Interesting Things To Do

While visiting Porto, a trip across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia is essential. Often mistaken for as part of Porto,  Vila Nova de Gaia is a city in its own right and in this post we’re going to walk you through all of the best things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia.

While living in Portugal, Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia quickly became our favourite destinations for a weekend break. Whether it was for a Port cellar tour, trip down the Durou river or a relaxing day at one of the dog friendly beaches, there really is something for everyone. So let’s take a look at the best things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia.

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Things To Do In Vila Nova De Gaia

Port Wine History & Tastings

If you want to try Port during your trip to Portugal, Vila Nova de Gaia is the only place to go and you’re not short of options!

There are more than 60 port caves in Vila Nova de Gaia (also called Port Cellars, or Port Lodges), with around 20 of them being open to the public and offering various tours or tasting options, including big brands such as Sandeman and Calem. 

During a port wine tour you’ll learn about the history of port, where it’s grown, how it’s made and the differences between different brands. We really recommend the Calem tour with a traditional Fado show.

If a port tasting isn’t up your street, there are other port related things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia including a day trip from Porto on a Douro Valley river cruise on a traditional port boat and walking the banks of the Douro river to see the boats for free!

Dom Luís I Bridge

This iconic bridge is your connection between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Completed in 1886, the double layers of Dom Luís I Bridge are now a focal point of many photos of Porto and the Douro river.

The top level is used by Porto’s light rail and pedestrians, whereas the lower level was used for cars with a narrow footpath. However, every time we’ve visited during 2022 and 2023 the lower section has been under construction and it’s unclear if it will open to cars again. There’s still foot access at the side of the construction.

Teleférico de Gaia ( Vila Nova de Gaia Cable Car)

Here’s a fun and novel way to get from the riverbank to the top level of the bridge. The Teleférico de Gaia opened in 2011 and offers amazing views over the river and across to Porto. It’s a quick 5 minute trip, although the cues can sometimes be quite long!

Quick Tip; Buy your ticket in advance as there’s often discounts on the back of them for nearby port tours.

Douro River Cruise

One of the best things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia, especially on a beautiful day, is a cruise along the Douro River. There are so many options of river cruise that you’re sure to find one that fits your budget and timeframe. From a quick half hour to see the famous six bridges and other Porto landmarks along the river, to a full day vineyard tour and even multi-day tours to various vineyards.

Walk Cais de Gaia

If you continue walking passed the cable car and tourist offices, you’ll find yourself on Cais de Gaia. While this named stretch of road is short, you can follow it on to Cais Capelo Ivens, and all the way down the Douro river to the ocean outlet, beaches and nature reserve.

It’s a beautiful walk that takes you passed many old buildings, deralict port cellars, land mark bridges like Ponte da Arrábida and old fisherman enjoying the weather. The walk from Luís I Bridge to the ocean takes around 1.5 hours and while we didn’t walk all of it, we were staying in a hotel along the route so we saw a big chunk of it and highly recommend it. Especially if you’re travelling with a dog and want to get away from the busyness for a bit!

Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar

As part of Porto’s world heritage site, Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar should be high on your list of things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Built in the 16th Century, this monastery with its iconic circular shape has amazing views from its location at the top of a terrace looking down over the river, Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto. 

While it’s temporarily closed at the moment, you can still walk around the outside of it and admire its unique architecture from there.

Capela do Senhor da Pedra

With a striking resemblance to Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, Capela do Senhor da Pedra (Chapel of the Lord of Stone) is a small altar built on a giant boulder that stretches out to see which were once used for pagan rituals.

Because of this, it has an interesting history that symbolises the clash of naturalist paganism and Christianity during the 17th Century, when the chapel was built on the site to reclaim the area in the name of god. The structure intertwines the two perfectly.

Today, this area has yearly 3-day pagan festivals and is visited by tourists year-round who want to get a photo of its iconic ocean stairs.

Capela do Senhor da Pedra is easily accessible by train from Sao Bento station in Porto or by car, with ample parking around town.

Jardim do Morro

Located next to the cable cars and the top level of Dom Luís I Bridge is Jardim do Morro which I also talk about in my one day itinerary for Porto.

Landscaped in the 1920’s. It’s the perfect location for panoramic views of the area, an ideal choice for a picnic away from the hustle and bustle of the city or romantic viewpoint for sunset over the city.

Hit The Beach

Tired of the city? Here’s one of the more relaxing things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia; relax on one of the 15 blue flag beaches! With over 17 km of pristine sand along this section of coast,

During the winter, many of them are dog friendly beaches, whilst during the summer they turn into family hot-spots due to their amazing facilities and cleanliness. 

Visit Porto

You’re just a stone’s throw away from Portugal’s second largest city, why wouldn’t you go check it out? Ok chances are you’re actually exploring Vila Nova de Gaia because you’re already in Porto but I thought I’d pop this here just in case, because we really do think this side of the river deserves a trip of its own!

Some of the most interesting things to do in Porto include visiting a famous harry potter bookstore, seeing the world’s smallest house and taking some insta-worth photos at Capela das Almas.

Try A Pastel de Bacalhau

Pastel de Bacalhau, or, salted cod fritters, are a Portuguese delicacy that can be tried all over the country. However, if you want a beautiful setting to try one in, you’ll want to head to Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau on the Vila Nova de Gaia main street.

This vintage-style store sells fresh made, traditional Pastel de Bacalhau, but while the first Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau only opened in 2015, they claim their roots go back generations and that their recipe remains traditional.

Whether that’s true or not, who knows, but what I do know is their store in Vila Nova de Gaia is beautiful and reminds me of beauty and the beast for some reason?

Find The Half Rabbit

Portugal isn’t short of unique wall memorials and wall art, Vila Nova de Gaia’s half rabbit is no exception! Tucked down one of the side streets, the giant sculpture takes up the corner of a building to bring the artwork to life and is perhaps one of the lesser known Instagram spots in Porto.

Designed and completed by artist Bordallo II, it’s a not towards humanities wastefullness and the impact it has on the natural envornment. He’s created many similar pieces all around Portugal but this is perhaps his most famous.

How Long Do You Need In Vila Nova de Gaia?

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia that will keep you busy for a day, but since it’s so close to Porto, we think you’ll want to set aside at least two days to really make the most of the area. Regardless of which side of the river you choose to stay on, you won’t regret extending your stay.

Final Thoughts: Is Vila Nova de Gaia Worth It?

Absolutely! Whether you want to escape the city to see nature, experience more of Portuguese culture, pair local port with delicious food or just wander along the riverbank admiring the boats, Vila Nova de Gaia has plenty to see and do.

It’s always a highlight for us when we get to show family around. So, what do you think? Will you be adding this beautiful riverside city to your Portugal itinerary alongside Porto?

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