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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
• Terceira Island, The Festive Island of Azores
• Central Portugal
• Lisbon and Tagus Valley
• Porto & Northern Portugal
• Portugal Survival Guide
• Entering Portugal
• Guide to Learning Portuguese
• Portugal Holidays
• Average Temperatures in Portugal
• Weather in Portugal
• Portugal Visa Guide
• Golden Visa Portugal
• Portugal Digital Nomad Visa 2023
• D7 Visa Guide
• D2 Visa Guide
• 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!

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Opening up like a pop-up book from the banks of the Rio Douro, edgy-yet-opulent Porto entices with its historic center and sumptuous food and wine.

Best Time to Visit

Best things to do, attractions, must-see attractions.

Igreja de São Francisco

Igreja de São Francisco looks from the outside to be an austerely Gothic church, but inside it hides one of Portugal’s most dazzling displays of baroque…

Foz do Douro

This fabulous cultural institution combines a museum, a mansion and extensive gardens. Cutting-edge exhibitions, along with a fine permanent collection…

From Praça da Ribeira rises a tangle of medieval alleys and stairways that eventually reach the hulking, hilltop fortress of the cathedral. Founded in the…

Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis

Porto's best art museum presents a stellar collection ranging from Neolithic carvings to Portugal’s take on modernism, all housed in the formidable…

Palácio da Bolsa

This splendid neoclassical monument (built from 1842 to 1910) honours Porto’s past and present money merchants. Just past the entrance is the glass-domed…

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

Sitting atop a bluff, this gorgeous botanical garden is one of Porto's best-loved escapes, with lawns interwoven with sun-dappled paths and dotted with…

Casa da Música

At once minimalist, iconic and daringly imaginative, the Casa da Música is the beating heart of Porto's cultural scene and the home of the Porto National…

São Bento Train Station

Aliados & Bolhão

One of the world's most beautiful train stations, beaux arts São Bento wings you back to a more graceful age of rail travel. Completed in 1903, it seems…

Top picks from our travel experts

10 of the best free things to do in porto: seaside strolls, street art and sunsets.

Cemitério do Prado Repouso

This was Porto’s first public cemetery when it was inaugurated in 1839. It is considered an important landmark for its neo-Gothic architecture and…

Igreja da Lapa

The Igreja da Lapa Catholic church holds particular significance in Porto as the place where Portugal’s former king and first emperor of Brazil’s heart is…

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Things to Know

Porto’s history, hills and hipster allure always fascinate. Here are a few things to know before you arrive in this sensational city.

Best Neighborhoods

From sightseeing to places to stay, get to know the vibrant city of Porto with this neighborhood guide.

Porto is an ideal launch pad to visit other towns, cities and regions in northern Portugal. Here are five great day trips from Porto.

Money and Costs

The top 13 ways to save money on a trip to Portugal's captivating northern city. Here's how to visit Porto on a budget.

Transportation

Learn the best ways to get around the city, whether you’re looking for speedy service, eco-friendly travel or transport that offers panoramic views.

Porto's best independent shops pull shoppers in some unexpected, quirky directions

Spending Diaries

How to eat well, go sightseeing, get around and even take a day trip for under 300 euros.

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23 Best Things To Do in Porto

Updated Mar. 18, 2024

The charms of Porto are plentiful and this city's laid-back vibe gives travelers to Europe a much-needed respite from the faster-paced, museum packed cities nearby. In Porto, you can take in the arresting views of the Rio Douro from a stroll

• All Things To Do

Dom Luís I Bridge Dom Luís I Bridge free

This iconic arching iron bridge straddles the Douro River, connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. Though Porto is known for having quite a few bridges, the Dom Luis I Bridge is especially renowned because it was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, the mastermind behind the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Plus, at the time of its completion in 1886, this bridge was the longest iron arch in the world. The bridge accommodates cars on its lower level and Porto's metro on its upper level; pedestrians can walk along the bridge on both levels. Stroll along the upper deck of the bridge and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views of the edifices built into the hillside cliffs that line the river.

Admiring the bridge's composition and the views it offers is something all visitors to Porto must do, travelers consistently attest. A visit here would pair well with a stop at some of Porto's nearby wineries across the bridge in Vila Nova de Gaia. Another option would be to hop on a Douro River cruise or boat tour, which would allow you to see all six bridges in one go.

Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral) Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral) free

Perched on a hilltop standing watch over the city, the Porto Cathedral (known as the Sé) was originally built between the 12th and 13th centuries, and features a variety of architectural styles, including Romanesque, baroque and gothic. The fortress-like church is the largest in the city and one of Porto's oldest monuments; it's flanked by twin towers. It has a rather plain stone facade, but inside the Sé you'll find a beautiful stained-glass rose window, a collection of centuries-old sculptures and a silver altarpiece that was once used as the bishop's study. Meanwhile, the cloister boasts cobalt and white ceramic tiles that depict different scenes from religious history.

Most travelers, noting that the exterior is remarkable but the interior is exquisite, say visiting the church and cloister is absolutely worth an hour or two. This particular attraction is also popular with visitors thanks to its vantage point. You can meander along the terrace outside the church and admire the views (and take photos) of Porto's terra cotta-colored rooftops below.

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens) Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens) free

The Crystal Palace Gardens boast green shrubbery, winding walkways, bright flora and bubbling fountains. Bring your camera along because you'll find plenty of photo opportunities here: Everything from the flower varieties to the expansive views of the Douro River beckons for your attention. (And if you're lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the peacocks that roam the gardens.) The park's name comes from the Crystal Palace that once stood here, though it was torn down in 1956 and replaced with a domed pavilion that houses a sporting arena and a multi-purpose events center, which was refurbished in 2019.

Visitors routinely rave about the panoramic views afforded from this hilltop park.

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Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies) Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies) free

Porto's main thoroughfare, Avenida dos Aliados, features a smattering of cafes, hotels , banks and boutiques all housed in architecturally impressive buildings. Located in the heart of Porto, just southeast of the famous Bolh ã o Market , this wide avenue is named to honor an alliance between Portugal and England forged in the 14th century. Most of the buildings showcase intricate design in their cupolas and cornices. Points of interests include Porto's granite and marble town hall (which sits at the northern end of Avenida dos Aliados), General Humberto Delgado Square (marked by a few trees and situated in the center of the avenue) and Liberdade Square (which serves as the anchor to the avenue and is marked by a statue of King Pedro IV riding a horse). The central portion of the boulevard often hosts artists, street performers and festivals.

The best way to enjoy Avenida dos Aliados is by strolling along the street to revel in its buzzing atmosphere, and pick a cozy spot to order some café (coffee). Be sure to bring your camera or phone to snap some scenes of daily life in Porto.

Port Wine Tastings & Tours Port Wine Tastings & Tours

A visit to Porto wouldn't be complete without a stop to sample the city's most notable export  — port wine. You'll find dozens of wine cellars scattered throughout Porto, and there's even a Port Wine Museum dedicated to teaching the history of the port wine trade and production development. But if you're more interested in imbibing, head to one (or several) of Porto's top wineries.

Sogrape Vinhos owns Ferreria , Sandeman and Offley cellars, and all three northern Vila Nova de Gaia venues are within walking distance of one another. Start at Ferreira, the westernmost winery, which was built in 1751 and has long played an important role in Porto's winemaking history thanks to its family of notable winemakers. Head east along Avenida Ramos Pinto and you'll happen upon your next stop, Sandeman Porto Cellars. Sandeman is the most recognizable wine cellars in the region, situated along the picturesque banks of the Douro River and boasting massive white lettering spelling out the winery's name. This winery also features various paintings, photographs, antique bottles and other trinkets that outline the history of the Sandeman brand. South of Sandeman you'll find Offley Cellars; built in 1737, the Offley cellar is the eldest of those owned by the Sogrape Vinhos brand. A singular visit to tour and sample wines at one of the Sogrape Vinhos cellars costs anywhere from 14 to 42 euros (about $15.50 to $47) depending on what type of experience you seek. (Some packages include tastings with a wider variety of wines, some boast a more intimate experience and some include tapas samplings as well.)

Parque da Cidade do Porto (Porto City Park) Parque da Cidade do Porto (Porto City Park) free

Parque da Cidade do Porto, or Porto City Park, ranks as one of the largest parks in northern Portugal at more than 200 acres. It has more than 6 miles of trails for biking and walking, and it is a popular spot for picnics and other outdoor activities, particularly on weekends. In addition to lakes and lawns and diverse flora and fauna, the park contains the Sea Life Porto , a privately run aquarium with thousands of marine animals, and the Pavilhão da Água (Water Pavilion), which was originally part of Expo 98 in Lisbon , but was reconstructed in the park and emphasizes the importance of water to Portugal's history and culture.

The park extends to the Atlantic Ocean and affords access to the area's beaches , a much-appreciated feature. Parkgoers describe Parque da Cidade as well-organized and well-maintained. As would be expected, adults and children alike love the park.

Estação de São Bento (São Bento Railway Station) Estação de São Bento (São Bento Railway Station) free

Built on the former site of a Benedictine monastery, the São Bento Railway Station was inaugurated in 1916; today, trains pass through here carrying travelers between Porto and many of its northern suburbs. But you likely won't be visiting here to hop a train anywhere. What's notable about this landmark is its 20,000-some painted blue and white tile panels (known as azulejo ) that highlight the history of Portugal. Portuguese artist Jorge Colaco is the mastermind behind this azulejo piece; its tiles were mounted over the course of a decade  –  from 1905 to 1916. Some of the most impressive scenes include King Joao I and Queen Philippa standing near the city's cathedral in 1387 and a depiction of the Battle of Arcos de Valdevez.

While it may seem unusual to see such detailed artwork in a train station, travelers consistently describe it as mightily impressive and not to be missed.

Capela das Almas Capela das Almas free

While the Igreja do Carmo features imagery made from blue- and white-painted tiles on one side, the Capela das Almas (also known as the Chapel of Souls or St. Catherine Chapel), has such tiles on a side wall as well as its front facade – 16,000 tiles in all. Like Igreja do Carmo, Capela das Almas dates back to the 18th century, though the colorful tilework was added in the early 20th century. The azulejo, as the tiles are known, here depict episodes from the lives of the saints, including the martyrdom of its dedicatee, St. Catherine. The stained-glass windows date back to the 19th century.

As with the other similarly decorated church, the Capela das Almas earns enthusiastic praise for its attention-grabbing external tiles. Even so, it's worth peeking inside too.

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Mercado do Bolhão (Bolhão Market) Mercado do Bolhão (Bolhão Market) free

Scents of sweet fruit, freshly baked bread and aromatic cheeses greet visitors as soon as they enter the Mercado do Bolhão. This open-air market is reminiscent of many you'll find in Europe, with vendors hawking a variety of fresh goods and homemade wares at very affordable prices. The market, which dates back to the mid-1800s, is housed behind a neoclassical facade in a two-story building in the heart of Porto that opened in 1914. It received a massive restoration and modernization; the work was unveiled in 2022.

Visitors generally appreciate the market, noting a wide array of delectable treats. Many were complimentary of the renovation, but some noted it seemed too touristy now.

Porto Beaches Porto Beaches free

Porto's location along Portugal's northwestern coast grants the city access to some prime beachfront. If you find yourself experiencing a sunny day, visiting Portugal's northwest coast is a great way to pass the time. In Foz do Douro, located east of the city center along Avenida do Brasil, you'll find a handful of small beaches, like Praia do Molhe and Praia de Gondarem. Close to the Praia do Molhe you'll find the Pergola da Foz, a neoclassical pergola modeled after the Promenade des Anglais in Nice, France ; it's the perfect spot for watching the sunset. Though picturesque, the terrain just offshore is a little rocky, so swimming isn't advised. But you can still bring a towel to lie on the sand, soak up the sun and dip your feet in the cool Atlantic for a little refreshment. Speaking of refreshment, this area of Porto is also packed with plenty of beachfront bars, restaurants and cafes  – it's quite a popular place to enjoy the outdoors both day and night.

Meanwhile in the town just south of the Porto city center, Vila Nova de Gaia, you'll happen upon beaches with soft white sand and conditions more suitable for swimming. The beaches of Vila Nova de Gaia are known for their impeccable water quality, environmental awareness and safety  – awarded and recognized with blue flags  – making them some of the most impressive in Portugal. Both active types and those looking for a little R&R will find a day at one of these beaches enjoyable: The shorelines here feature amenities like volleyball nets, bike paths and shaded cabanas.

