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• Miranda do Douro
• Viana do Castelo
• Corvo, The Crow Island of the Azores
• Faial, The Blue Island of Azores
• Flores, The Yellow Island of Azores
• Graciosa, The White Island of the Azores
• Pico, The Black Island of Azores
• Santa Maria, The Sunshine Island of the Azores
• São Jorge, The Brown Island of Azores
• São Miguel, The Green Island of Azores
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• Central Portugal
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• Porto & Northern Portugal
• Portugal Survival Guide
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• Guide to Learning Portuguese
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• Weather in Portugal
• Portugal Visa Guide
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• Food & Drink
• History and Culture

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When people think about visiting Portugal, their first thought is to go to Lisbon , the capital. Porto might be the second-largest city in the country after Lisbon, but it is not the second best! 280 km north of Lisbon, the beautiful city of Porto lies along the Douro river. Home to Port wine, street art, and “francesinhas” , Porto is one of the world’s top 100 cities with the most international visitors. Over 1 million tourists visit Porto every year, as well as thousands of digital nomads and remote workers looking to make the city a temporary home.

One of the oldest in Europe, Porto’s old town in the city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996! It is no surprise that Porto is a city with a rich history and culture.

Porto has been inhabited by different groups throughout the ages, making it a melting point of heritage and history. The city was first inhabited by Celtic people. Then, during the Roman occupation of the Iberian Peninsula in the fourth century, the city was transformed into a commercial port. They renamed the city “Portus Cale”, meaning “Port of Cale” (Cale is the original name for Celtic). Fun fact: this has been referred to as the origin of the name Portugal. The Visigoths then took possession of the city in the sixth century but lost it to Moors in the eighth century. Christian forces won back the city in 997 when Porto became the capital of Portucalense (northern Portugal). The Moors won it back again for a few years but in 1092 it went back into Christian rule.

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, the city center increased dramatically in population size and became an industrial center. It went on to become a major city in the struggle for the end of the monarchy. Writers and poets with progressive views lived in the city during the nineteenth century. In 1820, a liberal revolution started in Porto demanding the end of the monarchy. After Miguel of Portugal became king, Porto rebelled against the ruler and an eighteen-month siege by the King’s army occurred in 1832. Porto won and the King abdicated! Republicans revolted again in Porto in 1891 and many say these events led to the creation of the Portuguese Republic in 1910.

Since then, Porto has undergone many changes and improvements, like the construction of the Arrábida bridge over the Douro river in the 70s. Porto was elected Best European Destination in 2010 and 2014 and has seen a boom in tourism ever since, giving other European countries a run for their money. Our Porto city guide has all the Porto travel tips for your next vacation!

What to do in Porto, Portugal: Porto Travel Guide to Tourist Attractions, Activities, and Day Trips

Porto is one of the top cities to visit in Portugal, as well as all of Europe right now. The city offers many tourist attractions and activities that are affordable and will make visiting the city a trip to remember. From traditional Portuguese activities like a Port wine tour to historical attractions, as well as activities to do with children, the city has a lot to offer. Ready to explore Porto?

Book Tours & Activities in Porto

What are some traditional things to do in Porto, Portugal?

Wine tasting in porto.

A traditional thing to do in Porto is definitely a Port wine tasting, even if you are not necessarily a wine lover. Port wine is a Portuguese fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley. This wine is a sweet red wine that often pairs perfectly with dessert. On a wine tour, you can also taste other Portuguese wines including white and red wine. The best wine tastings are in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Dom Luis Bridge from Porto, over the Douro river.

Caves Ferreira in Vila Nova de Gaia is one of the best places for a port tasting. Founded by a family of winemakers in 1751, Caves Ferreira is the only wine company from Porto that has always remained Portuguese throughout its history. They offer port tastings at different prices but a great option is a Classic visit for €15 per person.

You can also visit Ramos Pinto, an incredible vineyard established in 1880 by Adriano Ramos Pinto. They have over 80 hectares of vineyards across four Quintas (farms). You can enjoy a tour of their port wine cellars (Ramos Pinto Cellars) and a visit to their museum (Adriano Ramos Pinto Museum) that teaches you about the history of the brand for €12. You can do all this and have a port tasting of 5 wines at the end for around €25 in their tasting room.

While you’re in Vila Nova de Gaia, make sure to ride the Gaia cable car at sunset to get a view of the Douro river and Porto.

Book Port Wine Tastings & Tours in Porto

Fado houses in Porto

While many associate fado houses with Lisbon, Porto has many traditional taverns where you can listen to the iconic Portuguese music of fado. However, prices in Lisbon are often more expensive (€50+). In Porto, you can get the full experience of a large set menu and a live music show for a more affordable price, as well as a glass of Port wine.

A great place to go is Casa das Mariquinhas. Established in 1968 and close to S. Bento, all the great names of national fado have passed through its doors, singing fado most authentically, without microphones. You can enjoy a show and a large meal here for under €38.

Most fado houses do not allow you to just sit with a wine glass and enjoy the show. Usually, you need to book a table for a full meal. However, Galeria de Paris allows you to listen to a live fado show for only €15, which includes a glass of Port wine. Located in the old town, they also offer lunch menus for under €6.

Book Fado Live Show Ticket 

What are some famous tourist attractions and monuments in porto, portugal.

One of the oldest cities in Europe, Porto has several famous historical attractions and monuments you cannot miss. Better yet – most of them are within walking distance of each other and located in the historic center, proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here are our top 6 historical attractions and monuments to visit in Porto.

1. Clérigos Tower

Want to see the city of Porto at 75 meters high? Located in the city center of Porto, the Clérigos Tower, or the Tower of the Clerics was built in 1763 by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. You can climb the 225 steps to reach the top of the tower, where you can enjoy a 360 perspective of the city. This is particularly beautiful at night and the tower is open until 11 PM, making it one of the best places to watch the sunset. The tower is built on a Roman Catholic Baroque church that is decorated with motifs, a style of architecture from the seventeenth century. The monument also offers a museum on the history of the building.

You can get a guided tour of the museum, church, and tower for €6.50 during the day. You can also visit the tower at night for €5.

Book Torre dos Clerigos Ticket  

2. Livraria Lello

Livraria Lello is located in the city center of Porto and is one of the oldest bookstores in the country. It’s known for being one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Founded in 1906, Livraria Lello has been a highlight of cultural life in the city, with many literary figures visiting the place. If you google the place, many argue that JK Rowling, the author of Harry Potter wrote the books at Livraria Lello. Sorry to burst your bubble if you are a Harry Potter fanatic, but this isn’t true – JK Rowling has denied these claims and has never visited Livraria Lello.

Entrance to Livraria Lello used to be free, but they were getting 4,000 visits a day with long lines and less than 5% would buy a book. Now the tickets cost €5. Kids under 3 years old have free entrance.

Book Guided Walking Tours and Lello Bookshop

3. Carmo Church

Also known as Igreja do Carmo, this church is a combination of two buildings, one built in the 1600s and one in the 1700s. This monument is therefore one of the oldest in the old town of Porto. The church is built in baroque style, the same as the Clérigos Tower. A part of the church is decorated with Portuguese blue azulejos (tiles) made locally in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Douro river from Porto. The exterior has two religious statues of the prophets Elijah and Elisha made in Italy.

You can enter the church for free! However, to visit the museum, catacombs, and Casa Escondida there is a fee of €3.50.

4 . Bolsa Palace

Palacio da Bolsa’s construction began in 1842 by the Porto Commercial Association on the ruins of the Saint Francis Convent. The name Palácio da Bolsa translates into “Stock Exchange Palace”. It no longer functions as a stock exchange but is still the headquarters of the association and is used for important events like the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1957. The Stock Exchange Palace was built in neoclassical style and displays furniture by Portuguese architect José Marques da Silva and sculptures by the famous sculptor Teixeira Lopes. The most famous room is the “Arab Room” built between 1862 and 1880 and decorated in the Moorish Revival style. Today, this room is used as a hall for prestigious visitors to Porto like heads of state.

You can visit the palace for €10 or €6.50 for children, students, and seniors. Children under 12 years old can visit the palace for free.

Book Palacio da Bolsa Guided Tour

5. porto cathedral.

Mostly known as Sé do Porto, this Roman Catholic cathedral is a national monument and the most important religious building in all of Porto. The Porto Cathedral still holds a mass every day at 11 am that you can attend for free. The construction of the cathedral began in the twelfth century and was finally fully built in 1737. It was renovated in many architectural styles throughout the centuries including Gothic and Baroque. Today, it has a beautiful mixture of many styles.

The entrance to the Porto Cathedral is free, but if you want to access the fourteenth-century cloister you pay €3 ticket.

6. Majestic Cafe

Established in 1921, this café is known as one of the most beautiful in Europe and is located in the heart of the city center. This café was first called Elite as it was catered to the finest in society and intellectuals. The name was changed to Majestic Cafe, as Elite alluded to the monarchy and that did not sit well with the republican intellectuals that visited the place. The building was declared a “Public Interest Building” in 1983 and won multiple awards including the Municipal Merit Medal – Grade – Gold” (2011). This is a must-see in Porto but the prices are quite high. The café offers many baked delicacies such as “Pastel de Nata”, meals, and an afternoon tea for €25 per person. An expresso costs €5 here, while in other cafés it should not cost you more than €1. But for the experience, it is well worth it.

Best Things to do in Porto

Day trips from porto, portugal.

Porto has a lot to offer, but so do the surrounding areas. If you visit Porto, it would be a waste to not take a day trip. Here are our top 3 favorite day trips from Porto you cannot miss. If you are visiting for at least a week, taking all 3 would make it the perfect trip.

1. Douro Valley

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Douro Valley should be on the top of your list for a day trip. The Douro Valley is a cultural landscape of vineyards where Douro wines are grown and produced at traditional wine cellars. Departing from Porto, the Douro river flows in the middle of these green hills with vineyards. Beware, visiting the Douro Valley is quite expensive for Portuguese standards, but a once in a lifetime opportunity.

The best way to visit the Douro Valley is by hiring a private car transfer or renting a car as public transportation is scarce in the area, especially if you want to visit multiple vineyards for wine tastings. Alternatively, you can also book a stunning Douro river cruise that stops at vineyards.

The 3 best vineyards to visit in Douro are the following: Quinta da Roêda (Pinhão), Quinta do Crasto (Sabrosa), and Quinta do Seixo (Valença do Douro).

Quinta da Roêda does not just offer Port wine tastings, but also, visits to the vineyards, picnics, workshops, and more. You can explore the gorgeous vineyard with a travel guide and have a tasting of three wines for only €12 per person. Their packages go up to €44 per person for a larger number and variety of wines. For a luxurious and romantic lunch out with wine, you can reserve their picnic package on the shaded terrace, overlooking the vineyards and Douro river. Prices for this range from €30 to €48 per person depending on the basket selected.

Quinta do Crasto is included in the Top 20 of the World’s Best Vineyards, winning 16th place in 2021. The wine tasting here lasts around 90 minutes where you get to taste 5 of their wines, visit the port wine cellars, and more for €29 per person.

Quinta do Seixo has over 100 hectares and is one of the most traditional wine-producing estates in the region. The vines are over one hundred years old! The Quinta also has very advanced winemaking technology that is perfectly integrated with the landscape. They have a variety of packages for wine-loving visitors. Their cheapest visit is €15 for a 40-minute tour of the winery and tasting of 2 port wines. Their most luxurious option is a 3-hour picnic in the vineyard where you can taste their wines and enjoy Douro cuisine for €40 per person (only available from March to October).

Alternatively, if you want to enjoy the views of the Douro river rather than spending the day vineyard “hopping”, you could travel by bus, train, and boat for the full experience. You can book a day river cruise in the Douro river from Porto and come back by bus or train. This 12-hour day cruise from Porto includes a return ticket so you can travel back to the city through public transportation. It also includes breakfast, lunch, and a wine tasting at the end in Pinhão where you can catch the bus or train back to Porto. The cruise costs €86 per person.

Book Douro Valley Tours

2. Peneda-Gerês National Park

A one-hour drive from Porto, Gerês is the oldest protected area in the country and the only national park in Portugal. The park covers an area of 695.93 km 2 and occasionally gets some snow in the winter. This is the perfect day trip for adventure-seeking travelers! There are many hiking trails and “miradouros” (viewpoints) where you can get wonderful views. There are also many lagoons and rivers where you can take a dip in the summer months, perfect for after a hike. You can also spend the day exploring medieval villages that are uninhabited. Make sure to pack some food and a water bottle as some areas are far away from infrastructures.

How do you get to Gerês from Porto? The best way is to book a car rental to drive the 100 kilometers. Public transportation to Gerês is almost nonexistent. The only way to get there is to get a one-hour train to Braga (€5) and then take a 43m taxi (€30) or a 1h30 bus (€2) to the park. This will take up half of your day, considering that the bus and taxis will also probably be late.

However, you can always book a tour, this is a great option for a whole day. This amazing tour picks you up from your accommodation in Porto (round-trip) and takes you to the best hiking and swimming spots in Gerês. You can also venture off the track as you’ll be in a 4×4 and so can explore secret places! This 10-hour tour also includes local food and wine at a typical restaurant. The tour costs €85 per person.

Book Peneda-Geres National Park Tours

3. Matosinhos

Last but not least, if you are looking for a sunny day at the beach close to Porto , head to Matosinhos. This fishing town is a 20-minute drive or a 40-minute bus ride from Porto. Matosinhos is famous for its beach, Praia de Matosinhos, the largest beach close to Porto. The beach is perfect for a relaxing day away from the city during the summer. The beach has a lot to offer: beach sports like surfing in the wavey Atlantic ocean, lifeguards supervising the area, as well as plenty of cafes and beach bars.

The best time to go is between June and August during the week. Avoid the weekends as Matosinhos beach will be overly crowded during this time.

You can also book a surfing experience here for €40 which is perfect for a family with kids. This surf experience includes a transfer from Porto to Matosinhos. Don’t know how to surf? Don’t worry! The instructions in this experience will teach you.

You can also choose to visit other beaches, like Praia de Leca da Palmeira which also has saltwater swimming pools that are much warmer than the sea.

You can also visit the Castelo do Queijo (Cheese Castle), a fort constructed in the seventeenth century after Portugal gained independence from Spain. The fort has a small museum that costs €0.50 to enter.

The town is also known for its seafood, allowing you to discover the best of Portuguese culture. The morning fish market sells fresh fish every day at the port and you can also taste the finest fish dishes at many restaurants. Some amazing seafood restaurants overlooking the Atlantic ocean in Matosinhos are TITO 2 (around €40 for two people), A Marisqueira de Matosinhos (around €50 for two people), and Marisqueria A Antiga (around €70 for two people).

Book Matosinhos Beach Activities

Travel Guide to Porto & Northern Portugal

What are some activities for kids in Porto, Portugal?

Porto has plenty of stuff to do with the kids, catering to locals and tourists alike. A great thing to do in Porto is visiting Sea Life, an experience the whole family will enjoy. Sea Life has over 30 displays and 3,000 sea creatures. This place has an underwater tunnel you can walk through and observe the sea life. Tickets cost €14 and entrance is free for kids under 3. If you want a surreal experience, book the VIP Turtle Feeding where you can go backstage and feed Mariza, the green turtle for €24.

Book Sea Life Ticket

Another thing to do with kids in Porto is to visit the World of Discoveries in the center, an interactive museum and theme park that teaches you about Portuguese navigators. Kids younger than 3 years old have free access, kids from 4 to 12 years old pay €9, and adults pay €15. However, bear in mind that some parents feel like this place glorifies the era of Portuguese “discoveries” and silences the victims of colonialism.

Book World of Discoveries Ticket

Lastly, if you don’t mind getting away from the city, Zoo Santo Inácio in Vila Nova da Gaia is a 15-minute drive from Porto. They have over 600 animals and 200 species living in the zoo. From a 40-meter glass tunnel where you can see a lion’s habitat to a reptile area with the largest snake in the world, the reticulated python at 11 meters long, this zoo is an incredible experience. Kids under 3 do not pay, while kids under 13 pay €10. Adults pay €15.

What are some free things to do in Porto, Portugal?

Due to its beautiful views and public historical buildings, Porto has a lot for those on a budget . Exploring this magical city comes at zero cost – think of it as a free walking tour!

The riverfront district of Ribeira is the perfect place for a walk as it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can take photos of Dom Luis bridge and enjoy a panoramic view of the city. There are pedestrian walking lanes along the bridge so you can actually cross it.

The gardens of the Palacio de Cristal are only a 15-minute walk from the center. The landscaped gardens were designed in the nineteenth century and offer views of the Douro river, as well as walking paths and fountains. Perfect for a picnic!

You should also visit a Casa Da Musica (House of Music), an iconic concert hall in the center of the city, built in 2005. Designed by architect Rem Koolhaas. Although a tour of the inside costs €10, the best part of this place is the exterior. Perfect to take photos!

If you love photography, visit the Centro Português de Fotografia. This museum showcases works from Portuguese and international photographers and has free exhibitions. The building once served as a prison which you will notice by the iron gates and cells inside the museum.

Finally, the São Bento railway station is not just perfect for traveling. This station has an atrium covered in 22,000 azulejos (tiles), created by artist Jorge Colaço. The azulejos feature iconic episodes of Portuguese history. São Bento railway station is often described as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world!

Where to eat in Porto, Portugal?

This Porto travel guide would be meaningless without the most important part of Portuguese culture – food. Porto offers an incredible culinary experience at a much more affordable price than Lisbon. From “francesinhas” to seafood and wine, Porto is the perfect place for a foodie. The options are limitless, so we have selected our favorite restaurants for your needs. Porto has meals for everyone’s taste: traditional food, vegan meals, as well as luxury dining for those looking for an experience.

Porto Food Tours & Tastings

Portuguese food: where to eat traditional portuguese food in porto, portugal.

Porto is home to many restaurants serving Northern cuisine that will make you feel like a local. But first, let’s go through the typical Portuense (and Portuguese) foods you need to try in Porto. These are all definitely must-tries!

• “Francesinha”: A trip to Porto needs a francesinha. This meal includes ham, sausage, and steak sandwich with loads of melted cheese and a fried egg on top, and spiced tomato and beer sauce. It’s served with french fries.
• “Tripas à moda do Porto”: This is a heavy meat-based dish, with beans, carrots, steak, veal, and pork stomach. People have been eating this in Porto for hundreds of years.
• “Sandes de pernil”: a roast pork butt sandwich with “queijo da serra” (a mountain cheese).
• “Bacalhau: codfish. There are 365 ways to serve codfish in Portugal, our favorite is “bacalhau à brás”, a dish made from shreds of codfish, onions, chopped potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Usually topped with black olives and parsley.
• Caldo verde: a green vegetable soup with Portuguese sausage.
• “Alheira”: a Portuguese alheira sausage made from chicken, turkey, duck, or pheasant. Usually eaten with fries and a fried egg.
• “Broa de Avintes: a famous bread from Porto that is dark brown.
• “Tarde de Amendoa”: an almond tart that is typical of Douro as this region cultivates most of the countries almonds. The tart has almonds, sugar, butter, and milk.
• “Sardinhas assadas”: sardines that are usually plated on top of bread and paired with potatoes, peppers, and salad.

Now that you know how to navigate a menu, here are our top 3 places to eat traditional food in Porto.

1. Taberna Santo António, Rua Virtudes

Located in the city center, a classic Porto “tasca” (Portuguese tavern), you’ll be treated like a local here. You can try various traditional Portuguese dishes for a very cheap price. On Sundays, they have “cozido  à Portuguesa”, a traditional meat stew with pork, sausages, rice, and vegetables for 7€. They also have “bifanas”, a steak sandwich for under €2. The roast pork is also amazing! You can get a full meal here for under €10.

2. Casa Guedes, Praça dos Poveiros & Rua Actor João Guedes

This place is known for having the best “sandes de pernil” in Porto, a roast pork butt sandwich with mountain cheese. It was initially established in 1987 by the Correia brothers as a snack bar, but since then, they have opened two new spaces. You can try any of these, they are all amazing:

• Casa Guedes Tradicional (1987): Praça dos Poveiros 130
• Casa Guedes Rooftop (2019): Praça dos Poveiros 76
• Casa Guedes Progresso (2020): Rua Actor João Guedes 5

Their “sandes de pernil” only costs €3.90. They also have other sandwiches: Portuguese ham, cured pork, cured black pork, and softer sheep cheese sandwich (all under €4.50). This is also a great place to try the “caldo verde” (green soup) for €1.70 and the iconic “francesinha” with melted cheese. You can have a whole meal here for €6.

3. Tasquinha Ze Povinho , Rua Clemente Meneres

One of the best “tascas” in Porto, this family-run restaurant offers traditional dishes that make you feel at home. The owner of this restaurant prides herself on creating dishes that reflect her Portuguese roots, rather than catering to tourists. The restaurant offers authentic dishes that everyone must try like “francesinhas” and “tripas à moda do Porto”.You can get a meal here for under €7.

For the plant-based: where to eat vegan food in Porto, Portugal?

If you are a vegan planning your trip to Porto, look no further. The vegan scene in Porto has been booming recently. A few years ago, there were few options for plant-based food, but now there are hundreds of options for vegans. It has truly become a vegan-friendly city! Here are our top three vegan places in Porto.

1. Arvore do Mundo, Rua do Duque de Lole

Arvore do Mundo is not just a vegan restaurant, but also a gallery where you can check out local art. They have a garden and terrace where you can have a vegan meal and relax, as well as toys and books for kids.

This vegan restaurant has lunch menus for €10 per person and the average cost for dinner is around €12 per person.

2. Kind Kitchen , Rua do Bonjardim

Located in Baixa, the interior of the restaurant is modern and clean and you can watch the food being prepared in their open-style kitchen. kind Kitchen has a wide range of dishes including Buddha bowls, burgers, and cakes. They even have the famous beyond burger that tastes like real meat! This vegan restaurant also has a vegan version of the iconic Porto dish “francesinha” with plant-based melted cheese.

The lunch menus are under €10 per person and the average cost for dinner is around €12 per person.

3. My Green Pastry , Praça da República

Missing out on the amazing desserts in Porto? Don’t worry, my Green Pastry is a vegan pastry shop that will satisfy your sweet tooth. This place focuses on local and seasonal ingredients and is also plastic-free. My Green Pastry also has savory snacks that are completely plant-based and organic. They also offer a large brunch on Saturdays for €18.

Luxury dining: what are the best Michelin star restaurants in Porto, Portugal?

Looking for a luxurious night out? Prepare to splurge! Porto has 5 Michelin-starred restaurants that will provide you with a once in a lifetime experience. We have chosen our two favorite Michelin star restaurants in Porto.

1. Pedro Lemos, Rua do Padre Luís Cabral

A 20-minute car ride from the center of Porto, Pedro Lemos is a renowned restaurant in a restored stone house. Opened in 2009 by Chef Pedro Lemos, it was the first restaurant in Porto to be awarded a Michelin star. Pedro Lemos is located in Foz, a historical neighborhood in Porto. The restaurant has contemporary decor and a rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a beautiful view. It also has a wine cellar where group dinners can take place. Pedro Lemos has excellent fish dishes that are Portuguese, as well as international cuisine. The foie gras is to die for!

Menus start at €120 per person where you can taste 8 dishes. The menu for wine starts at €65 and these are carefully selected to pair with your meal.

2. Antiqvvm , Rua de Entre Quintas

Located close to Museo Romántico, this restaurant is situated in a park in the center of Porto. You get a gorgeous view of the Douro River. Chef Vitor Matos uses seasonal and local ingredients to produce unbelievable dishes. This Michelin 1-star restaurant has Portuguese wines from every region, selected by the sommelier António Lopes. Try the red mullet with cauliflower and sea urchin sauce.

You can choose from a set menu or opt for the à la carte menu where vegetarian options are available. A set menu here will cost you at least €135 and the wine menu €65.

Guide to Porto Restaurants 2022

Getting around: how does public transportation work in porto, portugal.

Getting around in Porto is fairly easy. You can walk most places, but you also have access to efficient public transportation, including train, tram, and bus routes. Transportation costs are also incredibly affordable, with travel cards available. The best way to get from Porto airport to the city center is by renting a car or booking a 20-minute taxi.

