12 Best Things To Do In Porto Portugal In November

Is November a great time to visit Porto in Portugal?

As a family of four, we spent a month on a road trip travelling around Portugal with our two young boys. We were lucky enough to spend a week enjoying Porto in Portugal and getting to know the city. With a city break and especially when you have children with you, it’s important to know which months are best to visit a city. Is Porto in Portugal worth visiting in November? YES!

In our ultimate guide to Porto in November we’ll cover all of the information that you need to know before you go such as what the weather will be like and if it will be busy. There are lots of cool things to do in Porto. To help you plan, we’ll also give you a list of 12 best things to do in Porto in Portugal in November.

Quick Guide to Visiting Porto in Portugal in November

Temperature – Average temperature during the day is 13°C or 57°F

Rainfall – About 150mm spread over 15 rainy days

Water temperatures – Around 17°C or 63°F

Daylight hours – 10 hours a day with an average of 3 hours of sunshine

Key events – Porto Marathon and the start of the Christmas markets

Key benefits: Much quieter, cheaper accommodation & not as hot as summer

Is November A Good Month To Visit Porto in Portugal?

Dad with his 3 year old son on his shoulders in a bright yellow raincoat and stood next to them is the mum with their baby in her arms. They are all wearing rain jackets and there are some grey clouds in the back ground as it's November in Porto Portugal. The view behind the family is Porto.

Let us start by saying, YES! Porto in November is a great time of year to visit Porto in northern Portugal. Especially as it offers milder temperatures, fewer crowds, cheaper accommodation. Plus there are Christmas markets to explore which is great if you’re travelling Portugal with kids. Whether you’re planning a city break, the start of a road trip along the west coast (like we did!), or exploring the sites of Porto (which we loved!), Porto in November is a good time to visit and has something for everyone.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into why Porto in November is a fun destination to visit. We’ll provide insights into the weather, we’ll highlight the top attractions and events.

12 Best Things To Do In Porto in Portugal in November

1. River cruise on the Douro River in Porto in Portugal

A dad is sat on a river boat wearing a baseball cap holding his son who is wearing a bright yellow jumper. In front of them you can see the back of the 3 year olds head. In the background is the sideview of Porto from the river.

A great way to start your visit to the city of Porto is to take a river cruise along the Douro River as this is a good option for getting to see the city from the water. The reason that this is so good, is that there are six bridges along the river which you’ll get to pass under, the most famous of these is Dom Luís I Bridge which was designed by Gustave Eiffel, yes the same as the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

2. Take a hop on hop off bus tour in Porto in Portugal

A dad in a blue t-shirt is sat on an open top bus with his baseball cap on and sunglasses with headphones in. In front of him wearing a dinosaur baseball cap and monkey t-shirt also with headphones in. The mum is sat next to the dad and she has on sunglasses. She is also wearing a baby in a carrier on her front. The are on an open top bus in Porto in Portugal in November.

As the city can experience cooler temperatures in the winter months such as November, a bus tour is a good option as it gives you the chance to head outside on the top level when it’s sunny, and take shelter inside when it’s wetter or colder!

City Sightseeing are a company that we’ve used before and is great as you can hop on and off at whichever bus stops you’d like and they also have an audio tour included too. The bus ticket usually lasts between 24-72 hours. This is great if you’re in the city of Porto for multiple days.

Top tip from a travel expert: Don’t forget to start your day with a good breakfast in Porto. That’s because the city is super hilly and for all of the walking you’ll do you’ll need the extra energy. Also, make sure to wear comfy shoes!

3. Attend a football match in Porto in November

If you love football then you should try to time your visit to Porto with a match at Estádio do Dragão. You watch either one of the local league or UEFA Champions League matches. November is the best time to see the teams in top form as they’ll have already had a couple of months of competition.

Local league matches happen at the weekend and showcase some of the best teams locally. While the UEFA Champions League matches are played on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

4. Visit the Douro Valley in Portugal

Family sat on river boat on the Douro River in the Douro Valley. The mum is smiling at the camera and holding the baby son and wearing a raincoat. Next to her is the dad also wearing a raincoat and is holding their 3 year old soon with a raincoat. This is on the river in November near Porto in Portugal.

A great place to head for a day trip from Porto is to go out to the Douro Valley. The Douro Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Portugal famous for its wine production. When we visited, we drove to Tua and then took the train to Pinhão because it meant we spent less time on the train (1 hour compared to 3 hours).