Igreja de São Francisco (Church of Saint Francis) Igreja de São Francisco (Church of Saint Francis)

The Igreja de São Francisco looks rather plain on the outside, sporting a stone facade with elements of gothic and baroque styles, but step inside and you'll see gold: lots and lots of it. An abundance of gilt wood carvings (reportedly more than 800 pounds of gold) make up the columns, vaulted ceilings and walls of this church, which started to take shape in 1245. A traveler favorite amid the luster is the Tree of Jesse, a massive family tree sculpture that traces Christ's genealogy and dates back to 1718.

The Igreja de São Francisco is located right next to the Pal á cio da Bolsa in the heart of Porto; it's easily accessible via the Sao Bento metro stop on the D (yellow) line. It can also be reached using the 1, 23, 49 and 57 bus lines or tram line 1. The church is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. November through February; from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. March through October; and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. July through September. Admission costs 3.50 euros (about $4) and 2.50 euros for students (about $2.75). Services are no longer held here regularly, though the church does host classical music concerts and some religious ceremonies like weddings and baptisms, so leave some flexibility in your schedule to come back later, if necessary.

Livraria Lello & Irmão (Lello Bookstore) Livraria Lello & Irmão (Lello Bookstore)

A bookstore may not seem like one of the most obvious things to see in a new city, but when the shop is consistently named one of the world's most beautiful, it's worth a visit. Situated among the cafes and shops along Rua das Carmelitas in downtown Porto, Livraria Lello easily stands out with its chalk white, neo-gothic facade featuring intricate carvings and two painted ladies (representing science and art). The early 20th century building's facade was fully refurbished in 2017. Step inside and you'll be even more impressed. The bookstore's interior is adorned with rich wooden paneling and colorful stained-glass windows, and boasts a regal ruby red staircase. As for the books, you can peruse an assortment of Portuguese fiction and nonfiction works, as well as a selection of books in English and French.

Travelers are often impressed by Livraria Lello's allure and say visitors should take a peek inside. Most visitors commend the charming atmosphere and exceptional artistry evident in the Livraria Lello's architecture (and judge it fully worth the small charge). The store also uses its basement space for readings, talks and conversations.

Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace)

One of the most-visited sites in Porto, the Palacio da Bolsa is renowned for its exquisite neoclassical facade and ornate gilded Arabian Hall. This massive building  – located in the historic center of Porto  – once acted as the city's stock exchange, wooing European bankers and investors alike. Today, you can tour the interior with a guide and see the glass-domed Patio das Nacoes (Hall of Nations) and the magnificently golden Salao Arabe (Arabian Hall, which was designed to mimic the Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain ), as well as the numerous portraits that adorn the walls.

Travel experts and publications consistently laud the Palacio da Bolsa as a must-see stop in Porto. Some travelers say the tour price is a little high, but others note the sheer splendor of the interior and say learning the history behind the building is worth the price.

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Fundação de Serralves (Serralves Foundation Complex) Fundação de Serralves (Serralves Foundation Complex)

The Fundação de Serralves comprises a park, a villa, a contemporary art museum and a cinema all set on nearly 45 acres of land in western Porto. Billed as a cultural institution, the foundation aims to "raise the awareness and knowledge amongst audiences from different backgrounds and age groups, in relation to contemporary art, architecture and the landscape." The villa and park were the first to open (in the 1930s); the villa is often touted by architecture experts and historians as the most noteworthy example of an art deco building in Portugal and it was declared a national monument in 2012. Inside, the villa is laid out like a private residence (as it was originally such) and hosts temporary art exhibits throughout the year. Situated on one of the highest points of the complex, the villa overlooks the park, which features lush gardens, exotic plants, winding pathways and even a farm. Permanent sculptures pepper the premises as well. Meanwhile, the Serralves Museum opened in 1999 and boasts 14 exhibition galleries across three floors. Today, the museum features rotating art exhibits, music and dance performances, and educational programs. The Caso do Cinema (or House of Cinema) opened in 2019.

Although it's a bit removed from other top attractions around Porto, the Fundação de Serralves is well worth a visit for its beautiful gardens and interesting art, travelers say. Also, if you happen to be visiting in early June, you can take part in the museum's annual Serralves em Festa festival, which offers a plethora of free contemporary art and cultural events and performances.

Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis (National Museum Soares dos Reis) Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis (National Museum Soares dos Reis)

Founded in 1833, the Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis ranks as Portugal's first public art museum. Art lovers will appreciate the expansive collection as well as the ornate building that it occupies. Housed in a former royal residence, the museum features much of the work of its namesake, Antonio Soares dos Reis, including his famous marble sculpture, "O Desterrado" ("The Exile"). Inside the museum you'll find a vast selection of Portuguese paintings and sculptures from the 16th to 20th centuries created by a variety of artists. The museum also features furniture, jewelry, fabric work and glassware.

Visitors frequently remark on both the beauty of the extensive collections and the regal building itself.

Dragão Stadium Dragão Stadium

While Portugal may not be as well-known for having avid soccer fans as Spain or England, the Portuguese still love their futebol . Porto's home team, F.C. Porto, is one of the country's "Big Three"  – the three most successful multi-sports clubs in Portugal  – and plays in Dragao Stadium. You can take a tour of the stadium: A guide will escort you to see the presidential box, locker rooms and players' benches. Or, skip the tour and explore the on-site museum, which highlights F.C. Porto's history and showcases trophies like the UEFA Cup and European Super Cup. But if you really want to experience the stadium come alive, get a ticket to a soccer match.

While tickets for games can be pricey, most travelers say it's well worth the cost to see the passionate fans and talented players. Indeed, some regard Dragao Stadium as one of the best to visit in Europe.

Clérigos Church Clérigos Church free

Clérigos Church, an 18th-century baroque building topped by the nearly 250-foot Torre dos Clérigos (or Clérigos Tower), offers unrivalled views of the Douro River and Porto's old town. The Torre is the tallest bell tower in the city and boasts 49 resonant bells. The structure also houses a museum, the House of the Brotherhood, with artifacts related to the clerics who founded the church.

While the museum and church are generally deemed worth seeing, the sweeping city views from the tower are what travelers deem as the best part of the visit. Note, there are more than 200 steps to climb to reach the top, so it takes some effort see the sights and snap your photos. Also note that this is a popular spot and the viewing area can get crowded. As such, many recommend heading here early so you won't have to deal with too long of a line, if any.

Cais da Ribeira Cais da Ribeira free

The Cais da Ribeira, a riverfront promenade along the Douro in the vicinity of the Dom Luis I Bridge , is considered one of the liveliest parts of town. During the day, it's an ideal spot to see the neatly stacked pastel-colored houses facing the water. Many restaurants in the area have terraces from which you can enjoy the nighttime views of the river and the bridge along with traditional cuisine as well.

While many people find this area a pleasant place to walk, dine, sightsee and people-watch, some find it overrun with tourists and deem its eateries correspondingly overpriced. Most agree, however, that the spectacular views make a stop here essential.

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Igreja do Carmo Igreja do Carmo free

The rococo Igreja do Carmo, or Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, built in the mid-18th century, houses numerous oil paintings and several elaborate gilt altars. The exterior boasts a tile mosaic, added in the early 20th century, depicting scenes relating to the founding of the Carmelite Order. (Another, older church, the Igreja dos Carmelitas, sits almost immediately next door, separated only by a very narrow residence, evidently intended to keep the monks and nuns from the respective churches from interacting in any untoward way. Popular destinations like Livraria Lello bookshop and Clérigos Church and Tower are also nearby.)  

Visitors say the blue and white azulejo tiles adorning the outside of the church are particularly impressive. That doesn't mean you shouldn't venture inside, however, as the sculptures, altars and decorations are judged to be quite striking as well.

Porto Bridge Climb Porto Bridge Climb

The Porto Bridge Climb offers spectacular views of the surrounding area from a distinctive perspective. When the Arrábida Bridge spanning the Douro River was completed in 1963, it stood as the longest concrete arch bridge in the world. While it no longer holds that record, its 885-foot arch remains one of the world's largest, and it is the only structure of its kind in Europe open to the public. Indeed, only a few bridges in Australia and New Zealand offer a comparable experience. Travelers are in a harness that connects to a cable, which runs the length of the bridge's arch. Visitors will be led by a guide up the stairs along the arch and have a handrail they can hold on to along the way.

Bridge-climbers report that the outing is less strenuous than one might expect and that the views of the sunset and the river made it something not to miss.

Casa da Música Casa da Música

The Casa da Música, a modernist concrete concert hall designed by famed Dutch architect Remment (Rem) Koolhaas, opened in 2005. In addition to serving as the home of the 94-member Orquestra Sinfónica do Porto Casa da Música, the building hosts smaller ensembles. It also contains its own restaurant, a cafe and two bars as well a shop and an educational center. The main auditorium has 1,300 seats.

While the structure's angular design appears to provoke either love-it or hate-it responses, most agree that the Casa da Música is a world-class operation with top-notch performances and facilities.

Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar (Monastery of Serra do Pilar) Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar (Monastery of Serra do Pilar)

The Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, a circular former monastery, sits just across the Douro river from Porto in Vila Nova de Gaia. It takes its name from the mountain range on which it sits, the Serra do Pilar. It offers panoramic views of Porto's historic center and the Dom Luis I Bridge . (Together, the monastery, the bridge and the old town were added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1996.) Construction of the original round building commenced in the 16th century and was completed in the 17th century. Destroyed during the civil war in the 19th century, the structure was subsequently rebuilt. The Portuguese military owns and operates the facility.

While visitors typically find the architecture noteworthy, it's the views from the balcony surrounding the cloister's top that earn the most praise.

Igreja dos Carmelitas Igreja dos Carmelitas

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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, consider splitting your time between Porto and Lisbon. 

Add Madeira or the Azores

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 flights from Porto to Madeira Island or Ponta Delgada, Azores .

Get started with our Best Things To Do in Funchal (including where to eat ) and then plan your complete Madeira Itinerary ! Alternatively, read our plan for 7 Days on Sao Miguel Island (including our favorite hikes and top viewpoints ).

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 !

Pin it! See all of our travel pins on our JetSetting Fools Pinterest Board .

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Home » Travel Guides » Portugal » 25 Best Things to Do in Porto (Portugal)

25 Best Things to Do in Porto (Portugal)

On the slopes above the Douro Estuary, Porto is a historic mercantile city with business and trade written into its very name. The centre is a World Heritage site, and you’ll be struck by how rich and varied this heritage can be: There are medieval walls, gleaming Baroque churches, the compact streets of the Ribeira district, the Romanesque Cathedral and that’s just the beginning.

Fortified port wine is still stored in warehouses on the south bank of the Douro, and if you track the river to the ocean you arrive at the stylish Foz do Douro district for beaches and hip restaurants.

Lets explore the best things to do in Porto :

1. Cais da Ribeira

A little chaotic and great fun to explore, Porto’s riverside area is a very picturesque piazza where tourists and locals mingle.

There are bars and restaurants around every corner, and these line the riverside walk too.

You’ll have a perfect shot of the iconic Luís I Bridge from here, and if you duck through the arcades there’s a confusing maze of steep streets and stairways  between pastel-painted houses in varying states of repair.

The Cais da Ribeira has been spruced up a little in the last few years and information boards have been installed to tell you about this district’s characters and businesses when it was Porto’s hive of commerce.

2. Serralves Museum & Villa

In the west of Porto there are several elements to Serralves that makes such a great day out.

First there’s the villa, Casa de Serralves, a graceful Art Deco property built between 1925 and 1944 and with designers like Charles Siclis and René Lalique recruited to craft the interiors.

The villa looks out on sumptuous terraced grounds with tree-lined avenues, topiaries, regimented lawns and pergolas.

Then on the other side of the park is the Contemporary Art Museum, which opened in 1999 for high-profile temporary exhibitions.

There are normally four or five on at the same time for present and past luminaries of modern and contemporary art, from Joan Miró to Liam Gillick.

Book online : Serralves Foundation Entry Ticket

3. Luís I Bridge

An industrial symbol for Porto, this twin-level metal arched bridge opened in 1886. It was conceived by the German engineer Théophile Seyrig who cofounded the Eiffel Company.

The bridge crosses the steep, rocky banks of the Douro and rises to almost 45 metres.

There’s a bird’s eye view of the Cais da Ribeira from the top level, which is also used by Porto’s light railway.

After that you could board the Funicular dos Guindais to get down to the waterside.

And if you still haven’t seen enough, cross on the lower deck for pedestrians and local road traffic.

4. Church of São Francisco

The last Gothic monument in Porto is this church completed in 1425. Wander around to the apse to ponder the long lancet windows and then head back to the main facade where an ornate portal is crested by a lovely rose window.

The interiors were redecorated from the 1500s to the 1700s and have some of the most lavish gilded woodwork you could hope to see.