What travel card to buy for public transportation in Porto, Portugal?

You have travel card options to go around Porto: the Porto Card + travel card or the Andante Card.

The Porto card + travel card is perfect if you are going to visit museums. You get free bus and metro transport, free entry to 6 museums (including a contemporary art museum), and 50% off in 14 monuments. You also get a free train ride to the beach. You can buy this card from official tourist offices, some railway stations, and Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport. You cannot purchase it at a metro station. Here are the prices for the Porto Card + travel card:

• 2-days: €20
• 3-days: €25
• 4-days: €33

Book the Porto Travel Card

There are two types of Andante cards, the Andante 24 card, and the Andante Tour card. You can purchase these in Andante shops in metro stations and the airport, as well as tourist offices. The Andante 24 card gives you 24-hour unlimited access to the metro, buses, and some trains. The price of the card depends on the zone you purchase it for. If you are just getting around central Porto, purchase a zone 2 Andante 24 card that costs €4.15. You can also get an Adante Tour card for tourists that allows you to travel to all the zones. An Andante Tour 1 for 24 hours costs €7 and an Andante Tour 3 for 72 hours costs €15.

The metro in Porto, Portugal

The metro is one of the fastest public transportation options, as well as the most sustainable (after walking). 12,000 cars stopped circulating because of the Porto metro.

The metro has 6 lines and 81 stations and goes through the city’s main districts, as well as outskirts. The metro works from 6 am to 1 am. A single ticket costs €1.70. Make sure to watch out for pickpocketers and stay safe!

The tram in Porto, Portugal

Like in Lisbon, the trams are a cultural and historical experience. They are a great way to get to know the city, but they are much slower than other means of public transportation. The locals use to rely on the tram before the bus and metro lines were established, but now this mode of transport is best for tourists and those wanting a unique experience.

A single fare will cost you €3.

The bus in Porto, Portugal

The bus is the cheapest mode of transportation in all of Porto. It can take you places where the metro line does not reach and can take you to Vila Nova de Gaia, as well as Matosinhos for the beach.

Don’t forget to reach out your arm when the bus driver passes by so that they stop to let you get on!

A single fare ticket bought with the driver costs €1.80.

The train in Porto, Portugal

The trains are great for getting out of Porto, to cities nearby. Don’t travel within Porto by train. You can take the train from São Bento Station to Braga (€15), and other cities.

A single fare can cost you between €1.50 and can go up to €30 depending on where you go.

Guide to Bars in Porto

Porto guide: final thoughts.

For you’re next trip to Portugal, you must visit Porto. In fact, put it at the top of your list. From incredible food to its World Site Heritage historic center and views along the Douro river, the city has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are a solo traveler or backpacking, Porto is an affordable city to visit that can still make it a trip to remember. This city fits everyone’s budget from cheap options for backpackers to luxurious hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants. Hopefully, this extensive Porto travel guide has taught you everything you need to travel to the Portuguese city. It’s time to find yourself some cheap flights to Porto airport!

Take a look at our ultimate guides to Lisbon ,  Albufeira , and more with all the information you need for your next trip to Portugal.

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Explore Porto

Plan your trip to porto: best of porto tourism.

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Essential porto.

How to do Porto in 3 days

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Porto Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing porto.

lasersailor_8

Best of all was the full day boat trip up the Douro to Pinhao, this is a must for all visitors to Porto. A visit by bus to Braga with its fountains and to see 'Bom Jesus' cathedral, take the funicula if you want to save yourself a lot of walking as there is plenty of that once at the top. In Braga I had the best Francesinha ever, you visit Braga then you must have one of these.

Eating is one of the best parts of being in Porto so don't fill up at the first place you come to — learn to graze! Remember: The little appetizers that are brought to your table when you sit down are not free — if you are not interested don't touch them or ask your server to take them away.

Andre Parente

There are lots of nice guesthouses in Porto, operating within converted traditional houses. If you fancy a genuine local feeling, stay in one of these instead of a conventional hotel.

One could wander around for days without ever getting bored. Not to mention the fabulous eating and drinking places at very reasonable prices, the local wines and, of course, the Port wine. The local people are extremely friendly and willing to help.

Porto is a vibrant city of picturesque streets, grey buildings, honest smiles, and a romantic aura. In three days it’s possible to visit and see its main and most obvious attractions, not only in the historic center, which is listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO, but also some of the more modern neighborhoods.

Porto is, to many, the most romantic city in Portugal. The river Douro, endless ancient churches, lovely green spaces, elegant eateries, quirky landmarks, and the inescapable seduction of Port wine all come together in one easy-to-love town.

What is the best way to get there?

The city is served by Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (Porto International Airport).

Porto has two train stations: the ornately decorated Sao Bento station for local trains and Campanha station, from which trains to the rest of the country and other European destinations depart.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting from overseas, see if you need a visa using the following  website .

When is the best time to visit?

Porto generally experiences a moderate climate that provides optimum conditions for exploring the city on foot. The best months to visit are May, June and September, when skies are typically dry and blue, and the crowds associated with summer are less-concentrated. Expect average daily temperatures those times of year to be highs around 74° F (23° C) and lows of 58° F (14° C).

For more information on Porto’s weather and when to go, check out some tips  here .

Porto’s metro features six lines that run from around 6 a.m. until 1 a.m. There are more than 80 metro lines throughout the city, which are marked with large blue letter Ms.

See timetables  here .

Throughout Porto and the surrounding regions of Vila Nova de Gaia and Vila do Conde, you’ll find more than 75 STNP bus routes. Porto Cards and Andante can be topped up with cash and purchased at most bus stops.

tram and funicular

There are three tram routes in Porto; Line 1, 18, and 22. Line 1 runs along the west coast and the Douro River, making for a truly scenic journey. There’s also a single track funicular that runs from Porto’s Ribeira area to Batalha Square.

On the ground

What is the timezone.

Western European Standard Time (GMT).

What are the voltage/plug types?

The standard voltage in France is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. The standard voltage in Porto is 230V and the standard frequency is 50Hz. There are two associated plug types: type C, with two round pins, and type F, which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side.

What is the currency?

Euro (EUR).

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Are credit cards widely accepted, is it easy to find a bank, how much do i tip.

Tipping isn’t customary in Porto and service isn’t generally added to the bill at restaurants and bars. However, if you’ve had particularly good service then a tip is always appreciated.

Are there local customs I should know?

The federal legal age for buying and drinking alcohol is 18 years old.

Try to speak the language

Learn a few basic phrases as a sign of respect. Locals will often switch to English for your ease and comfort but they appreciate the effort.

Public Transport

Allow others to disembark before boarding, don’t take up more than one seat, and stand to offer seating to pregnant women or someone with a disability.

• Se Catedral Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
• PortoBay Flores
• Vera Cruz Porto Hotel
• Hotel Mercure Porto Centro Aliados
• Moov Hotel Porto Centro
• MUU Steakhouse
• Taberna dos Mercadores
• Restaurante Chama
• Cúmplice Steakhouse&bar
• Livraria Lello
• Ponte de Dom Luís I
• Palacio da Bolsa
• Cais da Ribeira
• Douro River
• Complete Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch, Wine Tastings and River Cruise
• Authentic Douro Wine Tour Including Lunch and River Cruise
• Douro Valley Tour: 2 Vineyard Visits, River Cruise, Winery Lunch
• Douro Valley 3 Wine Experiences with Lunch & Optional Boat Cruise
• Porto 3-Hour Food and Wine Tasting Tour

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Porto Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 8, 2024

While Porto lacks the iconic “wow!” factor of Lisbon , I still think it’s a beautiful riverside city filled with lots of good food, plentiful wine, and cozy riverfront cafes.

Moreover, this is the best place to start your trips to the nearby Douro Valley, where you can explore and tour the region’s famous port vineyards. It’s also one of the main launching grounds for the Camino Portugues (a multi-day hike to Santiago de Compostela in Spain), making it a popular hub for hikers and pilgrims alike.

This travel guide to Porto will help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most out of your visit here!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Porto

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Porto

1. Wander the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

This is a free 24-acre botanical garden in the center of Porto. The gardens were designed in the late 1800s and include an avenue of lime trees, walking paths along the river, and a space for concerts and exhibitions. There are also sculptures, fountains, and olive trees scattered around as well. It’s one of the best places in the city to relax, people-watch, and take in the view of the river.

2. Cruise the Douro River

For a relaxing break from the city, take a boat trip up the Douro River. The river stretches some 897 kilometers (557 miles) into Spain, though tours focus almost exclusively on the section around Porto where the city’s six famous bridges can be seen. During an hour-long cruise, you’ll pass under the city’s six massive bridges that span the river while learning a bit about the history of the city. Living Tours offers a scenic hour-long cruise for just 15 EUR.

3. Take a tour of the Douro Valley

Port, a sweet dessert wine, hails from this region, and the mountainous Douro Valley is filled with small family-owned wineries. These wineries are all high up in the hills, offering jaw-dropping views as you sip your wine. If you don’t have your own vehicle, full-day wine tours usually last around 8-10 hours and include multiple stops, lunch, and usually a river cruise as well. Get Your Guide runs a popular full-day tour for 95 EUR that visits two wine estates and includes lunch and a cruise.

4. Admire the city’s azulejo art

Introduced by the Moors (Muslims from North Africa who conquered parts of Europe), this traditional ceramic tilework dates to the 13th century. The artwork usually tells a story, often about the history or daily lives of the people of Porto. Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, Capela das Almas, and the port Cathedral are some of the best places to see this traditional art up close.

5. Visit Livraria Lello

Other things to see and do in porto, 1. take a free walking tour.

The first thing I do when I arrive in a new city is take a free walking tour. It’s the best way to get the lay of the land, see the main sights, and connect with a local guide who can answer all your questions. Porto Walkers runs daily free tours that cover all the highlights. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!

2. Visit the Stock Exchange Palace

Known as the Palácio da Bolsa, this palace was built in 1842, taking over three decades to complete. The building and its cathedral were designed in the Neoclassical style and are both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Monument. The palace was originally intended to showcase Portugal’s economic might. The interior is ornate and entirely covered from floor to ceiling with paintings, sculptures, and architectural decoration. You’ll find lots of commemorations of Prince Henry the Navigator here as well (he was a 15th-century Portuguese figure central in the establishment of the country’s empire). Admission is 10 EUR.

3. Daytrip to Povoa de Varzim

The city of Povoa de Varzim is a small resort town 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of Porto. It has a wide, sandy stretch of beach where the rich locals used to sunbathe in the 19th century. The tiny town’s Praça do Almada central square has some colorful architecture, including the Neoclassical town hall from 1791. There’s not a ton to do here, but it makes for a nice place to stroll and escape the city. The one-hour bus ride from Porto costs less than 5 EUR.

4. Listen to live music at Casa da Música

This state-of-the-art concert hall is the best place in the city to see live music and theater. Built in 1999 to commemorate Porto’s designation as a European Capital of Culture, performances are held here regularly. Though most of them are in Portuguese, there are a lot of classical and jazz performances too. Ticket prices vary but check the website to see what is available during your visit as there are tons of free concerts and events.

5. Shop at Mercado do Bolhão

Bolhão Market is an eclectic local market full of fresh produce, meats, fish, bread, flowers, and local handicrafts. The market, housed in an old Neoclassical building, has been around since 1914 and is popular with locals and tourists alike. You can find pretty much everything here. If you’re cooking your own meals, it’s a cheap place to buy groceries. (Temporarily closed for renovations).

6. Watch a football match

Like the rest of Europe, the Portuguese love football (soccer). If you’re a fan of the sport, pay a visit to Dragão Stadium to take in a football match. The stadium holds over 50,000 people and FC Porto’s fans are some of the most passionate in Europe. They have huge rivalries with other Portuguese teams, so matches are always exciting and energetic. Even if you’re not a huge sports fan, it’s an amazing event to experience while you’re here.

7. Get lost in Ribeira

Porto’s old town, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, is full of narrow and winding medieval streets, delightful cafés, and historic architecture. Have lunch, enjoy some port, and try to get purposefully lost in the meandering alleys. It’s located along the water opposite Vila Nova de Gaia (a district in Porto) and is my favorite part of the city. Don’t miss stopping by the Casa do Infante, which is said to be the house where Prince Henry the Navigator was born in 1394 (admission is 2.20 EUR).

8. See São Francisco Church

Built in the 15th century, the Gothic Church of Saint Francis is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Unlike its drab exterior, the interior is lavishly designed in a Baroque style. The church took around 50 years to build and almost every inch is covered in gold and ornately decorated (over 500 pounds of gold dust was used to cover everything). Below the church are catacombs and an ossuary as well. Be sure to dress appropriately as this is a place of worship. Admission is 7.50 EUR.

9. Admire Porto’s vibrant street art

Many of Porto’s buildings are beautifully decorated with street art and murals. Stroll down Rua de Miguel Bombarda, Rue da Madeira, and Escadas do Codecal (the stairs leading down to the Duoro riverfront under Luis I Bridge), and you’ll see some of the city’s coolest public art. If you want to learn more, book a street art tour . It’s the best way to see the main works and learn more about the street art scene in Porto.

10. Climb up the Clérigos Tower

Built between 1754 and 1763, this Baroque-style tower was home to the Brotherhood of the Clerigos, a 17th-century religious order. At 75 meters tall (and with 225 steps) it offers some of the best views of the city. Declared a National Monument in 1910, admission is 6 EUR and includes access to the museum, which showcases the cultural and religious history of Porto during the 18th century.

11. Visit the Soares dos Reis National Museum

This museum is home to a permanent collection of Portuguese paintings, ceramics, furniture, metalwork, and sculptures. Founded in 1833, it was the first museum in the country that focused on Portuguese art. One of the primary exhibitions is by Portuguese sculptor António Soares dos Reis, after whom the museum is named. Admission is 5 EUR.

12. Hike up to the Virtudes Garden at sunset

This vertical garden is located behind the Palace of Justice. Composed of several raised platforms, the park offers a spectacular view of the Douro River and Vila Nova de Gaia district. After a long day of touring the city, this garden is the perfect place to enjoy a few drinks, people-watch, and take in the sunset over the river. It can get busy though so arrive early. Admission is free.

13. Take a day trip to Guimarães

Located 45 minutes from Porto, this charming city was not only the first capital of Portugal, but it’s also where the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, was born around 1111 CE. The city has a beautifully preserved historic center that dates to the 12th century. Some notable sights to check out Guimarães Castle, the city’s old quarter, and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. You can visit as part of a day trip or stay overnight to escape the busyness of Porto. You can take the bus or train for under 5 EUR each way.

  For more information on other cities in Portugal, check out these guides:

• Lagos Travel Guide
• Lisbon Travel Guide

Porto Travel Costs

For those traveling with a tent, camping is available outside the city for around 8-10 EUR per night for a basic tent plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Two-star budget hotels near the city center start around 40-65 EUR per night. Some include free breakfast and all have free Wi-Fi.

Airbnb is a budget-friendly option in Porto with private rooms starting from 30 EUR per night (though they average double that if you don’t book early). Entire homes/apartments cost at least 60 EUR per night, though expect to pay closer to 100 EUR.

Food – Fish and seafood form the backbone of Portuguese cuisine (Portugal eats the most seafood per capita in Europe). Cod, sardinhas assadas (grilled sardines), sea bass, and shellfish are some of the most common staples. Other popular dishes include cozido à portuguesa (boiled stew), peixinhos da horta (breaded and fried vegetables), and cured ham. Be sure to also try the prego (beef sandwich) or the bifana (pork sandwich). You can find them at local cafes for around 5 EUR.

Another local favorite is francesinha . It’s a sandwich typically made with bread, ham, linguica (Portuguese sausage), and steak, with everything covered with melted cheese and a rich tomato sauce. A fried egg is placed on top of the sandwich and it’s accompanied by fries (that you dip in the sauce). It’s incredibly heavy and filling (and delicious) and should be tried at least once. Expect to pay around 9-14 EUR. For one of the best in the city, visit Bufete Fase’s.

For a cheap meal at a local café or restaurant, expect to pay between 8-10 EUR. Small baked goods and snacks cost under 5 EUR. Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs 7 EUR for a combo meal. For something more mid-range, like a three-course meal with table service and a drink, expect to pay at least 15-20 EUR.

Many restaurants offer a “Prato do Dia” (dish of the day) for around 8-11 EUR. These are usually quite filling and consist of 2-3 courses.

A beer costs 2-3 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is around 2 EUR. Bottled water is less than 1 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own meals, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 35-45 EUR. This covers basic staples like pasta, vegetables, rice, and some meat or seafood.

Backpacking Porto Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, you can visit Porto for around 45 EUR per day. On this budget, you’ll be staying in a hostel dorm room, cooking most of your meals, limiting your drinking, taking public transportation to get around, and sticking to mostly free activities like the gardens and free walking tours.

On a mid-range budget of 110 EUR per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or private Airbnb, eat out for all your meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like a river cruise or a wine tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 230 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink more, rent a car to get around, and do as many tours and activities as you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get an idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you spend more, some days you spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Porto Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Porto is a cheap city in an affordable country so it’s hard to spend a huge amount unless you are splashing out at a lot of expensive dinners. Nevertheless, here are some ways to save money in Porto:

• Pick up a Porto Card – The Porto Card provides free access to around a dozen museums, 50% discounts on 14 other attractions, free public transportation, and discounts to local restaurants. The card is 13 EUR for a one-day pass, 20 EUR for a two-day pass, 25 EUR for a three-day pass, and 33 EUR for a four-day pass. If you plan on seeing a lot, get this card.
• Take a free walking tour – If you want to understand more about the history, architecture, and people of Porto then take a free walking tour. They last a couple of hours and are a great introduction to the city. Just be sure to tip your guide!
• Get the Andante Ticket – For unlimited rides on the bus and metro pick up an Andante ticket. It has 24-hour and 72-hour options and tickets cost 7 EUR and 15 EUR respectively.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is the best way to save on accommodation in Porto. By staying with a local you’ll not only save money but you’ll get to spend time with someone who can show you the city’s hidden gems and share their insider tips. Just make sure to send your requests early as there are not a ton of hosts here.
• Skip the taxis – Taxis add up in Porto, often adding fees for luggage and airport pickups. Simply use the metro or bus system to get where you need to go. The taxis add up fast!
• Say “no” to bread – When eating out, a selection of bread and olives may be brought to your table before your meal. These aren’t free, so politely decline the offer if you’re not interested.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Porto

Porto has a lot of budget-friendly hostels that are comfortable, social, and clean. The hostel scene here is really good. Here are my top places to stay in Porto:

• Onefam Ribeira
• Rivoli Cinema Hostel
• Gallery Hostel
• Pilot Design Hostel & Bar
• Nice Way Porto

How to Get Around Porto

The metro is composed of six lines and 81 stations. It operates from 6am-1am and tickets are 1.20 EUR.

The Andante Card is a rechargeable card that can be refilled in metro stations, newspaper shops, and select cafes. Once you tap your card, you’ll get one hour of access to Porto’s entire public transportation system.

The Andante Card, along with the Porto Card, also offers an unlimited ride option. The Andante card offers costs 7 EUR for the 24-hour pass and 15 EUR for the 72-hour pass. A one-day Porto Card including transportation costs 13 EUR, while a three-day card costs 25 EUR.

Taxis – Taxis in Porto are safe though expensive. Prices start at 3.25 EUR and increase 0.25 EUR per kilometer. Most drivers speak English but showing them the address on your smartphone will help.

Ridesharing – Uber is available in Porto but it’s not much cheaper than the taxis. Bolt and FreeNow are two other ridesharing apps that are usually cheaper than Uber, but I’d still skip ridesharing altogether if you’re on a tight budget. Public transportation is cheap.

Bike rental – Porto is relatively flat so riding a bike is an easy and fun way to see the city. Bike rentals cost around 15-22 EUR per day.

When to Go to Porto

Peak season in Porto is during the summer months of June-August. Temperatures hover around 22-25°C (73-77°F) and the overall atmosphere during this time is lively. There are lots of places to swim or relax on the beach so it’s still worth visiting during peak season even if the city is a bit busier. Since Porto is in the north and on the coast, you can expect temperatures to not be as warm as in the south, where they can reach 33°C (92°F). Since this is the busiest time to visit, expect prices to be slightly higher.

Personally, if you’re on a budget, I think the best time to visit Porto is the shoulder season (April-May and September-October). Temperatures range from 11-20°C (53-68°F) so it’s still warm during this time but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. It may be a bit rainy, but you can still enjoy the city without much inconvenience.

Winter lasts from November to February. It gets cold, and tourist crowds thin out considerably. Temperatures vary but linger around 13°C (57°F). It’s still warmer than much of Europe, so if you’re on the continent and are looking to avoid the worst of the weather, head to Porto. Otherwise, save your visit for the summer or shoulder season.

How to Stay Safe in Porto

Porto is very pretty safe for travelers to visit. Violent attacks here are uncommon and petty crime is rare. Pickpocketing is the most common crime (though it’s still quite rare). Be aware of your surroundings when you’re in markets, on busy streets, and when using public transportation. Always keep your valuables secure and out of reach and you should be fine.

Additionally, young backpackers here are often approached and offered drugs as Portugal has a relatively lax approach to illegal narcotics (drugs are decriminalized here). But, while drugs are decriminalized, that doesn’t mean you’re legally allowed to do them. Always decline any drug offers politely but firmly and continue on your way.

Solo female travelers should feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (keep an eye on your drink when out at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

You won’t find a lot of travel scams in the city but read this article on common travel scams to avoid .

The emergency number in Porto is 112.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Porto Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• BlaBlaCar – BlaBlaCar is a ridesharing website that lets you share rides with vetted local drivers by pitching in for gas. You simply request a seat, they approve, and off you go! It’s a cheaper and more interesting way to travel than by bus or train!

Porto Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Portugal and continue planning your trip:

The 4 Best Hostels in Lagos, Portugal

The Best Walking Tours in Lisbon

Where to Stay in Lisbon: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 9 Best Hostels in Lisbon

When Three Days Is Not Enough Time

Lisbon: Even Better the Second Time

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Despite its UNESCO World Heritage status, Porto keeps moving to the pace of modern life. Welcome to a vibrant European city where history inspires innovative stories, where world-class research finds sustainable ways to highlight nature and where tradition fuels creativity. Welcome to the award-winning Porto City.

Make the most of your visit with the official city pass.

Catch of the day: porto was elected voted europe’s leading seaside metropolitan destination.

When it comes to "best tourist destination" awards, Porto is always on board. In 2024, the World Travel Awards chose Porto as the winner of the "Europe's Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination" category.

The Ultimate Guide to Porto, Portugal

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

Everything you need to know for that perfect weekend in Porto, Portugal

With its cute cobblestone streets, buildings brightly decorated with Moorish tiles and the stunning Douro River slicing through the heart of the city, Porto is a place that captures the imagination as soon as you set eyes upon it. And that’s before discovering all the little taverns with delicious tapas and cheap port dotted all around the city!

Also, with the Douro Valley , one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world, just a short two-hour drive away, there’s more reasons to visit Porto than ever before.

Add in the fact that you get a big bang for your bunk and it’s no wonder this place was recently voted in Lonely Planet’s ‘ Best Value Destination ’! It really is such a popular destination in Portugal and one I always tell people to visit.

Porto is a city that’s got to be seen from the ground up.

One of the great things about Porto is that it’s incredibly small for a city. That means you’ve got to use your feet and try and walk everywhere as much as possible to really get a feel for the place.

Saying that, if those feet ever do get tired, you can always rely on the abundance of excellent public transport – there’s the cable car, the funiculars, the trams, taxis, and the city is really accessible by bike too.

Planning a trip to Porto? Then make sure you check out my guides to the best hotels in Porto and the best day trips from Porto too!

Where to start in Porto?

The best place to start in Porto is at the harbour. Here you can catch an old Rabelo boat and cruise along the River Douro taking in the sites.

A cruise is an amazing way to orientate yourself in the city and you’ll be able to pick out a few places such as the Serra do Pilar (one of Porto’s best view points) and the port caves as places to visit for later.

