There’s probably no city quite like Porto, Portugal. Its atmospheric narrow streets, the picturesque Douro River, delectable seafood, and renowned port wine are just a few reasons why this incredible destination is a must-visit. After spending nearly a week here, we wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone. Whether you’re a lover of historic landmarks, leisurely romantic strolls, breathtaking vistas, or exquisite Portuguese cuisine, Porto has something to offer. Truly, what more could you ask for from a memorable holiday? If you’re still undecided about adding Porto to your bucket list, be sure to peruse my comprehensive travel guide to Porto below for an in-depth look at this extraordinary destination. Happy reading!
Table of Contents
Travel Guide to Porto: Introduction
Porto is located along the mouth of the Douro River in the northern part of Portugal (the most picturesque one in our opinion) and with its 240,000 inhabitants is the second largest city in the whole country (right after Lisbon).
The history of this place dates back to around 300 BCE, when the settlement was ruled by the Celts. It is from the Celtic-Latin name of the city (Portus Cale) that today’s name of Portugal derives. Currently, Porto is one of the oldest European cities, and its center has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It cannot be denied that Porto owes its fame mainly to the high-percentage wine of the same name, which was popularized by the English. And although today the name ‘port wine‘ is not only used to describe wines exported from the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia (but also from the entire Douro Valley), this place is still associated with this drink and attracts crowds of admirers every year.
Port Wine
Port wine is made exclusively from grapes grown in the Alto Douro region in the Northeast of Portugal. The high alcohol content and sweet taste of port wine are due to the addition of grape spirit, the so-called aguardente, which stops the fermentation process.
Travel Guide to Porto: How to Travel to Porto?
The most efficient and quickest method to reach Porto is by air. Numerous direct flights are available, including from major cities like New York in the US, London, Liverpool, and Birmingham in the UK, as well as Frankfurt in Germany. Non-stop flights are operated by leading carriers such as United, Lufthansa, TAP Air Portugal, Brussels Airlines, Etihad Airways, Portugal Airlines, and budget-friendly Ryanair.
Prices for round-trip flights from NYC average around USD 480 (with a flight duration of 7 hours), from London approximately USD 50 (flight duration: 2 hours 25 minutes), and from Frankfurt about USD 205 (flight duration: 2 hours 55 minutes). Generally, flight costs are lower in winter (January-March) and higher in July, the peak season.
Travel Guide to Porto: What is the Best Time to Visit Porto?
Porto experiences a coastal Mediterranean climate, making the period between May and September ideal for a visit due to the likelihood of sunny and rain-free weather. However, this timeframe coincides with the peak tourist season, resulting in higher prices. For those planning extensive city sightseeing, spring (March-May) or autumn (September-October) are also favorable options, although occasional showers should be expected.
Porto’s summer is characterized by dry and mild conditions, with average temperatures not exceeding 20 degrees Celsius and a pleasant breeze, making exploration comfortable. We visited in July and enjoyed mostly sunny weather throughout our stay, with only brief rainfall on one day.
Travel Guide to Porto: What Are the Best Ways to Navigate the City?
In our experience, the most efficient way to explore the city is by walking. However, considering the terrain’s specific characteristics (such as numerous hills and significant elevation changes), this mode of exploration may not suit everyone. Nevertheless, we personally found it manageable (comfortable footwear is advisable).
Alternatively, you can rely on the extensive public transportation network. Options include six metro lines (priced at 1.25 euros per ticket), three historic tram lines (3.5 euros per ride), local buses (2 euros per ticket), and even a funicular linking the Ribeira district to Batalha (2.5 euros). For longer journeys or late-night travels, consider hiring a taxi or using Uber, with airport rides averaging around 25 euros.
Travel Guide to Porto: Where to Stay in Porto?
As the second-largest city in Portugal, Porto boasts a diverse range of accommodations, from hostels to apartments, catering to various budgets. Whether you’re embarking on a walking tour or exploring the city’s main attractions, it’s best to consider central districts like Baixa, Miragaia, Massarelos, Ribeira, or near the Sé Cathedral for convenience.
Alternatively, if you prefer a more modern setting, areas like Boavista or Cedofeita offer excellent options. Additionally, across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia provides a different perspective. Prices for hotels in the city center start from 50 euros, while hostel accommodations start from 20 euros per night.
