Not everyone associates Porto with being very child-friendly, but there are a number of attractions which will keep the children entertained for days. It is not home to beautiful beaches, but the surrounding scenery is truly stunning and offers opportunities for walks, bike rides and picnics in the woods. The city itself is home to a number of parks, gardens and amusement parks which are educational as well as being entertaining.

Cordoaria
This stunning park is home to a number of attractions which include Igreja do Carmo church and the former Jewish quarter. It is a great place to take the kids because there is so much room to run around, kick a ball about or simply take it easy and enjoy a picnic. Local families can be seen here at the weekends making the most of the beautiful scenery. It is a good place to introduce your children to local Portuguese life.

Gondolandia Park
This exciting amusement park is located just outside the city centre and boasts a number of facilities for children of all ages. You will find a range of computer games as well as climbing equipment and frames, and a number of staffers who are on hand to keep the children entertained with game after game while you enjoy a cup of coffee in the onsite café. 
Phone: +351 224 672 381

Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is very popular in Porto and is a great family activity. The best place to enjoy a ride is Porto Horse Centre. There are programmes for tourists which last anywhere from a couple of hour to a couple of days and also the chance for your children to learn more about horses at the on site information centre. It is both an educational and fun experience and something your children will remember for a long time. 
Phone: +351 229 963 767

Martataka
This interactive museum and theme park takes children on an exciting ride to Mars and back. Children will be able to learn all about the planet Mars, Martians and other space stories as well as playing some fun games using the interactive displays and exhibits. It is a great place to spend the day and also a good way for your children to interact with others. 
Phone: +351 229 389 191

Park of the Contemporary Art Museum
The park which surrounds this famous art museum is an attraction within itself. While your children may not be particularly interested in the museum, they will love the park with its beautiful gardens, arboretum, lake, and small farm. They will be kept amused for hours and it is a good place to escape the hustle and bustle for a day.

Porto is a cultural melting pot boasting an enormous selection of attractions which will appeal to culture buffs. There are churches and cathedrals found in abundance; a number of museums and art galleries; theatres, dance schools and concert halls; and a great deal of historical architecture which will catch most peoples’ eye.

Clergymen Church and Tower
This church is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the city. It dates to 1754 and was designed by the famous Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. The 76-metre tower soon became the city’s symbol and even today, many people visit the church to get a photo of the iconic structure and also to climb to the top and enjoy the impressive views.

Museum of Quinta da Macieirinha
This museum will appeal to lovers of architecture and interior design. It is a replica of a house which was owned by a family of aristocrats in the 1800s. Charles Albert, King of Piedmont and Sardinia, lived out his last few years in the original house and many of the rooms where he stayed have been reconstructed. 
Phone: +351 226 057 033

Porto Cathedral
This impressive Romanesque cathedral dates back to the 1100s and has seen a number of transformations. While the exterior is impressive, a visit inside will reveal some beautiful paintings by Nicolau Nasoni, the silver altar of the Holy Sacrament and the ‘Fat John’ Chapel. It is an important part of Porto’s history as it was once the centre of the city and hosted every event and religious service.

Porto Military Museum
This museum is a must for those interested in militarily history. It displays some fascinating collections of weapons, uniforms, equipment and artillery from the 1500s to the 1900s. There is also an exhibit of toy soldiers which illustrates the development of battles from ancient time until the present day. 
Phone: +351 225 365 514

Sao Francisco Church
One of the very few medieval buildings in the city, this church is popular with every visitor. Construction began in the 1300s and was completed in the 1500s. Throughout the 1600s and 1700s, it was decorated with beautiful woodcarvings and today is regarded by many as being the one of the most stunning churches in the country.

The locals of Porto can usually be seen eating traditional Portuguese cuisine, which can be found in restaurants across the city. Restaurants are plentiful in Porto, offering cuisine from all around the world. The best choice of eateries can be found in the Barredo Quarter. Along with international restaurants you will also find quaint cafés and pizzerias. Rua de Santa Catarina is in central Porto and this is the place to head to visit some of the top restaurants in the city while the river banks are home to many coffee shops and cafés where you can sit, relax and watch the world go by.

Portuguese cuisine is very unique and while you are here there are some dishes worth trying. Tripas a moda do Porto is a local dish made of tripe with beans and sausages. Caldo verde is a potato and cabbage soup which is found everywhere and a great lunchtime snack. Bacalhau à gomes de sa is salt cod baked with potatoes and a must for fish lovers. When it comes to deserts, Portugal does them very well. Pao de lo (a sponge cake), biscoito da Teixeira (biscuit) and papos de Anjo (sponge desserts which are covered in syrup) should all be tried and enjoyed.

Porto boasts an incredibly varied shopping scene with plenty of opportunity to pick up some souvenirs of your trip. Popular buys include fine art, shoes and of course vintage port. There are also many shopping centres where you can search the latest fashions to hit Portugal’s high streets or scour the markets for a bargain.

If you are looking for some quality vintage port, there are a number of warehouses within Vile Nova de Gaia. Rua do Carmo is also home to a number of options. The main shopping area is found along Rua de Cedofeita while department stores are found in abundance along Rua Santa Catarina. The best market in town is Mercado do Bolhao, where you will find just about anything ranging from food to local handicrafts.