It’s on a Rabelo boat cruise that you’ll quick come to understand why one of Porto’s many nicknames is “the city of bridges” – there are no fewer than six bridges here making that the most of any city in Europe.

The most famous of these is the Dom Luis I bridge , which when it opened in 1886 was the longest arched bridge in the world. This is one of the most famous landmarks of Portugal and is such a stunning place to visit. Today it acts as one of the main focal points in the city.

Another of Porto’s bridges worth talking about is the Maria Pia Bridge which was designed by Gustave Eiffel in 1877.

This is the very same Gustave Eiffel that created the Eiffel Tower in Paris, and when looking at the bridge you can’t help compare the two structures and their obvious similarities. It’s almost as if someone push the Eiffel Tower over across the Douro River!

From the harbour, next you’ll want to walk along the river to the bottom of the Dom Luis I bridge and catch a funicular to the top of the bridge.

From here you can walk over the bridge taking in the amazing views of the city, but make sure you head for Serra do Pilar, the small monastery overlooking Porto. This is easily one of the best viewpoints in the city, especially as the sun sets over the River Douro, so make sure you head there at the end of the day!

Once you know where you’re going in Porto, it’s time to get lost. Only then can you truly get a feel for the city. And if you ever get hungry or tired, just pop into a tavern, refuel on

Art and Architecture

A city that’s famous for its food and relaxed atmosphere, not everyone considers Porto a destination for art and architecture lovers, which is exactly why I loved it here – you could really immerse yourself in your surroundings, taking in all these different notes outside without having to walk around an exhibition inside. To me, it really adds to the city!

One of the things Porto has become most renowned for is its Moorish tiles.

These ceramic tiles (also known as azulejo ) are everywhere you look in the city. They’re on the walls depicting Portugal’s history at the São Bento railway station and they’re on all the buildings around old town.

Once they would’ve been a status symbol, a sign of the rich and wealthy, though today they’re a part of Porto’s culture as much as its history. There are over 20,000 individual blue and white tiles adorning the railway station walls alone, and each one makes up battles, coronations and other major events in Portugal’s history – well worth seeing!

Top 3 museums to visit

• Museu Serralves – This is the modern art museum and with exhibitions from Miro to Franz West, there are always world-class artists to be seen here.
• National Museum Soares dos Reis – Founded in 1833, this is one of Porto’s oldest and best museums exhibiting collections of Portuguese art. The building is pretty impressive too!
• Museu do Vinho de Porto – Only in somewhere like Porto would you find a museum dedicated to wine! Perfect for learning about what makes this region of Portugal so fantastic at producing wine!

Top 3 buildings to visit

• Clérigos Tower – If you want some of the best views of Porto’s Old Town then walk up the 76m to the top of Clérigos Tower. The views from up here are outstanding.
• Church of São Francisco – On the inside of the Church of São Francisco there’s barely an inch that isn’t dripping in gold making it one of the most dazzling displays of baroque finery in the world.
• Livraria Lello – As soon as you walk inside Livraria Lello you’re greeted by the most beautiful staircase. It’s also thought that this staircase was the inspiration for J.K Rowling’s Hogwarts!

Read more about the art and architecture in Porto in my guide here!

Food and Drink

One of the most pleasurable ways of really understanding a city is through its food and drink –  and neither are lacking in Porto.

Geographically, Porto lends itself to all sorts of gastronomy. Its proximity to the ocean means that fish (specifically cod) is plentiful, and most importantly, the world famous Douro Valley (and the birthplace of port) is only a few hours away.

Porto has grown a lot in popularity over the last few years, and a lot of that is down to the delicious yet cheap food you can get here.

No visit would be complete without trying to famous Portuguese custard tarts, and the cod fishcakes are amazing too, all washed down with a summer port tonic cocktail.

Top 3 restaurants to visit

• O Paparico – This restaurant is hidden in the middle of nowhere but if you’re looking for one of the finest restaurants in Porto then this is it. There are a number of taster menus to choose too!
• Restaurante Cafeina – There’s quite a strong French influence here and the food is devine too. Also, the dining room is covered in azulejo – worth eating here for the setting alone.
• ODE Porto Winehouse – A slow-food hideaway just up from the Douro, with chestnut wood beams, exposed stone walls and slate tables on wine barrels.

Top 3 bars to visit

• Miradouro Ignez – If you want to have a drink with some of the best views of the city then this is the place for you.
• 360º Terrace Loung e – Another place with fantastic views of the city and often there’s music in the evenings too.
• Catraio – If you’re after some craft beer then you can’t go wrong with Catraio. They brew a lot of their own ales too.

Top 3 things to eat in Porto

• Francesinha sandwich – The king of sandwiches (just watch our video to find out what goes in it!) Cafe Santiago does the best ones in the city so head there.
• Nata tarts – The best place to go for these is at Confeitaria do Bolhão . And make sure you have cinnamon on top!
• Tripe – If you’re brave enough tripe is incredibly popular in Porto (as is other offal!) How do I put it? It is an… acquired taste.

Read more about the food and drink in Porto in my guide here!

The Douro Valley

The Douro Valley is surprisingly the oldest demarcated wine region in the world. Dating back to the mid-18 th century, they’ve been producing wine and port here ever since.

A little like with champagne only coming Champagne in France, port can only be produced in the Douro Valley to officially be classified as port. Whether you like wine/port or not, this is easily one of the most beautiful places to in the world to produce it.

No weekend in Porto would be complete without making a day trip to the Douro Valley, and the best way to learn all about the wine and port here is to hit up a few vineyards – seeing the vines in front of you while you’ve got a glass of deep fruity xxx really does make it taste better!

Top 3 vineyards in the Douro Valley

• Quinta do Crasto – Infinity pool. All I need to say is infinity pool. Quinta do Crasto is an absolutely stunning property with some of the best views of the Douro Valley around.
• Quinta da Pacheca – This is one of the oldest vineyards in the Douro Valley and they have been producing world-class wine here ever since 1738 .
• Quinta de Guimaraes – Dating back for seven generations, Quinta de Guimaraes is another stunning property, this time with a maze to get lost in.

Top 3 places to eat in the Douro Valley

• Restaurante Castas e Pratos – Castas e Pratos occupies an old wooden warehouse that once belonged to the local railway station. Very fancy inside.
• Quinta do Pôpa – One of the newer kids on the block (their doors opened in 2012), Quinta do Pôpa is in a lovely setting for lunch and you can even get on their famous picnics in the gardens.
• D.O.C. Restaurante – A strikingly modern restaurant with some of the best food around. D.O.C. Restaurante definitely deserves all the awards its got!

Read more about our day trip to the Douro Valley in my guide here!

As I’ve already mentioned, one of the best things about Porto is its size – it is so easy walking around this city taking it all in.

From taking in all the amazing art and architecture to eating your way through all the local delicacies, it’s amazing how much you can pack into a long weekend in Porto, and it’s no wonder why it’s one of the hottest destinations around right now!

Have you ever been to Porto? If so, what are some of your favourite things to do in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

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6 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide to Porto, Portugal”

Porto is amazing place to visit nowadays both with kids, family, or your loved one. It has so much to offer, even though this city is pretty small.

Yes! It’s amazing how much you can pack into such a tiny place, isn’t it? Porto is one of those places just perfect for a long weekend though!

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. Really awesome place. Photos are amazing Macca Sherifi. Thanks for sharing your experience.

Thank you for commenting! Porto really is such an amazing place to explore!

Porto looks nice. A few years ago everyone was saying it was such a dirty city, but I guess that has changed?! x

Yeah, it’s a great little city! I really enjoyed it there – easy to get around, loads to see and do, and the food is amazing too. And the port, obviously the port. It didn’t seem dirty at all though, not that I noticed, so yeah, I guess they’ve cleaned it up!?

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The Ideal One Day in Porto Itinerary: Your Complete Guide to The City

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: May 8, 2024

Having visited Porto three times, we clearly love this beautiful city in Portugal. It truly is one of our favorite places in Europe. A lot of people pop into Porto for just a day, be it before their Douro Valley River Cruise or on a day trip on their Portuguese adventure. Because this city is so compact, Porto is a very walkable city, and it is easy to see many of its top attractions in just one day.

While we recommend at least a few days in Porto, it is possible to see a lot, as all the main attractions are located close to the city center. So, we have created the perfect one-day in Porto Itinerary to make the most of your short stay.

Table of Contents

One Day in Porto Itinerary

Porto is Portugal’s second largest city but it still feels small. The historic center is walkable and with easy and affordable public transport, Ubers and an organized walking route, you can see a lot in a short time.

If you only have one day in Porto, we suggest using Uber to get around. We found them to be very reliable and affordable. Also, if you plan on going into a lot of Porto attractions and using public transport you may consider the Porto Card. We didn’t use the Porto Card for one day, but you can check out what is included here.

A lot of our suggestions are easily walkable once you get to the area that we suggest. We have a map at the bottom of this post that you can follow. And we will suggest where and when to take an Uber and when to walk.

Livraria Lello

Harry Potter fans will want to head straight to Livrario Lellow to start your one-day itinerary. Call an Uber from your hotel and make your way to R. das Carmelitas for the first entry into this world’s most beautiful bookstore. It is rumored that Hogwarts’ winding staircases were modeled after Livraria Lello’s beautiful baroque staircases, but JK Rowling denies that. Either way, there is an entire section dedicated to the beloved series, and you will feel as if you have entered a magical bookshop.

Many people have the most beautiful bookstore in the world on their list during their Porto itinerary, but many people also miss out due to a lack of planning. Make sure to book your timed entry in advance. The bookstore opens at 9:00 am, and you will want to book a golden ticket that lets you skip the line and gives you a free book of your choice. Even if you booked the golden ticket and can skip the line, show up at 8:00 to be at the front. We tell you exactly what to do here.

You need to book well in advance on the LIvrario Lello Website, and we have an entire blog post telling you exactly how to book that golden ticket and how to make sure you are the first one to enter the bookstore right here. Ultimate Guide for Visiting Livraria Lello

Igrega do Carmo

Once you’ve finished at Livraria Lello, walk toward the nearby square to see the iconic tiles of Igrega do Carmo. It is one of the most popular walls of tiles in Portugal, and you can get an iconic photograph in the doorway. Yes, we are guilty of taking that exact shot. The square itself is beautiful but busy. Tours stop here to talk about the church, which has a gorgeous fountain standing at its center.

When you visit Porto, you will be in awe. The historic center was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, and for good reason. Its winding streets, historic churches adorned with Azuelos (Portuguese tiles), and beautiful buildings are something you will never forget.

Cafe Majestic

If you didn’t have breakfast at your hotel, which we highly recommend doing because booking a hotel that includes breakfast saves you a ton of money and time, make your way to the Majestic Cafe for Breakfast. Start your walk uphill, and if you don’t want to eat at Cafe Majestic, there are some great breakfast places just up from Igrega do Carmo. We enjoyed a fantastic breakfast, Zenith Brunch and Cocktails, and Restaurant Carlos Alberto, both located on Praça de Carlos Alberto, at a more reasonable price.

However, you are only going to be in Porto for one day, so we think you’ll want to eat at one of its most popular cafes. Cafe Majestic was once touted as the most beautiful cafe in the world. It, too, has Harry Potter connections, as JK Rowling frequented his cafe during her time in Porto, and it is said that she wrote the first Harry Potter book there. 

Majestic Cafe is a historic restaurant located on the pedestrian-only shopping street Rua de Santa Catarina. Once you have overpaid for your Pasteis de Nata and coffee, take a short stroll along the street to browse its unique shops and expensive boutiques. There are chocolate shops, bookstores and of course the regular Gucci and Rolex stores.

Igreja de Santo Ildefonso

Igreja de Santo Ildefonso Church is the most photographed church in Porto, thanks to its location and the 11,000 Azulejos (traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles) covering the açade and sides of the church.

We never went inside because we think churches get enough money and aren’t fans of paying to see inside, but we did enjoy the view from the steps. If you do go inside, you’ll see a 19th-century pipe organ, oil paintings, and, of course, the usual religious statues.

São Bento Train Station

There’s a lot of beauty in Porto, and the Sao Bento train station is no exception. If you haven’t seen enough of those blue tiles, or even if you have, you don’t want to miss The São Bento Train Station. It is touted as one of Europe’s most beautiful train stations thanks to its 20,000 azulejos. Each tile tells a story of Portuguese history. 

This train station was opened in 1916 on the site of a former Benedictine monastery of Saint Benedict (São Bento). Tours stop at this busy station all day long to marvel at the ceramic tiles that were painted by Jorge Colaço, one of the most renowned azulejos artists of his time. The panels depict various historical scenes from Portugal’s history, including battles, royal events, and traditional life.

Snack and Sprits at Mercado Do Bolhão

When visiting Porto, you will definitely want to visit one of its markets. For lunch, you have a few options: you can turn around and walk back the hill a little bit to visit Mercado do Bolhão, which we highly recommend, or start making your way to the waterfront. But let’s talk about the Bolhao Market. This is one of our favorite markets in Europe, and Bolhão Market is one of the most authentic and traditional markets in Porto.

Although the original structure has undergone renovations, the neoclassical facade remains. The covered market is cool and a great escape from the heat. Inside, you can sample fresh seafood, cheese, sausages, and pastries. The shop owners are friendly and passionate about their local specialties.

Wander through stalls offering a variety of cheeses, meats, and fresh produce, and savor some authentic Portuguese delicacies that pair perfectly with wine! You can order a glass of wine, Gin and Tonic, or a Porto and Tonic that you can take with you to sip on it as you wander through the aisles. 

Pastel de Nata

If you want to try some Pasteis de Nata, go across the street to the Confeteria de Balhao. It is one of the oldest bakeries in Porto, and many say it has the best Pasteis de Nata in the city. The line is huge in the morning, but later in the morning, it slows down a bit.

Porto City Hall

If you love getting those photographs of city signs, Porto City Hall is just a short walk from the Bolhaor

Cais da Ribeira

If you want to make your way to the river instead of going to the market, you can have lunch in the Ribeira district. Several restaurants and outdoor cafes line the waterfront with street performers entertaining guests as they sample Portuguese food. Cais da Ribeira is Porto’s most picturesque district, with colorful buildings lining the Douro River, and you will definitely want to spend some time exploring this neighborhood. 

Enjoy winding your walk down through the narrow streets of Porto (it’s all downhill from the Bolhao Market and São Bento Station if you take the main road), or you can take an Uber to get there faster.

Once you get to the waterfront, you will want to enjoy the energy of this lively part of the city. There are outdoor markets, restaurants, boat tours, and beautiful views of colorful buildings lining the Douro River. This is a great place to pull up a chair and enjoy some lunch (if you skipped the castle and market) or to enjoy an Aperol Spritz. 

Porto Cathedral

If you choose to go to the market, you can also have your driver drop you off at the Porto Cathedral for breathtaking views of the Douro River. It is an uphill walk to the cathedral, so you may want to hire a car to save time. It is worth visiting for the views of the city and river. The Porto Cathedral is one of the city’s oldest monuments, and it has been a religious site since the 12th century.

This is one cathedral you may want to visit. Its cloisters are beautiful, and inside, the cathedral is adorned with azulejos (blue and white ceramic tiles) that narrate religious stories.

 Afternoon

Walk across the ponte luis i bridge.

It’s time to head to the city of Novo de Gaia across the river. We loved this district, and it is the perfect place to spend the rest of the afternoon. To get to Novo de Gaia from Porto, you can walk across the famous Ponte Luis I Bridge. You can walk on the lower or upper portion of the bridge. Note that you’ll be sharing the road with cars.

If you had lunch down by the water, you could walk across the lower portion to get to Gaia, or if you went to the Porto Cathedral (which we highly recommend because you can eat dinner at the Ribeira), you could walk along the upper portion. We loved the views from the upper portion. The Ponte Luis I Bridge is 45 meters high, and the views of both cities are beautiful from up here. There are no cars driving on the upper bridge, but there are trams going back and forth, so keep an eye out.

River Cruise on the Douro River

Once you get to Gaia, you can embark on a river cruise on the Douro River to see Porto’s stunning riverside scenery. We took the 6 Bridges Cruise, which takes you from one end of the city to the other. The 50-minute cruise will give you a unique perspective of Porto’s iconic bridges and landmarks, from the vibrant streets of Cais da Ribeira to the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.

You can book river cruises on the Ribeira side as well, but they are quite busy. We booked on Gaia instead. You can book your cruise in advance as well which will guarantee your time slot. It is worth seeing the entire side from a bot.

Port Wine Tasting at Vila Nova De Gaia

The waterfront of Gaia is famous for its port wine cellars, and now is the time to visit them and do a port tasting. A trip to Porto isn’t a trip without tasting its famous port wine! You don’t need to take a tour, but it is fun to visit one of the cellars. We have toured and bought wines from Taylor’s, Calem, and Foncesco, and the port wines are divine.

Calem is the easiest to visit as it is located directly on the waterfront, and they offer port-tasting flights. If you want to see the WoW District (World of Wine) Fonseco and Taylor’s are located just a short walk up. They are both less busy, but the wines are finer. We loved our port tasting experience Taylor’s is the official supplier of the Royal Family, and it was the first port of wine in space! Try out a tasting session to discover the depth and richness of these world-class wines.

Going into a port wine lodge is a wonderful experience; you feel as if you have stepped back in time and enjoyed a wine tour through these historic cellars.

Portuguese wine is as delicious as it is unique, with varieties such as Vino Verde and Port Wine. The Douro Valley is Portugal’s famous wine region, and you can book a tour of Porto in the Douro Valley if you have a few days.

Stroll the Gaia Waterfront

We enjoyed the Gaia waterfront more than the Ribeira because, for one, it has the best views of Porto (including the beautiful Riviera). You can see the colorful terraced houses rising up from the Douro River, with the cathedral and fort standing proudly overhead.

Port houses line the waterfront, showcasing the famous Portuguese wine. Gaia is much less busy than Porto and two of our favorite stores are located on the waterfront of Gaia.

Wonderful World of Portuguese Sardines

You must stop by to see the wonderful world of Portuguese Sardines. This circus-like store is a destination unto itself. Similar in style to Livraria Lello, this store has baroque staircases and walls full of thousands of colorful cans of sardines. There is a multimedia display showcasing the history of Portuguese Sardines, and it is simply a spectacle. Plus, you can buy a sardine from a year that is special to you. Why not bring home a Portuguese can with your birthdate or anniversary on it?

The Bacalau House

The Balacau House is another must-stop. This is where you can try the country’s famous Cod Cakes while enjoying another beautiful shop. The store is a part shop, museum arcade, and gallery. This shop has two winding staircases, and the Bacalau house even has live entertainment. Pull up a chair on the upper balcony, grab a serving of Bacalau accompanied by port wine, and you’ll have a true Portuguese experience.

Sunset Apperitivo

From the waterfront, you can hop on the Teleferico (cable car), which will take you back up to the top of Gaia for your sunset views. If you have the budget, we recommend having appetizers and a cocktail at the Esplanada do Teleferico. It’s a fantastic restaurant offering fantastic views of Porto from its outdoor terrace. 

Relax with a refreshing drink and take in the breathtaking skyline as the sun sets over the city.

Jardim Do Morro

If you don’t want to pay €15 to €20 for a cocktail, you can have the same view just behind the restaurant at Jardim Do Morro. Pull up a blanket and enjoy the view as the sun goes down and the lights go on over Porto.

Since you’ve had Bacalau, appetizers, and port wine, we suggest putting off dinner until later. Besides, why not embrace the Portuguese culture and eat late? So before dinner, book a Fado Show in a wine cellar. Fado is a beautiful live performance of singers accompanied by guitars. We booked this tour through Get Your Guide and loved it. The hour long performance also includes a glass of Port Wine.

Fado is a true cultural experience that is so important to Portugal that it is recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

It is known for its expressive and profoundly melancholic character, typically conveying themes of longing, sadness, and nostalgia. The music is intensely emotional, aiming to evoke a feeling of ‘saudade’ a Portuguese term that describes a deep emotional state of nostalgic longing for something or someone that one loves.

Depending on where your hotel is located (or if you are willing to take a taxi or uber which are very affordable) you will want to choose where to have dinner and evening drinks. The Ribeira, Gaia Waterfront, or Rua de Santa Catarina are all great dining choices.

There are so many delicious and authentic restaurants in Porto that it’s easy to be overwhelmed, but just relax, enjoy, and do what we do… look for restaurants that seem to be full of locals.

Francesinha – A Porto Staple

One food you will want to try at dinner is francesinha. This sandwich sounds disgusting, but it is delicious. Most restaurants serve it and after all that port wine and cocktails, it will help to soak up the alcohol. So what is it? This is a hearty sandwich made of sausage, cheese, ham, more meat, and bread served with a tomato beer sauce.

Nightlife at Galerias de Paris Street

For nightlife, make your way to Galleria Paris near the Livraria Lello Bookstore for bar hopping. You finish your day where you began. This is where the locals hang out into the wee hours of the morning.

How to Get to Porto

By Air : The primary gateway by air is through Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (also known as Porto Airport), located approximately 11 kilometers from the city center. The airport hosts a variety of international and domestic flights, connecting Porto with major cities across Europe and beyond. From the airport, travelers can reach the city center via the metro (the Violet E line directly connects the airport to the Trindade metro station in the city center), bus, taxi, or ride-sharing services.

By Train : For travelers coming from other parts of Portugal or from Spain, trains are a convenient option. Porto’s main train station, Sao Bento Station, is located in the heart of the city and is well-connected to the Portuguese rail network. Another key station is Campanhã, which is on the east side of the city and serves as the main hub for trains arriving from Lisbon, the Algarve, and international destinations such as Spain. From Campanhã, passengers can take a local train or the metro to reach the central areas of Porto and Sao Bento Station.

And that’s our one-day in Porto itinerary. From the Ribeira district on the waterfront to the winding cobblestone streets, we’ve shown you how to make the most of your day in this beautiful city.

Plan Your Next Trip To Porto With Our Advice

• 30 Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal
• Where to Stay in Porto: A Complete Guide For Your First Visit
• Into the Douro Valley with Avalon Alegria

Livraria Lello, Porto: Tips For Visiting The Most Beautiful Bookstore in the World

• 17 Best Things to Do in Guimarães, Portugal
• 48 Hours in Lisbon, Itinerary
• Guide to the Douro Valley from Porto – Portugal’s Most Famous Wine Region
• Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon: Tips & Itinerary

Is Portugal Expensive To Visit? Travel Costs And Budgets

Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

Travel Insurance: Don't leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:

• Allianz - Occasional Travelers.
• Medjet - Global air medical transport and travel security.

Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.

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Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Sintra Day Trip from Lisbon: Tips & Itinerary

About The Planet D

Dave Bouskill and Debra Corbeil are the owners and founders of The Planet D. After traveling to 115 countries, on all 7 continents over the past 13 years they have become one of the foremost experts in travel. Being recognized as top travel bloggers and influencers by the likes of Forbes Magazine , the Society of American Travel Writers and USA Today has allowed them to become leaders in their field.

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Porto   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Sebastien Gaborit | Getty

Why Go To Porto

Porto has long been a hot destination for wine lovers – it's the go-to place to find the best of that sweet, tasty port wine. But this city by the sea has more to offer than vinho . Porto (or Oporto, as it's sometimes called) is an attractive European minimetropolis on Portugal's northwestern coast where visitors can get their fill of culture and the outdoors. Travelers can visit the city's wealth of museums, admire its varied architecture, relax in its verdant parks and, of course, hit the beach .

The city earns its nickname Cidade das Pontes , or "City of Bridges," from the six arches spanning the Rio Douro (Douro River), which runs along Porto's southern edge. Views of the Douro River are best enjoyed from the Dom Luís I Bridge , the most iconic of Porto's six structures. From here you can get a sense of Porto's unique charm, from its colorful UNESCO World Heritage historic district to the north to the neighboring town of Vila Nova de Gaia just south, where you'll find the region's famous wineries . You could spend a long weekend or a week here strolling the city, discovering the contemporary art in the Serralves Foundation complex and appreciating the history behind Porto's old churches like the Sé and Igreja de São Francisco . No matter what you choose to see and do in this captivating city, you'll leave with an appreciation of Porto's diverse offerings, some great photos and, ideally, a bottle or two of its best wine.

