Nestled on the banks of the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto is a beautiful and historic city. Picturesque buildings line the river. Narrow cobblestone streets wind up the hillside in the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And wine is one of the city’s many calling cards. The nearby Douro Valley produces incredible wine that is available at every restaurant and café. In fact, the city’s most well-known export is Port, a sweet, fortified wine exclusively from the Douro Valley.
Spend your days wandering the charming streets in search of colorful ceramic tiles—known as azulejos—and dining on delicious food and drink. Alongside Portugal’s rise in popularity, enters a growing cultural scene in the country’s second largest city. Porto is a wonderful destination for visitors looking for an enchanting European city getaway. Keep reading for everything you need to know about visiting Porto Portugal!
The Porto Portugal Travel Guide covers the following topics. Click each link to jump to the corresponding section.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- How to Get to Porto: Fly into Porto’s International Airport (OPO). United Airlines and Tap Air Portugal fly direct from the United States to Porto. If you’re traveling within Portugal, catch the train to Porto (station Porto Campanhã). It’s about a 3.5-hour train ride from Lisbon to Porto.
- Best Time to Visit: Porto has a relatively mild climate making it a great destination for Spring, Summer, and Fall. July to August see the most tourists with temperatures hovering around a comfortable 75°F. December to February temperatures range between 40°F and 60°F.
- How Long to Stay: Three days is ideal for visiting Porto. This gives enough time to leisurely explore the city or even take a day trip to the Douro Valley Wineries.
- Transportation: Although hilly, Porto is a very walkable city. Uber and taxis are also readily available. You don’t need a car here.
- Currency: Euros.
WHERE TO STAY
For travelers looking to explore Porto’s main attractions on foot, the best neighborhoods to stay in are Baixa and Ribeira. For a more in-depth breakdown of the places to stay in Porto, make sure to read Where to Stay in Porto Portugal, coming soon.
Baixa
Home to the city’s best nightlife and many famous sites—including Porto Cathedral and Clérigos Tower—Baixa is an excellent district to stay in. Baixa is located just above the Ribeira neighborhood. Stay at the new five-star Casa da Companhia or the four-star Mercure Porto Centro Aliados.
Ribeira
Located along the river by the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, the Ribeira neighborhood is the most famous (and touristy) neighborhood in Porto. The Ribeira gives visitors easy access to the beautiful riverside promenade. The downside to staying here is that while some of Porto’s other attractions are nearby, it’s an uphill walk to reach them. Stay at the boutique five-star Torel Avantgarde.
BEST THINGS TO SEE & DO
Dom Luís I Bridge
The double deck bridge stretches across the Douro River connecting Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, the city on the other side of the river. Built between 1881 and 1886, the metal arch bridge was the longest of its kind at the time it was built and is a Porto icon. Hovering close to two hundred feet above the water, the upper deck is reserved for pedestrian traffic and the occasional metro train. The lower deck is for cars with small pedestrian sidewalks. Featuring incredible views of the city, a walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge is a must while visiting Porto!
Porto Cathedral (Sé Cathedral)
Built at the highest point in the city, the Roman Catholic church is one of Porto’s oldest and most significant monuments. Construction of the Cathedral began in the 12th century, however, it was renovated various times during the centuries that followed. As a result, the Cathedral is a combination of different architectural styles. The Cathedral itself is Romanesque while the stunning cloister is Gothic with beautiful a azulejos mural. Visiting the Porto Cathedral is another must when in Porto.
Clérgios Church & Bell Tower
Constructed in the mid-1700s in Baroque style, the Clérigos Church and Tower were built for the Brotherhood of the Clérigos. The iconic tower sits just above Porto’s historic center and is easy to spot from all over the city. Admire the façade and interior beauty of the church before making your way up the tower. Climb the 240 steps in Clérigos Tower for a panoramic view of the city—and try to count the 49 bells on your way up.
São Bento Train Station
The São Beneto Train Station is arguably the most beautiful station in the world. Designed and painted by Jorge Colaço, the stunning atrium is filled with blue and white ceramic tiles depicting scenes of Portugal’s history. Built on the site of a Benedictine monastery, the train station is centrally located in Porto and services the popular route to the Douro Valley. Stop in to admire its beauty!
Mercado do Bolhão
The lively market is a staple of Porto’s cultural scene. Many of the city’s top restaurants get their produce from this century-old market. Recently re-opened after renovations, and spread out over several levels, the open-air market specializes in local foods and souvenirs. Stop by one of the cafes on the ground floor for lunch before wandering the market shops.
