has a wine cellar – Oenophilia– with a very diverse range of wines, representing all wine regions on the continent and islands and, of course, with a good emphasis on Port wine. In addition, it also has two very beautiful shopping galleries, with several national brand stores that decided to join WOW and display their products here.

If you are looking for other types of shopping, you can go to Mercado do Bolhão. In the heart of Porto, it occupies an emblematic building and conveys the soul of the city, with its traditional vendors selling fresh products, crafts, among other offers.

In short: Porto is always a city of charm and even on rainy, foggy or windy days, there are countless plans you can put into motion. And you will never be disappointed!

‍