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

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• # 1 in Best Cheap European Vacations for 2023-2024
• # 2 in Best Destination Wedding Spots in Europe
• # 5 in Best Cheap Honeymoon Destinations for 2024

See All 8 Rankings

Best of Porto

Best hotels in porto.

• # 1 in PortoBay Flores
• # 2 in Maison Albar Hotels Le Monumental Palace
• # 3 in The Yeatman

Best Things to Do in Porto

• # 1 in Dom Luís I Bridge
• # 2 in Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral)
• # 3 in Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens)

Popular Tours

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Porto Travel Tips

Best months to visit.

The best time to visit Porto is from May to September when the weather is often sunny and warm. Overall, Porto experiences a moderate climate. Summertime temps are high but bearable, and the breezes and nearby beaches will help you stay cool. The fall brings lower temperatures and occasional drizzle, while in the winter you'll certainly encounter some rain. Springtime also sees showers (though fewer than in the winter) and moderate temperatures.

Weather in Porto

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

What You Need to Know

Speak Portuguese Yes, Spain and Portugal are neighbors and the languages are similar, but it's rude try to communicate in Spanish instead of Portuguese. Learn some Portuguese phrases like por favor (please), obrigado (thank you) and desculpe (excuse me).

Eat great, even late Do as the locals do and plan to eat dinner a little later in the evening, between 7:30 and 11 p.m.

Beware the appetizers As soon as you sit down at a table, a waiter may bring you a plate of olives, sardines, bread or cheese. These snacks are not free and will be added to your bill if you touch them.

How to Save Money in Porto

Purchase a Porto Card This card will give you free or reduced price entrances on select museums, discounts at restaurants and unlimited access to public transportation. Porto Cards range in price from 13 to 33 euros (around $14.50 to $37) depending on the length of their validity and whether or not they cover transportation.

Sightsee on Sunday Many museums, such as the Serralves Foundation and the Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis , offer free entry on select Sunday mornings and early afternoons. Plan to squeeze in your sightseeing then to save some cash.

Dig for deals Check Porto's tourism board website for deals on accommodations, restaurants, city tours and more.

Culture & Customs

Porto has long been known for its production of wine. The Douro Valley region's unique landscape of mountains and valleys paired with a warm, dry climate makes the soil here challenging but unique. The harvest process is similar to that in other wine regions, but here, they add some grape brandy during the fermentation process and then transfer the mixture to casks for aging. The result is a sweet (typically red) port, which is consumed with (or sometimes as) dessert.  

Aside from its famous wine roots, the city is experiencing a tourist boom thanks to its newer museums and its historic center's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Culture hounds have their hands full with everything from art and architecture to history and religious sites. Plus, the city appeals to leisurely folk with its abundance of activities and sights on land and sea like biking, boating and swimming.

The people of Porto are warm and hospitable, often greeting locals and visitors alike with a hearty bom dia , boa tarde or boa noite (good morning, good afternoon or good evening). Portuguese is the language spoken in Porto, so you'll hear words like por favor (please), obrigado (thank you) and de nada (you're welcome) – which are also good to know for yourself. Try your best to learn some Portuguese phrases before you arrive as English is not as widely spoken in Porto as in Lisbon .

The official currency in Porto is the euro. Since the euro to U.S. dollar exchange rate fluctuates, be sure to check what the current exchange rate is before you go. Most major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the city, though some restaurants or small cafes will only accept cash so make sure you always have enough on hand. An appropriate tip for a meal is 5% to 10% at a restaurant, and tips for taxi rides are usually 10% or just rounded to the nearest 5 euros.

What to Eat

Porto's local cuisine features lots of seafood (because of its seat along the Atlantic Ocean) accompanied by plenty of wine. Traditional dishes in Porto range from the Francesinha (a toasted meat, cheese and beer-based gravy sandwich served with fries) to tripas à moda do Porto (tripe cooked with white beans, sausage and vegetables). You can find appetizing tripe dishes at many restaurants, but travelers say the best places for Francesinha are Bufete Fase (which sells nothing else) and Café Santiago (just southeast of Mercado Bolhão). Cod (or bacalhau ) is also a popular main dish in Porto – a common saying is that there are more than 365 ways to cook cod. It can be served with potatoes and chickpeas ( bacalhau com batata e grão) , with scrambled eggs, potatoes and olives ( bacalhau á Brás) , or boiled with tomatoes and garlic ( bacalhau á portuguesa ), among other variations.

The city's namesake sweet dessert wine, port, is especially popular in the region, so be sure to sample some . Meanwhile, visitors with a sweet tooth should try the pastries, gelato or reqeijão com doce de abóbora (a ricotta pie-like dessert with pumpkin jam) at any of the bakeries.

If you're on a budget, you should still be able to find a great meal in Porto. Many restaurants feature pratos do dia (or plates of the day) for lunch, with the daily specials typically including fresh fish or meat dishes (and sometimes even a glass of wine and dessert) for a set price starting around 5 euros (about $5.50). Keep in mind, meals are served a bit later in Porto, with diners sitting down for lunch between 12:30 and 3 p.m. and eating dinner between 7:30 and 11 p.m.

Porto is a fairly safe city with a low crime rate. However, you should always be aware of your surroundings and belongings, especially if you're a solo traveler. Pickpockets tend to lurk around the touristy areas and on public transportation, so keep a hand on your purse or wallet. Be especially careful after dark and avoid walking through any alleys, where the homeless and some gangs congregate.

Getting Around Porto

The best way to get around Porto is by metro, by bus or on foot. Porto boasts an extensive public transportation system operated by the Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto (which includes the metro, buses and trams) that helps visitors reach the top attractions in and around the city. The metro lines are identified by different colors and letters, plus many of the lines travel above ground and offer splendid views of the city. Porto's extensive bus system can be a bit confusing, and the metro reaches most major attractions, but the bus is a nice alternative to get to some harder-to-reach places, including Foz, the Serralves Museum and Vila Nova de Gaia. Once you're in the city center, you can explore on your own two feet.

Porto's nearest airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), which is located on the northwestern edge of the city. (It's often simply referred to as Porto Airport.) You can get from the airport into Porto by taking the E (purple) metro line toward Estádio do Dragão; the Lapa, Trindade and Bolhão stops are nearest the city's center. Various shuttle services also ferry travelers between the airport and the city. Or, you can get a cab to or from the airport, but it'll cost you about 20 to 30 euros ($22 to $33); and on the weekends it may cost you nearly 20% more.

Set along the Douro River in northwestern Portugal, the city of Porto is known for its stunning river views and port wine.

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Jetsetting Fools

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Perfect Porto Itinerary: How To Spend 1 to 5 Days in Porto, Portugal

Welcome to JetSetting Fools, here you will find our best travel tips for destinations worldwide. Some of the links on this site are Affiliate Links and if you use them to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. For more information, read our Disclosure Policy .

Our perfect Porto Itinerary features the best of the city and the Douro Valley region. From famous Porto attractions to Port Wine vineyards to prime viewpoints, our day-by-day guide shows visitors how to experience the top Porto sights in 1 to 5 days. 

We created this itinerary when friends met up with us in Porto for a five day trip. We were excited to show them the amazing allure of one of our favorite European cities, so we packed their itinerary for Porto with our preferred spots, hidden gems and best eats. Now, we’re sharing it all with you! 

Planning a Porto Itinerary

Planning a trip to Porto takes some effort because there really is so much to experience! While it is a relatively small city, intriguing Porto sights are spread far, wide, high and low.

To really appreciate the charm of Porto it is sometimes best to simply wander down narrow lanes and trek up steep staircases. Porto beaches along the Atlantic Ocean are just a tram ride away and the vineyard covered Douro Valley is accessible by car, train or tour.

With so much to see and do in Porto, visitors need an excellent plan – and our Porto Itinerary provides just that!

How Many Days in Porto, Portugal?

Determining how many days to spend in Porto depends on your overall Portugal Itinerary (or your complete European Itinerary , for that matter). We think you need at least 2 days in Porto, but those staying longer will have no problem filling their days – and their stomachs!

Because visitors to Porto will likely be on different timelines, we have designed a Porto Itinerary for 5 days, with each day building on the previous. So if you are trying to see the Best of Porto in a Day, creating a 3-Day Porto Itinerary or have 5 Days to Spend in Porto, we’ve got you covered! 

Itinerary for Porto Summary

We provide detailed information in our Itinerary of Porto below, but this summary highlights our recommended trip plan.

One Day in Porto

See top Porto sights and take a river boat ride, then sample Port wine and Fado music. Dinner at a local market.

Porto Itinerary 2 Days

Enjoy wandering Old Town, a seafood lunch in Matosinhos and coastal exploration. Eat a Francesinha for dinner and taste local craft beer.

3 Day Porto Itinerary

Take a day trip to the Douro Valley for a tour and tasting at a Port wine estate. Have a casual dinner at Porto’s most famous sandwich shop.

Porto Itinerary 4 Days

Spend the morning exploring the urban parks, then discover a Porto museum in the afternoon. Eat Petiscos – Porto-style tapas – for dinner.

5 Day Porto Itinerary

Embark on a day trip – either north to historic Braga or south to beautiful Aveiro. For dinner, feast on a traditional Portuguese meal.

Organizing your Porto Trip

As you make your plans, you will want to make sure you keep the details of your vacation to Portugal organized. We suggest using our Travel Planning Printables to keep track of the specifics of your trip! 

Our Porto Itinerary

Our Porto Itinerary includes everything you need to plan your trip. In addition to our day-by-day sightseeing adventures, we also include advice on where to stay in Porto, hacks on what to pack and suggestions about getting there and around. Plus, we share additional Portugal travel tips that include Lisbon and other top destinations. 

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Porto Itinerary to plan your trip to Portugal!

1-Day Porto Itinerary

We don’t think one day in Porto, Portugal is enough…but if it is all the time you have, then we recommend making the absolute most of it! Ambitious explorers with a good plan can squeeze in a lot of sightseeing when visiting Porto in one day, and we’ll show you how to maximize your time.

We recommend planning a Porto 1-Day Itinerary that features the highlights of the city and a taste of the local Portuguese cuisine. Start by seeing the sights on a walking tour and taking in the views on a river boat trip. End the day learning about Port wine, listening to Fado music and eating typical Porto fare. 

Porto Walking Tour

Make your way to prime Porto sights on a walking tour through the historic old town center, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can use our free step-by-step, self-guided Porto Walking Tour that navigates to the top attractions.

Must-see Porto sights along the route are the beautiful Sao Bento Station, the iconic Clerigos Tower, the incredible Livraria Lello book store and the recently renovated Mercado do Bolhão.

Our outlined walk also includes several stunning Porto viewpoints and the Porto Se Cathedral. Finish the walk by crossing the famous Luis the 1st Bridge to the port wine cellars in Gaia.

Alternative Option: Guided Tours in Porto

Travelers attempting to visit Porto in one day might find that it is easier to leave the details to someone else. There are an array of top-rated tours that aim to help tourists who are short on time get a full dose of the city.

Visitors can join a local on a Guided Walk of Porto – or upgrade the experience and combine sightseeing, culture, food and drink on a single guided tour. 

Guests can participate in a Secret Porto Food Tour that includes locals-only spots or join an excursion that highlights the premier food and beverage on a Porto Food and Wine Tour . For a guided introduction to the latest from independent Porto breweries and traditional Portuguese snacks, book a spot on the Craft Beer and Food Tour .

Douro River Boat Tour

After your walking tour, set sail on the Douro River in a traditional boat. The incredibly popular 6 Bridge Boat Ride is a fantastic way to see Porto from an alternate vantage point. The 50-minute Rabello boat ride departs frequently from both the Ribeira and Gaia waterfronts. 

Port Tasting with Fado Performance

In the evening, combine two of Portugal’s best activities – Port Wine Tasting and a Fado Performance – at a Porto wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia. First, learn about how Port Wine is made on a guided cellar tour, then enjoy a tasting while listening to the soulful sound of Fado.

Pro Tip : Tickets for the Port tasting and Fado show need to be booked in advance !

While Fado was born in the Alfama district in Lisbon, there are many Fado singers in Porto. Visitors have several options for listening to a live Fado performance, even with a Porto Itinerary 1 Day. While a combined Port Wine Cellar Tour with Fado experience is our top pick, other options include Fado with Dinner ( get the details ) or Fado on Stage ( pre-book now ).

Dinner of Local Portuguese Cuisine

End your Porto One Day Itinerary with a feast of Portuguese fare at the Mercado Municipal de Gaia. The marketplace features stalls representing some of the celebrated restaurants in Porto. Visitors can sample an array of traditional Porto dishes – like Bacalhau com Natas, Bifanas and codfish cakes – as well as a selection of international cuisine.

Pro Tip: Use our guide on the Best Porto Food for advice on what to eat!

Most vendors at this food hall also sell local wine by the glass and, of course, Port. At the center of the market there is a Super Bock beer station (the locally brewed commercial beer) where guests can create tasting boards to match their palate.

Porto 2-Day Itinerary

With 2 Days in Porto, visitors have the opportunity branch out and see much more. In our Porto 2 Day Itinerary, you will go beyond the city center to explore the districts along the Atlantic Coastline.

Spend the afternoon eating fresh-caught fish, walking on the beach and savoring the salty sea air. Then, get back to Porto in the evening for a fun night of local bar snacks and craft beer!

Wandering the Ribeira District

Early risers can start their second morning by wandering and marveling in the ancient lanes of the Ribeira District. Enjoy a breakfast of local pastries and fresh squeezed orange juice. Spend an hour or two getting lost in the tangle of Porto streets and lanes, watching the city come to life.

Explore Matosinhos and Eat Seafood

Next up on your Porto 2 Day Itinerary is the coastal neighborhood of Matosinhos. Travel to the Matosinhos District by Bus #500 or Metro. The ancient seaside settlement has roots as a fishing village, but has grown tremendously in modern times. In addition to the vast port and contemporary cruise ship terminal, the area features a wide beach that’s popular with sun worshippers and soul surfers.

However, Matosinhos is best know as the place to eat fresh grilled seafood in Porto. At lunchtime, the restaurants (of which there are more than 600 in the small community) fire up their grills and cook fresh fish over hot coals. We recommend eating grilled squid and other seafood delicacies at Restaurante O Lusitano. 

After a filling lunch, spend some time on Matosinhos Beach and then walk off your meal with a stroll south along the coast toward Foz. Stop at the Sao Francisco Xavier Fort and consider a detour onto one of the trails at Parque da Cidade do Porto (Porto City Park).

Walk Along the Coast to Foz do Douro

Continue walking south along the rugged shoreline, passing through the picturesque Pergola da Foz. For a sweet treat, stop of Tavi Confeitaria. Visit the Sao Joao Baptista Fort and walk out to the 19th century Felgueiras Lighthouse. Use caution and watch out for the large waves that sometimes splash over the railing and seawall!

From the Foz Lighthouse, visit the Fortaleza de São João da Foz and continue your trek through the pretty Jardim do Passeio Alegre Park. Next, hop on Classic Tram #1 for an old school ride back into Porto city center.

Virtudes Miradouro Viewpoint Park

Disembark the tram at the second to last stop, Alfandega, and perhaps pop into the World of Discoveries or Transport Museum. Then, wind your way up through the Miragaia Neighborhood (past Sao Pedro de Miragaia Church) to Virtudes Park. The west-facing viewpoint is a popular hangout – especially at sunset – for amazing views over Porto.

Pro Tip : Join Porto locals along with other visitors and grab a bottle of Portuguese wine and some snacks from the Spar Market to enjoy at the scenic panorama – or order a fresh craft beer from Musa.

Craft Beer in Porto

As in other European cities (like Budapest , Amsterdam and Paris ), the Craft Beer Scene in Porto is coming on strong. Travelers who appreciate better beer will definitely want to make room in their Porto trip plan to sample a few.

We recommend heading to one of the dedicated craft beer bars in Porto. In addition to Musa, visitors can get a taste of locally produced microbrews at other nearby spots, like Cervejaria do Carmo, Baobab or Catraio Craft Beer Shop.

Pro Tip : We share more about what and where to drink in our Porto Craft Beer Guide .

Francesinha for Dinner

The Francesinha is a must-eat when visiting Porto in 2 days. Nearly every café and restaurant in the city makes the iconic, gut-busting sandwich, but we believe O Afonso makes the best ones. Fair warning; they’re big enough to share, especially with the essential order of fries!

Pro Tip : O Afonso is one of the featured restaurants in our guide of What and Where To Eat in Porto . 

3 Days in Porto Itinerary

Building on our 2-Day Porto Itinerary, spend your third day discovering the Port Wine vineyards of the Douro Valley, where they have been growing and processing grapes for centuries.

To wrap up your 3 Days Porto Itinerary, you’ll return to the city for the evening and enjoy another classic and satisfying Portuguese meal at one of the top dining establishments!

Day Trip to Douro Valley

While the Douro Valley is nearby, a full day is required to tour the region. Those visiting Porto in 3 Days can join one of the highly rated guided Douro Valley Tours or plan their own trip.

The most popular guided tour provides minivan transportation, Port Wine tastings at two estates, an included lunch of typical cuisine and a Douro River cruise on a traditional Rabelo boat. Reserve your seat now!

DIY Porto-Douro Valley Itinerary

Rather than joining a tour during your Porto 3 Day Itinerary, you can opt to plan our own day trip from Porto to Pinhao. While the DIY trip will likely be limited to visiting only one winery that is within walking distance of the train station, it is still a great introduction to the most famous Portuguese wine region (and will cost a fraction of the price for a tour).

Depart Porto on the 9am train and arrive in Pinhao around 11:30. After a quick walk around town, indulge in a delicious traditional lunch at Segredos do Douro, which is right across from the train station.

Walk off the meal on a short jaunt through the vineyards towards Croft Port at Quinta da Roeda, where you can join an inexpensive vineyard tour and Porto wine tasting ( book in advance ). Afterwards, stroll back into Pinhao in time to catch the 4pm train to Porto.

Pro Tip : We would not recommend this as one of the things to do in Porto with kids, as the children on our vineyard tour and tasting were utterly bored and distracting to fellow guests. 

Dinner in Porto

Complete your third day with a casual dinner at one of Porto’s most popular restaurants: Casa Guedes. The house specialty is a tender roasted pork and sheep cheese sandwich. It’s so simple, yet so divine!

Pro Tip : Casa Guedes now has four locations in Porto, but the original spot, Casa Guedes Tradicional, is our favorite.

Alternatively, take a break from traditional Portuguese food and try out some international cuisine. Our preferred place for a truly exceptional burger in Porto is Simplex Virtus, which also features a nice line-up of craft beer. If burgers aren’t your jam, check out TerraPlana, where they make incredible pizzas that pair nicely with their creative cocktails.

4 Days in Porto Itinerary

Building off our 3 Day Porto Itinerary, those with 4 Days in Porto can take in many of the sights that long weekend visitors miss! In our 4-Day Porto Itinerary, we delve into the attractions that are located west of the city center.

Partake in one of the best things to do in Porto, Portugal and discover the pretty parks and fabulous museums that are on the west side of the city. We recommend spending the morning at one (or more) of the urban parks and then enjoy the afternoon at one (or more) of the top Porto museums. 

To help you tailor the day to your specific interests and budget, we are highlighting a few different options for what to see and do. All of these Porto points of interest can be reached either on foot or by public transit. 

Porto Parks

The elegant Jardins do Palacio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens) rank as one of the best parks in Porto. The planted gardens are especially beautiful in the spring and summer – and peacocks freely roam the grounds year-round! It is free to enter the park and explore the winding trials and savor the views.

The charming Porto Botanical Garden is another gorgeous green space. The grounds are free to enter, but a ticket is required to enter the intriguing Biodiversity Gallery. 

For those interested in exquisite architecture in a unique setting, check out the Agramonte Cemetery. While it may seem strange to include a graveyard as a city attraction, the cemeteries in Portugal are beautifully decorated with sculptures and mausoleums.

Travel Tip: After touring gardens in Porto, you have no doubt worked up an appetite. For an extravagant lunch, make reservations to dine at the Michelin Star Antiqvvm on the grounds of the Crystal Palace Gardens.

For something a little less formal (and a lot less expensive), go to the Mercado Bom Sucesso food hall. After lunch, walk around the Rotunda da Boavista park and admire the towering Monument to the Heroes of the Peninsular War.

Porto Museums

The National Museu Soares dos Reis Art Museum, which is housed in an 18th century palace, hosts an excellent permanent collection of paintings, ceramics and sculptures. 

Music lovers will not want to miss the Casa da Musica concert hall. A modern marvel of contemporary design, Casa da Musica offers guided tours of the unique space. 

Museu Romantico da Quinta da Macieirinha is a historic house featuring period pieces. The museum sits on the west end of the Crystal Palace Garden.

The famed Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art is so much more than just a museum. The complex includes multiple galleries, impressive architecture and sprawling gardens. 

Travel Tip : Each Porto museum on our list requires a ticket to enter. The Porto Card provides free or discounted entry to these museums (and many other attractions in Porto!). Get complete details and prices here . 

Petiscos Dinner

End your 4th day of Porto sightseeing with a lingering meal of drinks and food. Similar to tapas, Petiscos are small plates that are typically eaten while drinking and are intended to be shared. Bifana sandwiches, Alheira sausage and Octopus Salad are all common petiscos.

There are numerous restaurants and taverns in Porto that feature petiscos – from the hip Tapabento at the Sao Bento Train Station to the casual Gourmet da Emilia in Gaia. That said, we think Taxca is an ideal place for visitors to get an introduction to this particular style of eating in Porto.

5-Day Porto Itinerary

Those spending 5 days in Porto can embark on another day trip to see more Northern Portugal destinations. The best Porto day trips take visitors to stunning sights within an hour or two of the city – and we are highlighting some of the most popular options. 

Alternatively, complete your Porto in 5 Days Itinerary by visiting any sights that you may have missed on the previous days – or navigate to a neighborhood you have yet to discover (like Bonfim or Lapa).

Tours and Day Trips from Porto

Conclude your 5 Day Itinerary for Porto, Portugal by either traveling north to Braga or south to Aveiro. Visitors can plan their own perfect Porto day trip – or forgo the details and meet other travelers by joining an organized tour. We have suggestions for both!  

North to Braga, Portugal

Travel north of Porto to the historic and beautiful town of Braga. The Bom Jesus do Monte hilltop church – and it’s stunning staircase – is a top attraction. The Braga Old Town also boasts numerous opulently decorated churches, including the Braga Cathedral (which is the oldest in Portugal). Use our guide of the Top Things To Do in Braga to plan your time.

Alternatively, book an organized tour to two ancient cities: Braga and Guimaraes, Portugal. In addition to seeing the sights in Braga, participants also venture into the small town of Guimaraes to see the Medieval castle. Get more details!

South to Aveiro, Portugal

Travel south to Aveiro, the ‘Venice of Portugal, on a day trip from Porto using our Guide of Aveiro Things To Do . Take a cruise along the canals in a traditional Moliceiro boat and soak in the beauty of the colorful town. Rather go by tour? Learn more!

More Porto Day Trip Ideas

While we think Braga and Aveiro are the best Porto day trip options, fellow travelers might be more interested in visiting a national park or seeing a religious pilgrimage site. 

Peneda-Geres National Park

Take a trip northeast of Porto and immerse yourself in nature at the Peneda-Geres National Park. Hike mountain trails, swim in blue lagoons, visit small villages and get a taste of the regional food on an all-day outing. Find out more!

Fatima and Coimbra, Portugal

Make the pilgrimage to Fatima, one of the most important religious sites in Portugal where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in front of 3 children in 1917. Then, travel to Coimbra to visit one of Europe’s oldest universities. Book it now!

Traditional Portuguese Dinner

Be back in Porto for one last traditional meal of Portuguese food for dinner. Make advance reservations at Taberna Santo Antonio, where the rotating menu features in-season specialties. Alternatively, enjoy an epic family-style meal of roasted pork at Antunes. Bom Proveito! 

Travel Tips for your Porto Itinerary

OK, we know you’re ready to make your Porto travel plans – but we have a few important tips for your trip. Whether you are staying in Porto for just one day, spending a weekend in Porto or looking to visit Porto in 3 days or longer, these tips will help you plan an enjoyable vacation to Portugal.