Hotel Torel Avantgarde
We opted for the Torel Avantgarde Hotel, a luxurious five-star accommodation nestled in Porto’s Miragaia district. Offering breathtaking views of the Douro River and Vila Nova de Gaia, this hotel boasts an array of amenities including an outdoor pool with a scenic backdrop, a spa, and a restaurant serving organic dishes sourced from the hotel’s garden.
With elegantly decorated communal spaces, diverse breakfast options, and rooms featuring terraces overlooking the river, the Torel Avantgarde Hotel ensures a memorable stay. Conveniently located near attractions like the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal gardens, the iconic Lello bookstore, and the Clerigos Tower, this hotel is perfect for a romantic getaway. Doubtful? Just take a glance at the captivating photos!
Travel Guide to Porto: What to See in Porto?
Despite its compact size (for the second-largest city in the country), Porto boasts a wealth of attractions for tourists. It’s no surprise that millions of visitors from around the world flock to the city each year. From charming cobbled streets and colorful tenement houses to magnificent bridges, breathtaking viewpoints, and historic churches, Porto offers something for everyone.
Below, you’ll find a curated list of fourteen must-see places to visit during your vacation in this incredible city.
Cais da Ribeira
No trip to Porto is complete without a visit to the charming Ribeira district and a stroll along the iconic promenade lining the scenic Douro River – known as Cais da Ribeira. Along this waterfront, amidst the colorful facades of buildings, you’ll find numerous atmospheric restaurants serving delicious Portuguese cuisine, including grilled sardines, accompanied by a glass of port wine, all while admiring the majestic Dom Luís I Bridge. What more could you ask for?
And if you tire of river views, venture further into the district to explore narrow streets and discover other attractions like Casa do Infante (the birthplace of Henry the Navigator), Palácio da Bolsa, or the Church of St. Francis. A visit here is an absolute must!
Travel Guide to Porto: Dom Luís I Bridge
After a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Ribeira, a visit to Porto’s landmark, the famous Louis I Bridge, is a must. This two-level steel structure is a testament to grandeur, spanning the Douro River and connecting the neighboring cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Constructed at the end of the 19th century, the bridge held the title of the longest of its kind globally, with the lower level measuring 172 meters and the upper level approximately 395 meters.
For the most breathtaking views of the Douro River and the colorful houses of Porto, head to the upper part of the bridge, easily accessible from Avenida Vimara Peres, a pedestrian street leading from the Sé Cathedral. Don’t miss this opportunity, especially during sunset, for truly unforgettable experiences. Just be prepared for a gentle breeze!
Miradouro da Vitoria
Another essential stop while in Porto is the Miradouro da Vitoria, one of the city’s most popular viewpoints offering picturesque vistas of Porto’s rooftops. From here, you can admire the renowned Ribeira district, the iconic Louis I Bridge, the Sé Cathedral, and the Bishop’s Palace. A must-visit for photography enthusiasts and those seeking free attractions.
Sé Cathedral
Next on our list of must-see places in Porto is the historic Sé Cathedral, also known as the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Cathedral. This architectural marvel, fondly referred to as Sé by the Portuguese, stands as one of the city’s oldest buildings. Originally constructed in the Romanesque style, the cathedral underwent a significant transformation in the 18th century, adopting the Baroque style.
One of its distinguishing features is its towering, robust walls concealing a magnificent silver altar. It comes as no surprise that this remarkable site has earned a coveted spot on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.
São Bento Railway Station
Another must-see destination in Porto is undoubtedly the São Bento railway station. Dating back to the early 20th century, this station is famed for its stunning interior adorned with blue and multi-colored azulejo tiles. These tiles depict various scenes from Portugal’s history and rural life, covering over 550 square meters. São Bento Railway Station is an impressive and highly photogenic architectural gem.
Igreja e Torre dos Clérigos
Enthusiasts of historic religious sites (and beautiful views) should definitely visit the baroque Church of Clerigos. This building, erected in the 18th century by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, along with its adjacent tower (standing over 75 meters tall), is one of the main symbols of the city. And it’s no wonder! From the top of the tower, there is a panoramic view of the city that compensates for all the hardships of the climb (which involves 225 steps!). It’s a must-visit!
