Exploring Porto with Kids!
Porto with kids was an absolute highlight for us. Maybe even a little more than Lisbon. The city feels smaller, more compact, yet incredibly vibrant. Between colorful house facades, steep alleyways, and the sparkling Douro River, you find a blend of historic charm, creative bohemian spirit, and a relaxed riverside atmosphere that makes Porto feel special right away.
Many places can be explored on foot, viewpoints suddenly appear around the next corner, and when everyone’s feet start to get tired, the ocean is just a short ride away. In between are exactly the things that make a city trip with kids so enjoyable. Boat tours on the Douro, small shops filled with handcrafted goods, and of course far too many pasteis de nata.
Where to Stay in Porto with Kids
Our perfect day in Porto with kids begins in a place where you would honestly like to stay in bed just a little longer. The charming boutique Hotel Malmerendas. But the thought of breakfast in the garden gets us out of those comfortable beds pretty quickly. What awaits is a wonderfully simple Portuguese breakfast with fluffy croissants, fresh bread, spreads, and sweet pastries.
The small garden is almost even better than the breakfast itself. While we enjoy our coffee, the kids have plenty of space to play. For a moment everything feels calm and relaxed, even though we are right in the middle of the city. That is exactly how we love to start a day in Porto.
Note: The link to Boutique Hotel Malmerendas is an affiliate link. If you book through it, we receive a small commission. The price for you stays exactly the same.
Azulejos at São Bento Station
After breakfast we head toward the old town. Our route first takes us to the impressive São Bento Station. The moment we step into the main hall we stop in our tracks, because the huge wall murals made of azulejos tell scenes from Portuguese history. Thousands of hand painted tiles cover the walls and make it almost impossible not to linger longer than planned.
With its tall arches and intricate details, the station is one of the places you should not miss in Porto. Even kids tend to pause here for a moment, discovering more and more little scenes within the large tile murals.
Small Shops in the Ribeira District
On our way to the Douro, we come across a shop where we could easily spend quite a while. The small store MUD is run by a family from Porto who care deeply about craftsmanship, natural materials, and thoughtful design. Everything sold here is actually made in Porto.
You will find bags, blankets, and even wooden bicycles. Every piece feels carefully designed yet surprisingly practical. As we browse through the shelves, the kids keep discovering new things. Shops like this are exactly what make the Ribeira district so special.
Wandering Through Ribeira
The oldest district of Porto is perfect for wandering. Alongside small boutiques you will also find the oldest soap shop in the city and even a small chocolate paradise. The streets are narrow, colorful, and full of life. Around almost every corner another church or little square appears.
It is especially fun to explore this area with kids. There is no need to plan every step. Porto is best experienced by simply setting off and seeing where the next street leads.
Boat Tour on the Douro in Porto with Kids
After spending time in the old town, we make our way down to the Douro. At Malmerendas they recommended the six bridges boat tour, and the kids are instantly excited. So we step onto one of the traditional Rabelo boats that were once used to transport port wine.
The roughly fifty minute ride takes you along the colorful houses of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Along the way, the boat passes beneath the impressive bridges that connect the two cities. For families, it is a perfect way to experience Porto from a completely different perspective.
A Break by the Sea at Praia da Luz
After the boat tour our stomachs start to rumble. So we spontaneously decide to take a short break by the ocean. About fifteen minutes later we are sitting at the restaurant Praia da Luz, right by the Atlantic.
With a view of the ocean, the seafood tastes even better. While we enjoy our meal, the kids are of course already exploring the beach. Sometimes a city trip needs exactly these kinds of moments between city life and the Atlantic.
Port Wine in Vila Nova de Gaia
Well fed, we set off again. The kids are happy after playing at the beach, and we take the opportunity for a short port wine tasting. To do that, we cross the famous Ponte Luís I Bridge toward Vila Nova de Gaia.
Just to the left you will find the small Burmester wine cellar. After a short introduction to the different types of port wine, the tasting begins. The best place to enjoy it is on the terrace with a view of the historic bridge, which comes from the circle of Gustave Eiffel.
Cafés and Parks in Porto
If you would rather skip the port wine tour, Porto offers plenty of lovely alternatives. The city’s cafés are surprisingly kid friendly, and of course you will find pasteis de nata everywhere.
A particularly nice spot for a break is Fabrica Coffee Roasters Porto. The park Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is another great option. Among large trees, viewpoints, and plenty of green space, kids can run around while you enjoy the view over the Douro.
Dinner at KUG Kitchen Urban Garden
We like to end the day at KUG Kitchen Urban Garden. The restaurant sits in a large urban garden and feels more like a small green oasis than a typical restaurant.
The Portuguese dishes are modern, fresh, and incredibly delicious. With full stomachs and very tired feet, we walk back to Malmerendas. Our cozy attic bed is already waiting for us.
Porto is not a typical family metropolis, and maybe that is exactly why the city works so well. Distances are short, there are small squares everywhere where you can pause for a moment, and the ocean is right on the doorstep.
A little city, a little Atlantic, and countless small discoveries along the way. That is exactly what a day in Porto with kids feels like.
Portugal is perfect for city trips with kids. Besides Porto, it is also worth visiting Lisbon. The city is bigger, livelier, and famous for its yellow trams and viewpoints overlooking the Tagus River. If you are planning a city trip to Lisbon with kids, you will also find our favorite tips in our detailed guide.