When is the Best Time to Travel to Porto?

Choosing the best time to go to Porto depends on a few different factors – like length of stay, desired activities and overall Portugal travel budget. 

Summertime in Porto

Porto is busiest in the summer when the weather is hot and the long days are full of sunshine. June, July and August are ideal for swimming at the nearby beaches – however, the city is swarming with fellow tourists. Prices peak in the summertime, getting reservations will be difficult and touring the sights can test even the most patient of travelers. We avoid Porto in the summer.

Autumn and Spring in Porto

During autumn and spring Porto sees fewer visitors, which means hotel prices are lower and it’s easier to get into the top attractions. The weather can be damp and fickle, as Porto is actually one of Europe’s wettest cities, with October typically seeing the most rain. The ocean is also likely too cold for swimming at Porto beaches. 

Porto During Winter

Winters in Porto are mild for Europe, but still a bit wet. If you’re prepared, winter can be a great time to visit as prices are low and there is no problem touring attractions and getting into restaurants. Plus, Porto in December is lavishing decorated for the holidays, like many of the Best European Christmas Destinations .

How To Get to Porto, Portugal

Porto can be reached by plane, train, bus, boat or car. We’ve traveled to Porto by train from Lisbon and plane from London and Funchal and departed on cheap flights to Barcelona and Madrid . Our preference is to fly – we are JetSettingFools, after all – and when we need to purchase plane tickets, we start our search for the lowest fares on Skyscanner . But, first, read our tips for Getting the Best Flights for Cheap . 

Porto Airport

The modern Porto Airport, Francisco Sa Carneiro Aeroporto (OPO), is located north of the city center. Served by major European airlines and low-cost carriers, there are also direct flights from the US to Porto year-round. After landing in Porto you should use the Metro, Uber or pre-arranged private transport to get to your accommodations.

Getting Around Porto

If you can handle the hills, Porto is fairly easy to get around on foot. Studying a Porto Map – like this one – in advance will aid you in navigating the city. Additionally, there is a robust network of public transportation in Porto that includes buses and rail . 

Where To Stay in Porto, Portugal

There are numerous options when it comes to Porto accommodations. Guests can choose from luxurious Porto hotels, affordable apartments and bargain hostels.

On our first short visit to Porto, we stayed at the well-located Hotel da Bolsa in the Ribeira District. While the property could use a refurbishment, we loved being in the heart of Porto’s most popular tourist area and our upper-level room had a Douro River view!

Start your search for top hotels in Porto on Booking.com – but read our Best Hotels at Best Rates article first!

For our subsequent extended stays in Porto, we opted to use Airbnb . For longer visits, we usually choose to stay in apartments, as they offer more space and a kitchen. However, for 5 Days or less in Porto, we recommend booking a centrally located hotel.

What You Need For Your Trip to Portugal

Now onto our packing hacks for your trip to Porto. We share more packing advice – like why Packing Cubes are Essential along with our Ultimate Packing List – on our dedicated Packing Tips Page . Also, go ahead and grab your Free Packing Checklist !

Travel Shoes 

Our Porto Itinerary includes a lot of walking – it’s really the ideal way to see the city. Just be sure to pack a pair of comfortable travel shoes so you’re ready for the hills, stairs and cobblestones! I like to wear lightweight walking shoes, like these by Columbia – and Kris prefers these trail shoes by Merrell .

Appropriate Clothing to Pack for Porto

As we explained above, Porto experiences all four seasons and a fair amount of rain any time outside of summer. For the long, hot and sunny summer days, bring loose-fitting, breathable clothes – and a swimsuit if you plan to spend time at the beach in Porto. During winter, spring and especially autumn in Porto, it is advisable to bring a travel umbrella and packable raincoat . 

Best Travel Camera 

Porto is incredibly photogenic! We recommend capturing the stunning sights with a real travel camera rather than your phone. We travel with a Canon Rebel and a 18-135mm lens . It’s also a fantastic budget camera option for beginner photographers, as it comes with a bundle of accessories!

WiFi in Porto

Staying connected is important for things like looking up directions, ordering an Uber, checking restaurant reviews and making reservations. We use Pocket WiFi for Travel so that we can be connected the minute we land off that long flight .

With this GlocalMe Hotspot , you can connect up to ten devices at one time; making it perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together. You can either purchase SIM cards or buy eSIM data online in advance. Another great feature is that it doubles as a power bank for when your phone batteries need a boost!

Day Pack for your Trip to Porto

We highly recommend carrying a great day bag to organize and secure all of your everyday travel items . While we’re talking packing, get our advice on the Backpack Vs Suitcase debate!

Travel Insurance for Portugal

In addition to trip cancellations, travel insurance may cover lost luggage , unexpected illness or injury while abroad. Find out more about coverage and rates with World Nomads .

More Tips for your Trip to Portugal

The itinerary that we outline above provides a good starting point for planning the Porto segment of your Portugal trip. Many travelers, however, prefer to visit multiple Portugal destinations – like Lisbon, Madeira Island and the Azores. Our trip planning guides cover the top places to visit in Portugal!

Lisbon and Porto Itinerary

Travelers designing a Porto to Lisbon Itinerary can use our detailed 3-Days in Lisbon Guide for advice on what to see and do – and we highly recommend including a Day Trip To Sintra ! We provide more tips for Lisbon in these articles: 

• The Best Lisbon Viewpoints and Most Beautiful Lisbon Churches
• What To See in Belem, Portugal
• How To See Lisbon’s Cristo Rei Up Close
• Best Free Lisbon Things To Do

Choosing Between Porto or Lisbon

Do you need to choose between Lisbon or Porto? To be honest, it would be difficult for us to pick one city over the other. If at all possible, we would recommend including both in your Portugal Itinerary! For example, if you are planning a Week in Porto Itinerary, rather than spending all 7 days in Porto, consider splitting your time between Porto and Lisbon. 

Add Madeira for a Longer Trip to Portugal

Have more time to explore Portugal? Fantastic! How about adding on an island adventure to create the Ultimate Itinerary for Portugal ? It is simple enough with several direct, short flights from Porto to Madeira Island. Get started with our Best Things To Do in Funchal (including where to eat ) and then plan your complete Madeira Itinerary !

Start planning your trip to Portugal ! Search for the lowest airfares , the best accommodations and fun things to do …then start packing !   Want more travel tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page !

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Planning on discovering Porto? Explore Portugal’s second city with the  Introducing Porto travel guide, where you'll find all the information you need to make the most of your trip.

Porto Travel Guide

• General Information
• Top Attractions
• Getting to Porto
• Where to Eat
• Where to Stay
• 2 Day Itinerary

Why visit Porto?

Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal after Lisbon , with 1.7 million inhabitants.

Porto was chosen as “The City to Visit This Year” by Forbes in 2017 and is a definite must-see city in Europe , even if it is just for a weekend break.

Located in the north of Portugal by the outlet of the Douro River, it has a unique atmosphere with elegant neighbourhoods  and large villas sitting on narrow cobbled streets . This soulful city was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.

Porto is just the perfect size to explore by foot. You’ll enjoy wandering down its alleyways full of history and nostalgia . An evening walk along the Douro River, visiting the vibrant Mercado do Bolhão or sampling its renowned Port wine are just some of the many things you can do in this fascinating city.

Need accommodation?

If you still don't have accommodation booked, we recommend checking out the link below, where  you’ll find all types of hotels, hostels and apartments with the best rates guaranteed  (with up to 75% discount). Besides, in most cases, you'll only have to pay once you get to your destination.

• Hotels in Porto – Find the best deals online

How to organize your trip?

If you’ve never been to Porto before, we suggest you read a little about its history , followed by learning about its top areas to visit, its main attractions and best museums . Don’t forget to also find out about the prices , climate and other general information on the city.  

top activities

Free Walking Tour of Porto Let yourself be seduced by Porto’s charming streets and colorful buildings while you wander through its nostalgic historic center.

Cálem Wine Cellars Guided Tour What's the secret to the famous Porto wine?  Discover what makes it so special with this tour of the Cálem wine cellars; one of the city's finest!

Douro Region Full-Day Trip Get to know the fertile banks of the Duero on this tour of Amarante and Pinhão. Discover the charming landscapes of this world-class wine-producing region .

Paiva Walkways + 516 Arouca Bridge Tour On this tour you'll explore the Paiva River and its famous walkways . Also, you'll walk the longest pedestrian bridge in the world! Ready?

Aveiro and Costa Nova Day Trip On this day trip to Aveiro & Costa Nova , we'll explore the coastal town known as the " Venice of Portugal " and visit one of the best beaches of Portugal .

Porto Cruise with Dinner & Live Music Enjoy a delicious three-course meal and live music as you sail the Douro River on this unforgettable evening cruise in Porto. 

Six Bridges Cruise This cruise takes in Porto's 6 bridges and is the city's most popular attraction . Don't miss it on your trip to Portugal's second city!

Porto Sunset Cruise Spend an unforgettable evening in Porto and watch the sun set over the city as you cruise the Douro River. You'll even enjoy a glass of wine onboard!

Show at Casa do Fado - Sé Allow yourself to be mesmerized by the traditional music of Portugal  in this vibrant show at Casa do Fado - Sé, a popular venue in the historic center of Porto.

Day Trip to Santiago de Compostela On this tour we'll visit Santiago de Compostela , one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in the world, and  Valença do Minho , a beautiful historic town.

Porto Tuk Tuk Tour + Six Bridges Cruise Enjoy the city of the six bridges on this tuk-tuk tour of Porto, a cruise down the beautiful  Douro River , and an optional visit to a winery with  wine tasting !

Porto Card With this Porto Card, you'll discover all the medieval corners of the Ribeira and all the landmarks in Porto . And you'll also save both time and money!

Guimarães & Braga Day Trip On this day trip, we'll visit Guimarães and Braga, getting to know the culture, gastronomy and natural beauty of northern of Portugal.

Porto Night Tour & Wine Tasting Discover the " city of 6 bridges " with this Porto Night Tour & Wine Tasting . You'll explore its charming streets and sip on some fantastic wines!

Watch the only show in Porto dedicated exclusively to traditional Fado music at the  Ideal Clube de Porto  and get lost in the sounds of Portuguese music.

Complete Porto Tour With Tickets Discover all of Porto in one day, with this complete tour including food, cruise, a visit to a winery, and wine tasting .

Stained Glass Museum Ticket With this ticket to the Stained Glass Museum in Porto , you'll discover how glass is turned into art . You'll be captivated by the stained-glass windows !

Burmester Winery Visit & Tasting Delve into the tradition of Port wines during this guided visit to the Burmester winery . Explore the winery and enjoy a tasting of their fabulous wines.

Cockburn's Port Lodge Tour Join us on a journey through Porto's winemaking traditions! We'll explore one of the largest wineries in the city on the Douro River and taste some wines.

Allow yourself to be swept away by fado  with this incredible musical performance at Casa de Guitarra, one of the most famous fado venues in Porto.

Murder, ghosts, and the occult ... On this free tour of Porto , we'll visit the most hidden and mysterious side of ' city of the Douro ' and see its night lights!

Don't miss sailing down the Douro River on this  cruise along Porto's six bridges . An unforgettable tour with a delicious lunch on board included!

Free Walking Tour of Porto Street Art Porto has proven to be a source of inspiration for numerous artists: discover some of the city's most emblematic works of street art on this free walking tour.

Old Town Porto Free Tour The  North of Portugal is very enchanting. We'll discover why on this  free tour of the Old Town of Porto , where we'll explore the most historic part of the city.

Ribeira District Free Tour Join us on a free tour of Porto's Ribeira  - we'll delve into the significance of the Douro River and explore one of the city's most picturesque neighborhoods .

Vila Nova de Gaia Free Tour Beautiful landscapes and a passionate history feature on this free tour of Vila Nova de Gaia , a beautiful town separated by Porto and the Duero River .

Six Bridges Cruise from Vila Nova de Gaia Enjoy the famous Six Bridges of Porto cruise from Vila Nova de Gaia. You'll embark on a traditional Portuguese Rabelo boat, and enjoy great views of the Douro.

Full Porto Tuk Tuk Tour Explore Porto in a comfortable way with this exciting  Tuk Tuk Tour . Hop on and discover the charm within Portugal's second-largest city.

Private Tour of Porto Fall in love with the magic of Porto: delve into its lively atmosphere, admire its emblematic monuments and discover its history on this private tour.

Fado Show & Wine Tasting Experience a blend of wine and music at Caves Cálem , where you'll indulge in a delicious Porto wine & enjoy a fado performance in   Vila Nova de Gaia.

Douro Valley Wine Tasting and Tour On this tour we'll get to know the history of Port wine , from its origin in the vineyards of the Douro Valley, as well as enjoying a tasting!

Peneda-Gerês National Park Day Trip Discover one of Portugal's greatest natural jewels with this Peneda-Gerês National Park Day Trip. You'll explore its streams, waterfalls, forests and much more.

Porto Wine Tour + Winery Visit Discover Porto's finest wine cellars , and enjoy their port and feel like a local trying the most traditional dishes in the most typical bars.

World of Discoveries Ticket With this ticket to World of Discoveries , you'll  see the world through the eyes of Portuguese explorers and navigators  and more learn about this time period.

Régua Day Cruise Sail the River Douro & discover the capital of wine  with this Régua Day Cruise. To get the most out of the local landscapes we'll return to Porto by train!

Matosinhos Surf Class Get your adrenaline pumping by being king of the waves for a day with this Matosinhos Surf Class. You'll learn to control your movements and surf the Atlantic.

SEA LIFE® Porto Ticket Get lost in the depths of the marine world at SEA LIFE Porto - discover the amazing and fascinating creatures that live under the sea.

Segway Tour of Porto Explore the historic centre of Porto with this fun segway tour. A light-hearted and different way to get to know the history of the city in Douro.

Fátima and Coímbra Day Trip Let's discover  Portugal's main place of pilgrimage, Fátima , as well as explore the beautiful town of Coimbra  on this day trip.

Porto Wine Tour & Tourist Train Discover the delights of Porto on board the tourist train that tours the city and stops at the Real Companhia Velha Winery, where you'll enjoy a wine tasting!

Porto Jet Boat Experience See Porto from a new perspective on this unique thrill ride: speed over the Douro River in a Jet Boat. Feel the adrenaline rush as you cruise over the water!

Porto Buggy Adventure Discover the Portuguese city's neighbourhoods including Quintandona and the Castro de Monte Mozinho with this Porto Buggy Adventure.

Porto Vintage Car Private Tour Glamour and fun combine perfectly in this private vintage car tour of Porto. Don't miss out on exploring the city in a replica of a 1920s Ford Model T !

Aveiro and Paiva Walkways Trip Discover the wonderful Paiva Walkways and Aveiro with this fantastic trip from Porto. You will visit one of Portugal's most colorful cities. .

With this ticket , you'll have access to the tourist bus and tram of Porto . You can go up and down as many times as you like - you won't want to miss it!

Food Tour of Porto Enjoy the traditional cuisine of Porto  with this food tour around the centre of the beautiful city in the Douro region . Are you going to miss out?

Ribeira and Porto Medieval Walking Tour Discover the most historic side of Porto during a pleasant stroll that'll take you back in time to the Middle Ages and discover the Ribeira district .

On this jeep tour through the mountains in Porto, we'll travel through the valleys and forests around the Portuguese city and enjoy breathtaking views.

Porto Legends Ticket Learn all about Portuguese history and discover dark secrets with an immersive audiovisual virtual reality experience at the Porto Legends show. 

Porto Cooking Class In this Portuguese cuisine cooking class, we'll learn from professional chefs about the delicious traditional dishes of Porto food .

Unsolved mysteries and secrets are hidden in the backstreets of Porto . Discover the darkest part of the city on this tour full of legends and crime stories.

Private Day Trips from Porto Do you want to discover the north of Portugal? On this private tour, you'll visit  Braga and Guimaraes, or you can roam the Duoro wine region .

Guided Tour of Porto and Wine Cellars In this tour of Porto, we'll pass through the historic centre to get to know its most special nooks & discover why it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

Electric Bike Hire Rent an electric bicycle in Porto and discover the beautiful historic centre of the Douro city while being environmentally friendly . Ready to pedal?

Lunch or Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe Porto Enjoy good music, a unique atmosphere, and the best dishes in American cuisine by having lunch or dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe Porto.

Visit one of the museums of WOW Porto.  You'll be able to choose between five of the six museums housed within this new complex in Porto - you can't miss it!

1 Day Cruise to Pinhão On this cruise along the Douro, we'll sail along the river between Porto and Pinhão . And to complete the experience, we'll return to Porto by train.

Excursion to Aveiro & Boat Trip On this excursion to Aveiro , you'll discover the Portuguese   Venice  and admire its   art nouveau architecture   and colourful boats .

Porto Electric Bike Tour With this electric bike tour you'll discover the history of Porto by pedalling through its most iconic streets and cycling past its most important monuments.

Duoro River Boat Party Join us for a brilliant boat party as we sail down the Duoro River ! Dance the night away with live music , refreshing drinks and unbeatable scenery !

Lamego & Pinhao + Douro River Cruise + Wine Tasting Embark on a captivating journey to Lamego and Pinhão , unravelling the wonders of the Ribeira do Douro region , and take a river cruise with a wine tastin

Fado Na Baixa Show While in Porto, an unmissable experience awaits you at Fado Na Baixa . Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring world of traditional Portuguese music .

Arouca Geopark Canyoning In this activity, we'll enjoy a canyoning descent in the Arouca Geopark , a place of great geological value and scenic beauty . Pure adrenaline!

Fonseca Winery Tour How are Porto wines made? Discover just this on this visit to the Fonesca winery in Vila Nova de Gaia , where we'll taste a delicious glass of wine!

Porto Amphibian Bus Tour If you're up for a different spin on visiting the most gorgeous city in northern Portugal , check out our amphibious bus tour of Porto. It'll be double the fun!

Paiva River Paddleboarding Tour On this excursion from Oporto we'll travel to the confluence of the Douro  river and one of its tributaries to paddleboard in the Paiva River.

Porto Photo Tour Capture beautiful moments and must-see monuments with this Porto Photo Tour. Enjoy a photographic route to take incredible snapshots of the Portuguese city.

Boat Rental with Skipper in Porto Rent a boat with skipper in Porto and sail down the Douro River at your leisure. You'll sail in an exclusive way with your partner, family, or friends

Porto Sidecar Tour The Dom Luís I Bridge, São Bento Station and other historic monuments await on our  Porto Sidecar Tou r. Explore the city where the Douro River meets the sea 

This dinner cruise is a unique opportunity to discover the illuminated city of Porto and enjoy  its delicious cuisine . You'll spend an unforgettable evening!

Fado Show in Porto de Fados At this Fado show in Porto de Fados ,   you'll enjoy the passion and art of Portuguese music in a cosy concert hall. You'll love it!

Porto Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, 6 Bridges Cruise & Cálem Wine Cellars Spend 48 hours touring Porto on a hop-on hop-off bus and floating along the Duoro River on the 6 Bridges Cruise . Also, you'll visit the Cálem Wine Cellar .

Porto Walls Free Walking Tour Tour the main sections of the old castle walls of Porto with this free tour of one of the areas with the greatest historical legacy of the city.

Discover the darkest secrets and most enigmatic stories hidden within the city of Porto with this free mysteries and legends tour. It'll give you goosebumps!

Bolhao & Batalha Sunset Free Tour The cafés, theatres and even the stations of Porto buzz with alternative energy. See the cultural side of the city with this Bolhao & Batalha Free Tour!

Poças Winery Tour Discover the Porto wine tradition with this visit to the Poças Winery where you'll learn all about the production process and taste some of its best wines.

Tiles of Porto Free Tour On this tour of Porto , we'll explore the city and discover all the monuments decorated with beautiful traditional blue tiles !

Porto Electric GoCar Tour Drive an electric car through Porto and discover the main streets and monuments of this beautiful city - a different way to go sightseeing!

On this trip to Amarante, you'll discover one of the greatest jewels in the North of Portugal . Culture, architecture and history await you. Don't miss out!

Sailing Tour of Porto Enjoy the city of Porto from a unique perspective when you take our fantastic sailboat trip along the beautiful Douro river !

Night Tour, Dinner and Fado Show Enjoy a unique night with the best views of the city while you enjoy Portuguese gastronomy. And the cherry on top is the fado show, the very soul of Portugal!

Porto Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour + Winery Visit This bus passes through Porto's must-see landmarks , allowing you to get on and off as much as you want. You'll also visit a winery and taste local wines !

Why read our Porto guide?

It's written in an easy, conversational style and it can help you save money! Discover how to get the most out of your trip to Porto and enjoy this updated guide.

All the information and data in this guide has been updated in August 2022 . If you see any errors or anything that should be changed, please contact us .

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Just wanted to express my thanks to Joel and Rough Guides for a wonderful trip! Everything was well-chosen and we just loved all of the hotels, sightseeing...

Lisbon might be the country’s capital, but Portugal’s second city, Porto, is very definitely not second best. Dramatically situated at the mouth of the Rio Douro, it’s a massively atmospheric place that’s well worth a couple of days of your time – more if you plan to make a serious assault on the famous port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia, located just across the river. In recent years, the city has seen a massive tourism boom and this is reflected in the many hotels now on offer, many of which are of the boutique variety. For eating and going out you’ll be spoilt for choice, as areas have been gentrified with new restaurants and bars opening up.

The port wine story

Vila do conde, along the douro, peso da régua, lamego and around, vila nova de foz côa, barca d’alva, penafiel and around.

For a convenient trip to the seaside, the pretty town of Vila do Conde, 45 minutes to the north of Porto, offers a taste of what’s to come as you head up the coast towards the Minho. East of Porto, meanwhile, the N15 or much faster A4 motorway runs inland to the vinho verde-producing towns of Penafiel and Amarante, the latter perhaps the single most attractive town in the region, set on the lazy Rio Tâmega.

Inevitably, however, it’s the Rio Douro (“River of Gold”) that defines the region, winding for over 200km from the Spanish border to the sea, with port wine lodges and tiny villages dotted above intricately terraced hillsides. It was once a wild and unpredictable river, though after the port-producing area was first demarcated in the eighteenth century, engineering works soon tamed the worst of the rapids and opened up the Douro for trade. The railway reached the Spanish border by the end of the nineteenth century, while the building of hydroelectric dams and locks along the river’s length in the 1970s and 1980s turned the Douro into a series of navigable ribbon lakes.

It’s possible to cruise all the way from Porto to Barca d’Alva on the Spanish border, while the drive along the Douro also makes for an unforgettable journey. But take the train at least part of the way if you can, since the main Douro train line is no slouch for scenery – particularly once you’ve reached the rough halfway point, marked by the port wine town and cruise centre of Peso da Régua. Just to the south of Régua, a slight detour takes in the delightful Baroque pilgrimage town of Lamego and the fascinating churches and historic buildings of its little-explored surroundings. Beyond Régua, the main stop is the idyllically set wine-town of Pinhão , and the train line continues to hug the river as far as its terminus at Pocinho, though the Douro itself still has a way to go, winding on to the border at Barca d’Alva. However, following the uppermost reaches of the Douro is impossible by road beyond Pinhão , with the N222 finally veering south of the river to reach the extraordinary collection of paleolithic rock engravings near Vila Nova de Foz Côa.

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A self drive to Portugal's North and Center

Starting in fascinating Lisbon, this trip allows you to discover Portugal both on your own as well as with guided tours. Driving further up north you'll explore Coimbra and Porto before heading to the Douro Valley and Alentejo.

If ever a drink was synonymous with a country it’s port – the fortified wine from Portugal’s Douro region. For three centuries wine has been shipped down the Douro River to Vila Nova de Gaia, whose famous wine lodges (Sandeman, Graham’s, Cockburn, Taylor’s) reflect the early British influence on its production. A cellar tour here (see The port wine lodges) forms an integral part of any visit to Porto, while you can also follow the wine trail along the Douro by train, car or cruise boat. To find out more, the country’s port wine institute, the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e do Porto, has a useful English-language website.