The old Gothic vaults, walls and pillars are covered up by intricately carved panels representing birds, cherubs and foliage.

5. Palácio da Bolsa

Porto’s old stock exchange was built next to the Church of São Francisco after its cloisters burned down during the Siege of Porto in 1832. The exterior was finished by 1850 and has a Neoclassical design, while the eclectic interiors were decorated right up to the start of the 20th century.

You have to go in to comprehend the richness of the sculpture, decorative carvings, plasterwork, frescos, chandeliers and tiles.

The stuccoed Moorish Revival Salão Árabe is almost overwhelming, while the monumental Pátio das Nações courtyard is lit by an octagonal metal and glass roof.

Recommended tour : Palácio da Bolsa Guided Tour

6. Clérigos Church

The 75.6-metre-high tower of this Baroque church can be spotted from most parts of Porto and was the tallest building in the country when it was completed.

It’s a beautiful monument, with delicate carvings all the way up and a clock so high you need to take few steps back to be able to read it properly.

This was the last section of the church to be completed and dates to 1763, with a design inspired by the campaniles of Tuscany.

If you don’t mind the queue and the 240 steps you’ll be rewarded with a complete panorama of the city from the top.

Book online : Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket

7. Praça da Liberdade

The grand open spaces of this square and boulevard in Santo Ildefonso feel a world away from the narrow streets of the Cais da Ribeira.

The Praça da Liberdade was plotted as a new urban layout in the 18th century and bounded to the south by the Neoclassical Palácio das Cardosas, an 18th-century convent turned hotel.

There’s an equestrian statue of Pedro IV of Brazil, remembered as a democratic reformer.

The streets around are some of the poshest in the city, with imposing civic buildings, designer boutiques and the Belle Époque Majestic Café on Rua Santa Catarina.

Related tour : Secret Sites of Porto 3-Hour Walking Tour

8. Casa da Música

A treasured modern addition to Porto’s cityscape, the Casa da Música is a concert hall that opened in 2005. Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas oversaw the design along with high-tech scenography and acoustics firms.

This is one of the rare music venues that is also worth seeing when nobody’s playing.

You can go in for a tour of the 1,300-seater venue, which tore up the rulebook on auditorium design and has two walls composed entirely of glass.

On some days you’ll be able to hear the orchestra rehearsing, and if that whets your appetite for high culture you can dress up in the evening to hear famous soloists and the Porto Symphony orchestra.

9. Foz do Douro

To blow away the cobwebs make for the Foz do Douro, a trendy district where the Douro enters the Ocean.

There’s a long promenade with palms and pines, and a pergola that you might recognise if you’ve been to Nice.

The Pergola da Foz was installed in the 1930s as the Mayor’s wife fell in love with the one on the Promenade des Anglais.

The Farol Molhe do Douro lighthouse meanwhile guided vessels in and out of the Douro for 120 years before being deactivated in 2009. New, modern restaurants pop up in this quarter by the week, and when the sun is setting you couldn’t ask for a more romantic backdrop for stroll.

10. Porto Cathedral

This stern-looking building calls the shots from the oldest part of Porto.

You’ll arrive on the Terreiro da Sé, an esplanade that lets you survey the city’s rooftops and monuments like the Clérigos Church Tower.

Despite going through a lot of changes over time, the cathedral has kept big pieces of its original 12th-century architecture.

When it was built it would have had a defensive role, as you may tell from the buttresses, arrow loops and crenellations.

Inside there’s a narrow Romanesque nave and choir, conducting you towards the apse, which got an opulent Baroque redesign in the 17th century.

Related tour : City Highlights 3-Hour Guided Electric Bike Tour

11. Beaches

With all your attention drawn to the Douro and the Ribeira you might neglect Porto’s beaches.

On a hot day you can dip your toes in the brisk Atlantic and clear your senses in the breeze.

If you want to include some of the outlying beaches a few minutes from the city you have at least 10 to choose from, many of which fly the Blue Flag every year.

The most convenient is Matosinhos, just past the Parque de Cidade and with a massive bay that seems boundless when the tide is out.

If you’re happy to travel a little don’t rule out the town of Miramar, which has a pretty 17th-century chapel on the rocks between its huge golden sandy beaches.

12. Muralha Fernandina

There’s a length of Porto’s 14th century wall just up from the Luís I Bridge and runs almost parallel to the funicular.

And although it belongs of the World Heritage Site, it’s an attraction a little underappreciated by tourists.

You can get onto battlements at Largo 1. de Dezembro, and at the entrance the wall is surrounded by a gorgeous little garden with orange trees.

As you walk the UNESCO signs will give you a little background on medieval Porto.

But best of all, the view of the Douro up here is unbeatable.

13. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

This was the site of Porto’s Crystal Palace, which lasted from 1865 to 1961 and was modelled on the monument in London.

These gardens were devised to complement that palace and were landscaped by the German Émile David.

His design is still in place, and there are fountains and allegorical sculptures to the seasons.

The gardens are planted with gingko, pines, camellias, rhododendrons and beech trees, and your path might be crossed by a peacock or two.

At the centre of the park the old palace was replaced by the semi-spherical Super Bock Arena (Pavilhão Rosa Mota), which hosts cultural and sports events.

14. Church of Santa Clara

Built next to the most prominent section of Porto’s medieval defensive walls, this church was completed in 1457 to replace a medieval convent.

It has a similar story to other religious buildings in the city, undergoing an extravagant update in the first half of the 18th century.

Shining against the red marble are gilded mouldings on the vaults, and gilded wooden carvings on the walls with such meticulous detail that it’s hard to take it all in.

In Portugal this style is known as “Barroco Joanino”, coming from the reign of John V when the Portuguese Empire was at the height of its prosperity.

15. Parque de Cidade

The Parque de Cidade is the largest urban park in Portugal, spreading out over 83 hectares and going as far west as the 17th-century Forte de São Francisco Xavier by the Atlantic.

After hours zigzagging through crowds, if you need somewhere to stroll or coast on a bike, come for these cool pine groves and abundant rolling lawns.

A motif throughout the park is stacks of rectangular granite stones that look like ancient foundations.

You also use the Parque de Cidade as a green detour on your way to the Praia do Matosinhos.

16. Soares dos Reis National Museum

This museum was founded in 1833 as an exhibition of religious art confiscated from Portuguese convents.

A lot of these pieces are still on display, while much of the earlier art was taken from followers of the deposed King Miguel I. It is named for António Soares dos Reis, a 19th century sculptor from Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank of the Douro.

There are a few pieces by Soares dos Reis here as well as other vaunted Portuguese painters and sculptors like Silva Porto, Vieira Portuense, Domingos Sequeira and Miguel Ângelo Lupi.

17. Museu Romântico da Quinta da Macieirinha

At a wonderful location in Massarelos, beside the Palácio de Cristal gardens and with views of the Douro, this 18th-century mansion was a home for a succession of noble families.

Its most venerated resident was Charles Albert of Sardinia, who spent the last months of his life in exile here in 1849. The house has been kept as a museum to open a window on 19th-century noble life.

This attraction opened in 1972, and Charles Albert’s great-great grandson was called in to help the city choose furniture and decoration to make it as authentic as possible.

18. Douro River Trip

The Douro has travelled almost 900 kilometres from its source in Castile and León to reach the Atlantic at Porto.

And most people who spend some time on or next to the Douro agree that there’s something special about the river.

Around the Ribeira hour-long cruises are offered for around €15, and your guide will give you some insights about the port warehouses on the south bank, the Porto landmarks that soar high on the north bank and the various bridges.

Upriver on the eastern limit of the city is the Maria Pia Bridge, ten years older than the Luís I and built by Gustave Eiffel.

Book online : River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise

19. Port Wine

It would be very easy, but probably not a good idea, to do nothing but drink port and tour cellars in Porto.

These are located on the south bank of the Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia.

A few, like Real Companhia Velha, Caves Sandeman and Taylor’s Port, have histories going back hundreds of years and come with museums documenting their story.

As for the wine, it becomes fortified by adding grape spirit, which halts fermentation and helps port keep its sweet flavour.

From them on it is stored in oak barrels for anything between two years and four decades depending on the style.

Related tour : Cálem Cellar Tour, Interactive Museum & Wine Tasting

20. FC Porto Museum

FC Porto are the second most successful in Portuguese football, having won the league 25 times and the cup 16 times.

Add to that two Champions League/European Cups and two UEFA Cup/Europa League titles and you’ve got a legacy worthy of a museum.

If you don’t know much about FC Porto you’ll soon realise what the team means to the city, and if you’re already a fan you can take a trip down memory lane, recalling greats like Deco, Mário Jardel and Teófilo Cubillas.

The museum is in the east stand of the Estádio do Dragão and celebrates iconic players, matches and titles using interactive technology and multimedia.

Available tour : FC Porto: Museum & Stadium Tour

21. Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro

Guerra Junqueiro was an influential author and poet whose writing helped set the tone for the Portuguese Revolution in 1910, which abolished the monarchy.

In 1940 his estate in the medieval quarter was donated to the city and became a museum in his honour.

You don’t need to be an expert in Portuguese literature to enjoy this exquisite baroque house and garden.

Guerra Junqueiro also had a taste for the finer things, and accumulated fine ceramic dishes from Nuremburg, faience from Viana do Castelo, plush furniture and a variety of religious art including some wonderful silverwork.

22. Livraria Lello

You have to call in at this delightful bookshop on Rua das Carmelitas.

The building goes back to 1906, though the actual business is much older, and the shop is often touted as one of the best in the world.

A lot of this is down to the architecture: The Livraria Lello has an Art Nouveau design, with plenty of nods to the Gothic in its traceries, murals and pinnacles on the facade.

The sinuous wooden staircase, ceiling piping and stained glass skylight inside are all stunning.

And for a celebrity endorsement, J.K. Rowling was a fan when she lived in Porto as an English teacher.

23. Igreja do Carmo

A little younger than Porto’s elaborate Baroque churches, the Igreja do Carmo has Rococo architecture from the 1750-60s.

What dazzles the crowds though is the side facade on Praça de Carlos Alberto.

Save for the stonework trimming the windows and ground, this wall is covered entirely with blue and white azulejos.

These tiles form one large image conveying  the origins of the Carmelite Order and Mount Carmel in Israel.

And if you can’t get enough of the Porto’s stunning gilded woodcarving there’s more inside this church in the side chapels and above the main altar.

24. Porto Bridge Climb

The Douro’s last bridge before the Atlantic is the Ponte da Arrábida, which opened in 1963. When it was finished it had the longest span of a concrete arch bridge on the world, and today 136,000 cars cross the structure ever 24 hours.

Now, while this information might be interesting, what has really put the Arrábida on the map is the new bridge-climbing activity.

You’ll be kitted out with safety gear will be attached to a safety line, before inching your way up the arch beneath the road crossing.

Once you get to the apex the Douro and the older part of Porto will be at your feet.

Suggested tour : Small Group Arrábida Bridge Climb Tour

25. Festa de São João

Short but sweet, Porto’s Festa de São João lasts for just one night on June 23rd (St John’s Eve). To commemorate their patron saint, people young and old take to streets hitting each other with mallets.

If that sounds sinister, these are light plastic toys that make a tame squeak.

So the air is filled with this noise as strangers attack each other, all in the name of good fun.

For grownups the party starts on the afternoon of the 23rd and may not end until sunrise the next morning after fireworks, grilled sardines, live music, drinking and lots of dancing.

25 Best Things to Do in Porto (Portugal):

• Cais da Ribeira
• Serralves Museum & Villa
• Luís I Bridge
• Church of São Francisco
• Palácio da Bolsa
• Clérigos Church
• Praça da Liberdade
• Casa da Música
• Foz do Douro
• Porto Cathedral
• Muralha Fernandina
• Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
• Church of Santa Clara
• Parque de Cidade
• Soares dos Reis National Museum
• Museu Romântico da Quinta da Macieirinha
• Douro River Trip
• FC Porto Museum
• Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro
• Livraria Lello
• Igreja do Carmo
• Porto Bridge Climb
• Festa de São João

18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Porto

Written by Becca Blond and Paul Bernhardt Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Porto is an easy city to fall in love with. From the moment you arrive, you'll be mesmerized by its historic center, which is filled with narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque squares, with tall colorful houses, Baroque churches, train stations, and stately neoclassical buildings with intricate blue and white tile facades dating back to the 14 th century.

The city sprawls upward from both sides of the Douro River and is seemingly hewn out of granite cliffs at the mouth of the river, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is a city that has it all. From rich cultural attractions to world-class museums and even surf beaches, there is no shortage of sights and activities to partake in.