Jardim das Virtudes
Another of Porto’s top attractions is the Virtudes Terraced Gardens. Offering a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, these gardens are perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing. Ideal for romantic picnics or capturing stunning Instagram photos, the gardens boast breathtaking views of the Douro River and neighboring Vila Nova de Gaia. Don’t miss this must-visit destination during your Porto excursion!
Wine Shop
When you’re in the vicinity of the Virtudes gardens or the Clérigos Tower, make sure to visit the Garrafeira do Carmo store at Rua do Carmo 17. Here, you’ll discover an extensive range of port wines at budget-friendly prices, with knowledgeable staff on hand to assist you in finding the perfect wine for your taste.
Livraria Lello
Book and fairytale lovers must visit the famous Lello bookstore (Livraria Lello) located at Rua das Carmelitas 144. This bookstore is one of the oldest in Portugal (just after Bertrand in Lisbon) and one of the most important such places in the world. Its fame is due not only to its considerable age (opened in 1881) but above all to its beautiful appearance.
Its interior is adorned with impressive wooden stairs, intricately carved ceilings, and captivating stained glass windows. It’s no wonder that this place was one of J.K. Rowling’s inspirations while writing the first part of the Harry Potter saga. Unfortunately, due to its high popularity, admission to the bookstore is paid, and yet there is almost always a huge queue in front of it. For this reason, tickets (priced at 15.9 euros) are best reserved well in advance (you can do this at this link).
Church of St. Lawrence
In Porto, besides the iconic Sé and Clérigos Church, don’t miss the captivating Baroque-Jesuit Church of St. Lawrence, affectionately known as Igreja dos Grilos (Church of Crickets) by locals. Legend has it that the nickname stems from the Jesuits who originated from Rua do Grilo in Lisbon. Construction commenced in the 16th century, culminating in its completion during the 18th century.
Today, alongside the church and monastery, you’ll find the Museum of Sacred Art and Archeology. Moreover, indulge in the vibrant concert scene hosted within the church, offering enriching experiences for those extending their stay in Porto.
Miradouro da Rua das Aldas
While visiting St. Lawrence Church, don’t miss the opportunity to pause at another fantastic viewpoint, Miradouro da Rua das Aldas. From here, you’ll enjoy a slightly different yet equally stunning panorama of the city and the picturesque Douro River. Like Miradouro da Vitoria, this spot is open to the public and impossible to overlook!
Santa Catarina Chapel
Santa Catarina Chapel on Rua de Santa Catarina is among the city’s most photogenic religious edifices, adorned with striking blue azulejos tiles. Surprisingly, until 1926, it was cloaked in white plaster. The intricate tiles, approximately 16 thousand in number, depict scenes from various saints’ lives, making them exceptionally photogenic. A must-visit spot for Instagram-worthy photos!
Mercado do Bolhão
The next must-visit spot on the map of Porto is Mercado do Bolhão, one of the city’s most frequently visited markets. It’s a unique place where you can find everything from fresh groceries to local crafts and souvenirs. After a recent renovation, this historic two-story building dazzles with new splendor, and the atmosphere is unparalleled. Be sure to visit and see for yourselves!
Vila Nova de Gaia
No visit to Porto is complete without sampling the renowned local specialty: port wine. If you can’t make it to the Douro Valley for a tasting, head to Vila Nova de Gaia across the river. Here, numerous wineries offer tasting experiences priced between 20 to 50 euros. Avoiding well-known brands like Sandeman, opt for Quinta dos Corvos or Caves Cálem for a memorable tasting. Don’t miss out on this essential Porto experience!
What Are the Types of Port Wine?
1. Ruby: Sweet red wine aged approximately 2 years in large oak barrels.
2. Tawny: Our favorite, slightly drier red wine with a hint of vanilla, aged 3-5 years (and sometimes up to 40!) in small oak barrels.
3. Vintage: From the best vintages, bottled after around 2 years and aged in the bottle (up to 50 years or more).
4. Late Bottled Vintage (LBV): Unfiltered wine from better vintages, bottled after about 5 years of barrel aging, resulting in a drier profile than vintage.
