Top places to visit in Porto for students

Porto is quickly establishing itself as one of Portugal’s best loved student locations. The city has long been popular with tourists across the world due to its stately bridges and of course, production of port wines but as you will discover in the latest article here at Collegiate, the region has so much more to offer than that. There are all sorts of things to do in Port for students of ages and background, so read on to see our top picks for anyone exploring the city this academic year.

Casa da musica

As intellectuals, we imagine you guys are after some culture when exploring a city as historic and diverse as Porto. If we are right and this indeed the case, then a trip to Casa da Music should be top of any list when looking to do some great Porto sightseeing. This concert hall is the home of the city’s symphony orchestra and you will immediately be taken aback by the building’s unique architecture, you may even be lucky enough to catch a rehearsal. There are idyllic Portuguese gardens at the Case Da Music and the accompanying Serralves Villa museum complements this superbly, making this a great start when looking to explore Porto.

Livraria lello

The Livraria Lello is considered by many to be the most beautiful bookstore in the world and as such, is highly recommended when pondering what to do in Porto as a student. The shop is inevitably jam packed with books on pretty much every topic one can think of and the setting is quite superb. So superb in fact, that J.K. Rowling spent a lot of time there when she was a youngster, leading many to think the Livraria Lello could well have inspired some of the locations you will find in the Harry Potter series. This is by no means officially confirmed, but who knows!?

The Douro river

The Douro is probably Porto’s best landmark, in that it is the lifeblood of the city and allows you to do serious sightseeing as you travel along it. If you are looking for what to do in Porto, this should be a priority as you can relax with a drink and enjoy one of the most historic and interesting waterways on the planet. The Ribeira, as it is referred to by the locals is littered with cafes and restaurants and there all sorts of tours you can take in order to ensure you enjoy all the river has to offer.

Dom luis I bridge

A day out exploring a city such as Porto would obviously not be complete without a selfie to share with your friends and family, and there is no location in the city more perfect than the Dom Luis I Bridge. The top of this bridge offers the most spectacular view of the city and the structure itself is a joy to behold, having been built in the late 19th century. If you’re not a fan of heights, then don’t fear as there is a lower walkway,  the views aren’t quite as breathtaking but either way, we strongly recommend you check out this superb Porto attraction, especially in the summer months.

Mercado de matosinhos

You may have heard us talk of the fantastic reputation Lisbon has for its seafood and in particular, sardines. However, it isn’t just the capital that has such a sterling reputation as Porto lies just a stone’s throw away from the Atlantic Ocean. As such, the seafood markets you will find in the city are pretty much second to none and the Mercado de Matosinhos is the one that comes to mind when deciding on the best.

You will find surfers, sunbathers and students alike hanging out here in the summer due to its perfect location and the bustling fish markets. The guys who run these stalls are also experts and love talking about their catch of the day and just how you should prepare them, you can even eat them there and then from one of the many barbecues you will find. The smell, atmosphere and general vibe here is quintessentially Portuguese and is simply perfect if you are looking for a day away from your studies to enjoy the Porto culture in all its glory.

These 5 things to do in Porto as a student should get you started in this fantastic city but as you get to know the area, we are sure you will find all sorts of other attractions to enjoy. If you are heading to Porto for your studies in the near future, why not take a look at some of the great luxury student accommodation we offer here at Collegiate. You can enquire through our site or give us a call on +351 2313 500 070.