Porto is relatively compact and it's easy to explore on foot so long as you don't mind climbing some very steep hills. If you do get tired, however, the public transport system is good, and taxis and Ubers are plentiful. But half the fun of exploring Porto is wandering its cobbled Medieval streets and 18 th -century accented neighborhoods on foot. Just be sure to pack some decent walking shoes.

The city's historical heart is the Ribeira . This waterfront bairro positively insists you lose yourself among the maze of narrow streets and seek out some of the city's most cherished architectural treasures. In fact, so rare and precious are the buildings that make up this venerable neighborhood that UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.

Meanwhile, the city's contemporary character is evident in its thriving modern arts scene and an alarmingly futuristic music venue. Crossing the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia is a sightseeing highlight, as is a guided tour around one of the port lodges. Also consider a cruise along the Douro, and for a truly memorable city panorama take a ride on the cable car that glides from one end of the quayside to the other.

Considered Portugal's second city, after Lisbon, many will argue it is the more charismatic of the two cities. You'll have to experience it for yourself, following our list of top attractions, to decide.

See also: Where to Stay in Porto

1. Torre dos Clérigos

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The soaring Clérigos Tower punctuates Porto's skyline like a monumental needle. This is the city's most visible landmark, a 75-meter-tall, 18th-century granite-hewn rocket, and visiting this historic structure should be high up on the "things to do" list.

You'll need a stout pair of legs to climb the 240 steps to the top of the tower, but the effort will be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the river, the coastline, and the distant Douro valley — a bird's-eye-view of Portugal's second largest city, and an inspiring way for first-time sightseers to get their bearings.

Commissioned by the Brotherhood of the Clergy ( clérigos ) and designed by the Italian-born Nicolau Nasoni, the Baroque tower complements the adjoining Igreja dos Clérigos , which is also Nasoni's handiwork. Built between 1732 and 1750, the church itself is a wonderful example of the architect's affinity with the Baroque and features an elliptic floorplan, one of the first churches in Portugal built in such a way.

But the tower remains the highlight and, day or night, its tapered profile stands as a historic beacon visible from most parts of the city.

Address: Rua São Filipe de Neri, Porto

Official site: www.torredosclerigos.pt

Dating from the mid-19th century, Porto's former stock exchange contains a wealth of historic interest. Built on the site of a Franciscan monastery, its sumptuous interior is divided into several rooms and salons, each one singular in its appeal and worthy of close scrutiny.

Pretend you're a wealthy merchant visiting on business as you wander through the Portrait Room with its gallery of uniformed monarchs, and then cast your eyes skywards after entering the Golden Room to admire its gilded stucco ceiling. You'll be ready for your meeting with the boss in the lavishly furnished Chairman's Room before joining fellow merchants in the richly decorated Court Hearing Room to witness mercantile law acted out in due process.

You may want to pop into the adjacent Juror's Room before gathering in the magnificent Hall of Nations to mingle with the great and the good. But you'll want to leave the best for last by sneaking off to the astonishing Arabian Room, inspired by Granada's Alhambra , and the one place that really sells a tour of the Bolsa.

Incidentally, the building is the headquarters of the Porto Chamber of Commerce, and its members still gather in the classical General Assembly Room.

Address: Rua Ferreira Borges, Porto

Official site: http://www.palaciodabolsa.com

One of the more unusual things to do in Porto — and certainly a radical departure from the traditional sightseeing options — is the chance to climb the arches of the Arrábida Bridge , set downstream away from the more familiar Ponte Dom Luís 1 .

The Porto Bridge Climb conducts guided tours of this iconic structure with participants attired in harnesses and secure lifelines in order to scale the lofty heights safely and comfortably. Following a narrow pedestrian staircase and connected by cable to a parallel handrail, visitors slowly scale the yawning arches to reach the top of the span, 65 meters above the River Douro . The panoramic views of the outlying city and the mouth of the river are truly memorable.

Descending the 262 steps reveals the size and elegance of this 20th-century engineering marvel, inaugurated in 1963 and currently the only bridge span in Europe that can be accessed this way.

Location: Cais do Bicalho, Porto

Official site: https://www.portobridgeclimb.com/?lang=en

Visitors are shrouded by gold as they enter the beautiful church of St. Francis. Its 18th-century Baroque interior is encrusted with a gilded veneer so dazzling and exuberant that most agree this is one of the best examples of worked gold anywhere in the country. Indeed, this is a priceless sightseeing experience.

Gilt carving embellishes the high altar, columns, and pillars, with barely a single patch of stone left visible. Look out for smiling cherubs and dour-faced monks as you edge toward the north wall and São Francisco's Tree of Jesse, a family tree in gilded and painted wood depicting Christ's genealogy.

An extraordinary and beguiling artifact carved between 1718 and 1721, the tree boasts fine detail seen in the expressions of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, and other figures, including King David, Solomon, and Jesse himself, which leaves onlookers speechless.

A tour of the ancient catacombs underneath the church helps bring visitors back down to earth, but there are more treasures from the church's monastery to behold in the museum afterwards.

Address: Rua do Infante D. Henrique, Porto

Official site: www.ordemsaofrancisco.pt

Porto's riverside quarter is an alluring labyrinth of narrow, winding streets; zigzagging alleyways; and low-slung, sun-starved arcades. Facing the River Douro , though, are terraces of lofty townhouses painted in bright mustard, tangerine, and tawny hues — the Ribeira is an adventure in color and flavor.

A plethora of restaurants and cafés set under the arches along the quayside makes this the most popular area in the city for relaxing and socializing. Praça da Ribeira , the riverfront square, is a popular and lively meeting point and buzzes with a young, friendly vibe.

This is also a busy commercial district, where grocers rub shoulders with butchers and fishmongers. Tiny, dilapidated shoemaker's studios echo to the industrious tapping of cobblers' hammers, and the rustic aroma of freshly baked bread collides with the Douro's salty, briny odor. Above it all, locals share gossip from balconies or open windows, shouting inexorably across lines of washing snapping in the breeze.

The Ribeira is also about history, and exploring this fascinating neighborhood is to discover medieval relics built over Roman foundations. UNESCO loves the place, and long ago declared it a World Heritage Site.

The grandiose Dom Luís I bridge is one of the most iconic structures in Portugal. Spanning the mighty River Douro to link Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia on the south bank, the bridge's majestic sweep and two-tier aspect is a binding component in the city's proud, social fabric.

The heavily riveted charcoal-grey ironwork has Gustave Eiffel written all over it, and indeed it was an assistant of the great French engineer who built the bridge in 1886. Commuters use the bridge on a daily basis — a road, Avenida da República, runs across the lower deck while the upper span accommodates a metro railway line.

Pedestrians can walk across using the narrow pavements set on either side of the road, or be really brave and traverse the structure using the 60-meter-high top-tier footpath.

An outstanding view of the bridge can be had from the terrace of the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar , on the south bank. From here, the entire city forms a fabulous backdrop, and the panorama is particularly dramatic at dusk. Don't forget your tripod!

Sightseeing in Porto should always include exploration of the city's cathedral. In fact, the sweeping panorama from the terrace over the old-town streets and the sleepy River Douro is a great curtain raiser and primes the senses for what lies ahead.

An imposing 12th-century landmark, the cathedral has the appearance of a fortress, such is the forbidding look of its towers and the shadowy complexion of its façade. Redeeming features include a beautiful 13th-century rose window set in the west front, and the serene Baroque cloisters paneled with sky blue azulejo tiles. Linger here a little to absorb the medieval ambiance and the tranquil locale.

From here, a worn 18th-century granite staircase connects with the chapterhouse, which is wrapped in more stunning tile work. Another standout attraction is the magnificent silver retable in the small chapel to the left of the chancel.

Round off your tour by poring over the cathedral's dazzling hoard of gold and silver held in the Treasury.

With its long, broad promenade and riverfront aspect, Vila Nova de Gaia is an irresistible diversion. Easily reached on foot by crossing the Ponte de Dom Luís I , the town's landscaped quayside is fringed by a long line of stylish restaurants and cafés. It's also the departure point for numerous Douro River cruise boats.

Adding a wonderfully nostalgic perspective is the fleet of traditional barcos rabelos moored alongside the esplanade. These graceful sailing vessels were once used to ferry casks downriver from the Douro port estates, and with Porto's Ribeira district providing a suitably romantic backdrop, sightseers are regaled with an atmospheric cityscape, a tableaux reminiscent of the 18th century.

For a truly dramatic outlook, take a ride on the Teleférico de Gaia , or cable car. This novel new sightseeing attraction runs along the Gaia riverside and connects the upper station, near the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar , with the eastern end of the esplanade.

Location: Cais de Gaia, Porto

If you decide to visit just one museum in Porto, make sure it's this one. The outstanding collection of Portuguese art spans from the 16th to the 20th centuries and includes sculpture by António Soares dos Reis, the country's celebrated 19th-century sculptor after whom the museum is named.

The displays are wonderfully eclectic in their scope, with the gold and silverware particularly engaging. The collection of paintings showcases works by Portuguese and foreign artists, notably Dutch and Flemish. Fine Portuguese glassware from the 18th and 19th centuries complement rare ceramic pieces that include porcelain from China, and examples of Delftware.

Decorative furniture from as far away as India and Japan lend the exhibition an exotic veneer, while the textiles collection is mostly derived from fabrics and other materials that were confiscated from dissolved monasteries and convents.

Allow a good couple of hours to browse the various galleries and then explore the garden, perhaps before a bite to eat in the museum's cafeteria, where the lunch choice includes vegetarian options.

Address: Palácio dos Carrancas, Rua D. Manuel II, Porto

Official site: https://museusoaresdosreis.gov.pt/

Set on a hillside overlooking the Douro River and the Ribeira neighborhood, Parque das Virtudes is the most revered local spot to watch the sunset on long summer days. Due to its western locale, Porto gets some amazing nightly fire shows, and you need to come here at least once on your trip.

You can grab a takeaway beverage from one of the cafes on the street behind the top of the park, take a seat in the grass or on one of the benches, and just breathe. People of all ages come for sunset, and you'll hear a mix of languages and maybe even be treated to some impromptu live guitar and drum sessions.

The park, which is really a terraced garden carved into the embankment above the river, has lots of tall trees and makes a great spot to plan a lunchtime picnic away from the crowds. Finding the entrance to the park can be difficult. Look for one on Rua Azevedo de Albuquerque and another behind the Palácio da Justica .

Portugal's remarkable period of conquest and exploration, the Age of Discovery , is re-enacted with astonishing effect at this slick interactive museum and theme park. The perilous voyages of 15th-century Portuguese navigators, setting sail in fleets of fragile caravels to chart unknown waters and map new lands, are brought to stunning life through a series of detailed exhibitions and screened animations.

But the real adventure begins after boarding a boat and journeying to countries discovered by the likes of Vasco da Gama, who in 1498 mapped a sea route from Portugal to India, and Pedro Álvares Cabral, who reached Brazil in 1500.

Wearing audio headsets, passengers are regaled with the planning and organization underpinning these ambitious maritime expeditions and also glean a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the various destinations colonized by the Portuguese during this period. In fact, this is a wonderfully engaging and educative experience and good fun for all ages.

Address: Rua de Miragaia 106, Porto

Official site: https://www.worldofdiscoveries.com

Plastering the exterior of Porto's 18th-century Carmo church is a blaze of blue and white azulejos (tiles), and the striking façade is one of the most instantly recognized in the city. The original azulejos found around the city date back to the 14th century when they were used as a key decoration element on streets, buildings, and monuments. Today, some of the tiles have been replaced by replicas after the originals were stolen.

The church's immense tile panel is a real head-turner, but the splendid gilt carvings that decorate the interior are equally appealing. In fact, the elegant golden-brushed woodwork is among the finest examples of Portuguese Rococo.

The neighboring Igreja das Carmelitas is less of an eye-opener. Incredibly, dividing both is a house, built to comply with an ancient law that stipulated that no two churches were to share the same wall.

Many believe this to be the narrowest private residence in the country, although it's been unoccupied for nearly 30 years. A whimsical anomaly, the one-meter-wide abode makes for an interesting snapshot squeezed as it is between two granite monoliths.

If you enjoy seeing the azulejos also pay a visit to the nearby Sāo Bento train station . It is the most impressive example of this form of tile art. Here you will find floor-to-ceiling tile murals telling stories of Portugal's history. Another top spot for intricate tiling is found along Rua de Santa Catarina street.

Address: Rua do Carmo, Porto

Anyone staying in Porto for a few days should check out the cultural program on offer at this fabulous international concert venue. The "Music House" is celebrated as much for its radical design as for the caliber of the entertainment it hosts.

Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas kicked convention when he was commissioned to create a building that would propel the city headlong into the 21st century. This he achieved to great acclaim, and the best way to appreciate his triumph is to attend one of the many gigs staged within its bleached, odd-sided skin.

