What to do in Vila Nova de Gaia

Activities, attractions and tours

Sandeman Cellars featuring heritage architecture and interior views
Sandeman Cellars featuring a square or plaza, a small town or village and signage
Sandeman Cellars showing art and interior views
Sandeman Cellars which includes interior views and industrial elements
Vila Nova de Gaia

Places to Visit in Vila Nova de Gaia

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Vila Nova de Gaia attractions from NZ$3, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Vila Nova de Gaia tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 669 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Vila Nova de Gaia. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Most fun & 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 95 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$222 per adult
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Private & custom tours

See all 231 activities
Port Wine Tour | 3 Cellars | 7 Tastings | 12 Participants Maximum

Port Wine Tour | 3 Cellars | 7 Tastings | 12 Participants Maximum

Activity duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes
9.0 out of 10 with 2 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$101 per adult
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Water activities

See all 62 activities
Porto: River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise

Porto: River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise

8.0 out of 10 with 27 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$36 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

See all 60 activities
Porto: Douro Valley Tour with 2 Wineries, Lunch and Cruise

Porto: Douro Valley Tour with 2 Wineries, Lunch and Cruise

Activity duration is 9 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$245 per adult
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Classes & workshops

See all 44 activities
Porto: Pastel de Nata Pastry-Making Workshop

Porto: Pastel de Nata Pastry-Making Workshop

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
10.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$70 per adult
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Recommended things to do in Vila Nova de Gaia

Number of things to do
669
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Porto Walking Tour - The Perfect Introduction to the City: NZ$3
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Vila Nova de Gaia

Discover the most popular places to visit in Vila Nova de Gaia

Porto featuring outdoor art, a city and signage

Porto Historic Center

You can learn about the local history of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória when you make a stop at a top site such as Porto Historic Center. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

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

Ribeira Square

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

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

Porto Cathedral

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
Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello

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

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 waterfront or seek out the local tours.

Porto City Hall
Bolhao Market

Bolhao Market

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 family-friendly area.

Bolhao Market
Clerigos Tower

Clerigos Tower

Learn about the local history of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória when you take a trip to Clerigos Tower. Visit the area's shops or amble around its waterfront.

Clerigos Tower
Casa da Musica featuring modern architecture and street scenes

Casa da Música

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

Casa da Música

Explore areas of Vila Nova de Gaia

Sandeman Cellars featuring heritage architecture and interior views

Santa Marinha

4/5(4 area reviews)

While you're in Santa Marinha, take in top sights like Porto Historic Center and jump on the metro at Jardim do Morro Station to see more of the city.

Santa Marinha
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Canidelo

While visiting Canidelo, you might make a stop by sights like Lavadores Beach and Local Nature Reserve of Douro Estuary.

Canidelo
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Oliveira do Douro

While visiting Oliveira do Douro, you might make a stop by sights like Duoro River and Real Companhia Velha Cellars.

Oliveira do Douro
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Mafamude

If you're spending time in Mafamude, check out sights like El Corte Inglés de Gaia or Teixeira Lopes House Museum and hop on the metro to see more of the city at João de Deus Station or Câmara de Gaia Station.

Mafamude
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São Pedro da Afurada

While São Pedro da Afurada isn't home to many top sights, Porto Historic Center and Vila Nova de Gaia are some notable places to visit nearby.

São Pedro da Afurada
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Madalena

When in Madalena, you can plan a visit to Lavadores Beach and Porto Historic Center, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Madalena

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Vila Nova de Gaia

Dom Luis I Bridge showing street scenes, a bridge and a river or creek

Porto

Photo by Julia Moreira

Gondomar

Photo by Jazzinto

Santa Maria da Feira

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.