Things to Do

Visit the Zoo de Sto. Inácio

Located in Avintes, Vila Nova de Gaia. Open since June 10, 2000, has its origin in a family estate, which dates from 1702, and that served as the holiday home of Van-Zeller, a bourgeois family of Dutch roots, which at that time settled in Porto to devote to the port wine Trade. From the Zoo, home of a huge variety of species of animals, to the Museum House from the 19th century, passing by beautiful gardens and woodland, there are many possibilities to spend an unforgettable day.

Visit the several port wine Caves

Nestled along the banks of the Douro River, just 500 meters from the GaiaPorto Hostel in Vila Nova de Gaia, you can indulge in the finest port wine produced in our country. We recommend visiting the Caves of Sandeman, Taylor’s, Ramos Pinto, and Real Companhia Velha, with whom we have partnerships that offer you exclusive pricing.

Visit the port wine Museum

Situated on the banks of the Douro River, Porto side, in 2004, housed in a beautiful 18th century building, where he ran a wine warehouse deposit and new customs. Here you can learn about the history and importance of the port wine trade in the historical development of the city, where through panels and multimedia posts that illustrate all the commercial activity, the wine region of Douro, the rail line, the Rabelo Boats, the evolution of the bottles and various objects related to the famous nectar.

Visit Rosa Mota Pavilion

Formerly known as the Sports Pavilion, this venue is located in the gardens of Crystal Palace in Porto. The original Palace, opened in 1865 and inspired by London’s Crystal Palace, was demolished in 1951 for a new structure by architect José Carlos Loureiro, dedicated to sports. It began hosting hockey matches and various sports like gymnastics, handball, and fencing, along with cultural events. In 1991, it was renamed to honor Rosa Mota, Porto's celebrated Olympic gold medalist in the marathon.

Visit the Serralves Foundation

An institution created in 1989, by Decree of Law, indicating an innovative partnership between the State and civil society, represented by 51 entities, now with 181, between public and private. Recognized today as one of the main Portuguese cultural institutions and the most relevant of the North of Portugal. Constituted by the House, the Park, the Museum of contemporary art, the Auditorium and the library, which manages in pursuit of its mission, having as main goals to encourage debate and curiosity about art, nature and landscape, educate creatively and actively promote the reflection on contemporary society.

Visit the Music House

Imagined for the festive year of 2001, when Oporto was the European Capital of Culture, this building was the first dedicated exclusively to music. Designed by Rem Koolhaas-Office for Metropolitan Architecture, excavations began in 1999 at the old port in the Rotunda of the Remise Boavista, inaugurating on April 15, 2005. As a home for diverse music styles, it integrates urban renewal and cultural facilities, promoting national and international music from FADO to electronic. The venue hosts concerts, recitals, and performances, fostering collaboration among musicians and musicologists while focusing on the origins of Portuguese music and its educational role.

Visit the Serra do Pilar Monastery

The Monastery of Grijó, located in the Serra do Pilar in Santa Marinha, Vila Nova de Gaia near the hostel, was in ruins in the early 16th century. In 1535, John III of Portugal and Prior-Mor D. Bento de Abrantes transferred the Augustinians to the Mountain of São Nicolau in Gaia. The initial design was by Diogo de Castilho and João de Ruão, with works starting in 1538 and extending until 1670 when the Church of Our Lady of Pillar was completed. During the Portuguese Civil War (1828-1834), Liberal troops used the monastery for support. It features a unique central altar surrounded by benches. Now, it serves as a museum and a popular wedding venue in Vila Nova de Gaia, visible from the hostel gardens.

Visit the Chapel of Senhor da Pedra

The Chapel of Senhor da Pedra, built on a rock by the sea in 1686, showcases our country's unique architecture. Its worship may stem from ancient pagan practices, later converted to Christianity. The chapel features a hexagonal plan, a high communion table, and two gilt Rococo/Baroque side altarpieces. Monochromatic blue tile panels at the entrance detail its history. It is located in Gulpilhares, Miramar Beach, Vila Nova de Gaia.