All musical tastes are catered for, anything from classical and fado, to jazz and hip-hop. World-class acts performing here include the late Lou Reed, who played the opening night back in 2005.

Another way to glimpse the interior is to walk up to the top-floor restaurant. On the menu of Mediterranean-influenced cuisine is an inspiring panorama across Porto's busy Boavista neighborhood. But for an unhurried, up-close-and-personal view join a guided tour. Otherwise, amble over here at dusk when the venue is washed with floodlight for a truly abstract perspective of this extraordinary structure.

Address: Avenida da Boavista 604, Porto

Official site: http://www.casadamusica.com/en/

The influential Serralves Foundation runs Porto's highly respected Contemporary Art Museum. Designed by minimalist wizard Álvaro Siza Vieira, the chalk-white building is itself a cultural draw, an example of subliminal ergonomic architecture set in a verdant, meandering park four kilometers west of the city center.

The museum has eschewed a permanent collection and instead aspires to offer different perspectives on contemporary art in various media. This all adds up to an exciting and unpredictable visitor experience where, very often, you're left to make your own mind up about the meaning behind each piece and the intentions of the artist — in other words, this is modern art.

Also set within the grounds is the pink Art Deco Casa de Serralves , where other exhibitions are held. Discussions, arguments, and points of view can be exchanged in the on-site café or the more formal restaurant. The park is quite beautiful, a landscaped Eden of tremendous biodiversity. A series of footpaths snake through the 18 hectares, winding past spruce lawns, ornamented lakes, and aromatic herb gardens before circulating through a shady, wooded copse.

Address: Rua Sao Joao de Castro 210, Porto

With its distinctive Art Nouveau façade of curvaceous stonework and undulating motifs, this sparkling gem of a coffeehouse is unmistakable.

Inside, a vintage 1920s ambience percolates the salon. Arranged throughout the lavish interior are the original carved wood chairs and marble-topped tables that lend Majestic its delightfully bohemian flavor. Cherubs and lamplights cling to the plasterwork ceiling. Gracing the walls are sets of huge Flemish mirrors that reflect the evocative, yesteryear character.

This is the most celebrated of Porto's cafés, and one of Europe's most historical. Lunch and dinner can be taken here in considerable style, the menu tempting with a fusion of Portuguese and Mediterranean flavors. The café is also known for its cakes and pastries selection, and conjures up specialties like French toast smothered in a creamy egg custard topped with dried fruit.

Kids will love it here, especially when they realize that author J.K. Rowling worked on the draft of her first book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone while sipping coffee at a table near the entrance. Magic, or what?

Harry Potter fans will also not want to miss a visit to Livaria Lello bookstore (about a 12-minute walk away), which is said to have inspired Diagon Alley's premium bookstore, Flourish and Blotts, in the series. When JK Rowling lived in Porto, she would visit the more than 100-year-old bookstore on weekends. There is almost always a line to get into the bookstore today, and tickets cost 5 EUR, although you can get the money refunded if you buy a book.

Even if Harry Potter doesn't excite you, this bookstore is still a work of art. The interior is art nouveau at its finest and you'll want to climb the curved red staircase to the top. The bridge in the center of the shop, with a curve and dip at its middle, is equally impressive. Also make sure to check out the ceiling, which has a huge stained-glass window in it.

Address: Rua Santa Catarina 112, Porto

Official site: http://www.cafemajestic.com/pt/Utilidades/Homepage.aspx

The Portuguese Center of Photography will appeal to anybody with an understanding of the photographic process. This engaging cultural facility is set within the walls of a former 18th-century prison, the Cadeia de Relação. The jail was closed in 1974, but its labyrinth of cells, various administrative offices, and the inner courtyard were all carefully restored and now serve as unusual exhibition spaces.

Exhibitions tend to focus on vintage and contemporary Portuguese photography, but a number of international photographers have seen their work exhibited as part of cultural exchange initiatives. Interestingly, photographs created digitally and those taken using traditional analogue methods share a more or less equal platform, so purists and fans of new imaging technology will be equally enthralled.

Most visitors, however, will be fixated on the collection of antique cameras and photographic equipment housed on the top floor. After musing over the miscellany of antique Linhofs, classic Leicas, and evergreen Kodaks, taking a photograph using a telephone will seem faintly ridiculous.

Address: Largo Amor de Perdição, Cordoaria, Porto

Porto's historic center and the riverfront can be admired from a vintage tram during tours that take in several emblematic sights and cultural landmarks. Three different lines serve the destination, all offering a different perspective on Portugal's second city.

Line 1 begins near Ponte Dom Luís 1 . Depart from here on the "Riverside Line" to trundle west all the way to the coastal town of Foz do Douro , situated at the mouth of the River Douro and known for its nearby beaches and coves. This leisurely excursion is a favorite option in summer when you want to escape the city heat.

Line 18 is a restored track, part circular in design, and the shortest ride. The route passes Igreja do Carmo and ends, suitably, at the Museu do Carro Eléctrico , the tram museum.

Arguably the most rewarding circuit in terms of sightseeing and attractions is the Line 22 tour. On this route, the streetcar clatters and hisses past Torre dos Clérigos , Igreja do Carmo, and Café Majestic , among other visual showstoppers.

Porto is home to some of the country's best surfing for beginners , and you'll find breaks here to be consistent and less crowded than more famous spots in the Algarve to the south. A promenade runs for 1.6 miles from Foz do Douro to Matosinhos , which is a local favorite surf spot.

The beach has two breaks. One is in the protected harbor wall area, while the other is outwards from it. If you need a lesson or just need to rent some gear, there are plenty of surf schools and shops by the beach.

A vibrant and entertaining overview of everyday Porto can be gleaned by strolling the length of this broad double avenue. Lined on both sides with shops, stores, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, "Aliados" is the city's clamorous commercial hub.

At the foot of the thoroughfare lies Praça da Liberdade , but visitors can begin exploring by popping into the nearby Estação de São Bento , Porto's central railway station, to gaze upon the 20,000 or so dazzling azulejos depicting early modes of transport and the history of Portugal.

A slow amble north will take you to the Câmera Municipal , Porto's city hall, which crowns the top of the avenue. From here, turn right along Rua Formosa until you reach the site of the historic Mercado do Bolhão .

The market hall is currently undergoing a much-needed refurbishment and is closed until at least the end of 2020. However, a temporary market has been created just beyond the main structure past the Bolhão Metro station. Here, you can still purchase fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, household goods, and handicrafts. If you're traveling on a budget, stock up on cheese and freshly baked bread rolls and head back down the opposite side of the avenue to enjoy a picnic by the river.

Porto is a largely vertical city clinging to the river bank, so map distances can be deceiving, and places that seem close can be a long, steep climb apart. A few main attractions are close together near the riverside, while others cluster around Praça da Liberdade, both convenient locations for hotels. The best views are from Vila Nova de Gaia just across the river. Here are some highly rated hotels in Porto:

• Luxury Hotels : InterContinental Porto Palacio das Cardosas overlooks Praca da Liberdade, near Sao Bento station and a short walk from the Carmelite church and Torre dos Clerigos. In terraced grounds with views from every room, The Yeatman is a contemporary resort-style hotel with a spa, in- and outdoor pools, and Michelin-starred dining in Vila Nova de Gaia. You'll feel like a star entering the glamorous film-set lobby of the well-located Hotel Infante Sagres , updated to highlight its classic old-world elegance and add a stylish contemporary flair to the rooms.
• Mid-Range Hotels: In the old town, with river views, boutique Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel offers budget-friendly luxury, between Torre dos Clerigos and Sao Francisco, a five-minute walk from the Ribeira. In the upper city, near the Carmelite church, less than a 10-minute walk to the old town, Eurostars Das Artes Hotel is handy to restaurants and the Soares dos Reis museum. In the old town, near Sao Francisco and the Bolsa and a three-minute walk from the Ribeira shore, Carris Porto Ribeira blends modern décor with vintage features.
• Budget Hotels: Overlooking Praca da Liberdade near Sao Bento station, Hotel Universal is close to restaurants and 15 minutes from the port. Nearby Vera Cruz Porto Hotel offers free breakfast with panoramic views. Also including breakfast, Hotel da Bolsa is just up the street from the Bolsa and Sao Francisco church, a short downhill walk to the river past local restaurants and shops.

Porto's Sá Carneiro International Airport is located in Maia, 10 kilometers north of the city center.

You can easily get to central Porto using the Metro. Line E (purple) runs every 20 minutes during weekdays, and around every half an hour on weekends and holidays. Tickets can be purchased from vending machines or at the airport's tourist information office.

Conventional taxis and Uber circulate throughout Porto, and serve the airport.

Pedestrianized Rua de Santa Catarina is lined with an interesting mix of international fashion chain stores and boutiques, and local, family-run businesses. The plush Via Catarina shopping mall is located here.

If you're in town on the second and last Saturday of every month, saunter along to Rua Candido dos Reis and the vibrant Mercadinho dos Clérigos. One of the city's most authentic markets, this is where to pick up decorative handicraft, vintage clothing, and antique objets d'art.

Porto's proximity to the ocean affords some rewarding beach escape options. The upmarket seafront suburb of Foz do Douro, reached by bus and tram, sits at the mouth of the River Douro and serves as the attractive gateway to the city's nearest beaches.

Praia de Matosinhos : A locals' favorite, Matosinhos is the largest beach, with easy access to the city center, and is perfect for spending a lazy day in the sun. Regular Atlantic swells draw surfers and bodyboarders, and there are surfing schools based along the esplanade.

Praia do Molhe : A picturesque promenade replete with a 1930s-era pergola overlooks this pleasant pocket of sand. This is a lovely place to sit and watch the sun go down, perhaps over refreshments at the beachfront café.

Several destinations make worthwhile day trips including Guimarães , located 57 kilometers northwest. Often called the "Cradle of Portugal" — a reference to the city's historical status as the birthplace of the nation — Guimarães glows under UNESCO World Heritage status for its well-preserved medieval quarter.

Journey another 20 kilometers north and you arrive at Braga , once the seat of Portugal's archbishops and still regarded as the country's ecclesiastical capital. Both these destinations can be explored by embarking on a small group tour from Porto.

A quick 45-minute drive east from Porto takes you to the beautiful riverside town of Amarante. Straddling both sides of the River Tâmega, this picture-perfect gem of a destination is forever associated with São Gonçalo, a 12 th -century saint whose name belongs to the town's famous bridge, which crosses to the 16 th -century Igreja e Convento de São Gonçalo.

Porto is the gateway to northern Portugal, and the entire region has its own fair share of memorable places to visit.

High up near the border with Spain is the coastal city of Viana do Castelo. Try and time a visit to coincide with the annual Romaria Nossa Senhora da Agonia, a fantastic four-day costumed festival that takes place in August.

Vila Real is a convenient starting point from which to explore the upper reaches of the Douro Valley. The town is also roughly midway between Porto and remote Bragança, famed for its 12 th -century walled citadel.

For a better idea of where to go and what to do, take a look at our Portugal itineraries page.

More on Portugal

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

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.

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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13 Things To Do In Porto: Complete Guide To This Magical City In Portugal

N estled on the banks of the Douro River in northwest Portugal, Porto is a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new. The ancient Ribeira district, with its narrow cobbled streets and the stunning interiors of the Porto Cathedral, are just a few of the historical and cultural highlights that visitors can enjoy. The Palácio de Bolsa, a 19th-century building that was once a stock market, is an impressive sight to behold, and the city's stately bridges are a marvel of engineering. There are endless things to see throughout one of the best cities in Portugal .

Those looking to relax can head to one of the many beaches in the area, while those seeking a taste of Portugal's famous port wine can visit one of the many cellars scattered throughout the city. With its rich history, delicious food, and stunning scenery, Porto is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience. Harry Potter was even inspired by this magical city , so there's certainly a charm to it.

UPDATE: 2023/09/13 07:15 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

Top Things To Do In Porto

Porto might be better known for its iconic port wine and historic Ribeira District, but there are more beautiful gems worth discovering. This refreshed article highlights extra Porto things to do for a gratifying Portuguese vacation.

Things To Do in Porto, Portugal

Whether travelers want a laid-back trip to Porto or prefer a full day of stops and attractions, there will be something for everyone. The beautiful coastal city of Porto has many things to do: start here.

Related: Why Portugal Is Considered The Friendliest Country In The World

Porto Cathedral Is Worth A Visit

Visitors to Porto may want to experience the city's cathedral. They can explore the Roman Catholic Church in the city's historical center. The Porto Cathedral was also built at one of the highest points in the area, giving people a stunning view.

