14 Things To Do At São João Festival in Porto 2026
If there’s one night to be in Porto in 2026, it’s the São João festival. Portugal’s most wildly joyful summer celebration! Since 2011, we’ve been helping travelers uncover the magic of this country, and trust us: nothing compares to the electric buzz of São João night on June 23rd.
Its where the turns into an open air festival, with street parties where strangers become friends, locals hand out basil plants with poems and plastic hammers (yes, really) are lovingly tapped on heads as a sign of good fortune. From sunset to sunrise, Porto transforms into a riot of color, music, grilled sardines, and spontaneous dancing in every square.
Lets read Things To Do At São João Festival in Porto
Its where the turns into an open air festival, with street parties where strangers become friends, locals hand out basil plants with poems and plastic hammers (yes, really) are lovingly tapped on heads as a sign of good fortune. From sunset to sunrise, Porto transforms into a riot of color, music, grilled sardines, and spontaneous dancing in every square.
Lets read Things To Do At São João Festival in Porto
Things To Do At São João Festival in Porto
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Top Tips To Enjoy The São João Festival
💡 Eat the sardines or bifanas
💡Wear comfortable clothes
💡Embrace the crowd and join in hitting stangers on the head with hammers
💡Bring cash, cards not widely accepted
💡Find your spot by the Dom Luiz II Bridge early to enjoy the fireworks
Eat Sardines
During the festival the streets of Porto are decorated with colourful balloons and garlands with the smell of sardines floating through the air. For those more interested in the food side of the festival, street food stalls appear on most corner selling traditionally grilled sardines or you can book a table at a local Portuguese restaurant.
It is said that the Portuguese consume a whooping 13 sardines per second during the celebrations.
Hammers
One of the most ramdom things about the festival is everyone using plastic toy hammers to hit strangers on the head!
Its a modern tradition that actually started in the 1960s when a local toy factory created small plastic mallets as a fun, non-harmful way for people to playfully “whack” each other during the festivities.
Today you will see kids, grandparents, tourists and locals all joining in lightly bopping each other on the head as a friendly way to say “Happy São João!”
Garlic Flowers or Leeks
Long before plastic hammers stole the show, Porto’s São João Festival had a more fragrant tradition, tapping people on the head with wild garlic flowers, known locally as alho-porro.
Rooted in ancient fertility rites and harvest rituals, São João blends old pagan customs with its modern Christian twist. The garlic flower became a quirky but meaningful symbol. Locals believed it brought protection, good luck and maybe even a little romance. Some took it a step further, swinging full leeks or garlic stalks through the crowd, especially if they were feeling bold (or mischievous).
It wasn’t just about fun and games, though. Garlic’s earthy scent and supposed power to ward off bad vibes made it the perfect fit for a festival all about life, love and summer’s full bloom.
Paper Hot Air Balloons
Hot air balloons, called “balões de São João”, are one of the most magical and visually stunning traditions of the São João Festival in Porto.
As night falls over Porto during São João, the sky begins to sparkle with glowing paper balloons drifting lazily above the rooftops like floating wishes. Down on the cobbled streets, groups of friends and families huddle together, carefully lighting the little fires that send these colorful creations soaring into the summer night. One by one, the balloons lift off, rising like tiny lanterns of hope filling the sky with a unique flickering glow.
Take A Bath In The River
The tradition of river bathing during the São João Festival in Porto is one of the lesser-known but delightfully refreshing customs tied to the celebration’s ancient roots.
Historically, bathing in the river around São João (especially at midnight or early morning on June 24) was believed to cleanse the body and spirit. Today its rare to someone bathing in Porto due to safety concerns but you might spot locals partakeing in this ritual in Foz in the early morning of the 24th.
Jumping Bonfires
Jumping over bonfires is one of the oldest and most symbolic traditions of the São João Festival in Porto.
Rooted in ancient pagan midsummer rituals, the act of jumping over a bonfire (“saltar a fogueira”) was believed to purify the soul, bring good luck, and protect against evil spirits.
Traditionally, young people, especially couples or hopeful romantics would jump the fires hand in hand. If you made it across still holding hands, it was a sign of strong love or a lucky romantic future.