Teleférico de Gaia
While on the opposite side of the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, you must take a ride on the Teleferico de Gaia cable car, which will take you all the way to the Dom Luís I Bridge. Although the cable car ride lasts only a few minutes, from the cabin window, you’ll be able to admire the magnificent panorama of Porto. A one-way ticket costs 7 euros, while a round trip is 10 euros. You can find the current price list and more information at this link.
Travel Guide to Porto: Where to Eat in Porto?
We openly admit that one of the primary reasons we selected Porto (and Portugal overall) for our honeymoon is its delectable local cuisine, regarded as among the most enticing in all of Europe. With numerous restaurants offering a variety of traditional and contemporary Portuguese dishes, the dining options are abundant.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the top establishments to dine at while in Porto. Each one has been personally vetted by us and comes highly recommended.
Useful Tips
1. In Porto, as well as throughout Portugal, you should be prepared for unconventional restaurant opening hours. Typically, lunch is served from 12:00 to 15:00, while dinner is from 19:30 to 23:00, and most eateries are simply closed during other times.
2. In more popular restaurants, it’s advisable to book a table well in advance (in many cases, you can do this online, e.g., through the fork app). This way, you can avoid disappointment and long queues.
3. Don’t be surprised if before receiving your dishes, you’re served with “couverts” (appetizers), even if you didn’t order them (usually olives and bread with olive oil). If you’re not interested, it’s best to inform the waiter immediately or simply set them aside (otherwise, they may be included in your bill).
4. From our experience, it’s almost always more cost-effective to order a whole bottle of wine rather than wine by the glass. We assure you that Portuguese wines are so good that you won’t have any trouble finishing the bottle 😉
5. In Porto, as with most restaurants worldwide, it’s customary to leave a 10% tip. However, nothing will happen if you don’t do so.
Zenith Brunch & Cocktails
Starting our recommendations with Zenith Brunch & Cocktails, conveniently situated near the Lello Bookstore. Ideal for brunch or a quick lunch, this spot offers pancakes, bagels, salads, and our favorite shakshouka. Alongside food, enjoy a variety of cocktails, like the Zenith port—crafted with white port, orange, lemon, mango, and passion fruit juice.
During our visit, we indulged in the restaurant’s specialty: a vegan burger with beyond meat and sweet potato chips, and a salmon bagel with creme fraiche. We savored every bite, and the service was exceptionally friendly.
Voltaria – Petisqueira Portuguesa
Another essential dining spot in Porto is the quaint restaurant Voltaria, adored by locals and tourists alike. We have a soft spot for such unassuming gems! Situated in the heart of a charming street, this eatery serves up one of the city’s best francesinhas (we’ve tested and verified). We enjoyed this dish so much that despite its hearty portion, we promptly ordered seconds. It was truly heavenly!
Francesinha
The traditional francesinha is a savory sandwich layered with various meats (such as cured ham, linguiça sausage, and beef) and cheese, smothered in a rich tomato and beer sauce. Its origins trace back just a few decades, when émigré Daniel da Silva introduced it at his restaurant, inspired by the French croque-monsieur.
Moreover, don’t miss out on Voltaria’s delectable appetizers (we recommend trying the codfish cakes) and another traditional Portuguese delight, bacalhau à Brás. This dish features salted cod torn into pieces, fried with onions, garlic, and potatoes, then garnished with parsley and eggs. It’s a must-try!
Empanadas Malvon
If you’re visiting Mercado do Bolhão market, don’t miss Empanadas Malvon, known for arguably the tastiest empanadas in all of Porto 😉 True to its name, you’ll find here a diverse selection of Argentine empanadas—ranging from vegetarian options (with mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil) to classic meat and Mexican varieties (featuring beef, chicken, bacon, or tuna), and even Thai-inspired options (with coconut milk and curry). These dumplings are so delicious that it’s worth indulging in their special offer: six pieces of empanadas with two complimentary drinks.
Tapabento S. Bento
For aficionados of traditional Portuguese cuisine, Tapabento S. Bento is a must-visit, garnering high praise from internet users. The menu features classics like saffron risotto with prawns, cod with tapenade, and duck with sweet potato purée, forest fruits, and sweet and sour foie-gras sauce.
A standout dish is our salmon ceviche with chili, lime, orange, and sweet potato chips. Mouthwatering, isn’t it? Pair these delights with refreshing Portuguese wines and attentive service for an unforgettable dining experience. It’s the perfect spot for a romantic dinner for two—just remember to make a reservation in advance!