It's also worth noting that this church is the oldest monument in Porto and is considered an incredibly sacred spot for residents. Therefore, being as quiet and respectful as possible while visiting is a good idea.

• Admission : Free
• Hours : Open daily from 9 AM to 6:30 PM (except on Wednesdays, from 9 AM to 6 PM.

Guests wishing to enter the cathedral's inner section and floor above will have to pay a $3.22 fee.

Walk Along The Luís I Bridge

Another place to visit while in Porto is the Luís I Bridge. This is a focal point of the city, offering tourists a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the River Douro between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Walking the Luís I Bridge is one of the many free things travelers can do while visiting Porto, Portugal .

• Can tourists walk across the Luis 1 bridge in Porto? Absolutely, pedestrians can walk on the lower and upper levels in a path separate from cars.

The best way to experience the Dom Luis Bridge is to stroll along the upper platform, 40m above the Duoro River, which spoils guests with sweeping water views.

Explore The Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

The next stop while in Porto is Jardins do Palácio de Cristal. This stunning garden features one of Porto's best-loved escapes: a botanical garden above the Douro River.

Here, visitors can walk the 8-hectare landscaped gardens.

• Hours : 8 am - 9 pm

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal has free WiFi for visitors.

Casa da Música

For those who love music, exploring Casa da Música may be worth the adventure. In this famed concert hall, guests can tour the property and see a show if one is in town. This music/concert hall was designed by architect Rem Koolhaas and opened in 2005, and has since become a staple of the city.

It's stunning; modern architecture vastly differs from the nearby historic buildings, which is perfect for photographing.

• Casa da Música location : Av. da Boavista 604-610, 4149-071 Porto, Portugal

Go to the Casa da Musica website to check the schedule, times, and ticket prices.

Tour Parque de Serralves (Including A Museum)

Another great spot to check out while in Porto is Parque de Serralves . Here, tourists to the city can experience a unique urban space and a cultural institution. This park has a modern vibe, water features, art, and many beautiful local plants.

A contemporary art museum on-site allows travelers to escape the heat and head indoors to witness beautiful art from around the city and country. Álvaro Siza Vieira designed the museum, which has since become one of the most popular in Portugal.

• Admission : $21.50
• Hours : 10 am - 7 pm

The $21.50 is a general ticket fee granting access to the park and museum. But for partial tickets, either for the park or museum, the fee is $13.98

Shop At Mercado do Bolhão

For people wanting to shop while in Porto, heading to Mercado do Bolhão could be a fun day trip. Here, people can shop at various stores, much like a market in the US. Travelers can find fresh produce, meat, fish, flowers, and seasonal treats from local vendors.

Porto is known for its fresh food and wine, and Mercado do Bolhão is among the best markets in Portugal for this. A one-stop-shop for many people, it is also centrally located, near the city's downtown area.

Mercado do Bolhão is open daily from 8 AM to 12 AM, excluding Sundays. The market is closed one day per week, so consider that before planning a trip.

Take A Tour Of Palácio de Bolsa

Another indoor attraction in Porto to visit is the Palácio de Bolsa. Here, guests can step back in time and see what used to be the city's stock exchange building. This structure was built in the 19th century by the city's Commercial Association in Neoclassical style and is located in the Infante D. Henrique Square .

The Palácio de Bolsa is also a designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

• Admission : Adults $10.70, Students and Seniors $7, Children under 12 free
• Hours : 9 am - 6:30 pm

Bolsa Palace is one of the most visited sites in Porto and can only be accessed through guided tours. So book in advance before heading to the venue.

A Must Visit: The Romantic Museum Of Quinta da Macieirinha

Checking out the Romantic Museum might be worth it for couples traveling to Porto, Portugal. Here, people can experience a house museum displaying period art & furnishings and gardens offering scenic river views.

This is often considered one of the more romantic attractions in the city, as it looks over the river and is centered around romance in the area.

• Admission : $2.40
• Hours : Open daily (except Monday),10 AM to 5:30 PM.

This museum may be a nice choice for those looking for romance in Porto. The Romantic Museum has stunning views of the city and nearby Douro River, adding to its charm.

Take In Clerigos Church And Tower

Another thing to see and do while in Porto is checking out the Clerigos Church and Tower. This monument features a 75-meter bell tower and is one of the most famous spots in the city.

Notably, The Clérigos Church is a Baroque church and is one of Porto's many holy sites.

• Admission : Free to enter the church, but $6.70 to climb the tower
• Hours : 9 am - 7 pm

Visitors and locals alike can also attend mass on Sundays at this church.

Stroll Through The Picturesque Avenue Of The Allies (Avenida dos Aliados)

Situated in the heart of the city and just south of the popular Bolhao Market, Avenida dos Aliados is Porto's main corridor, lined with a string of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, banks, and boutique stores. These are all housed in gorgeous buildings with impressive architecture.

The area was named "Avenue of the Allies" to honor the 14th-century alliance between Portugal and England and hosts numerous exciting sights, including the city's imposing granite and marble town hall and Liberdade Square.

At the center of the square, tourists can enjoy free shows by street performers and freelance artists or even attend a festival.

Bring a camera to capture the spectacular scenes in the area, from the unique architecture to the vibrant street with performers entertaining people.

Experience Porto's Wine Culture With Port Wine Tastings & Tours

While there is more to Porto beyond its famous Port wine , visiting the city wouldn't be complete without stopping by the iconic export port. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of Porto's wine trade and the production of the sweet drink.

Guests can tour the Port Wine Museum for interesting facts about the industry and pop into one of the many top wineries in the area to sample their creations.

Additionally, they can explore multiple winemakers within walking distance of one another, including Offley Cellars, Ferreria, and Sandeman, each with a unique history and great-tasting wine. Some of these display photographs, paintings, antique bottles, and other memorabilia, offering a look into the history of the establishments.

Wine tours at Port Wine cost about $17, including tastings, and can be conducted in English upon request. But tourists must liaise with the wineries to confirm the time.

Explore The Vast Porto City Park (Parque da Cidade do Porto)

Spanning over 200 acres, Porto City Park is one of northern Portugal's biggest parks, providing adventures and explorers with a fantastic playground. It hosts numerous fun attractions, including six miles of walking and biking paths and lush scenic spots perfect for family day outs.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the beautiful flora within the park as animal lovers gravitate towards Sea Life Porto, a privately operated aquarium housing thousands of cute sea creatures. The sprawling park stretches to the Atlantic, allowing parkgoers access to scenic beaches and a dip in the warm sea waters.

• Hours : 10 am - 10 pm

Although the Porto City Park is free to enter, visitors will pay $18.20 to access the Sea Life Porto.

Get Cultured At National Museum Soares dos Reis (Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis)

Art connoisseurs will have a wonderful time combing through the National Museum Soares dos Reis exhibits. Established in 1833, it is the country's oldest public art museum and houses a vast collection of art pieces, mostly by artist Antonio Soares dos Reis.

His iconic marble creation, "The Exile" ("O Desterrado"), is just one of the venue's highlights, but guests will appreciate other 16th and 20th-century sculptures and paintings by various Portuguese artists. The museum is also home to intricate jewelry, glassware, and furniture that will leave visitors in awe.

• Admission : Adults $5.50, Children & Seniors $2.75
• Hours : Tue to Sun, 10 am - 6 pm

Take advantage of free admissions on Sundays until 2 p.m.

Best Time To Visit Porto, Portugal

One of the best times to visit Porto (and other places in Portugal) is in late spring (May/June) or early fall (August). During these times, the city will be at its prime: featuring fewer tourists and perfect weather conditions. Porto is a busy vacation spot in Europe, as many out-of-towners head here for vacation.

This Portuguese city's beach and water quality are some of the best around, hence why crowds flock here during national holidays and long weekends. Therefore, if someone wants to experience Porto in a slower, calmer time: they should head to Portugal in the early fall or the later spring.

Regardless, the unique city of Porto will be stunning throughout the year.

Related: More Than Lisbon: 10 Small Towns To Visit In Portugal

Best Ways To Get Around Porto

• The best way to get around Porto is via metro, bus, or walking.
• It might be better to stay in the city center or historic district for people wanting to walk.
• Porto, Portugal, is a walkable city overall.

For those traveling to Porto, Portugal, some of the best ways to get around include taking the metro, hopping on a bus, or walking. Depending on where someone stays, the city can be walkable. For instance, many of the sites mentioned in this post are in the city center or historic district, meaning people could walk between them without an issue.

However, if one place is much further than another, hopping on a bus or riding the metro won't hurt. Especially for those only in Porto for a few days, they will need to prioritize what they see and how they can get there quickly.

Where To Eat In Porto, Portugal

There will be something for any palette when eating in Porto. One thing to note is that the menu throughout the city will feature seafood, as this is a coastal destination.

Portuguese food is delicious; whether it's pasta, meat, fish, or a mix: so regardless, everyone will be in for a treat. Although known for wine, Porto offers so much more for guests: so don't be afraid to try something new.

Here are some restaurants to consider while in Porto:

Breakfast Places in Porto

• Do Norte Café by Hungry Biker : $$ great brunch and good music
• Zenith : $$ brunch & cocktails

Lunch Around Porto

• Chama : $$ local eats near the Clérigos Church
• Taberna Dos Mercadores : $$ authentic Portuguese food

Dinner in Porto

• O Buraco : $ local seafood, casual dining
• Muu Steakhouse : $$$ upscale steakhouse

Of course, any food in Porto will be delicious but expect to see mainly fish and meat on most restaurant menus. Wine is also amazing here, so don't be afraid to do a pairing with a meal!

Related: Pastries To Grilled Sardines: Discover 10 Must-Try Street Foods In Portugal

Because Porto is known for its wine, it may be nice to tour a winery here. Many local restaurants also offer wine pairings alongside dinner, another way to enjoy the festivities.

Where To Stay In Porto, Portugal

Regarding hotels in Porto, Portugal, there are endless choices. Whether someone prefers a small, locally-run hotel or something larger than life: Porto is the place to be.

Here are a few top-rated hotels in the area worth considering:

Budget Picks in Porto

• NH Porto Jardim - Close to markets and the historic Ribeira area, in-room Nespresso machines, breakfast buffet, on-site restaurant & bar. Starts at $126/night.
• Se Catedral Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection by Hilton - Centrally located hotel featuring a restaurant, bar/lounge, room service, free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee, and river views. Starts at $170/night.

Mid-Range Hotels in Porto

• Torel Palace Porto - Upscale hotel featuring an outdoor pool, bar/lounge, restaurant, room service, free Wi-Fi, and in-room coffee and tea. Starts at $288/night.
• PortoBay Flores - Swanky hotel featuring an indoor pool, fitness center, spa & wellness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, free Wi-Fi, and room service. Starts at $247/night.

Upscale Hotels in Porto

• Palacio Das Cardosas, an IHG Hotel - Luxury hotel featuring a spa and wellness center, fitness center, restaurant, bar/lounge, coffee shop, free Wi-Fi, and valet parking. Starts at $320/night.
• Torel Avantgarde - Central location, roundtrip airport shuttle, dry cleaning/laundry services. Starts at $330/night.

Related: 10 Things To Know About A Digital Nomad Visa In Portugal

Tips For Staying In Porto, Portugal

For people headed to Porto, Portugal, there are some things to remember. First, this city is a tourist hot spot, meaning restaurants, hotels, and attractions get booked far in advance. It is recommended to have everything lined up before coming to Porto, to avoid long waits or lack of space/room.

It's also worth mentioning that public transport is the best way to get around the city, so buying an Andante Card will be worthwhile. The summers in Porto can be hot, often uncomfortable for town guests. It is better to come here during spring or fall when the climate is more tolerable.

How To Spend The Perfect Day In Porto

Spending the perfect day in Porto, Portugal, won't take much planning given that there are so many fun things to do. The best way to start a day here is by walking along the Douro River, followed by breakfast or lunch at one of the city's various restaurants or cafés.

From there, visiting a cultural site, museum, or church in the city may be worth visiting. There are gardens to explore in the various districts, all featuring stunning plants and views of the nearby area. Dinner in Porto will be a wine lover's dream, featuring pairings of local wine and delicious Portuguese food.

Sunset at the beach is another idea to keep the party going, so don't feel inclined to stop enjoying the vacation once the sun sets!

The Perfect One Day in Porto Itinerary for 2024

Written By: The Planet D

Updated On: May 12, 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

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

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

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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:

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Book Your Activities: Looking for walking tours, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more? Then we recommend Get Your Guide.

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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1 thought on “The Perfect One Day in Porto Itinerary for 2024”

This is my city – where I bornt, studied and lived. For sure I need update with some actual photos – it’s amazing see how it changed but some places remains with same beauty.