Again due to safety its rare to see this in central Porto but in the suburbs it can sometimes be seen.
Listen to Music You Never Heard Before
At its roots, São João is filled with folk music.
These traditional melodies are catchy, often humorous, and deeply tied to the culture of northern Portugal.
You’ll hear ranchos folclóricos (folk groups) playing everything from classic São João tunes to old-school Portuguese “marchas populares” with upbeat rhythms perfect for dancing in the square.
Not only can you listen to this music on the 23rd of June but the whole of June is about parties. Especially on June 15th for Arruada dos Ranchos which is a dedicated night for locals to listen to Rancho.
Stuff Your Face With Sweet Stuff
Churros are made of thin strips of dough, resembling a doughnut, while farturas are their larger counterparts. Farturas feature thicker tubes of dough, resulting in a slightly crispy exterior and a soft, pillowy interior.
These fritters can be enjoyed in their simplest form, lightly dusted with a combination of sugar and cinnamon. Alternatively, they can be filled with delectable, gooey fillings such as custard, chocolate, or sugary fruit jams. This is my favourite on my list of thing to do at the São João Festival in Porto 2026, but not so much my waistline!
These fritters can be enjoyed in their simplest form, lightly dusted with a combination of sugar and cinnamon. Alternatively, they can be filled with delectable, gooey fillings such as custard, chocolate, or sugary fruit jams. This is my favourite on my list of thing to do at the São João Festival in Porto 2026, but not so much my waistline!
Rusgas De Sao Joao
What Are Rusgas?
“Rusgas” are vibrant processions where groups of locals, from different neighborhoods, dress up in traditional costumes and parade through the streets singing folk songs, playing instruments and performing choreographed dances.
Rusgas aren’t just about fun, they’re a bit of friendly competition too. Groups are judged on their costumes, singing, choreographyand overall spirit. The goal? To win bragging rights and the admiration of the crowd.
This custom dates back decades and connects to older rural folk celebrations.
This takes place on the 22nd June in Porto.
“Rusgas” are vibrant processions where groups of locals, from different neighborhoods, dress up in traditional costumes and parade through the streets singing folk songs, playing instruments and performing choreographed dances.
Rusgas aren’t just about fun, they’re a bit of friendly competition too. Groups are judged on their costumes, singing, choreographyand overall spirit. The goal? To win bragging rights and the admiration of the crowd.
This custom dates back decades and connects to older rural folk celebrations.
This takes place on the 22nd June in Porto.
Cascatas de São João
The Cascatas de São João are one of Porto’s most beloved and visually striking traditions during the São João Festival. Literally meaning “São João waterfalls,” these aren’t actual waterfalls but rather elaborate, colorful street decorations that cascade down the walls and facades of buildings throughout the city.
Some of the best cascatas can be found in traditional neighborhoods like Miragaia, Cedofeita, and Ribeira, where locals pull out all the stops to dazzle visitors.
You can view the winners until the 26th June at Mercado do Bolhão or visit the facebook page.
Some of the best cascatas can be found in traditional neighborhoods like Miragaia, Cedofeita, and Ribeira, where locals pull out all the stops to dazzle visitors.
You can view the winners until the 26th June at Mercado do Bolhão or visit the facebook page.
Explore Decorated Neighborhoods
Exploring the decorated neighborhoods during Porto’s São João Festival is like stepping into a living, breathing celebration where every street corner bursts with color, creativity, and community spirit.
For São João, Porto’s neighborhoods go all out with vibrant decorations—think colorful banners, strings of lights, handmade paper lanterns, and whimsical art installations. Locals spend weeks preparing, turning streets into festive wonderlands that invite everyone to join the party.
For São João, Porto’s neighborhoods go all out with vibrant decorations—think colorful banners, strings of lights, handmade paper lanterns, and whimsical art installations. Locals spend weeks preparing, turning streets into festive wonderlands that invite everyone to join the party.
Fireworks
The biggest fireworks show happens right at midnight on June 23rd, marking the official start of São João’s main celebrations.
The sky above the Douro River and the city’s iconic bridges erupts in a breathtaking display that can be seen from multiple vantage points along the riverbanks and hillsides.
