Things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia

Activities, attractions and tours

Sandeman Cellars featuring heritage architecture and interior views
Sandeman Cellars which includes a square or plaza, signage and heritage architecture
Sandeman Cellars showing art and interior views
Sandeman Cellars showing interior views and industrial elements
Vila Nova de Gaia
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Most popular experiences in Vila Nova de Gaia

Tours & day trips

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From Lisbon: Three Cities in One Day: Porto, Nazaré & Óbidos

From Lisbon: Three Cities in One Day: Porto, Nazaré & Óbidos

Activity duration is 12 hours
9.0 out of 10 with 106 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €110 per adult
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Private & custom tours

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Discover Porto's Highlights on a 2-Hour Private Electric Tuk Tuk

Discover Porto's Highlights on a 2-Hour Private Electric Tuk Tuk

Activity duration is 2 hours
8.6 out of 10 with 8 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €40 per adult
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Cruises & boat tours

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Douro Valley Tour: 2 Vineyard Visits, River Cruise, Winery Lunch

Douro Valley Tour: 2 Vineyard Visits, River Cruise, Winery Lunch

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.8 out of 10 with 159 reviews
Free cancellation available
The previous price was €110 and current price is €84 per adult
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Water activities

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From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch

From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch

Activity duration is 10 hours
9.4 out of 10 with 38 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €65 per adult
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Classes & workshops

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Porto: Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Grandma's Recipe

Porto: Pastel de Nata Cooking Class with Grandma's Recipe

Activity duration is 2 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 3 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is €28 per adult
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What to do in Vila Nova de Gaia

Popular places to visit

Porto featuring signage, a city and shopping

Porto Historic Center

You can learn about the history of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória when you stop by Porto Historic Center. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Porto Historic Center
Ribeira Square featuring a fountain, a square or plaza and a monument

Ribeira Square

4.5/5(366 reviews)

Perched on the banks of the River Douro, Ribeira Square is one of Porto’s oldest and most exciting districts.

Ribeira Square
Porto Cathedral which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and interior views

Porto Cathedral

4.5/5(260 reviews)

This superb cathedral combining Gothic and Romanesque styles features a wealth of religious sculpture and painting.

Porto Cathedral
Port of Leixões Cruise Terminal

Port of Leixões Cruise Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Matosinhos e Leça da Palmeira with a trip to Port of Leixões Cruise Terminal. Amble around the area's waterfront or seek out the local tours.

Port of Leixões Cruise Terminal
Dom Luis I Bridge featuring a bridge and a river or creek

Dom Luis I Bridge

4.5/5(490 reviews)

Enjoy fantastic city views from this fine old bridge and admire its intricate ironwork, reminiscent of the Eiffel Tower.

Dom Luis I Bridge
Bolhao Market

Bolhao Market

4/5(110 reviews)

During your visit to Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Bolhao Market. Wander through the waterfront and beautiful beaches in this romantic area.

Bolhao Market
Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello

4/5(113 reviews)

During your visit to Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Livraria Lello. Amble around the area's waterfront or seek out the local tours.

Livraria Lello
Porto City Hall

Porto City Hall

4/5(128 reviews)

After visiting Porto City Hall, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória. Stroll along the riverfront or seek out the local tours.

Porto City Hall
Casa da Musica which includes modern architecture and street scenes

Casa da Música

4/5(64 reviews)

Listen to classical and popular music concerts or dine out in style at one of Portugal’s most modern performance spaces.

Casa da Música

Areas of Vila Nova de Gaia

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Magarão

Magarão might not have many top sights, but Parque Biológico de Gaia and St. Ignatius Zoo are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Magarão
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Carvalhos

When in Carvalhos, you can plan a visit to St. Ignatius Zoo and El Corte Inglés de Gaia, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Carvalhos
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Serzedo

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Serzedo and surrounding area, you can visit Senhor da Pedra Chapel and Espinho Beach.

Serzedo
Dom Luis I Bridge featuring street scenes, a river or creek and night scenes

Porto

Photo by Jazzinto

Santa Maria da Feira

Aldoar Foz do Douro e Nevogilde

Aldoar Foz do Douro e Nevogilde

Frequently asked questions

Is Vila Nova de Gaia worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia is explore Porto Cathedral. Check this major sight off your to-do list, then experience more of this area's coastal beaches and dining.
How do I spend a day in Vila Nova de Gaia?
Once you've visited leading attractions like Luz Beach and Cais de Gaia, spend the rest of your day experiencing the retail and food options in Vila Nova de Gaia.
What is the top tourist attraction in Vila Nova de Gaia?
The top tourist attraction in Vila Nova de Gaia is Porto Cathedral, so don't forget to put it on your agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Vila Nova de Gaia?
You can easily visit popular attractions like Porto Cathedral, Luz Beach and Cais de Gaia with a three-day trip to Vila Nova de Gaia. On average, many travellers book three days here. There's plenty to experience nearby too, so stick around longer and check out Porto.
Is Vila Nova de Gaia a walkable city?
It all comes down to what you'd like to see and do in Vila Nova de Gaia. Several sights, such as Porto Cathedral and Cais de Gaia, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Vila Nova de Gaia's neighbourhoods, União de Freguesias do Centro is 3 kilometres away from downtown, while Centro / Baixa is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Vila Nova de Gaia with kids?
If you are after sights and activities for all ages, check out these excellent ideas for what to do in Vila Nova de Gaia with kids.

What to do in Vila Nova de Gaia for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia for adults including Taylor's Port Cellars and Real Companhia Velha Cellars.
Are there free things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia?
In Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto Cathedral is a must-see spot for anyone wishing to tour the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the green spaces and other neighbourhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a good way to learn about the best free things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia.