Things to Do in Porto When It Rains: 7 Good Ideas
1. Visit a Port wine cellar (tasting based on your budget)
Cross the Dom Luís I bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia.
The Port wine cellars offer different tasting options (Ruby, Tawny, 10 years, Vintage…).
👉 The price depends on the tasting you choose.
My personal recommendations:
| Cellar | Why I loved it |
|---|---|
| Graham's | Elegant, incredible view over Porto, premium tastings. |
| Poças | Family-owned Portuguese house, more authentic and less touristy. |
⏱️ Duration: 1h30 – 2h
💡 Personal tip: if you can, try a Vintage Port at Graham’s — it changes everything.
2. Eat in a Taberna (comfort food + local wine)
On rainy days, Porto feels even warmer and cozier.
Wooden tables, good wine, small plates to share… heaven.
My favorite tabernas:
| Taberna | Why I loved it |
|---|---|
| Folias de Baco | Natural wine, local products, super cozy atmosphere. |
| Have a Bit | Creative petiscos to share. |
| Eukalduna Studio | More gastronomic — a true culinary experience. |
💡 Don’t order everything at once — dishes arrive progressively.
3. Fado evening — and please, book ahead (especially if it rains)
Rain outside + Fado inside = the perfect emotional combo.
👉 When it rains, everyone has the same idea → book the day before if possible.
| Fado venue | Vibes |
|---|---|
| Ideal Clube de Fado | Very authentic, explanations before each song. |
| Casa do Fado | Intimate, acoustic, very emotional. |
| Fado Maior do Porto | You can enjoy a glass of Port during the performance. |
4. Visit the PINHAIS sardine cannery (The Cannery) 🐟🇵🇹
A real sardine factory in operation, not a museum.
During the visit:
- You watch every step of the production,
- Everything is still done by hand,
- At the end → sardine tasting (no can personalization).
💶 26 €
⏱️ ~1h
💡 A rare and very authentic experience.
5. Mercado do Bolhão (covered market)
Historic market, fully covered → perfect for rainy days.
You can:
- eat at the counter,
- enjoy specialty coffee,
- discover local products.
6. Enjoy a spa (perfect rainy afternoon activity) ☔🧖♀️
Here are 3 spas to try depending on your mood:
| Spa | Why you should go |
|---|---|
| The Yeatman Spa (Gaia) | Luxury + panoramic view over Porto. |
| Calla Wellness & Spa (city center) | Modern, relaxing, accessible. |
| Flores Boutique Hotel & Spa | Small cozy spa in the historic center. |
7. Azulejos workshop (paint your own Portuguese tile) 🟦
Perfect rainy-day activity: creative, calming, and very Portuguese.
👉 Recommended address:
You paint your tile → they fire it → you pick it up the next day.
⏱️ ~1h30
💶 25–35€
✦ Conclusion ✦
When it rains in Porto:
- Taste Port wine in a cellar
- Eat in a cozy taberna
- Enjoy Fado in the evening
- Discover the Pinhais sardine cannery
- Wander around the covered Bolhão Market
- Relax at a spa
- Paint your own azulejo
Rain doesn’t ruin Porto.
It reveals a more authentic, intimate, and real Porto.