The display isn’t just about the lights. It’s a shared moment of awe and celebration, locals and visitors alike pause to look up, cheer, and feel connected to the city’s vibrant spirit. It’s the perfect way to kick off a night that’s already buzzing with energy and tradition.
The best spots to enjoy the fireworks at the Jardim do Morro in Guia, Guia riverfront and the Ribeira.
The sky above the Douro River and the city’s iconic bridges erupts in a breathtaking display that can be seen from multiple vantage points along the riverbanks and hillsides.
The display isn’t just about the lights. It’s a shared moment of awe and celebration, locals and visitors alike pause to look up, cheer, and feel connected to the city’s vibrant spirit. It’s the perfect way to kick off a night that’s already buzzing with energy and tradition.
The best spots to enjoy the fireworks at the Jardim do Morro in Guia, Guia riverfront and the Ribeira.
Regata June 24th
Every year on June 24th, the day after São João, Porto comes alive with the lively Regata de Barcos Rabelos, a colorful celebration honoring the city’s deep connection to Port wine and its historic rabelo boats. These traditional wooden vessels, once the essential carriers of wine barrels down the Douro River, take center stage in a spirited race that pays tribute to Porto’s maritime past and winemaking legacy.
The race starts from Cabedelo and ends just before the Ponte Dom Luís I. For the best views of the boats with the sails full it is better to position yourself at Guia or anywhere from Foz to the very start of Ribeira but NOT the bridge because the boats take down their sails out of sight from the bridge.
Dance
Dancing is mandatory!
As night falls the streets, squares, and riverfront transform into open-air dance floors, buzzing with energy. People dance under the stars, swinging plastic hammers in one hand and a drink in the other.
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just want to move to the infectious rhythms, São João welcomes you. The festival’s mix of traditional and modern sounds creates a space where all ages and backgrounds come together, united by music, dance, and celebration.
As night falls the streets, squares, and riverfront transform into open-air dance floors, buzzing with energy. People dance under the stars, swinging plastic hammers in one hand and a drink in the other.
Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just want to move to the infectious rhythms, São João welcomes you. The festival’s mix of traditional and modern sounds creates a space where all ages and backgrounds come together, united by music, dance, and celebration.
Is your favourite Things To Do At the São João Festival in Porto on our list?
How To Get To Porto
By Air✈️
* Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is the main airport in Porto.
* Direct flights from major cities in Europe and international flights.
* Take the metro (Line E), a bus, or a Uber from the airport to the city center, the cost is about 15 euros.
By Train 🚆
* From Lisbon, Algarve, Northern Portugal: Take the Alfa Pendular (AP) or Intercidades (IC) train.
* From Spain: The Celta train connects Vigo (Spain) to Porto in about 2 hours.
By Bus 🚌
* There are many bus companies like FlixBus, ALSA, Rede Expressos that offer routes to Porto from various European cities.
* Buses from Lisbon take about 3.5-4 hours.
By Car 🚗
* From Lisbon, take the A1 motorway (the journey takes about 3 hours).
* From Spain, the motorway A28, A3, and A4 connect Porto to cities like Vigo, Madrid, and beyond.
By Boat 🚢
* Cruise ships stop at Leixões Port, which is about 9 km from Porto’s city center.
* River cruises on the Douro River can also get you to Porto from places like Régua and Pinhão.
* Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) is the main airport in Porto.
* Direct flights from major cities in Europe and international flights.
* Take the metro (Line E), a bus, or a Uber from the airport to the city center, the cost is about 15 euros.
By Train 🚆
* From Lisbon, Algarve, Northern Portugal: Take the Alfa Pendular (AP) or Intercidades (IC) train.
* From Spain: The Celta train connects Vigo (Spain) to Porto in about 2 hours.
By Bus 🚌
* There are many bus companies like FlixBus, ALSA, Rede Expressos that offer routes to Porto from various European cities.
* Buses from Lisbon take about 3.5-4 hours.
By Car 🚗
* From Lisbon, take the A1 motorway (the journey takes about 3 hours).
* From Spain, the motorway A28, A3, and A4 connect Porto to cities like Vigo, Madrid, and beyond.
By Boat 🚢
* Cruise ships stop at Leixões Port, which is about 9 km from Porto’s city center.