Developing a taste – the early days

The clear distinction between port wine (vinho do porto) and other Portuguese wines wasn’t made until the beginning of the eighteenth century, when Britain prohibited the import of French wines during the War of the Spanish Succession. Portuguese wines quickly filled the void and, following the Methuen Treaty (1703), the wine trade became so profitable that adulterated inferior wines were soon being passed off as the genuine article. This led to the creation of a regulatory body in 1756, the Companhia Geral da Agricultura das Vinhas do Alto Douro, and, the following year, the declaration of the world’s oldest demarcated wine region (where port wine could now only legitimately be produced). Yet it wasn’t until the mid-nineteenth century that it began to resemble today’s fortified wine, when the addition of brandy to stop fermentation became widespread, enabling the wines to be transported over even longer distances.

The Douro wine route

The port wine grapes are grown in a 600,000-acre demarcated region along both banks of the Rio Douro, stretching from Mesão Frio (near Peso da Régua) to the Spanish border. Sheltered by the Marão and Montemuro mountain ranges, around fifteen percent of the region is under vines, which benefit from cold winters and hot, dry summers . The characteristic terraces can be seen along the length of the Douro, and they form a beautiful backdrop to the small town of Pinhão , which is now the main centre for quality ports. The grapes are harvested at the quintas (vineyard estates) from September to October and crushed. After a few days fermentation is halted by the addition of brandy – exactly when this is done determines the wine’s sweetness – with the wine subsequently stored in casks until the following March. The final stage in the wine route is the transportation downstream to the shippers’ lodges, where the wine is blended and matures.

What’s in the bottle?

Port wine is either ruby (ie deep red), tawny (made from a blend of differently aged wines) or white – the first two are generally drunk at the end of a meal, or with cheese or dessert, the last served chilled as an aperitif. The finest reds are known as vintages, wines from a single year that are bottled two to three years after harvest and left to mature. A vintage is only declared in certain years (just fourteen times between 1901 and 1999, for example), and the wine is only ready to drink at least ten to fifteen years after bottling, when the flavours are at their most complex, the wine deep purple and full-bodied. Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) is not of vintage quality, but is still good enough to mature in bottles, to which it’s transferred after four to six years in the cask. All other ports are blended and are kept in the cask for between two and seven or more years, with the colour developing into various shades of of tawny – they are ready to drink when bottled. Of these, a colheita (“Harvest”) is a tawny port made from grapes from a specific year and aged at least seven years in the cask; other fine wines are superior tawnies dated ten, twenty, thirty or forty years old (the average age of the wines in the blend), while reserve ports (both tawny and ruby) are decent blended wines, the best being the tawny reserve ports which have to spend at least seven years in the cask.

While Portus Cale (the Romans’ “sheltered port”) has a long history, modern PORTO largely eschews its distant past and presents itself to visitors as a busy commercial city rather than a prettified tourist destination. If that puts you off, it shouldn’t, because commerce is written into Porto’s DNA, from the great trading river at the heart of the city to the Baroque churches and Neoclassical buildings funded by merchants who made good. If it’s never quite what you’d call gentrified – especially in the old riverside back-alleys – modern Porto does at least look better now than it has done for decades. Since 2001, when it was declared European City of Culture, many of the streets and squares have been reconstructed and historic buildings restored, particularly in the riverside bairro of Ribeira – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site – where the waterfront cafés and restaurants are an obvious attraction.

Once you’ve scooted around the commercial centre and seen the cathedral, the only two essential cultural attractions are the applied-art collections of the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis and the world-class Fundação Serralves museum of contemporary art. Otherwise, tourism in Porto generally consists of lounging at a dockside café, enjoying a cruise on the Douro, swigging port across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia or taking the antique tram out to the local beach at Foz do Douro, at the mouth of the Rio Douro.

Fundação Serralves

If there’s a must-see cultural attraction in Porto it’s the contemporary art museum and park run by the Fundação Serralves, 4km west of the centre. The Museu de Arte Contemporânea is the work of Porto architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, and is a minimalist triumph of white facades and terraces strikingly set in an overwhelmingly green park. There’s no permanent collection – instead, several changing exhibitions a year draw on the works of Portuguese and international artists, mainly from the 1960s to the present day. Other exhibitions are held in the separate, pink Art Deco Casa de Serralves in the grounds.

You can get an idea of the main building from the outside, and from the terrace café, more formal restaurant and museum shop (all free to enter), which means if the exhibitions aren’t to your taste, you miss nothing by just visiting the park. Indeed, many people prefer this to the museum itself and it’s easy to spend a lazy afternoon here, winding along swept gravel paths and clipped lawns before descending wooded tracks to the herb gardens and farmland beyond, grazed by goats and cattle. There are art installations dotted around and a tea house (open weekends only in winter) in a glade with a vine colonnade. July and August see a sequence of “Jazz no Parque” (Jazz in the Park) concerts held in the gardens.

Vila Nova de Gaia

Cross to the south side of the Rio Douro, over the Ponte Dom Luís I, and you leave the city of Porto for the separate town of Vila Nova de Gaia, which has now been absorbed as a neighbourhood. The riverfront here – facing Porto’s Ribeira – also has a long line of cafés, bars and restaurants; cruise boats dock along the esplanade, while the wooden craft with sails are known as barcos rabelos, the traditional boats once used to transport wine casks downriver from the Douro port estates. The views are, if anything, better from Gaia than from the Porto side, looking back across to a largely eighteenth-century cityscape, with few modern buildings intruding in the panoramic sweep from the Palácio de Cristal gardens to the cathedral towers.

Gaia, of course, is completely synonymous with the port wine trade – you can’t miss the dozens of company lodges and warehouses (known as caves), some in business for more than three centuries, that splash their brand names across every rooftop, facade and advertising hoarding. They almost all offer tastings and tours, conducted in English, with a view to enticing you to buy. Tours of the smaller, lesser-known companies tend to be more personal than those of larger producers, but they are all pretty informative and you’ll soon know the difference between a tawny and a ruby, and which vintages are best.

Porto’s architecture

Porto’s churches provide one of the country’s richest concentrations of Baroque architecture. The style was brought to Portugal by Italian painter and architect Nicolau Nasoni (1691–1773), who arrived in Porto at the age of 34, and remained here for the rest of his life. The church and tower of Clérigos is his greatest work, though his masterful touch can also be seen in the cathedral and adjacent bishop’s palace, and at the churches of Misericórdia, Carmo, Santo Ildefonso and São Francisco. All are remarkable for their decorative exuberance, reflecting the wealth derived from Portugal’s colonies.

In the second half of the eighteenth century, out went the luxuriant complexity of Baroque and in came the studied lines of the Neoclassical period. Neoclassicism also incorporated hints of Gothic and Baroque art, but most of all, was influenced by an Islamic style, which reached its apotheosis in the Salão Árabe of the Palácio da Bolsa. By the turn of the twentieth century Porto’s Neoclassicism had acquired a distinctly French Renaissance touch, thanks largely to the architect José Marquês da Silva (1869–1947), who studied in Paris. His most notable works were São Bento railway station, the exuberant Teatro Nacional São João, and the distinctly less elegant monument to the Peninsular War that dominates the Rotunda da Boavista.

Not until the 1950s did Porto see the emergence of a style of architecture that it could call its own, with the beginning of the so-called Porto School, centred on the city’s School of Fine Arts. This proved fertile ground for many of Porto’s contemporary architects, including Eduardo Souto Moura (Casa das Artes, and the conversion of the Alfândega), Alcino Soutinho (the conversion of the Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro, and Amarante’s Museu Amadeo Sousa Cardoso), and – most famously – Álvaro Siza Vieira, whose masterpiece in Porto is the contemporary art museum at the Fundação Serralves (1999). Earlier works of his can be seen in Leça da Palmeira, north of the city, such as the Piscina de Mar swimming pool (1966) and Casa de Chá da Boa Nova (1963), both hidden in the rocks by the shore – the Casa de Chá was a renowned café-restaurant for years but has currently been sadly abandoned to the elements and vandals.

A word should also be said about the city’s famous bridges – there are five more besides the landmark Ponte Dom Luís I, notably the Ponte do Infante, whose central 280m reinforced-concrete arch is the world’s longest, and further east upriver, Gustave Eiffel’s iron railway bridge, Ponte Dona Maria Pia. The best way to see them all is to take a river cruise.

Festa de São João

Porto lets its hair down during the exuberant celebration that is the Festa de São João, St John’s Eve (the night of June 23–24), in honour of John the Baptist, patron saint of the city. Be warned – for one night only it is considered fair game to bash total strangers over the head with plastic hammers, while Chinese lanterns drift off into the night sky. There are free concerts throughout the night and a massive firework display at midnight over the river at Praça da Ribeira. The bacchanalian party forms only part of the wider city festival, the Festas da Cidade, that runs throughout June and celebrates the start of the summer with concerts, dances, vintage car rallies, regattas, sardine grills and other entertainments – like the competitive cascata displays (dolls depicting Santo António, São João and São Pedro, complete with miniature houses, trains and cars).

Markets, junk and vintage stuff

If the Mercado do Bolhão (daily except Sun) whets your appetite, you might want to scour some of Porto’s other markets, starting with the long-established Saturday-morning flea market, the Feira de Vandôma (Passeio das Fontaínhas). There’s a more specialist market for coins and collectables (Sun morning, Praça Dom João I), while the Feira dos Pasasarinhos (Sun morning, Campo Mártires da Pátria, in front of the Cadeia da Relação) features birds, cages, and birds in cages. The secondhand scene is centred on the top (ie, grungier) end of Rua Santa Caterina, at shops such as Segunda Mão (Rua Santa Caterina 505), where you can buy anything from dodgy old Portuguese vinyl singles to retro household goods and vintage clothes.

Porto’s waterfront – known as the Ribeira – has changed dramatically in recent years, from a rough dockside cargo zone to one of the city’s major tourist attractions. The arcaded quayside, the Cais da Ribeira, is one long run of restaurants and cafés looking across the river to the port wine lodges on the other side. However, come down in the morning – before the parasols and blackboard menus have been put out – and the Ribeira still ticks along in local fashion. Between the postcards and touristy ceramics you’ll find dusty grocery stores and a warehouse or two, piled high with bags of potatoes. Meanwhile, behind the arcades and heading up towards the cathedral is a warren of stepped alleys that thumb their noses at the riverside gentrification.

Porto’s iconic double-decker bridge, Ponte Dom Luís I, provides one of the city’s favourite photo opportunities. You can walk across either level to the port wine lodges, bars and restaurants of Vila Nova de Gaia – there’s traffic on the bottom level, the metro across the top – and the upper level crossing especially (a nerve-jangling 60m above the water) is worth doing at least once. There are steps from the Ribeira up to the lower-level walkway, which lead past a café built on top of the surviving stone piers of an earlier bridge – a great location for a coffee with an unrivalled bridge and river view.

VILA DO CONDE, 27km north of Porto, has become quite a significant resort over recent years, but despite the increase in visitors still retains much of its charm. In part, it’s because the villas and apartments overlooking the beach are set away from the rest of town; the medieval centre, 1km inland on the north bank of the Rio Ave, still has its traditional fishing port and quiet, traffic-free streets, while the modern town is a handsome place of boulevards, gardens and cafés. Anchoring the old town’s cobbled alleys is the beautiful Manueline Igreja Matriz, while nearby the Friday market takes place, where you’ll find everything from farm produce to traditional children’s toys. Vila do Conde has a fair reputation for festivals too, from food and drink to film, and if you want more than just a beach then it’s the best day out from Porto, especially as you can zip there quickly on the metro. The more developed sands of Póvoa de Varzim are just a few minutes beyond, at the end of the line.

Vila do Conde festivals

A good time to visit Vila do Conde is for the nine-day food fair Feira de Gastronomia (third week in Aug), or during the renowned crafts fair, the Feira Nacional de Artesanato (last week July to first week Aug). People also come from far and wide for Curtas, the European short-film festival held here for a week every July.

A quick drive from Porto takes you to the beautiful riverside town of AMARANTE, which hugs both sides of the Rio Tâmega, a handsome tributary of the Douro. Much of the town’s history revolves around the thirteenth-century hermit Gonçalo, later made a saint, and most of the attractions have some link to him. Although Amarante’s sights are few, save a photogenic bridge, and a riverside main street of granite houses with wooden balconies, it’s popular with weekenders from Porto and foreign visitors. There’s a definite air of prosperity about and it’s a fine place to spend the night, with a wide choice of accommodation, much of it still reasonably priced. Wednesdays and Saturdays, the market days, are the most lively, though the action is all over by 3pm. The local hooch, Gatão, a fruity vinho verde, can be enjoyed at one of the few late-opening esplanade bars found on the south side of the river near either bridge.

Cycling along the Tâmega

In days gone by, the approach to Amarante was truly scenic, on the old Tâmega branch train line, with rattling wooden carriages snaking along a single-track route up the valley. Although long discontinued, part of the track now has a new lease of life as the Ecopista da Linha do Tâmega, a “green route” that’s been opened from the old station at Amarante to that of Chapa, a shade over 9km to the northeast. In time, it’s planned to extend the hiking and biking track as far as Celorico de Basto (22km from Amarante) and Arco de Baúlhe (40km), but even now, the shortish stretch to Chapa makes for a lovely day out, along the river valley, through pine and eucalyptus, over the occasional bridge and past abandoned buildings.

The Douro river route is one of the great European journeys, a careering 200-kilometre ride or stately cruise from Porto to the Spanish border. The full river journey there and back is in a class of its own, and pricey, all-inclusive cruises can take as long as a week, though short tours from Porto or Peso da Régua give you a flavour of the river. In many ways the train is best, though you’ll have a lot more scope in a car to visit wineries, stay in rural quintas en route and hang around at the majestic dams to watch the boats come through the locks. Be warned that the roads are very winding and often fairly precipitous, though they are all in good condition. It can also take much longer than you think to get from A to B, so give yourself plenty of time.

The Linha do Douro – Portugal’s best train ride

An engineering marvel when it opened in 1887, the Linha do Douro (Douro Line) still thrills passengers today. In its heyday it crossed the border to Spain (for a through service to Salamanca and Madrid) and sprouted some stunning valley branch lines, but even though the branch lines are no more, it’s still some ride – 160km of river-hugging track from Porto to Pocinho, via more than 20 tunnels, 30 bridges and 34 stations.

There are regular daily departures from Porto (São Bento and Campanhã) and you change on to the smaller Douro Line trains at Peso da Régua (just “Régua” on timetables). Régua is where the Douro Line gets most exciting, sticking closely to the river from then on, clinging to the rocks as the river – and track – passes through the Douro gorge. Some of the stations are just a shelter on a platform, used by the local wine quintas, though there are useful stops at Pinhão (a pretty port-producing town), Tua (a cruise halt with a good restaurant) and finally Pocinho (for Vila Nova de Foz Câo and its rock art).

Currently five trains a day run from Porto to Pocinho at the end of the line (around 3hr 30min), so you can make the return trip in a day if you take a morning train: there are also summer weekend steam-train services between Régua and Tua. For timetables, see cp.pt or call 808 208 208 (local-rate call in Portugal) or 707 201 280.

PESO DA RÉGUA (usually just Régua) was declared the first capital of the demarcated port-producing region in the eighteenth century. While it’s Pinhão , further east, that’s the more interesting place these days, Régua is still a popular stop – not least because it’s the hub of the Douro river-cruise trade, with the boats disgorging hundreds of passengers for lunch, train trips and wine-lodge visits. Although it’s not a particularly pretty place, and is dominated by a motorway bridge, for most of the year there’s an agreeable hubbub along the waterside promenade, where ornamental barcos rabelos lie anchored on the river. What’s more, wine-trade patronage has resulted in some excellent local restaurants and enticing quinta accommodation in the vicinity.

Although technically in the Beira Alta region, the charming town of LAMEGO, 11km south of Régua, is easily accessible from the Douro, with which it shares a passion for wine – in this case, Raposeira, Portugal’s answer to champagne. It’s overlooked by the Baroque shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios – another of those decorative Portuguese stone stairways to the skies – which plays host to an annual pilgrimage from late August to early September. There are scores of noble manorhouses in the handsome town centre, and a series of extraordinary churches, monasteries and fortified buildings in the surrounding verdant valleys, a legacy of the twelfth-century Reconquista, when Lamego was among the first towns to be retaken from the Moors.

Much of Lamego’s early wealth derived from its position astride the trade route from the Beiras to the Douro, but the town’s real importance is its history: in 1143, Lamego hosted Portugal’s first parliament, when a group of clergy and noblemen assembled to recognize Afonso Henriques as the nation’s first king. As such, it claims to be the birthplace of country and crown – a fact hotly disputed by Alfonso Henriques’ birthplace, Guimarães.

The Entrudo dos Compadres at Lazarim

The unremarkable village of Lazarim (off the N2 Lamego–Castro Daire road) plays host to one of the oddest rituals to survive in Portugal. The Entrudo dos Compadres is a boisterous carnival that has taken place every Shrove Tuesday since the Middle Ages, with cavorting revellers taking to the streets wearing beautifully carved wooden masks, symbolic of the event’s licentiousness. From a balcony, two colourful dolls loaded with fireworks are presented to the crowd – the compadre, carried by two young women, and comadre, toted by two young men. The couples proceed to recite insulting rhymes centring on sexual behaviour, after which the fireworks are lit and the dolls disintegrate in an explosive fury of smoke and flame, marking the end of the old year and the beginning of the new.

Sitting high above the Côa valley, 60km southeast of Pinhão , the small town of VILA NOVA DE FOZ CÔA would attract no interest at all had it not been for the discovery in 1992 of the most extensive array of outdoor paleolithic art in Europe. The engravings are of a similar style to those found in caves elsewhere, but their uniqueness lies in the fact that they are carved outside on exposed rock faces in a river valley. With the oldest dated at around 23,000 years, their survival is remarkable, and they are now protected as both National Monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are three rock-art sites to visit, though the restrictions on numbers and visiting hours mean you can’t see more than two in any one day. Depending on how keen you are, this might mean an overnight stop in Foz Côa, though there is is not really any reason otherwise to stay. Although the blistering midsummer heat and winter cold makes it hard to believe, the town benefits from a Mediterranean microclimate, proof of which is provided by the locally produced almonds, fruit, cheese, wine and – especially – olive oil, which is among the country’s finest. The monthly market is on the first Tuesday of the month next to the football field, and the blossoming of almond trees draws the crowds in late February and early March.

Parque Arqueológico do Vale do Côa (PAVC)

The Parque Arqueológico do Vale do Côa contains thousands of engravings on several hundred rocks, a good number of which are clustered around the three major sites. The engravings are of horses, deer, goats and other animals, as well as later, Neolithic images of people. Many of the engravings are quite hard to make out, as unlike cave art they are not painted but were scratched or chipped with stones. Depending on the site, visits take place either in the morning or afternoon, though night visits – which benefit from being out of the sun’s glare so you can see the engravings more easily – are also sometimes possible. If you only have time to visit one site, Penascosa is considered the most interesting.

The Museu do Côa (3km east of town, signposted) is the obvious place to start, since it expands in detail upon the discovery and history of the site, and also acts as a booking centre for the park. Visits to the rock-art sites have to be booked in advance, which can be done in person or by phone or email (279 768 260, [email protected]) – in summer, two or three days in advance is recommended. The entrance fee includes a guide and 4WD transport from the appropriate visitor centre; each trip has a maximum of eight visitors, and children under 3 are not allowed.

Canada do Inferno

From the museum, tours head out to the first site to be identified, that of Canada do Inferno (usually morning visits; tour lasts 1hr 30min), which lies near the abandoned Côa dam. It contains a wide variety of engravings, from bison to horses, some of which are very close to the current waterline and many more that have been underwater since the construction of the Pocinho dam upstream raised the level.

Ribeira de Piscos

Trips to Ribeira de Piscos (usually mornings; 2hr 30min) head out from Muxagata, 1km off the N102 to Guarda, which has a bar beside the visitor centre. The engravings are spread out along the eponymous ribeira down to its confluence with the Côa – a beautiful place, but there’s a lot of walking involved. The highlights are a tender engraving of two horses “kissing”, some fine engravings of auroch bison (now extinct) and an exceptionally rare, paleolithic engraving of a man.

The least strenuous visit is to Penascosa (usually afternoons, 1hr 30min, plus evenings, 3hr), as the jeeps park right next to it. The starting point is the visitor centre in Castelo Melhor, just off the N322 to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. Penascosa’s highlights include an engraving of a fish (one of very few such depictions worldwide), and a rock containing over a dozen superimposed animals, the meaning of which archeologists are at a loss to understand. The village itself has a gorgeous ruined castle and a couple of café-restaurants.

Quinta da Ervamoira

There’s also a private site at Quinta da Ervamoira (closed Mon; visits by appointment: t 279 759 229), a secluded vineyard on the west bank of the Côa, accessed from Muxagata. It’s owned by the Ramos Pinto port wine company, whose granite estate house is now a museum housing finds from Roman and medieval times.

The last Portuguese village along the Douro, BARCA D’ALVA is less than 2km from the Spanish border. Surrounded by mountains, and on a placid bend in the Rio Douro, it’s a curious spot – on one hand, there’s a long-abandoned railway line and a row of elderly cottages; on the other, there’s a sparkling quayside with huge pontoons to accommodate the large Douro cruisers which disgorge passengers for a souvenir hunt. A few cafés, restaurants and shops soak up any passing trade, but in the end it’s the drive here, from north or south, that really warrants the trip, through beautifully sculpted Douro terraces of olives and vines, with sweeping views across the hills and river gorge. As there’s no road along the Douro River in its latter stages after Pocinho, you have to approach via Foz Côa and Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo (in Beira Alta) or Torre de Moncorvo and Freixo de Espada à Cinta (in Trás-os-Montes).

While port wine defines the central and far eastern reaches of the Douro, closer to Porto it’s vinho verde that holds sway, particularly around PENAFIEL, 35km east of Porto. The wine’s origins lie with the Benedictine monks, who first grew vines on precipitous valley terraces, while the Benedictine legacy also extends to a handful of glorious Romanesque churches secreted amid the hills hereabouts. However, despite the promise, Penafiel itself comes as something of a disappointment. The few old streets of granite mansions behind a handsome Renaissance Igreja da Misericórdia are barely reason enough to stop – certainly not if you’re reliant on public transport (the train station is 3km from the centre in any case). Drivers, however, have the option of a pleasant half-day’s tour, with wine tasting and church visits breaking up the journey along the Douro.

On Rua da Aveleda, the charming, ivy-festooned Quinta da Aveleda is source of the local vinho verde. The guided tours include a visit to the bottling hall, and a wine and cheese tasting (and there’s more on sale in the rather nice shop), but it’s really the gorgeously unkempt, wooded gardens and their follies that make the visit.

While port wine defines the central and far eastern reaches of the Douro, closer to Porto it’s actually vinho verde that holds sway, particularly around PENAFIEL, 35km east of Porto. The wine’s origins lie with the Benedictine monks, who first grew vines on precipitous valley terraces, while the Benedictine legacy also extends to a handful of glorious Romanesque churches secreted amid the rolling hills hereabouts. However, despite the promise, Penafiel itself comes as something of a disappointment. The few old streets of granite mansions behind a handsome Renaissance Igreja da Misericórdia are barely reason enough to stop – certainly not if you’re reliant on public transport (and the train station is 3km from the centre in any case). Drivers, however, have the option of a pleasant half-day’s tour, with wine tasting and church visits breaking up the onward journey along the Douro.

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The best ways to get around Porto and enjoy the views along the way

Jun 25, 2022 • 7 min read

One of the best ways to get around Porto: in a vintage tram @ Mazur Travel / Shutterstock

Hills, bridges and the glittering expanse of the Douro River are all part of the scenic but sometimes challenging backdrop of Porto . Luckily, the city has an excellent transportation network for getting around, from a speedy metro system to old-fashioned trams, along with buses, taxis and even a funicular thrown in for good measure. 

Porto has a compact city center, making it an ideal place for getting around on foot, particularly in the narrow lanes of the Ribeira where transport is lacking. For reaching far-flung corners of the city, you’ll have plenty of options to get you there. While generally efficient, Porto’s transportation network occasionally hits its snags, so give yourself ample time to get to where you’re going (and perhaps have a Plan B in mind if things go awry). 