Desfruta do Porto

Ver & Fazer

Comer & Beber

• Experiências
• Agenda Cultural
• Itinerários

Descubra o Porto

Planeie a sua viagem.

• Oportunidades
• Galeria de Documentos
• Visit Porto.
• Condições de utilização e Privacidade
• Fale connosco

Email/Password Incorretos

Porto para miúdos e graúdos

Experimente a tradição do porto e coma num "tasco" local, sabores de outono, dicas e informações práticas, fado: saiba um pouco mais, para românticos, miradouros do porto, para aventureiros, ofereça porto com amor, percurso das lojas históricas do porto, para viciados em compras.

Mais Experiências

Oportunidades Imperdiveis

Enoturismo com o porto.card, inverno com o porto.card, roteiro cultural 2 dias, dias de chuva.

Mais oportunidades

Dotada de uma rede de acessibilidades em franca expansão é possível chegar facilmente à cidade de avião, autocarro, automóvel, barco, comboio ou metro.

O Porto é um dos destinos turísticos mais antigos da Europa e a riqueza do seu património artístico, o Vinho do Porto, os vastos espaços dedicados ao lazer e a sua vida cultural são apenas alguns dos motivos que convidam a visitar a cidade.

Informação Prática

Aqui encontra alguns dados essenciais sobre o Porto, bem como a referência a vários serviços públicos e privados disponíveis.

Deslocar-se

É fácil deslocar-se nos limites da cidade com recurso aos transportes públicos ou em viatura própria ou alugada.

Tudo o que precisa de saber

Destaques do Mês

Balleteatro.

Partindo da poesia concreta e experimental portuguesa dos anos 60 e 70, o trabalho incide sobre a composição de partituras coreográficas, que desdobram a visualidade das relações entre as dimensões gestuais e vocais, das poéticas produzidas pelos performers. A dança torna-se uma abertura por entre o despropósito e o concreto, constituindo figuras dinâmicas que espacializam as significações geradas pelas dobras dos gestos e as curvas das palavras. Coreógrafo: Jorge Gonçalves Intérpretes: Alunos do 2º ano de Dança do Balleteatro

Ornatos Violeta, Foge Foge Bandido, Pluto e Supernada são projetos que marcaram as últimas décadas da música portuguesa e que têm em comum o toque de Midas de Manel Cruz. Este ano, após um hiato criativo, o músico está de regresso aos palcos para apresentar novas canções e recuperar temas da sua discografia, agora revisitados a solo e num formato intimista.

Fantasporto 2024

Na sua 44.ª edição, o Fantasporto regressa ao Batalha com mais um programa marcante. Este ano, destaque para o multipremiado cinema húngaro de Márta Mészáros, István Szabó e Miklós Jancso. Descobriremos ainda a obra de Karim Ouelhaj, o galardoado realizador de "Megalomaniac", a manga de "Baian the Assassin" e "Tokyo Revengers" transposta para imagem real e o melhor do cinema mais recente nas cinco secções oficiais do festival. Um Fantasporto que não esquecerá as movie talks, masterclasses, o cinema em português e muito mais.

28.ª EXPOSIÇÃO DE CAMÉLIAS DO PORTO

O Porto em flor, ainda antes da primavera. No primeiro fim de semana de março chega a 28.ª Exposição de Camélias, que vai juntar no Parque de São Roque produtores e apreciadores de várias proveniências. Durante os dias da exposição, o Parque de São Roque também vai ter vários concertos. A 2 de Março, toca o quarteto feminino Amara Quartet, seguido da cantora Charlotte Akenhead, dos saxofonistas Rodrigo Amado e Ricardo Toscano, e dos violinistas Blue & White. No dia seguinte há um recital de piano de Carlos Bianchini, um concerto de Pedro Lima e João Miguel Braga Soares e, ao final do dia, um espectáculo da harpista Ana Aroso, da saxofonista Isabel Anjo e da soprano Marina Pacheco. A música não é, no entanto, a única expressão artística no programa. No sábado, os visitantes podem participar na animação itinerante do projecto Persil Noir e na performance didáctica A Fabulosa Máquina de Fazer Parar o Tempo. No domingo, há momentos de circo com Piano Clown e com o espectáculo Carmim, e ainda o percurso-oficina do Explorador Florentino, cujo acompanhamento levará à descoberta dos segredos do Parque de São Roque. As actividades de 3 de Março incluem também oficinas gratuitas de camélias de origami, criação de bijuteria eco-criativa, degustação de chá, decoração de máscaras, criação de camélias utilizando cartão e fios diversos, e uma prova de vinhos.

Agenda cultural

Yours Truly

Yours Truly é o mapa que irá mostrar ao mundo novas narrativas para uma visão para o futuro sustentável do destino Porto.

Best of Club

Chama-se Best of Club - Porto e tem como objetivo partilhar conhecimentos e facilitar a comunicação, a confiança e a cooperação entre os operadores económicos do enoturismo nas regiões do Douro, Porto e Vinho Verde.

Porto eleito o Melhor Destino Europeu para Escapadela Urbana em 2023

A Invicta foi reconhecida pelos "Óscares do Turismo" na competição europeia, desta vez como "Melhor Destino Europeu para Escapadela Urbana" (Europe's Leading City Break Destination 2023).

Porto lança manifesto com conselhos e boas práticas para turistas

O objetivo do Manifesto é envolver e sensibilizar os turistas para as boas práticas a adotar durante a visita à cidade.

Roteiros em destaque

Porto tram city tours – linha 18.

O Eléctrico linha 18 percorre a zona da Baixa numa viagem que permite apreciar a paisagem e vários monumentos.

Tascas - Meet Me at Porto

As Tascas Tour é uma aventura pelos sabores tradicionais da cidade conhecendo as tascas mais castiças e emblemáticas do Porto e provar os petiscos tradicionais da cidade.

Porto Walking Tour - Ecotours

Uma visita guiada pelo Centro Histórico da Capital do Norte.

Porto / Pinhão / Porto - Rota do Douro

Entre o leito tranquilo do Douro e o desaguar do rio Pinhão, surge uma das pérolas do Douro Vinhateiro: o Pinhão.

Mais roteiros

Descubra as zonas do Porto

#visitporto

Sunday, June 23, 2024 84° Today's Paper

36 hours in Porto, Portugal

By Seth Sherwood New York Times

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NEW YORK TIMES

Portuguese ham and cheeses at Mercado Bolhao, a recently upgraded 19th-century covered food market in the city center.

Inside Fiasco, a new cocktail bar and a mecca for vinyl record collectors, with racks of rock, rap, indie, electro, world-beat and other albums for sale.

Inside Igreja de Sao Francisco, a church erected in the medieval period and enriched with carved and gilded wood in the 1700s.

The grounds of the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens) in Porto, Portugal.

A view over the museums in the World of Wine district, with the Dom Luis I Bridge in the distance, in Porto, Portugal.

First Lisbon; now Porto. The whole world seems to have fallen in love lately with the nearby beaches, old churches, seafood-heavy cuisine and historical UNESCO-listed streets of Portugal’s second-largest city, where the number of tourists has doubled in a decade. (The circuslike atmosphere along the Douro riverfront and outside Livraria Lello, a neo-Gothic 19th-century bookstore, are only the most obvious signs.) And the home of port wine is keeping pace with a slew of new offerings. Recent years have seen the opening, upgrading or expansion of museums, art centers, food markets, food halls and hotels aplenty — along with the inauguration of World of Wine, a dining and entertainment district.

5 p.m. Relax in a bucolic park

Gazing at the bridges and passing ships on the Douro River is a favorite Porto pastime. For sublime views far from the dense crush of the waterfront walkways, the Jardins do Palacio de Cristal, a manicured 19th-century park, is a relaxed, bucolic alternative and a favorite with locals. In addition to tree-shaded lookout points, the park includes ponds, fountains, lawns, flower beds and rotating art exhibitions in the free, multilevel Galeria Municipal do Porto.

8 p.m. Eat an all-star dinner

After decades abroad cooking alongside international legends (Wolfgang Puck, Ferran Adria), chef Nuno Mendes has planted his flag once again in his native land, overseeing the precise neo-Portuguese cuisine at Cozinha das Flores, a year-old restaurant along the pedestrianized Rua das Flores. Try tasty tiny snacks (crunchy sourdough crackers with razor clams), elegant comfort food (Azores squid sliced into pasta-like strands with a zesty stew of chickpeas and cod tripe) and unusual desserts (ice cream, made from and resembling egg yolk, on ribbons of sugary, fried egg-yolk, sprinkled with ham shavings). Dinner for two costs about 120 euros (about $130) without drinks.

10:30 p.m. Sip a quiet cocktail

If you’re keen to avoid thronged streets and blasting music — hallmarks of the Mardi Gras-like Clerigos nightlife district — head east to Bomfim, a laid-back bohemian neighborhood of art galleries and indie boutiques. Sporting red walls and red banquettes, Fiasco is both Porto’s sultriest new cocktail bar and a mecca for vinyl record collectors, with racks of rock, rap, indie, electro, world-beat and other albums for sale. A Lusco Fusco Groove cocktail (Ysabel Regina brandy, Campari, fortified Portuguese wine and coffee) runs you 9 euros.

10 a.m. Admire art

Now 90 years old, Siza, the architect whose touches you spotted at Cozinha das Flores, has been keeping busy. This year, the Serralves Museum — a world-class contemporary art museum that he designed in the 1990s — added a splashy wing that he also designed. Known as the Alvaro Siza Wing, the jagged white addition displays plans and models from the architect’s long international career, as well as works from the permanent collection. An apocalyptic installation by Thai artist Korakrit Arunanondchai and a haunted playerless piano from French artist Philippe Parreno are particularly potent. Admission to all buildings and grounds is 24 euros.

1 p.m. Test the market

Bearded and bespectacled, Joaquim Lucas resembles a scholar as he carefully slices presunto (65 euros a kilo) from aged hocks of Alentejo ham. His stand, Charcutaria Princesa, is one of dozens inside Mercado Bolhao, a recently upgraded 19th-century covered food market in the city center that reopened in 2022. The smorgasbord also includes spice dealers, fruit sellers, cheese specialists and wine stands. Raw surf-and-turf comes courtesy of Casa das Ostras — which cracks open sea urchin (5 euros each) and shucks Algarve oysters (three for 7 euros) — and Talho do Toninho, a butcher stall serving toast slices topped with beef or deer tartare (1.50 euros).

3 p.m. Digest some history

Strolling nearby Rua Santa Catarina, a car-free shopping boulevard, provides both a digestive walk and an architectural exhibition. Start at Capela das Almas, an 18th-century church covered with blue-and-white azulejos (added in 1929) depicting divine episodes filled with saints, apostles, Magi and cherubs. Heading south, you can admire the art nouveau facade of A Perola do Bolhao, a fine-food shop dating to 1917. Then stop in Praca da Batalha, home of the azulejo-covered Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, an 18th-century church, and the Batalha Centro de Cinema, a 1940s art deco movie theater restored and reopened in 2022.

7:30 p.m. Savor the flavors

If France is too far away, you can enjoy Gallic flavors at Apego, a homey little restaurant in a quiet street north of Trinidade train station. Franco-Portuguese chef Aurora Goy reinvents local cuisine with dishes like a savory tarte Tatin (which replaces apples with eggs and mushrooms) and a bed of pomme paillasson — a crispy-fried cake of shredded potato — topped with mackerel and leeks in white-wine sauce. A three-course dinner for two, without wine, costs around 90 euros.

10 p.m. Worship wine

Gallery district by day, the zone around Rua Miguel Bombarda morphs into a destination for wine lovers as night falls. Occupying an elegantly repurposed 19th-century chapel, Capela Incomum allows acolytes of the grape to sip vintages such as Lapa dos Gaivoes (4.50 euros a glass) — a smooth red blend from the Alentejo region — in its burgundy-painted lounge or tree-shaded front yard. A block away, Genuino is a lively Brazilian-owned restaurant and natural-wine bar outfitted with vintage tables and chairs. Most wines come from small regional producers.

10 a.m. Go for the gold

By now you have noticed: Old churches beckon from nearly every corner. If you venture inside only one, Igreja de Sao Francisco pays off in gold — literally. Erected in the medieval period, the church’s soaring stony interior was enriched in the 1700s with talha dourada — elaborately carved and gilded wood. The effect is a dazzling symphony of radiant decorative themes — spiral-twist columns, swirls, floral patterns, coats of arms, cherubs and disembodied faces that burst from every surface. Downstairs, in the crypt, a transparent floor panel reveals a sea of white bones below ground. Admission 10 euros.