Vinho Verde
While in Portugal, don’t miss the chance to taste vinho verde, a wonderfully refreshing wine hailing from the Minho region in the northwest. Despite its name, vinho verde can come in various colors—red, white, and even pink. The term ‘verde’ refers to the youthful, unripe grapes used in its production.
Elemento
Our latest find during our Porto journey was the remarkable Elemento restaurant. This establishment offers a modern twist on Portuguese cuisine, distinguished by its prestigious Michelin award. Guests can choose from à la carte options or an eight-course tasting menu, highly recommended by us.
Chef Ricardo Dias Ferreira ensures each dish leaving the kitchen is meticulously presented. All dishes are prepared in front of guests in a special oven (and grill) fueled by real wood. Here, there’s no room for compromise – every dish tastes exquisite, a true culinary masterpiece. We consider it a must-visit in Porto! Advanced reservation is essential (even several days before your planned visit).
MISTU
The last but certainly not least spot on our Porto itinerary is the versatile restaurant and bar, MISTU. Ideal for both romantic dates and evenings out with friends, this venue is renowned for its mind-blowing cocktails (definitely try a few different ones!). It’s no wonder this place receives such high ratings from visitors. In addition to the delectable cuisine, we were impressed by the tastefully decorated interior (in colonial style), where we could linger for hours.
Some of the dishes we sampled and highly recommend include the white fish ceviche, grilled octopus (a seafood revelation, particularly delicious in Portugal) served with slow-cooked egg and sweet potatoes, and a steak accompanied by grilled vegetables.
Travel Guide to Porto: Summary
We trust our travel guide to Porto has effectively inspired you to explore this enchanting city in Portugal. With its array of world-class landmarks, impressive monuments, captivating viewpoints, and delectable cuisine—particularly renowned for its seafood—Porto offers everything for a memorable vacation. Add to that the warm hospitality of its residents, and you have all the reasons to consider this region of Portugal for your next travel destination. Who’s ready to start packing their bags?
Travel Guide to Porto: Pin it for later!
And what are your favorite places and restaurants in Porto? Share them in the comments below! If you found this travel guide to Porto helpful, don’t forget to share it with your friends to spread the word!
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Great post! I’ve been wanting to visit Portugal for a while now so this guide was extremely helpful. I also loved all the facts about the wine as a read!
Glad you found my guide useful 🙂 Enjoy your time in Porto when you’ll be there!
I’ve been to Portugal twice, but have yet to visit Porto. It is actually my number one bucket list city in the country. I love how detailed this article is and I definitely would love to try a port wine tasting. 🙂
If you would have little more time consider travel along the Douro river and visit Douro Valley. In my next post I will share my recommendations about cozy place where you can stay and enjoy views and wine.
Love all your recs! I’ve been dying to see the Lello Bookstore and I’m to know to reserve a slot in advance! I’ve been to lisbon, but I need to go to porto!
Do you know that Porto and Lisbon are competing each other which one is best to visit? 🙂
What a great place! I love seeing cathedrals, and I agree that the best way to see a place is on foot!
That is one of these places where it is great to be lost in cozy streets 😉
Porto looks so good !!! All of Portugal really :-). I would love to visit someday soon!
You should go there! For long time I haven’t been considering to travel there but now I’m in love with Portugal 😉
Love Portugal! On our recent trip we explored Lagos to Lisbon but I’ve always wanted to explore further north to Porto. The architecture looks spectacular and those tiles at Santa Catarina are just gorgeous. The home of port sounds like my kind of town. Totally going to the Lello bookstore!
Port wine is great 🙂 be sure to explore small local vineries!
I would love to visit Portugal….saving this for future reference!
I hope it will help you to plan your trip 🙂
Great guide on Porto. Still on my list of places to visit.
Put it on the top of the list! You will be amazed 😉
Porto looks so beautiful from your photos! I would love to plan a trip there when we can travel again.The narrow streets of the city look very picturesque!
Make sure to return to my blog. In the next post I’ll share my story about Douro Valley! It is even more picturesque 😉
great informative guide and rather inspiring too! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you! Hope this guide encouraged you to visit Porto one day 🙂