Porto
Portugal · Norte · 90 m
Description
Porto is one of Portugal’s most characterful cities and a fascinating center of history, culture, and local life. Stretching along the hillsides of the Douro River, the city is known for its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, its colorful buildings adorned with azulejos, the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, and the traditional Port wine cellars in neighboring Vila Nova de Gaia. Porto combines historic architecture and Portuguese traditions with vibrant culture, regional cuisine, and modern urban life. Portugal’s second-largest city is a major cultural and economic center and one of the country’s most important destinations in the north.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 5 days (optimal 3 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – June or September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Ribeira District (UNESCO)
- Dom Luís I Bridge
- Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia
- Douro Valley wine region(Day trip)
- Porto Cathedral (Sé)
- Clérigos Tower & Church
- Livraria Lello
- Braga historic centre & Bom Jesus do Monte (UNESCO)(Day trip)
- São Bento Railway Station
- Palácio da Bolsa
- Guimarães historic centre (UNESCO)(Day trip)
- Church of São Francisco
- Douro River cruise
- Bolhão Market
- Douro Valley scenic train journey(Day trip)
- Foz do Douro beaches
- Matosinhos beaches(Day trip)
- Casa da Música
- Palácio de Cristal Gardens
- Miradouro da Vitória
- Jardim do Morro
- Peneda-Gerês National Park(Day trip)
- Serra do Pilar Monastery
- Porto São Bento Azulejo Hall
- Igreja do Carmo & Igreja dos Carmelitas
- Rua de Santa Catarina
- Majestic Café
- Capela das Almas
- Mercado Ferreira Borges
- Matosinhos seafood district(Day trip)
- Ribeira waterfront promenade
- Porto Wine Museum
- World of Wine (WOW)
- Leça da Palmeira natural pools(Day trip)
- Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis
- Serralves Museum & Park
- FC Porto Museum & Stadium
- Palácio de São João Novo
- Jardim das Virtudes
Getting there
- Airports:
- OPO
- Train stations:
- Porto Campanhã
- Seaport:
- Reachable by ship or ferry