Travel from the middle ages to the 21st century on the metro 

Strolling up the medieval alleys of the Ribeira district, you can hop on the metro and head up to the Casa da Música , Rem Koolhaas’ cutting-edge 2005 architectural masterpiece. Porto’s six lettered and color-coded metro lines offer many ways you can hop across centuries while exploring diverse corners of the city. 

It’s good to familiarize yourself with some of the most useful lines. Line E (violet) travels from the airport to the city center, line D (yellow) has the nearest stop to the Ribeira (São Bento station) and travels over the Dom Luís I bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia . Line B (red) is Porto’s longest line, running from Estadio do Dragão (home to FC Porto) north to village-like settlements near the seaside. Trains operate from 6am to 1am daily.

Take in Porto’s best views aboard the teleférico de Gaia

It’s only a five-minute ride, but the teleférico de Gaia gives sweeping views over the Douro and the city beyond. The aerial cable car travels between the Vila Nova de Gaia waterfront and the southern end of the Dom Luís I bridge. It makes a good add-on to a day of port-tasting at the wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper station is just a few minutes’ walk from Jardim do Morro (above ground) metro station. The one-way fare is €6 (€9 return), and the teleférico runs from 10am to 8pm during the warmer months (service ends an hour or two earlier from late September to late April).  

Get a better look at city neighborhoods on the bus

Porto’s extensive bus network can take you just about anywhere you want to go. You’ll also get to enjoy views of the city – architecture, plazas, long-legged dogs and their minders – generally not available if you take the metro. There are many lines that are particularly handy for sightseeing, including No 207, which takes you to the avant-garde Serralves cultural institution , stopping near the Soares dos Reis Museum , the Palácio de Cristal gardens , the Natural History Museum and other places of interest along the way. 

Pick up an Andante Card to ride the metro and buses with ease

Porto has an integrated bus and metro network, which you can use with ease by purchasing an Andante Card . There are various versions of the card. If you’re just planning a few trips while you’re in town, buy an Andante Blue Card (€0.60) and load it with credit. There’s also an Andante Tour Card – a better option if you plan to do a lot of traveling on the network over a short period of time: a 24-hour card costs €7 and a 3-day (72-hour) card is €15. 

You can purchase cards at tourist information offices in the airport and in town, as well as at various metro stations. Note that the tram and funicular are not covered by the Andante Card. 

Take a nostalgic ride on the Number 1 tram

Número Uno is the perfect digit for Porto’s cheerfully painted tram that trundles along the waterfront. The star of Porto’s transport network has been carrying passengers (as well as fish, coal, and other things) since the 1870s when it was initially pulled by mules. Though electrified nowadays, the tram only moves marginally faster than back then, providing a fascinating window into the past. The interior is kitted out with vintage wood paneling and oversized windows you can lift high to maximize those breezy views. 

Tram No 1 runs between the Ribeira district and Passeio Alegre, which is about a 10-minute walk from the beaches of the Foz do Douro. You can purchase tickets (€3.50/6 one-way/return) from the driver. Two other trams circulate in the center. If you’re keen on riding them all, buy a two-day unlimited tram pass for €10 (€5 for children). 

Ride the funicular for lofty bridge views 

Porto has just one inclined rail line, but it’s well worth seeking out. The Funicular dos Guindais takes you from a street near the base of the Ponte Dom Luís I to Batalha-Guindais station near the Igreja de Santa Clara. The 25-passenger funicular takes three minutes to travel the 281m (922ft) and provides excellent views over Porto’s iconic steel bridge (designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel) as well as Vila Nova de Gaia’s port wine lodges across the river. The funicular is not part of the Andante pass (unless you purchase a monthly pass), so you’ll have to pay for a ride separately (€2.50). 

Go green on an electric bike or scooter

Still in the early stages of development, Porto has plans to launch an electric bike- and e-scooter sharing program. The city will have 2100 modes of transport scattered at 210 different sites around the city. Several apps will provide access, including "Bird – Ride Electric" and "Circ – Enjoy the Ride". 

To use the service, download the app, create an account, and scan the QR code of an available scooter or bike, and you’re all set. Proposed prices are €1 to unlock, then €0.15 per minute of use. A few guidelines to keep in mind: the transport isn’t available from 10pm to 6am, and users must travel in bike lanes rather than on sidewalks. Wearing a helmet is not obligatory, but is highly recommended. 

Hop in a taxi or a ride-share late at night

You’ll find taxi ranks throughout the center, and you’ll also find ride-share services like Uber and Bolt. These are handy for late-night trips when there’s limited public transportation available. Count on paying around €6 to €8 for trips within the center during the day, with a 20% surcharge at night.

Accessible transportation in Porto 

Travelers with mobility issues will find Porto to have a much more user-friendly transport network than Lisbon. Nearly all metro stations are fully accessible with ramps, elevators and dedicated spaces for wheelchair users onboard metro trains. You can find a map here . Parts in green are fully accessible. The majority of buses in Porto are also fully accessible with ramped access, low-level floors and a dedicated space for one wheelchair user on board. On the bus and on the metro announcements informing riders of the next stop are made. Unfortunately, the historic tram lines are not wheelchair accessible.  

For more online resources for accessible travel, visit Lonely Planet's Accessible Travel portal .

Why riding the tram is my favorite way to travel in Porto 

Climbing aboard the trams is like stepping into a time machine. You pass those vintage handles and wheels the conductor uses to operate the streetcar and the elegant polished wood details of the interior. Once seated (or quite possibly standing while holding onto a strap), you can listen to the meditative clackety clack of the wheels as you rumble through town. 

The slow mode of travel and big windows give a cinematic view of the city in motion. Watch closely and you’ll get snapshots of Porto as you pass close by cafe tables where espresso drinkers are hunkered over newspapers or chatting with a neighbor passing by, while a server stands nearby watching the distant boats out on the river. The best time to travel is in the morning when you get an even more authentic glimpse of local life.

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for Solo Travel Over 50

Ultimate Porto Solo Travel Guide (2023)

UPDATED 8/26/23

The second-largest city in Portugal is not a city to be missed. Put Porto, Portugal on your list of best places in Europe to travel solo and let my ultimate Porto Solo Travel Guide help you plan your Portugal solo trip.

This Porto Travel Guide is intentionally written for the solo traveler, first time Porto traveler, and/or older traveler (I am over 50 and have been solo traveling FOREVER) in mind. Yet, anyone can use this travel guide it to plan and book Porto travel.

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Portugal Solo Travel Guide

What is porto famous for, porto travel packing essentials, best time to visit porto portugal, how to get to porto portugal, how to get around porto, is porto safe for solo travel, best area to stay in porto solo, 5 must dos in porto portugal, more top things to do alone in porto, best porto day trips, best booking sites for porto travel, how to get the best of porto in 3 days.

If you need more Portugal travel tips to supplement your Porto travel planning, consult my ultimate Portugal Solo Travel Guide full of tips on culture, entry requirements, currency, tipping, using electronics, safety, and a lot more to plan solo travel in Portugal.

Porto’s scenery, food, culture, and people, as well as its proximity to more unforgettable destinations, make Porto a must visit city in Portugal. Don’t wait to start planning your trip to Porto, and use my 3 Days in Porto Itinerary perfect for your first-time Porto solo travel.

THE 3 Days in Porto Itinerary for First Timers (2024)

More portugal travel guides & itineraries.

• Coimbra in 1 Day Itinerary and Guide
• The Ultimate Lisbon Solo Travel Guide
• The Best of Lisbon in 4 Days Itinerary
• 7 Best Europe Beach Destinations for Solo Travelers

There are 17 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Portugal , with the combined Porto Historic Center, Luis I Bridge and Serra do Pilar being one of them.  

Oporto, Portugal, more commonly referred to as “Porto”, is rich in history going back 2000 years to the Romans, who originally dubbed the city Portus (“port”). Today, Porto residents refer to themselves as “Tripeiros”.  

Porto lies on the Douro River, the third largest river in the Iberian Peninsula, which is largely responsible for the city’s trade and port industry, and opens to the Atlantic Ocean nearby.  

Portugal’s second largest city, Porto is seen as “second” to Lisbon in popularity, but this is changing.  Porto has not had been affected or destroyed by earthquakes, like Lisbon, leaving it largely in tact for centuries.

The historic center, mostly consisting of the Baixa and Ribeira districts, is where the majority of the top Porto sites reside and where the tourists flock to.

Tripeiros are very friendly and welcoming. They are eager to share with you the wonders of their city and what their country offers nearby. You won’t be at a loss for things to do in Porto.

Most Tripeiros speak English but it doesn’t hurt to brush up on some Portuguese before you visit. It will only enhance your stay in Porto. Porto is worth visiting for sure.

Is Porto Worth Visiting?

Porto is worth visiting for sure. Don’t discount it on your Portugal solo travel.

If you were thinking of only visiting Lisbon, think again. The train ride from Lisbon to Porto is less than three hours, so I urge you to carve out some extra time for Porto on your over 50 single travel.

I’m not one to tell someone else how to pack, but there definitely some solo travel essentials I would recommend taking on your travel to Porto, like the following.

This list of travel essentials combined can make your Porto travel easier and more memorable while being friendlier to the environment.

Everyone says the best time to visit Porto is May through September. Yes and no. ‘Yes’ to May and September, but ‘no’ to the other summer months.

Porto Weather & Costs

The weather in Porto averages in the 40°s F to 70°s F, with warmest weather in the summer June through August. Summer provides for multiple outdoor activities, but also when it can be more crowded driving up prices. 

The winter months of December through February are the coldest and rainiest, with lower costs and outdoor opportunities. If you go, bring an eco-friendly travel umbrella .

Shoulder season months provide good weather, lower tourist costs and good daylight hours.  May is said to be one of the best months to visit Porto, but don’t discount after the summer season.

Porto in October, when I was last there, was lovely. I still had to book well in advance for decent accommodation prices.  For this Porto Solo Travel Guide, I would recommend May, September and October for your Porto solo visit.

Porto Events

Summertime is not only a good time for Porto weather, it’s also a good time for fun. Porto holds its largest street festival, Festas de São João, in June. In fact, there are many local festivals in June.

I suggest also checking the Porto events calendar to help determine which month is best for your Porto solo travel .

Accessible by airplane, car, boat, bus and train, Porto is an easy city to get to.

Bus or Train to Porto

Porto receives many trains and buses , which are usually timely and inexpensive. Most Porto trains arrive and depart from the Bento Train Station, in the central Baixa district. 

Most Porto buses arrive and depart from the Parque das   Camélias Terminal, also centrally located.

Trainline Provides Cheap Train and Bus Tickets

Flights to Porto

The airport in Porto is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), known simply as Porto Airport. Porto receives many direct flights from within the European Union and from outside of Europe.

Find Your Cheap Flight to Porto

Eco travel tips.

Skyscanner  provides a ‘Greener flights’ filter highlighting flights that emit less CO2. Additionally, you can purchase carbon offsets  through your airline  to lower your carbon footprint.

Portugal Covid Travel Tip

As of April 2023, Portugal no longer requires a Covid test for entry to Portugal .

Porto Airport to City Center

It is less than 20 km from the Porto Airport to Porto city center. There are several ways to get from Porto Airport to Porto.

If you do not have access to an airport shuttle by your hotel, the cheapest and easiest way to get to Porto city center is by the Porto metro.

Porto Airport Metro

When you arrive Porto Airport, follow the signs to the Porto metro. The Aeroporto station is minutes from the airport front door.

Buy a ticket for the E train (purple line), less than 3 €, at one of the machines (you can use a credit card). Then walk upstairs to the platform.

The metro departs the Porto airport every 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the day, and takes about 30 minutes to arrive at the Trindade metro station, in the Baixa district.  

Porto Airport Taxi and More

Faster ways, but not by much, to Porto city center are by vehicle.

You can hail a rideshare, like Uber or Bolt, at the Porto Airport, which could cost approximately 10 to 20 € (at time of writing this guide).

Shared and private Porto airport shuttles could cost approximately the same, respectively. Taxis can cost approximately 30 €.

You do have the option to hire a rental car at Porto Airport but then you’ll have to deal with gas and parking within the Porto, which could be limited in the city center. Check with your hotel or hostel first to see if they have parking available.

• The Porto Card

The Porto Card is a wonderful option for airport to city center metro transportation plus attractions, for an overall 150 discounts.

The Porto Card can be purchased for 1, 2, 3 or 4 days and covers:

• Free entry to more than 7 museums and attractions,
• 50% discounts to the Torre Dos Clérigos, Museu Da Misericórdia, and the Museu da 1ª Demarcação do Douro,
• a Port wine cellar,
• Unlimited access to the Porto metro, STCP city buses and suburban CP trains, and
• Receive special offers in restaurants, shops, other venues, and more.

Purchase the Porto.Card online in advance for the easiest Porto airport to city center metro ride.

Eco Travel Tip

For flights only 2 to 3 hours in duration to and from Porto, take the train or bus instead. It could also save time and money, and the scenery is much prettier.

When hiring a rideshare, choose the  Bolt Green  or  Uber Green  options, or use  Carpoolworld , to support the use of electric cars and carpooling for cleaner transportation in Portugal.

Eco-Travel Tips & Ideas

• 25 Must-Have & Eco-Friendly Solo Beach Trip Essentials
• 10 Amazing Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Swimwear Brands
• 15 Eco Long-haul Flight Essentials for Solo Travel
• Top 10 Eco-Friendly Carry On Luggage
• 10 Best Eco-Friendly Personal Item Bags for Flying

Once there, it’s doubtful you’d need car transportation within Porto. The best way to get around Porto is by walking, in my humble opinion.

Porto is Walkable

Porto is walkable, but there are a lot of hills. It helps to be in shape to be walking around. I highly recommend wearing light-weight, eco-friendly walking shoes .

To learn while you walk, and meet other solo travelers, opt for a walking tour of Porto. There are several to choose from that make an ideal morning or afternoon activity.

Best Porto Walking Tours

Eco-friendly transportation.

Because of the hills, renting an e-bike or electric scooter may give you a boost of energy, if you’re not used to walking on inclines.

Want to ride around Porto, but not alone? Porto has bike, e-bike, e-scooter and segway tours, too. I always say group excursions are a great way to learn more about a city while meeting new people during solo travel. At any age.

Porto E-Bike Tours and More

Tuk Tuks also make getting around Porto easy. They even offer guided tours . Opt for an electric Tuk Tuk to be eco-friendly.

Porto Electric Tuk Tuk Tours

Unique porto transportation.

Porto has some unique, and eco-friendly, methods to get around the city that you may want to consider for a first-time Porto solo visit.

Ride Porto’s Funicular dos Guindais for a scenic and non-exerting way to climb the hills of the historic city center. Across the water, catch views of Porto and beyond from above on a Teleférico de Gaia cable car.

Like Lisbon, the Porto Tram can take you on a tour of the city. One way to cover alot of ground in Porto is to get a hop-on, hop-off bus, funicular and tram combo ticket .

Don’t forget river cruises. Take Douro River boat cruise for unforgettable scenery and soaking up the sun while resting your feet.

Best Porto River Cruises

Porto metro.

Of course, there is always the Porto metro, and bus services, if you want more options to explore Porto or get a little further outside of the city center. In fact, the Porto metro can take you to the beach. It’s only 30 minutes from the Trindade station to the coastal city of Matosinhos . Check the Porto Metro map and schedule .

Depending on how long you stay, you may want consider getting a Porto Card or just the  Andante Tour Card  for local transportation only.

Porto’s crime rate is considered low and considered a safe travel destination.

As always, use a safe, travel day-bag keep your belongings with you at all times, and be watchful of pickpockets in crowded, touristy areas or on public transportation.

I never felt unsafe in Porto as a solo female traveler, even when walking around at night. However, as a general precaution, I ensured my walking routes were well lit and populated. Whether you’re male or female, always avoid dark or secluded streets or alleys when walking alone.

Still, I walked a lot at night by myself in Porto and was fine. If you normally feel uncomfortable being out solo at night, you may want to consider going when the daylight hours are longest so you have more time to explore Porto, Portugal.

Solo Travel Tips

Have WhatsApp on your mobile device(s). Many smaller establishments and activities offices use this as a method of communication making it easier to make inquiries or booking and learn, or notify, of any scheduling changes.

Get the T-Mobile International Plan or something similar in price and features. I no longer work on WiFi only on international travel. I’ll use it when it’s there, but having access to roaming when needed for GPS and Google Maps is a game changer.

More Solo Tips & Ideas

• How to Plan Your First Solo Trip:  Step 1
• How To Save Money for Solo Travel
• Top 10 Tips on How to Do a Solo Beach Trip
• 10 Must Know Planning Tips for First-Time International Travel

Whether you’re staying a week or a weekend in Porto, or a first-time visitor, I would highly recommend staying within the Baixa (historic city center) and Ribeira districts, within the marked section of the map below.

You could also opt to stay in the Gaia district, on the south side of the Duoro River, but the northern side of the river is more convenient and would cut down on time between attractions, if you are on a short Porto stay.

Oporto Hotels and More

There are multiple accommodations in Porto Portugal across all budget types to choose from. Going in the off season, or booking well in advance, will get you the best Porto prices on any type of accommodation.

Consider booking at a property that either is eco-friendly or sustainably rated, or at least employs these methods into their business.

Porto Hotels

Hotels in Porto will range from budget to posh.

For location, price, amenities (including free-cancellation), eco-friendly and sustainable operations, and customer reviews and ratings, here are my Porto Solo Travel Guide recommendations (i.e., where I would stay):

• Pestana Porto – A Brasileira, City Center & Heritage Building
• Eurostars Porto Centro
• One Shot Aliados Goldsmith 12

Porto Hostels

Porto city center hostels are great budget accommodations in Porto for solo travel over 50. Using the same conditions above, and the ability to get a private room, here are my recommendations for best Porto hostel for solo travellers:

• Hostel Market
• Nice Way Porto Hostel
• Gallery Hostel
• Porto Lounge Hostel & Guesthouse
• Lost Inn Portal Hostel

I would recommend Nice Way Porto Hostel , which is where I stayed on my last Porto solo visit.  

Not posh or Sustainable rated, Nice Way Porto Hostel was equipped (in the hostel and in my private room) with everything I needed, in a fabulous location, and had a friendly and accommodating staff who were flexible on my breakfast times around my excursions and provided great suggestions on what to see and do in Porto.

In addition to Booking.com’s Porto’s Travel Sustainable properties , Green Globe and Green Key Global also have eco-friendly certified lodging options.

Reserve Porto Accommodations Early for the Best Price

What would a Porto Solo Travel Guide be without listing the best things to do in Porto?

Although hilly, to say the least, Porto’s top attractions are visible within a short period of time. Just don’t miss the Porto must see items.

This video will show you what an amazing first-time Porto solo trip you’ll have.

Ways to Do Some Porto MUST DOs

Like I said, you will not run out of fantastic things to do alone in Porto, or outside of Porto. Here are some of the best things to do in Porto, and where to find them, that you’ll want to consider adding to your single traveler itinerary.

Some may be free, but for those that aren’t, don’t forget the Porto.Card .

Porto Neighborhoods

The historic Porto city center is where most top attractions reside and consists mainly of two neighborhoods:  Baixa and Ribeira. Along with the Luis I Bridge and the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar across the river, the historic city center was granted UNESCO World Heritage site status in 1996.

Northern part the historic city center and one of the best places to stay in Porto for first-time or solo travel. It is on a higher elevation than the rest of the city center with its own set of top Porto attractions.

Ribeira (“riverside”) is south of Baixa and on a lower elevation that abuts the Douro River . This southern side of the historic city center is just as picturesque as Baixa, but is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Porto and considered the “heart” of the old town.  

Ribeira’s Cais da Ribeira (riverfront promenade) and steep streets are popular for shopping, restaurants, bars and nightlife fun. It is also a popular area to stay in Porto.

Depending on how much time you have in Porto, you may also find yourself in the neighborhoods of Cedofeita Boavista (north of Baixa), Bonfirm (east of Baixa and Ribeira said to be where expats live), and Lodelo do Oro e Massarelos (west of the historic city center).

Vila Nova de Gaia

Commonly referred to as “Gaia”, this town is a municipality of the Porto District and south of Porto easily accessible by foot or public transportation across the Luis I Bridge.  

Gaia’s scenic river front hosts shops, restaurants serving fresh fish dishes in outdoor dining settings, and the skyrail that starts near the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar.  

Gaia is also home to the many port houses where the port grapes from the Duoro Valley have been received for centuries by way of the Duoro River to make port, Portugal’s signature drink.  

Add port tasting in port houses and cellars of Gaia to your Porto solo trip itinerary. Stay for the evening to watch the sunset cast beautiful light upon Ribeira’s colorful buildings.

Landmarks and Points of Interest

Indoor and outdoor Porto landmarks and points of interest are not only unique but can also be free things to do in Porto year-round.

• Dom Luís I Bridge – two-tiered bridge built in 1886 spans across the Douro River between the Ponte Dom Luis I of the Ribeira neighborhood of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
• Funicular dos Guindais
• Teleférico de Gaia – take a ride on a cable car
• Molhe e Farolim de Felgueiras – point and lighthouse where the river meets the Atlantic.
• Mercado Ferreira Borges – iron and glass landmark building built in the 1880’s that has restaurants and a bar.
• Fonte dos Leões (Fountain of the Lions)
• Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar – former 1550’s monastery

Churches and Cathedrals

• Iglesia de los Clérigos and Clérigos Tower – sweeping Porto views from this Baroque tower.
• Se Catedral (Porto Cathedral) – one of the city’s oldest monuments.
• Pillory of Porto – unique pillar in the Porto Cathedral plaza.
• Igreja de São Francisco (Church of Saint Francis) – most prominent Gothic monument in Porto.
• Capela das Alamas (Chapel of Souls) – blue-tiled facade chapel.
• Igreja do Carmo (Church of Our Lady of Carmo) – blue tiled facade Baroque church.
• Igreja de San Antonio de los Congregados (Church of Saint Anthony’s Congregation) – across from Bento Train Station.
• Igreja de Santo Ildefonso (Church of St Idelfonso) – Baroque 18th century church near Batalha Square.

History and Architecture

• Câmara Municipal do Porto – Town hall with clocktower offering more views of Porto.
• Palacio da Bolsa (Bolsa Palace) – 19th century Stock Exchange Palace.
• Livraria Lello & Irmão (Lello Bookstore) – known for its beautiful staircase and, mistakenly, as the inspiration for J.K. Rawlings.

• Paço Episcopal do Porto (Paco Episcolal) – former residence of Porto bishops in late Baroque and Rococo style.
• São Bento Station – railway terminal completed in 1916.
• Casa da Musica – concert hall designed by architect Rem Koolhaas.

• Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves – Museum of contemporary art.
• Soares dos Reis – museum founded in 1833 and located in the Carrancas Palace.
• Portuguese Centre of Photography – founded in 1997 and located in a former prison.
• FC Porto Museum – dedicated to the history of the Portuguese association football club FC Porto.

Parks and Gardens, Plazas and Promenades

• Avenida dos Aliados / Liberdade Square – important Porto avenue and square where Porto City Hall resides.
• Cais da Ribeira – Ribeira riverfront.
• Ribeira Square – historical square on the Cais da Ribeira.
• Jardins do Palácio de Cristal – Victorian gardens.
• Parque da Cidade do Porto – (Porto City Park) – largest urban park in Porto.
• Parque de Serralves – sprawling park located at the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves.

Porto Restaurants, Nightlife and Shopping

Within the Porto city center and Gaia are multiple dining and shopping opportunities for single travel over 50.

If you’re on a budget, try shopping fresh produce and grab-and-go bites at a local market like the 2-story Mercado do Bolhão filled with different vendors.

Rua das Flores is a popular street with plenty of restaurants or shops you can sample. The Mercado Ferreira Borges also has some restaurants and a bar with outdoor patio to try.

For nightlife, stay within the Ribeira area.

