New Year, New Adventures: Trying Something New in Porto for the First Time

The start of a new year is always a time for renewal, and there’s no better way to begin the new cycle than by diving into fresh and exciting experiences. If you’re in Porto or planning to visit the city, 2024 could be the perfect moment to explore new activities and places you’ve never tried before. Here are some suggestions to make your New Year truly memorable!

Discover Porto with "Look at Porto"

How about starting the year with a completely new perspective on the city? "Look at Porto" is an immersive experience that combines virtual reality technology and storytelling to showcase Porto in a unique way. Dive into this adventure and see the city like never before, with aerial images and a narrative blending history and modernity.

Take a Ceramic Workshop

Unleash your creative side by crafting your own tile or decorative object. Studios like Halfstudio or Centro de Artesãos offer beginner-friendly workshops that provide a relaxing and cultural experience.

Dine at a Restaurant You’ve Never Been To

Porto is one of the world’s top gastronomic destinations, but how many new restaurants do you try each year? This New Year, venture into uncharted culinary territory. Here are some starting points:

  • Euskalduna Studio: High-end dining for a special occasion.
  • Capa Negra: Se procura algo tradicional e descomplicado, experimente as famosas francesinhas.
  • Sancho Panza: Tapas and wine in a relaxed atmosphere.

Visit an Alternative Museum

If traditional museums like Serralves are already on your list, explore some different spaces:

  • Vitral Museum at WOW (Vila Nova de Gaia): Discover the art of stained glass with a modern twist.
  • Pharmacy Museum: A fascinating collection that merges science and history.

Take a Hike in Serra do Pilar

Nature lovers and fans of stunning views will find Serra do Pilar a rewarding hike, with its breathtaking panoramic view over Porto and the Douro River.

Tip: Plan your visit for late afternoon to catch the sunset.

Enjoy Porto from a Boat for the First Time

Though it’s a classic experience, many locals have never taken the famous Six Bridges Cruise. This year, break the routine and see the city from the Douro River, relaxing as you sail between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Join a Wine Tasting Tour

Porto and Gaia are hubs of renowned wines. Have you never visited a wine cellar or attended a tasting? Sample Port and Douro wines with experts who share fascinating stories about production.

Paddleboarding on the Douro River

For adventure enthusiasts, starting the year paddling on the Douro can be a revitalizing way to challenge yourself physically while admiring the landscape from a unique perspective.

Where: Several companies in the Gaia area offer guided experiences.

Climb the Arrábida Bridge

Thanks to Porto Bridge Climb, you can now scale the Arrábida Bridge. This is an unmissable experience: a few minutes of climbing and a dreamy view waiting for you at the top.