* River cruises on the Douro River can also get you to Porto from places like Régua and Pinhão.
When To Visit Porto?
What are the Best Months To Visit to search for the best hidden gems in Porto?
Late April, May, June & July
* The weather is warm but not too hot: May (18-22°C), June (20-25°C), July (25-30°C).
* You will get sunny days with little rain, that are perfect for walking around the city and enjoying the Douro River.
* São João Festival (June 23-24): Is the biggest party in Porto, with fireworks, street concerts and people hitting each other with plastic hammers! It is so much fun!
* Sunsets in Porto during these months are around 9 PM meaning more time for sightseeing, boat tours and enjoying rooftop bars. Ideal for you to find the best hidden gems in porto.
Late April, May, June & July
* The weather is warm but not too hot: May (18-22°C), June (20-25°C), July (25-30°C).
* You will get sunny days with little rain, that are perfect for walking around the city and enjoying the Douro River.
* São João Festival (June 23-24): Is the biggest party in Porto, with fireworks, street concerts and people hitting each other with plastic hammers! It is so much fun!
* Sunsets in Porto during these months are around 9 PM meaning more time for sightseeing, boat tours and enjoying rooftop bars. Ideal for you to find the best hidden gems in porto.
Porto Itinerary Ideas 1 Day
1, Visit the São Bento Railway Station. Admire its blue-tiled murals.
2, Discover Sé do Porto. Porto’s historic cathedral with stunning views
3, The Chapel of Santa Catarina. A hidden gem in Porto’s bustling streets
4, Explore Ribeira District. Walk along the picturesque riverside with colorful buildings.
5, Stroll Across Dom Luís I Bridge. Iconic double-deck iron bridge
5, Try Port Wine. Sample wine in Vila Nova de Gaia
6, Take a River Cruise. cruising on the Douro River.
7, Find one of our favourite hidden gems in Porto the outdoor swimming pool at Quinta da Conceição
2, Discover Sé do Porto. Porto’s historic cathedral with stunning views
3, The Chapel of Santa Catarina. A hidden gem in Porto’s bustling streets
4, Explore Ribeira District. Walk along the picturesque riverside with colorful buildings.
5, Stroll Across Dom Luís I Bridge. Iconic double-deck iron bridge
5, Try Port Wine. Sample wine in Vila Nova de Gaia
6, Take a River Cruise. cruising on the Douro River.
7, Find one of our favourite hidden gems in Porto the outdoor swimming pool at Quinta da Conceição
Porto Itinerary Ideas 2 Days
Day One
1, Visit the São Bento Railway Station. Admire its blue-tiled murals.
2, Discover Sé do Porto. Porto’s historic cathedral with stunning views
3, The Chapel of Santa Catarina. A hidden gem in Porto’s bustling streets
4, Explore Ribeira District. Walk along the picturesque riverside with colorful buildings.
5, Stroll Across Dom Luís I Bridge. Iconic double-deck iron bridge
5, Try Port Wine. Sample wine in Vila Nova de Gaia
6, Take a River Cruise. cruising on the Douro River.
7, Find one of our favourite hidden gems in Porto for amazing views or the river, the small tower at the Palácio de Cristal Gardens.
Day Two
1, Visit Livraria Lello. One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
2, Climb the Clérigos Tower It gives you an amazing view of Porto
3, Visit Serra do Pilar for The best views in the city
4, Check out the Church of Carmo. Impossible to miss
5, Church and Museum of São Francisco do Porto for Amazing history and beautiful tiles.
5, Palácio da Bolsa. The stunning 19th-century neoclassical building
6, Enjoy a Francesinha A hearty local sandwich
7, Find one of our favourite hidden gems in Porto the outdoor swimming pool at Quinta da Conceição to spend the afternoon relaxing
1, Visit the São Bento Railway Station. Admire its blue-tiled murals.
2, Discover Sé do Porto. Porto’s historic cathedral with stunning views
3, The Chapel of Santa Catarina. A hidden gem in Porto’s bustling streets
4, Explore Ribeira District. Walk along the picturesque riverside with colorful buildings.
5, Stroll Across Dom Luís I Bridge. Iconic double-deck iron bridge
5, Try Port Wine. Sample wine in Vila Nova de Gaia
6, Take a River Cruise. cruising on the Douro River.