At Pinhão we took a boat tour along the river through the valley. They are a good option for exploring the region as they usually come with an audio tour. The tour covers the rich history of the area and helps to identify the vineyards you see along the way. And of course, whilst you’re in Pinhão, you’ll want to book a winery tour and tasting!

5. Porto Christmas markets

The front of a small shopping chalet at the Christmas Market in Porto in Portgual which opens in November. On the shelves are lots of different Christmas decorations up for sale such as santa tree decorations and mrs claus sat in a door wreath.

In late November the Christmas markets in Porto start. If you’re like us, then you’ll love Porto with its Christmas vibe. You’ll have the chance to buy handicrafts and souvenirs, as well as clothes, desserts and Christmas foods, among other seasonal products.

These are fantastic outdoor activities, especially on sunny days when you can wander around and enjoy them at your own pace. These are the most popular Christmas markets that are open from November:

Praça da Batalha
Wow Christmas Market in Vila Nova de Gaia
Matosinhos Market in Basílio Teles Park

6. Porto marathon in November in Portugal

If you’re into running then you’ll be interested to know that Porto Marathon happens in November each year. Registration for the marathon opens in June you can register until minutes before the start of the race in November. The route is 40km and goes through the main streets of Porto, and is aimed at athletes with a high level of endurance, if that’s too much then there are other, shorter options, such as the family marathon which is just 10km.

7. Visit the Sea Life Porto

A big shark in an aquarium tank in Porto Sea Life Centre. In front of the tank in the foreground of the photo you can see the backs of people as they are looking into the aquarium

We love to mix up what we see in a city so that some of it is historical and cultural and some of it is fun. That’s because we have our kids for us and these are great experiences for them to keep them interested in our travels.

Among the fun activities you can see and do at the aquarium are:

Visit the ponds, where you’ll meet hawksbill and eagle rays, green turtles, clown whales, needlefish, and starfish, among other species.
Informative talks about the marine world and how we can help to save it.
Contemplate the Atlantic Ocean from the relaxing terrace of the café.
Underwater tunnel, where you can see lots of different marine life including sharks and unicorn fish.
Pirate ship, because all kids love to play around in a pirate ship!
Up close experiences such as feeding sea urchins, starfish and some fish

8. Join a tasting at a local Port wine cellar

Three glasses of port are on a Crofts barrel of port as though they are waiting for a tasting.

Joining a wine tasting in Porto has to be on your list of best things to do in Porto, whatever the weather. That’s because port comes from Porto and you’d be missing out if you didn’t spend time exploring its viticulture heritage!

There are lots of wineries to choose from, and most of them are based in Vila Nova de Gaia. Here’s a quick snapshot of our favourite 8 recommendations:

Most Visited: Sandeman
Best For Kids: Quinta Da Aveleda
Fado Tour & Tasting: Caves Cálem
Best For Groups: Offley
Most Historic Port Winery: Real Companhia Velha
Best Value Port House: Churchill’s Wine Cellar
Best For Private Tastings: Graham’s Port Lodge
A Hidden Gem: Pocas Vinhos
Best Rooftop Terrace: Espaço Porto Cruz
Best Vineyard Outside of Porto: Quinta Da Aveleda
Tastiest Port Cocktails: Espaço Porto Cruz

9. Keep warm in the museums and art galleries of Porto in Portugal

Visiting some of the best museums in Porto is a good plan for the month of November. As well as being a great way to escape a possible downpour, you’ll also find fewer queues and, if you do need to book tickets in advance then there will be lots more availability.

Our best 3 to visit are:

World of Discoveries: It’s a space where history leaps off the pages with live exhibitions, and kids young and old get to engage with Portugal’s epic voyages of discovery.
Museu do Carro Eléctrico: It showcases a unique collection of vintage trams and trolleys with each their own story of Porto’s yesteryears.
Serralves Museum: This is a gem for contemporary art enthusiasts!

10. Eat a Francesinha

A father and son are sat on one side of an outdoor cafe table. The little boy is wearing a grey t-shirt and it eating some omelette and chips. The father has on a grey and yellow raincoat and in front of him is a francesinha sandwich which is a local dish in Porto in Portugal. He's wearing a rain coat as it has rained as it is November. In the foreground of the photo is another francesinha sandwich which the mother is going to eat once she has taken the photo.