Avoid using single-use plastics when dining, shopping and on food tours in Porto to reduce plastic waste and your carbon footprint by bringing your own reusable collapsible shopping bags , collapsible water bottle , recycled plastic water bottle carry sling , and bamboo travel utensils so you’re prepared to travel with the planet in mind.

I always travel with the above items. Light weight and taking up very little space in my carry-on bags , I love the convenience and peace of mind these inexpensive, eco-friendly products provide.

What Food is Porto Known For?

Porto solo travel would not be complete without sampling the local cuisine and drink.

Top things to try are a sanduíche de pernil , a slow roasted pork sandwich on a doughy roll, where the pork has been long simmering in juices, so the sandwich melts in your mouth.  Wash it down with a cold, Super Bock lager or stout beer. I had mine at the Casa Guides , a roof-top bar and restaurant frequented by locals.

There’s also the traditional Francesinha (“little French”), a ham and steak sandwich baked with melted cheese on top, akin to the croque monsieur. Some think this dish was originated by the French, but it was actually the Portuguese.

If you like fish, you’re in luck. Right on the water, Porto serves up many dishes made of fresh fish.  Try the popular Bacalhau , tasty little croquettes of dried and salted cod.

For sweets or dessert, you must try a Pastel de Nata , the little Portuguese custard tarts, with coffee. Yum!

If custard is not your thing, don’t worry. Porto has desserts galore to choose from.

Of course, Porto would not be complete without trying the local wine of the region, Vinho Verde, and port, Portugal’s signature drink.

Remember, Port is a fortified, dessert wine (some very high in alcohol content). Try it with cheese samplings or a meal, not with dessert. 

Port tasting is a must on your solo trip to Porto. Put a trip to the port houses cellars in Gaia on your list. I did a sampling at Porto Cruz on the waterfront. It was lovely.

If you want some other recommendations, here are 5 port cellars in Porto to try . 

If you have time or want to explore Porto’s spectacular surroundings on your Portugal solo travel, try a day trip from Porto.

Top of the list should be a day trip to Duoro Valley , another UNESCO World Heritage Site, with lunch and river cruise. I did a small group Douro Valley tour from Porto , which included scenic stops, an authentic Portuguese lunch, a stop at the famous Pinhão train station, river cruise, and 2 port tasting stops. It was great fun. I highly recommend this Douro Valley tour , or one similar if this one is booked.

Find the best Douro Valley tour that is right for you.

Best Douro Valley Day Trips from Porto

There are also other, top travel destinations within an hour or two from Porto. I did a self-guided day trip to Braga and loved it. Keep these destinations in mind when you plan your trip to Porto.

More Great Porto Day Trip Ideas

More wine travel ideas.

• Amazing 4 Days in Maui
• Best Flexible 4 Day Vienna 4 Day Itinerary
• Spectacular South of France in 3 Days
• Champagne Day Trip from Paris to Reims Without a Car
• Fabulous Florence 4 Day Itinerary
• 2 Days in Siena Italy Budget Itinerary (with Montalcino)

Here is a summary of the best booking sites I recommend you bookmark and use to successfully book your travel to Porto, Portugal. I use just about all of these for most travel locations. I even gave you my suggested Porto hostel as a fantastically located budget option.

These booking sites give you multiple travel options and awesome travel deals for all travel budgets. They will certainly help get a jump on your solo trip to Porto.

For the best travel deals , always book early .

• Cheap Flights to Porto
• Porto City Center Hotels
• Porto City Center Hostels
• My Suggested Porto Hostel
• Porto Train Tickets
• Porto Bus Tickets

Don’t forget to check out Portugal ecotourism ideas and use my Portugal Travel Guide complete your Porto travel planning and booking.

Now that you know you are familiar with Porto, would you like an itinerary idea to get you going? Use my 3 days in Porto itinerary perfect for first time solo travel to Porto. It takes out all of the guesswork of what to do in Porto in 3 days (or 4 or 5). You’ll love it.

Let Me Hear From You

I would love to hear if my Porto Solo Travel Guide was helpful in planning your solo travel over 50. Post me your thoughts or questions in the Comments section below. Thank you!

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Best Things to Do in Porto, Portugal

Best things to do in porto portugal.

Porto is… a city torn between the currents of time. On one hand, is firmly rooted in the past with its history and culture in full display. On the other hand, it reaches out excitedly towards the future, complete with all the modern conveniences.

In between, Porto has its unique charm. Whether it’s a rustic view of the river or the countryside, a warm shot of port, or a welcoming smile from one of its locals, there are many things to do in Porto.

Also read: 10 Day Portugal Itinerary

Which is amazing, since it’s Portugal ’s second prime city. And yet it’s not one that’s trapped in the ravages of modernization, its skyline not ruined by the skyscrapers of today’s metropolis. There’s modern architecture, yes, but there’s also the raw street art not too far away from the classic tourist sights of museums and cathedrals.

Like in many other grand cities of the world, you could easily stay here for a week and still be fascinated. But if you don’t have that time, we have curated the best of Porto into this ultimate guide that will get you going!

If you want something a little more relaxed, you can also take a look at these Yoga Retreats in Portugal – some of them are located near beautiful Porto.

Porto Attractions

One of the main reasons why Porto draws a lot of tourists is because of its laid-back environment. Europe can be a pretty hectic place for a tourist (maybe not for a local) because of the many things to see, and Porto allows you an opportunity to just sit back or maybe take a slow stroll while appreciating what it has to offer. Even with a laid-back town like Porto, it’s best to be prepared with the Porto Pass to get you where you need to go.

That does not mean there aren’t a lot of Porto sights, though. Between the beautiful landscapes and the museums, your eyes will have a lot to feast on!

Porto Sights: Sé Cathedral

You don’t have to be a Catholic to appreciate the grandness of the Cathedral otherwise known simply as “Sé”. The stone structure hails back to the 13th century, and has a myriad of architectural influences from the Gothic to the Romanesque.

It’s hard to miss its silver altarpiece and its ceramic-tiled cloister, among the many treasures that lie in its otherwise simple (at least in comparison with other European cathedrals) façade.

Of course, its fortress-like vantage point also gives way to an amazing view of the city below, with its orange-brown roofs. The cathedral’s terrace overlooks this perfectly, giving you some really Instagrammable shots at some quality Porto attractions!

To get to the Sé, alight at the São Bento stop of the D (yellow) rail line. There’s a EUR 3 cost to enter the cloister, but the rest of the Cathedral is free. The Sé is open daily from 9AM to 6PM.

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

The name translates to “Crystal Palace Gardens”, and while no Crystal Palace is in sight (it was demolished in 1956) the gardens are really worth your while. The flowers, greenery, fountains, and general ambience feels like the set of one of those Hollywood period films about royalties! There are even peacocks that roam here, though they can be quite shy.

There’s a pavilion here for events, though it’s quite plain. It’s best to stick to the multitude of flower classes here and the priceless view of the Douro River!

There are two metro stops near the Jardins — the Aliados stop of the yellow line, and the Carolina Michaelis stop that services all the other lines. There are also bus routes, and you can catch either Bus No. 200 or 207 and get off the Palácio stop.

Dom Luís I Bridge

Bridges aren’t always likely candidates for top things to do in a city, but the Dom Luís I Bridge is especially interesting. Aside from being an important artery of traffic in Porto, the bridge was the product of a student of Gustave Eiffel — the architectural similarities between this and Paris’ top attraction is readily visible. It was also once the longest iron arch bridge in the world.

But what really makes it great is the spectacular view it affords of the Douro River. Pedestrians can walk along the sides of the bridge’s two levels. As a plus, there are also great wineries nearby!

The bridge is on the northern side of Vila Nova de Gaia. If you’re walking, you can take the metro to São Bento or Jardim do Morro stations, serviced by the yellow line.

Sogrape Vinhos Wineries

Speaking of wineries, this is one thing you really should do before leaving Porto ! Port wine is definitely one of the city’s greatest creations. And Sogrape Vinhos is one of the most distinguished in this regard, owning three cellars (Sandeman, Ferreira, and Offley) in Vila Nova de Gaia.

You can visit all three of them, and each one has a distinguished history starting from the 1700s. Aside from the port, keep your eyes peeled for the photographs and other memento from their rich history!

A wine-tasting experience could cost anywhere from EUR 3 to EUR 35 depending on how intimate you want to get with Porto’s beloved export. There’s a basic wine tour across all three that costs around EUR 10.

All cellars can be reached via the Jardim do Morro stop on the metro’s yellow line.

Estacão de São Bento

We’ve been talking about railway stations for some time now, but did you know that there is a station in Porto that is a tourist attraction on its own? This is the São Bento station, with which you can reach southeast of the Avenida dos Aliados (the main tourist avenue of Porto, with lots of cool shops and cafés). This makes it a no-brainer to get here. The station is on the yellow line, and you can enter and walk around for free.

The station is built on the former site of a monastery, and its claim to fame is the painstakingly painted and installed azulejos , blue and white tiles that together make up a mural-esque pictorial history of Portugal. The installation was so momentous it took a decade to finish it!

There’s also the architecture of the station itself, which makes it a really unique and must-see attraction.

Eating like a local in Porto

Most tourists see the food scene of Porto as a never-ending parade of sardines and chouriço. While salted fish is indeed an indelible part of the cuisine (and history) of Portugal as a whole, there are some really good and interesting eats here you should try.

Francesinha

This might be unfamiliar to first-time tourists, which is a shame. This is a sandwich that’s piling on a steak, three different types of sausages, and served with a fried egg and french fries. Oh, did I mention the entire thing is covered in melted cheese? There’s a super secret sauce, too, which they say is made from meat, seafood, and various types of alcohol. Make sure you check your blood pressure and cholesterol levels before you try this! Or maybe don’t bother and just enjoy.

This is one of Porto’s staple dishes, and you would really enjoy it if you choose the right francesinha place. Check out Francesinha Café over at Rua da Alegria. If you want a setting that’s a bit more intimate, there’s Yuko Tavern at Rua de Costa Cabral.

Alheira: Northern Portugal

If you can’t get enough of meat, these white smoked sausages endemic to the North Portuguese regions will give you your fill! The sausages are made from a variety of meats, from poultry to game (the latter including rabbit and venison). While these sausages are found all over Portugal, there’s no better place to have them in than in Porto.

If you want the traditional homemade quality alheira, head over to the Mercado do Bolhão and buy some raw alheira! The place is at Rua da Alegria. Make sure to stop and have a chat with the sellers to know more about the sausage’s interesting history, too!

Tripas à Moda do Porto

While this sounds like the name of a resto, it’s Porto’s other local tradition (maybe even more so than the francesinha). It’s a stew made of tripe (hence the name), cooked with some meat and a lot of white beans. The flavor is given by a generous heaping of cumin. Tripas is such a local staple that Thursday is a de facto tripe day, in pretty much the same way as Friday marks the appearance of ginisang monggo in the carinderias back home!

Tripas is best tasted at Restaurante Pombeiro, on Rua Capitão Pombeiro.

Broa de Avintes

Let’s side-track a bit and move on from meat to bread. This famous Porto bread originally came from Avintes, a town near Porto. Dense yet soft, dark, and flavorful, this is what banana bread would have looked like if it did not have sugar! Broa de Avintes is served with various dishes, along with starters (ham and cheese!), and is a nod to tradition since the cooking process takes a full 6 hours.

High quality Broa de Avintes is sold at the Mercearia das Flores, located at Rua das Flores. Try using it for a sandwich, and you’ll see why it’s so famous!

Açorda: Specialty of Portugal

Seafood is a specialty everywhere in Portugal, and every region has its take. In Porto, it’s the Açorda, a stew brought to life by coriander and garlic, and filled with fish and other seafood.

In fact, a nice bowl of Açorda may be your best bet in eating real fresh seafood during your stay. Most tourists really go for the sardines, but the thing is it’s not in season for the most part of the year (and hence is very expensive). But it you head to the north of Porto, to the village called Matosinhos, and find your way to Rua Heróis da Pátria, then you can take your pick of any of the seafood restos here and enjoy to your heart’s content!

Porto Activities: Drink Your Heart Out and More!

Tour douro valley: attractive porto.

 One of Porto’s most attractive sections, you can easily spend a whole day here. The valley has a slew of wine-tasting opportunities, from port wine to table wine. The area also produces olive oil. For those into sceneries, you can take a slow cruise along the Douro river on a traditional boat.

Douro Valley is best experienced in a tour setting, where you have a guide to show you the best viewpoints. Among these is the Peso da Régua, which gives an amazing view of the whole city!

Do a Hop-on, Hop-off Tour

Those who’ve been to the US and some Asian countries will be familiar with the Hop-on, Hop-off bus . Porto has its own, and there are two routes that will grant you access to some of Porto’s greatest attractions! Turn the buses into your very own tour bus with a day ticket (or two-day ticket) that takes you from the salt-kissed neighborhoods beside the beach to magnificent sights like the Sé Cathedral.

The buses are open-top, so you can get a panoramic view. It’s also great for people watching as you pass through the Central Baixa area, which is the city’s civic center. As a plus, there are also audio guides that will give you the lowdown on the place you are visiting! It really is like a tour of its own.

Do a Guimarães and Braga Day Tour

These two cities are some of the more interesting places in Portugal, and they are close enough to Porto for a day tour! Guimarães is notable for being the land that birthed Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king. Of course, there’s a castle and a cathedral to commemorate this important historic fact.

Braga is, similarly, an interesting city with great views, a landmark monastery, and its own twist on Portuguese cuisine!

You can easily reach Guimarães from Porto by leaving through the São Bento station. The trip takes approximately an hour and 15 minutes. From there, you can get to Braga through the Rodonorte (numbers 12, 31, and 2). This trip takes about half an hour.

The best part? All of these activities can be done via tours, through Get Your Guide . They offer top-shelf service and an in-depth look into Porto’s culture! This is also great since you don’t have to worry about catching all the connecting buses and trains.

Other Sightseeing Porto Tours

• Porto: City Train Tour, River Cruise, and Wine Cellar
• Douro Valley Wine Tasting, River Cruise, and Lunch
• Porto Card with Transportation
• Torre Dos Clerigos Entrance Tickets
• Porto: 3 Hour Guided Tour
• Fado Show with Port Wine
• 4.5 Hour Porto Pub Crawl
• Porto: Half-Day Food Tour

As always, don’t be afraid to get lost in this city. Each twist and turn will bring you new adventures, new sights, and new things to ponder. Keep an open mind. Let Porto’s laid-back spirit be your travel guide!

Things To Do in Porto Portugal was written by Karla Ramos for EuropeUpClose .

Best Things To Do in Porto Portugal – Pin for Later

Travel Through Portugal: Porto, Douro Valley, Sintra, Cascais, Lagos and Lisbon

Marina Efros

https://www.foratravel.com/guides/PEPUSW/travel-through-portugal-porto-douro-valley-sintra-cascais-lagos-and-lisbon-marina-efros

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Portugal is a country full of culture and charm. Whether you're interested in wine country, roaming the streets and soaking up the culture, learning about the history, or relaxing on the beaches, Portugal has something for everyone.

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Things to do in Portugal

Things to Do in Porto:

Igreja dos Carmelitos

Sao Bento Train Station

Porto Cathedral

Palacio de Bolsa

Igreja de Sao Francisco

When you first arrive take a stroll around the city and stop in for a cup of coffee. The coffee there is delicious! Starting a new city with a free walking tour is the best. Yes its' free- they work off of tips. Although walking tours don't take you inside buildings, they give you a feel for the city and an introduction to the history. Portugal is very hilly so make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes! The steep climbs are worth it when you approach the top and take in the beautiful panoramic sights of Porto. Take a walk the Igreja dos Carmelitos and Igrega do Carmo - These are two churches separated by a tiny little house (Casa Escondida- the hidden house). It was built so that the two churches would not share a common wall and to prevent any relations between the nuns of the Igreja dos Carmelitos and the monks of the Igreja do Carmo. Visit the Sao Bento Train Station and admire the blue and white tiles surrounding the walls. It's so mesmerizing seeing the intricacy of the tiles and how they were put together piece by piece to create the artwork you see today. You see these blue and white tiles all over Portugal. Porto Cathedral - Another must visit spot- this is located in the center of the city. Igreja De Sao Nicolau - Another church where you will see the blue and white tile. Although the church was destroyed by a fire and later rebuilt, the tile was placed much later in the 1860's. Palacio Da Bolsa - This was built on the site of a burned down convent. The Palacio provided Porto with a site for its stock exchange. Each room inside the Palacio is vastly different. As you walk around, you will see the different styles throughout the building. One very different room is the Arab Room- which was decorated in the Moorish style. It is unlike any other room in the building but absolutely stunning. Igreja de Sao Francisco - It was initially a small church and convent, but later part of the temple was destroyed by a fire and the Stock Exchange was built. The window is the only original decor. The Lello Library - This is a gorgeous bookstore where supposedly J.K. Rowling got her inspiration for the Harry Potter staircase. It gets quite busy there. Buy tickets in advance and get there early as there is always a very long line to get in. If you love port, you came to the right place. Porto has many port houses that have tours and tastings. Some of the more popular ones require a reservation ahead of time. So make sure you go on their website and see if one can be made. Take a fun leisurely stroll over the Ponte Luis Bridge to Gaia on the other side of the Douro River where all of the port houses are located. Check out some of the well knows port houses such as Sandeman, Cockburns, and Taylor. The mood in Gaia is so lively. It is full of waterfront cafes and bars. Stop in one of the rooftop bars for some live music, fun crowd, and breezes from the waterfront.

Things to Do in Lisbon:

Lisbon Cathedral

Convento do Carmo

The easiest way to get to Lisbon from Porto is by train. You can book the train tickets up to 60 days in advance and it takes about three hours. Again, my suggestion is to start Lisbon off with a free walking tour. A reservation ahead of time is required as they only have a limited amount of spots per time slot. Some guides may be great and others not so much. You don't know who you are going to get, but the beauty of this is that they are free so although it's not very nice you can always choose to leave the tour early. Lisbon is made up of several unique neighborhoods. Alfama is very picturesque with narrow streets, tiled buildings, and quintessential beauty on every corner. The oldest neighborhood in the city, Alfama transports you to another world. Here you can visit the Pantheon and the Lisbon Cathedral. Baixa is a hotspot of the city. Visit the Commerce Square, which was considered the door to Lisbon as this was where commercial ships would unload their goods. Or go see the Santa Justa Elevator- a tower that links downtown to the Chiado district up on the hill. Chiado is the shopping area. Here you will find a series of boutiques, cafes, and bookstores. The oldest bookstore in the world is located here. Make your way to the Convento do Carmo. This is Lisbon's greatest medieval building, which sits as a reminder of the devastating earthquake that happened in 1775, which destroyed most of the city. The roof had collapsed as a Mass was happening and it was never rebuilt. Bairro Alto is one of the higher points in Lisbon. Walk along the cobbled streets and take in the true spirit of Lisbon. With the relaxed atmosphere, enjoy having a drink at one of the many cafes and listen to traditional Fado music. This is the neighborhood, a mix of traditional and modern, is where you want to go to for the nightlife. This is where the party happens. People enjoy sitting outside in the fresh air with a drink in hand.

Things to Do in Lagos:

Want to take a break from sightseeing and have some relaxation time? From Lisbon, take a car to Lagos, in the Algarve part of Portugal, and spend 1-2 nights there depending how many days you can spare in your trip. My recommendation would be at least 2 nights just so you don't feel rushed. Lagos is a coastal town made up of giant rock formations and nice beaches to just sit and relax. Enjoy some fun in the sun and lounge by the pool. Take a walk over to the beach and feel the sand between your toes but keep in mind the water in Portugal is very cold. You can't really swim in there for too long. In the evening, take an Uber to the lively town center that has many restaurants, bars, live music, and street entertainment. Walk over to the marina and take in the essence of the area. The second full day, charter a boat that will take you around to the different caves and show you the different parts of Lagos by sea. This is especially fun for a group to go on. Sail with a drink in hand and snacks provided by the crew while the captain is giving you some history about the area. Enjoy a day out on the water and breathe in the fresh salty air. You're not one that can sit and relax too long? No problem. you can adventure off the boat and do some snorkeling or paddleboarding.

I would highly recommend a day trip to the Douro Valley from Porto and experience the oldest wine region of the world. It is best to book a private tour from Porto, where a driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you there. It's about an hour and half ride. The guide takes you to a selection of wineries, provides lunch at a restaurant on site followed by a sailboat ride on the Douro River while you enjoy the beautiful landscapes. Escape Lisbon for a half a day and visit Sintra and Cascais. You can take an Uber from Lisbon directly to Sintra or take a quick and easy train ride. In Sintra, you would visit the amazing colorful and magical Pena Palace. It's best to purchase your tickets ahead of time to be able to avoid the long lines. You can either book a park ticket which allows you to walk around the outside of the palace and take in the stunning views from the terraces or can do a combined ticket to include going inside the palace to view the different rooms. When purchasing the tickets a time slot is chosen. You MUST enter within your time, or your ticket will not be valid anymore. After spending some time at Pena Palace take a quick Uber ride to the enchanting Quinta Da Regaleira . When you are there, you feel like you're in a fairytale. Although the inside of the Quinta itself isn't anything special, the gardens and the grounds are worth the time to stroll around and make your way to the Initiation Well. After all this walking, you deserve a break! Make your way to the town of Sintra and pick one of the many restaurants to sit down, unwind, and have a nice lunch with a glass or two of wine.

To continue the relaxation, take an Uber to Cascais, a seaside town only 20 minutes from Sintra and 30 minutes from Lisbon on the Portuguese Riviera, that used to be the summer retreat for the royal family and other Portuguese nobility. With its beautiful cobblestone streets, relaxing atmosphere, and magnificent coastline you can explore the entire town by foot. Cascais is the perfect blend of modern and traditional. Visit the lively town center, enjoy some fresh seafood at a local eatery, eat some delightful pastries or delicious gelato, or just relax at the sandy beach while staring at the clear turquoise water and hear the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks. You won't be disappointed with anything you choose to do here.

Places to eat & drink in Portugal

RIS8TTO - Located in the Baixa section, sit on the terrace and enjoy a selection of different risottos.

Espaco Porto Cruz - Located in the Gaia section on the riverfront, is an incredible restaurant and lounge. Try all the different appetizers - you wont be disappointed- Everything tasted so fresh and was just decadent. You can try Portugal's famous Vinho Verde "green wine" here or try some other wines from the Douro Valley. Portugal is a fairly inexpensive country- so a meal here is priced very reasonably, and you may even be shocked at the final total.

Abadia do Porto - Is a very traditional and authentic Portuguese restaurant. You see a lot of locals come here so you know it's a good place.

The View - rooftop bar featuring live music and a good atmosphere.

Time out Market - This essentially is a huge food hall with many different and delicious options. Although, this place may feel overwhelming as their are so many places to choose from, you can try a little bit from a couple booths to fulfill your tastebuds with different textures and flavors.

Pastéis de Belém - Stop in here for the best Pasteis de Nata, a Portuguese egg tart. Although, there are many places that make them- you will notice some are better than others. So just walk around and try from the different local eateries.

Sea Me - In Chiado an innovative concept mixing a fish market and seafood restaurant serving freshly caught fish and a touch of Japanese sushi. You MUST make a reservation here ahead of time or you will not be able to get in. You can start your experience with some sushi or other seafood appetizers. In this unique place you choose the featured fresh fish off the boat laying over ice and how you would like it prepared.

Taberna Do Lis - A charming Portuguese tavern in the Baixa area of Lisbon. Sit inside to enjoy the nice atmosphere. The Portuguese steak is a must try! The octopus was a fairly big portion and was delicious.

Espada Restaurant and Bar - A contemporary restaurant located in the Chiado section puts a twist on local Portuguese cuisine. Order several of the shared plates/tapas and try a little bit of everything.

Belcanto - This Michelin rated restaurant in the Bairro Alto area is on the world's best list. The tasting menu takes you on a gastronomic journey making your taste buds come to life and taste flavors you never knew existed. Although Portugal tends to be inexpensive, this restaurant is one of the most expensive ones in Lisbon. You can either sit at the chef's table or dine in the elegant dining room.

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Portugal . For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Julia Garcia's guide, Food & Drink Lovers Guide to Porto, Portugal .