7, Find one of our favourite hidden gems in Porto for amazing views or the river, the small tower at the Palácio de Cristal Gardens.
Day Two
1, Visit Livraria Lello. One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
2, Climb the Clérigos Tower It gives you an amazing view of Porto
3, Visit Serra do Pilar for The best views in the city
4, Check out the Church of Carmo. Impossible to miss
5, Church and Museum of São Francisco do Porto for Amazing history and beautiful tiles.
5, Palácio da Bolsa. The stunning 19th-century neoclassical building
6, Enjoy a Francesinha A hearty local sandwich
7, Find one of our favourite hidden gems in Porto the outdoor swimming pool at Quinta da Conceição to spend the afternoon relaxing
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Best Hotels in Porto
Accommodation
Star Rating
Top Reviewed
Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection by IHG
Torel Palace Porto
Altis Porto Hotel
Hotels 705 Porto Prime
Hotel Tipografia do Conto by Casa do Conto
Village Aparthotel By BOA
Jardim da Batalha Boutique Hotel by Shiadu
Casa D’Almeida by Porto Stories
Casual Raízes Porto
Ribeira Douro Hotel
Moov Hotel Porto Norte
Seculo Hotel
Torel Palace Porto
Altis Porto Hotel
Hotels 705 Porto Prime
Hotel Tipografia do Conto by Casa do Conto
Village Aparthotel By BOA
Jardim da Batalha Boutique Hotel by Shiadu
Casa D’Almeida by Porto Stories
Casual Raízes Porto
Ribeira Douro Hotel
Moov Hotel Porto Norte
Seculo Hotel
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5 Star
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4 Star
3 Star
3 Star
3 Star
2 Star
2 Star
2 Star
5 Star
5 Star
4 Star
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2 Star
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Things to Know Before You Go
The Weather Can Be Unpredictable
Porto has a temperate climate, but the weather can be quite unpredictable, especially during the winter months. For example I am writing this in March and the morning was cold and grey but the afternoon was sunny and warm.
Always carry an umbrella or light jacket, even if the forecast is sunny, to be prepared for sudden changes and wear layers.
Porto is Walkable, But Be Ready for Hills
Porto is a very walkable city, but it is also known for its steep hills! You’ll find yourself walking up and down many cobblestone streets and staircases, especially in areas like the Ribeira district and Vila Nova de Gaia. So, pack comfortable shoes and be ready for a little leg workout.
Tipping is Appreciated but Not Obligatory
In Porto, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is common, especially if the service is good. In cafes and bars, leaving a few coins is also a nice gesture, given the minimu wage in Portugal is still under 900 euros in 2025.
Credit Cards Not Widely Accepted
While Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, American Express, UnionPay, and Discover may not be accepted at smaller shops or restaurants. It’s a good idea to carry cash or use payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay as alternatives.
Porto has a temperate climate, but the weather can be quite unpredictable, especially during the winter months. For example I am writing this in March and the morning was cold and grey but the afternoon was sunny and warm.
Always carry an umbrella or light jacket, even if the forecast is sunny, to be prepared for sudden changes and wear layers.
Porto is Walkable, But Be Ready for Hills
Porto is a very walkable city, but it is also known for its steep hills! You’ll find yourself walking up and down many cobblestone streets and staircases, especially in areas like the Ribeira district and Vila Nova de Gaia. So, pack comfortable shoes and be ready for a little leg workout.
Tipping is Appreciated but Not Obligatory
In Porto, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a tip of around 5-10% is common, especially if the service is good. In cafes and bars, leaving a few coins is also a nice gesture, given the minimu wage in Portugal is still under 900 euros in 2025.
Credit Cards Not Widely Accepted
While Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, American Express, UnionPay, and Discover may not be accepted at smaller shops or restaurants. It’s a good idea to carry cash or use payment apps like Apple Pay or Google Pay as alternatives.
Written by Clara R.
“I’ve been lucky enough to call Portugal home since 2011, living in the Algarve, Lisbon, and the Porto area. Every year, I make it a mission to travel around this beautiful country, discovering new places, hidden gems, and the best local spots. Portugal never stops surprising me!.”