Douro River Cruise
Another great way to see Porto is by water. Traditional Portuguese Rabelo boats line both sides of the Douro river. Originally used to transport Port wine, the wooden boats now ferry sightseeing passengers. There are several options for boat tours. If you’re looking to explore Porto from a different vantage point, take an hour-long cruise to see the six bridges of Porto. If you’re looking to see more of Portugal, book a full day Douro Valley tour with wine tasting.
Livraria Lello Book Store
One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world and rumored to be an inspiration for Harry Potter, Livraria Lello is a popular attraction in Porto. Books line the walls from floor to the ceiling and a winding wooden staircase with red carpet dominates the narrow shop. On any given day, there is a serpentine line to enter the store. Skip the line entirely by purchasing a ticket voucher with “Book Priority”. The price of the ticket not only allows you to avoid the long wait, but also goes towards a book once you’re inside!
Azulejos – Beautiful Tiles
Portugal is well known for its decorative ceramic tiles, called azulejos, that adorn buildings. Porto is no exception as the city is full of beautiful blue and white tile displays. Some of the iconic tile displays are found in the São Bento Station, Porto Cathedral, and Igreja do Carmo. If you’re interested in seeing all the best azulejos around the city, read more about the Best Places to See Azulejos in Porto. Admiring the beautiful tiles is a must-do while wandering around Porto!
Drink Port Wine
Port wine is a fortified wine exclusively from the Douro region and named for the city where the wine was shipped out to the world. The wine was fortified with more alcohol to keep it from spoiling on long maritime voyages. Do a Port tasting along the Douro River and sample different Tawny Ports, Ruby Port, and White Port. Port houses, like Sandeman and Graham’s, are located just across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Stroll the Historic City Center & Ribeira District
Porto’s historic city center, or Ribeira, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The colorful neighborhood along the hillside of the Douro River has been an important commerce site for thousands of years. Established by the Celts and later occupied by the Romans, the Portuguese city has a 2,000-year history. The lively Ribeira district is a popular tourist area with charming cafés, narrow streets, and a bustling riverfront promenade. Can’t be missed!
Sunset from Jardim do Morro or Pedra dos Gatinhos
Given the city’s hilly terrain, Porto has many excellent sunset-viewing spots. One of the best is Jardim do Morro, located on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the Douro River. Right in front of Jardim do Morro is Esplanada do Telefërico, a highly-rated café with incredible views. Perhaps the best vantage point is Pedra dos Gatinhos, or Kitties Rock. After crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge, follow a well-worn dirt path and scramble up some boulders to enjoy the views. Make sure bring a jacket because it gets chilly as the sun goes down.
Day Trip to Douro Valley Wineries
About 1.5 hours from Porto is one of the world’s oldest protected wine regions—the Douro Valley. Take a guided tour and soak in the stunning landscape and scenic river views. Tours typically visit several wineries and stop by picturesque towns like Pinhão. A day trip to the Douro Valley is a great way to learn about the famous wine region and sample delicious wines!
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Porto has a thriving food scene that features a unique blend of Portuguese and modern cuisine. The city’s location near the sea means seafood is a staple. Popular seafood dishes include octopus, grilled sardines, and Bacalhau (a Portuguese cod dish). Another signature meal from Porto is the Francesinha, a sandwich made with ham, sausage, steak, and melted cheese. The most famous export from Porto is Port wine, which comes from the nearby Douro Valley wine region. And no Portuguese eating guide is complete without mentioning the famous Portuguese pastry, Pastel del Nata.
EAT
One of the best lunch spots in Porto is the famous Mercado do Bolhão. Grab some local fare and shop the market. While strolling the riverfront promenade, stop at Bacchus Vini, a gem offering a plethora of Douro Valley wine flights. Chama is a chic eatery that serves local ingredients with a unique twist. Café Santiago is a great place to try a hearty francesinhas as the restaurant has been serving the dish for over 50 years. Café Candelabro is another trendy spot for a casual meal.
If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience, Porto has no shortage of incredible eateries. Make a reservation at Pedro Lemos, the first restaurant (of many) in Porto to receive a Michelin star. Another great dinner spot is The Yeatman, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving contemporary Portuguese cuisine with a long wine list. Or dine at the top-rated O Paparico for a blend of European and Portuguese fare.
DRINK
Porto’s history and commerce has long centered around alcohol so it’s no surprise that city is full of wonderful bars. Prova is a top-rated wine bar. Pop in to the trendy Candelabro for a casual drink. Located next to Clérigos Tower, Base is one of the most popular bars in town. Torto has some of the best cocktails in town. And if you’re looking for late night dancing, check out Indústria.