We’ve put this on the list as it’s such a hearty warming meal and is perfect during this time of year when it’s a little cooler. This sandwich is a culinary adventure in itself with layers of bread stacked with meats, covered in melty cheese, and drenched in a secret spicy sauce. It’s a Porto classic every family must try and our top recommendation is to head to Cafe Santiago to try it! If you love trying local food then this is something you must experience!

11. Visit The Train Station of Sao Bento

The wall at Sao Bento train station in Porto in Portugal. The wall is made up of many tiles and they in turn when next to each other make up two different images one on top of the other. The top one is a country scene with a horse and cart and the bottom one is a sailing scene.

As you wander around the city, you can’t miss the grandiose façade of the train station at Sao Bento. When you step inside, and you’ll be transported back in time. The beautiful station walls are adorned with well over twenty thousand azure blue tiles, and each one tells a piece of Portuguese history. These azulejo tiles are breathtaking; they depict moments from battles to royal court scenes.

It’s not just a train station; it’s a living art exhibit. And best of all, marvelling at this cultural heritage is completely free. São Bento isn’t just a stop on your itinerary; it’s a deep dive into the heart of Portugal’s storied past!

12. Join a Food Tour

Taking a Porto food tour was one of our favourite things to do in Porto. Our guide led us through bustling markets where we nibbled on bolinhos de bacalhau. These savoury codfish cakes were delicious. We shared stories, we laughed, we ate – it connected us to Porto. And of course, no visit to Portugal is complete without a real taste of Portuguese culture through its flavours such as the Pastéis de nata, those creamy custard tarts that everyone loves!

And not to forget the cheese! Trying the array of Portuguese cheeses, like the buttery Queijo da Serra, was a creamy adventure in itself.

Why Porto in Portugal in November is a Must-Visit Destination

The Douro River in Porto in Portgual in November with some clouds in a blue sky with the sides f the town visible on either side of the river. In the water are some local traditional wooden fishing boats.

Visiting Porto is one of the best Portugal experiences as it’s an incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site and also perfectly located in northern Portugal that you can visit other areas such as the Douro Valley, the Pavia Walkways, and Aveiro.

A reason to visit in November is that it is the shoulder season between the autumn and the Christmas period for the city of Porto when there are less tourists, making it a great time to visit if you’re looking to explore when it’s quieter. You’ll also find that because it’s quieter and there is less demand the price of accommodation drops meaning you’ll find lower prices.

Even though you might experience more rainy days, there are still come fun outdoor activities to go and try, especially in the run up to Christmas which is an ideal time to explore as the Christmas markets will have just opened. It’s a great place for a family trip!

Porto Weather in November

The weather conditions in November as similar to the other winter months where you can expect the daytime temperatures to be an average temperature of 13°C or 57°F. The average sea temperature is around 17°C or 63°F. And whilst its not the coldest month, you should still expect to need a jumper in the evening and some we weather gear for rainy days.

Porto can also experience strong winds, so check ahead before booking your boat tour along the Douro River as it can get a bit cold out on the open water as the wind funnels over the water.

FAQ’s on Visiting Porto in Portugal in November

Is it worth visiting Porto in November?

Yes, there is still lots to do and it still has warm days and you can expect moderate temperatures. It’s also the shoulder season so it’ll be less busy, there will be fewer if any queues and the accommodation will be cheaper.

What key events are on in Porto in November?

During November in Porto in Portugal there is the Porto Marathon and also the start of the Christmas Markets.

Can you take a day trip to Porto from Lisbon?

While you can definitely make a day trip between the two cities you’d be looking at 7 hours of travel on a return trip which wouldn’t leave you much time to explore. Ideally each city needs a few days for you to be able to really enjoy your time in them both.

Is the Algarve region warmer that Porto in November?

The Algarve region is in Southern Portugal is made up of several beach towns including Faro and Lagos. In November they have average daytime temperatures of 16°C/62°F with highs of 20°C / 68°F.

Is Porto a good destination for a digital nomad family?

Yes, it’s a great place to head if you’re a digital nomad family like ours. There is lots to do in the region and great accommodation choices.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Porto in Portugal in November

Visiting Porto Portugal in November means you’ll have comfortable temperatures making it one of the best places in Europe to visit for a winter city break. There are few tourists so it’s quieter which means you won’t need to queue for most of the attractions, and as it’s shoulder season accommodation will also be cheaper.