Noon Get Wowed

Did you know that the Chinese village of Jiahu might have produced the world’s first wine, several millennia before Christ? That muscat from Alexandria was Cleopatra’s favorite wine? That the signing of the Declaration of Independence was celebrated with a toast of Madeira? Educational nuggets fill the Bridge Collection (entry 25 euros), a museum with a staggering array of historical wine information in the World of Wine entertainment district. Opened in 2020, WOW encompasses several museums — including ones devoted to chocolate, cork and rosé wine — as well as a wine school, and numerous restaurants and bars. Museum admission 25 euros each.

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This Coastal City Is Called the 'Venice of Portugal' — With Gorgeous Canals and Colorful Boats

Aveiro, Portugal, is worth a day trip and more.

Best Hotels and Resorts

Best things to do, best restaurants, how to get there, best time to visit, how to get around.

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If you ever find yourself in Porto, Portugal's major city to the north, do yourself a favor and get out of town for a day. Specifically, take a trip to Aveiro, known as the "Venice of Portugal." 

Aveiro, located along Portugal's Silver Coast, is a charming destination beloved for its colorful boats, azulejo-adorned buildings, and, of course, gorgeous canals, which travelers can walk along or ride through on a leisurely afternoon. 

"Aveiro is a great day trip from Porto , and there's a line that runs daily," Dale Ott, a certified sommelier and founder of Nossa Imports , which specializes in Mexican and Portuguese wine, shared with Travel + Leisure . "While it is a major university city, the charming historic parts of the municipality are small in area and accessible, so you could have a four- or five-hour day here from Porto and make your way back on the train." 

But if you happen to have more time, it's a place deserving of an entire trip, too. 

"Aveiro is a beautifully vibrant place that was once considered a city of passage, but has since earned the title of 2024 Portuguese Capital of Culture ," Nuno Silva, an on-the-ground expert for the holiday platform TravelLocal , said. "Transformations over recent years have made it an ideal destination for longer stays, with a cultural diversity that defies the stigma of it being 'just a stepping stone city." Silva added, "The city offers a wide range of activities and sights to captivate visitors and create a memorable experience." 

Here's everything you need to know to plan the perfect vacation in Aveiro, Portugal. 

Courtesy of 1877 Estrela Palace

Hotel Aveiro Palace

Located in the heart of Aveiro, Hotel Aveiro Palace combines historic charm with modern comfort. The property overlooks the town's central canal, giving guests who choose a riverside room a fantastic view. Don't miss the buffet breakfast before stepping out to explore.

Meliá Ria Hotel & Spa

Meliá Ria Hotel & Spa , which sits by the Ria de Aveiro lagoon, is an ideal spot for those looking to stay close to the action while also getting pampered. The contemporary hotel is home to a luxurious spa offering an array of treatments, along with an indoor pool ready for anyone who wants to take a dip. 

1877 Estrela Palace

Find romance and grandeur at 1877 Estrela Palace . As the property itself describes, it's filled with "maximalist charm," housing bedrooms draped in soft, velvet, technicolor furnishings and gold detailing throughout. And because the hotel has just nine rooms and suites, every guest will feel like it's their own private palace. 

Hotel das Salinas

Hotel das Salinas is an excellent place for travelers hoping to experience the ultimate in Portuguese hospitality. This boutique property comes with 16 well-appointed rooms, views of the canals, a fantastic buffet breakfast (included in the stay), and access to the on-site pub, open every night until midnight. 

DaLiu/Getty Images

Cruise the canals on a moliceiro.

Taking a scenic canal cruise on a traditional moliceiro boat is a must. "No trip to Aveiro is complete without a cruise along the canal on a moliceiro vessel (typical boat in the area), taking in the sights and enjoying the atmosphere," said Silva. There are plenty of guided tours you can get on for as little as $13. 

Explore the Aveiro Museum.

Explore the region's fantastic history at the Aveiro Museum , located inside an old convent. Here, visitors can discover an impressive collection of religious artifacts, including the tomb of Princess Saint Joanna, colorful azulejos, and more fine art. It's open every day but Mondays, making it easy to pop by for a visit. 

Visit Praia da Costa Nova.

Take a quick 15-minute drive from Aveiro to Praia da Costa Nova to admire its famed striped houses lining the sandy shore. "These charming, colorful striped houses were traditionally painted in shades of red, ochre, and black and used as warehouses for storing fishermen nets and other materials," explained Silva. "They now provide a stunning backdrop along the coastline, attracting plenty of photo opportunities." Silva has one more tip for while you're there: "Don't forget to try the local seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants." 

Wander through the fish market.

Come experience the fun of Aveiro's active fish market , where local purveyors haul in their daily catch to sell to locals — and tourists, too. If you're feeling peckish, see if you can find some bacalhau (salted cod), a Portuguese specialty, and grab some tinned fish to bring home with you.

Discover the salt ponds.

Learn all about the ancient methods of salt production and the role it played in Aveiro's history at the salt ponds. Here, guests can visit the open-air Troncalhada Ecomuseum to see the harvest in action and pick up a bit of salt before leaving, thanks to local companies like Cale do Oiro . 

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Find traditional Portuguese bites with a modern twist at O Bairro in the center of town. Share a few small plates, including garlic shrimp or salad, and move onto fresh seafood like the daily market fish. Wash it all down with local wines.

Restaurante Dóri

Located along the seashore, Restaurante Dóri offers a variety of meals, but the real star here is the ultra-fresh fish, including its fritada de pescado (fried fish), which the Michelin Guide calls a not-to-miss meal.  

Plan an upscale evening at Salpoente , a fine-dining restaurant housed in a former salt warehouse. Here, you can dive into stellar seafood like smoked eel and fish filet, which can be enjoyed one by one from the extensive tasting menu. 

Aliaksandr Antanovich/Getty Images

By Plane: The closest airport to Aveiro is Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (a.k.a. the Porto International Airport). It's serviced by several major airlines with flights from all over the world, including direct routes from the U.S. to Porto . From here, you can either rent a car or take the train right to Aveiro. 

By Train: Travelers can also reach Aveiro by taking the train from Porto . The journey takes about an hour each way, making it easy to get back and forth for a day trip or longer. Coming from Lisbon? You can take the train from the Santa Apolonia station to Aveiro, which takes about 2.5 hours each way. 

By Car: Travelers can also arrive by car via the A1 highway from Porto to Aveiro, which takes about 45 minutes. Or, they can drive the 2.5 hours from Lisbon by hopping on the A8 to the A17 to N235. 

The best time to visit Aveiro is during Portugal's summer months (May to November). "Aveiro has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters," said Silva. However, as Silva noted, its shoulder seasons are quite lovely, too. "The hottest month in Aveiro is August, so if you’re looking for milder temperatures, I’d recommend visiting during the shoulder season months of May and June or September to November.”

But the summer wins out, thanks to the plentiful festivals, including the Festival of the Canals , which features art shows, music performances, and plenty of dancing. 

Emmanuele Contini/NurPhoto via Getty Images

By Car: Having a car is a nice luxury while visiting Aveiro as it allows you to not only explore the town, but also see the surrounding area, including the beaches. Parking is usually fairly straightforward, though you may have a tough time during the peak travel season. 

By Public Transportation: Aveiro has an excellent public transportation system, including buses and trains, which allow travelers to get around with ease. However, the city center is also rather small and walkable, so you can always arrive and see it on foot. 

By Uber: Uber is also available in Aveiro. All travelers need to do is ensure they have the app downloaded before their trip. 

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5 International Destinations For An Affordable Summer Vacation

With summer officially here, many of us are ready to pack our bags and book a flight for a change in scenery. While summer travel can be expensive, there are several ways to journey internationally without going over budget .

“My best advice for saving money on international travel this summer is to stay flexible and compare flights and consider bundling flights and accommodations to get the best deals,” says Danielle Desir Corbett , an affordable travel and finance expert. “Don’t limit yourself to specific travel dates or departing and arrival airports if possible. Being flexible can often lead to unexpected and budget-friendly travel opportunities.”

Also, consider redeeming credit card rewards, booking smaller boutique hotels or short-term home rentals over an expensive resort, or choosing low-cost or free activities like museum tours or beach hopping.

“Many people believe that financial constraints limit you to low-quality travel experiences,” Corbett says. “However, this isn’t necessarily true. Spending more money doesn’t always correlate to a more enjoyable experience. While budget travelers aim to spend within their means, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are skimping out on having rich, immersive travel experiences.”

To give you some ideas for an affordable summer vacation, we’ve handpicked five international destinations that may surprise you. They are not only exciting but also budget-friendly, ensuring your travel plans won’t break the bank.

Calgary, Canada

The U.S. dollar goes further in Canada, which can make Calgary an affordable vacation destination. Besides the diverse food scene (be sure to hit up spots like Simply Irie Caribbean Cuisine and The Moose and Poncho ), Calgary has lots to do indoors and outdoors. Downtown Calgary offers a few budget accommodations, like this one-bedroom rental that starts under $125 USD a night, and the public transportation downtown is also convenient and inexpensive. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to visit the Telus Sparks Discovery Center and the Wilder Calgary Zoo . Another popular excursion is booking a day trip to Banff National Park and Lake Louise to hike the trails or sightsee in downtown Banff.

Cartagena, Colombia

Located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Cartagena is popular with travelers looking for an affordable destination with historical sites, access to beaches, and great restaurants and cafes. The walled “Old City” offers affordable boutique hotels starting below $125 USD a night, like Hotel Don Pedro Hereda and Casa Santa Ana . Both are within walking distance of the San Felipe Castle or the arty Getsemani neighborhood, which is full of street murals and art galleries. If you’re in Cartagena, plan to take a day trip from Cartagena to visit the nearby islands. Just a quick, 15-minute boat ride from Cartagena, Isla Tierra Bomba has several trendy hotels, like the Black-owned Blue Apple Beach , which hosts day parties and pool parties.

Porto, Portugal

If you want a relatively affordable European getaway, consider Porto, Portugal, known for its stunning architecture, wineries, and art scene. We found several well-reviewed hotels and apartment rentals that start under $150 USD a night, like the Porto City Hotel and Saboaria . Head to lively Porto’s Ribeira District to take in the colorful, terraced homes, dine at one of the restaurants along the waterfront or enjoy a scenic boat ride. Porto’s famous Dom Luis bridge offers stunning views of the city skyline, and the winding staircase and stained glass windows have earned Livaria Lello the title of the most beautiful bookstore in the world. For about 15 euros, you can also take a train to the Douro Valley wine region for spectacular scenery, wine tastings, and river cruises.

Kralendijk, Bonaire

The summer signals the beginning of the low season in the Caribbean, but that also means hotter weather, afternoon rainstorms, and the beginning of hurricane season. Fortunately, one of the best-kept secrets in the Caribbean is Bonaire, a tiny island part of the ABC islands (which includes Aruba and Curaçao), located outside the hurricane belt. The island is famous for its diving and snorkeling spots and has a collection of budget-friendly boutique hotels like the Hotel Islander Bonaire and The Lodge Bonaire that start under $125 USD a night. During your stay, you could check out The Bonaire Botanical Garden, explore the colorful downtown Kralendijk district, or snap photos with the wild flamingos at the Pekelmeer Flamingo Sanctuary.

San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua

Several countries in Central America offer great vacations for less, but Nicaragua’s diverse geography, which includes volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches, makes it stand out. Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast is home to low-key beach towns like San Juan del Sur, where you can expect to find quiet beaches, a rugged coastline, and affordable boutique hotels like Veridad Nicaragua and Hotel Alcazar that start under $125 USD a night. Nicaragua also has a popular surfing culture, and nearby popular beaches like Playa Maderas or Playa Remanso, have places where you can rent a board or take a surfing lesson along the coast. Other great activities include horseback riding, hiking, or just listening to the waves on the beach.

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Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel

Location & Hours

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R. de Cervantes 218

4050-289 Porto

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

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Overall rating

Very nice new hotel. Has to be one of the largest hotels in Porto. They are also adding on as there is a lot of construction going on (however the construction noise was not a problem at all & our room on the 4th floor looked down on the work). Room was very nice. The only reason not giving 5 stars was location. Not much around in the neighborhood of the hotel. Pretty long walks (or Uber) to tourist areas and down to the river. There is one great restaurant called ZA which is only 2 blocks away. Highly, highly recommend it. We had one dinner at the hotel restaurant & it was a little expensive (but not by a lot) for Porto and the food was fantastic. A shoutout to our server Joachim who had to be one of the best waiters we have ever had around the world. Also praise for Jorge who works the front desk. Very attentive & extremely friendly. They are lucky to have him.

Not a good location at all. Run down area. Property looks good in photos online. Walk out front door and safety was our concern. Better places to stay for sure.

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