adminVisiting Porto is now a fashionable thing. And it’s not by chance. In recent years, the city has established itself as a tourist destination par excellence, having been awarded, for example, as “Europe’s Leading City Break Destination 2020”. Gone are the days when the North of Portugal was seen as something distant and little interesting (or at least something that could be missed at the first opportunity). Today everyone agrees that its attractions are many and varied, and can satisfy travelers and tourists with different tastes and budgets, which is why visiting Porto is something not to be missed in Portugal.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Porto as undefeated city
Porto is a city with soul, a long and rich history (since the time of the pre-Roman settlement “Portus Cale”, which gave its name to Portugal), proud people and a very unique identity, which distinguishes it from other cities in Portugal, demonstrated for example in the city’s support for the accession to the throne of King D. João I (in the crisis of 1383-1385) and in his maritime expansion project (which began with the capture of Ceuta in 1415), as well as the siege of the city for more than a year during the Liberal Wars (1832-1834), something that earned it the epithet of “Undefeated (Invicta) City”, or even the republican revolt of January 31, 1891, an antecedent to the proclamation of the Portuguese Republic in 1910. Today, the city asserts itself as a regional capital, city of work but also of leisure, where architecture, sport and gastronomy attract everyone’s attention.
If you are interested in Portuguese history and want to know more, check out our “Plan your trip”.
Porto as UNESCO World Heritage site
The Historic Center, built along the hills overlooking the mouth of the Douro River in northern Portugal, is an outstanding urban landscape with a +2,000-year history. Monuments such as the cathedral with its Romanesque choir, the neoclassical Stock Exchange and the typically Portuguese Manueline-style Church of Santa Clara are a testimony to the richness of this cultural patrimony, classified as UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.
PRACTICAL TIPS TO VISIT PORTO
When visiting Porto, it is good to have some basic ideas that will help you on the ground. So here are some practical tips for when you visit Porto.
1. When to visit Porto
The climate of the city is greatly influenced by its proximity to the sea and temperatures are milder, both in summer and winter, than in the interior of Portugal. Winter is generally rainy and humid, especially in the months of December and January. The hottest months are July and August, and are a good time to visit the city, but the best time to visit is Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November), when many days are sunny and the temperatures are mild. If you want to visit on a special occasion, be sure to visit in June, when the popular São João (Saint John) festivities take place.
For more information about the weather in Portugal, check out our “Plan your trip”.
2. How to get to Porto
Porto has good transport connections with the rest of the country and abroad, so you have different options on how to get to Porto.
See our post with all the tips on how to get to Porto.
Search and buy your flight to Porto.
Book your private transfer from the airport to your hotel.
Book your rental car in Portugal, at the best prices.
3. Getting around Porto
The city of Porto should be explored on foot or using Porto’s public transport network, including the Porto Metro, but if you want to explore the outskirts of the city or the north of Portugal, the best option is to have your own vehicle.
Have unlimited access to the metro and buses, and discounts on museum tickets, with your Porto Card.
4. Where to stay in Porto
When visiting Porto, one of the most important decisions when preparing your trip is where to stay. To do this, it’s a good idea to know the best areas to stay, along with the best suggestions according to the type of accommodation and budget available.
5. Travel insurance for your trip to Porto
Travel insurance is more important than ever for a trip without worries, even when the trip does not involve any particularly dangerous activities. Like Portuguese people use to say “You don’t fool around with health!”.
Buy your travel insurance for the trip to Portugal.
6. Bank cards in Portugal
Portugal is integrated into the international banking system, so using debit or credit cards will not be a problem in handling money in Portugal. With your debit or credit card, you can make payments at any store or commercial establishment, as well as withdraw euros in ATMs, which are widely available, the national network being called Multibanco. You can also find international networks of ATMs, but be careful with the conversion and transaction fees that are applied.
When we travel abroad, we use the Wise debit Mastercard®. The borderless Wise account comes with a debit card and allows you to spend anywhere in the world at the real exchange rate. You will receive low conversion rates, free ATM withdrawals of up to £ 200 per month and zero transaction fees. You can create your Wise multi-currency account here and get your Wise debit card.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO WHEN YOU VISIT PORTO
To be able to visit Porto with time to discover all the best that the city has to offer, we suggest that you dedicate at least three days to it, as in our suggestion of itinerary in the end of the post. So here are our suggestions for what to see and do when visiting Porto.
1. Visit the Porto Cathedral and Episcopal Palace
Dominating the landscape of the historic center, the Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace are mandatory visits. The Cathedral has Roman-Gothic origins (12th and 13th centuries), but underwent renovations in the Baroque period (17th-18th centuries) with contributions from Nicolau Nasoni, a famous architect.
Right next door, the Episcopal Palace, former residence of the bishops of Porto and where the wedding of D. João I with D. Filipa de Lencastre was celebrated in 1386, was remodeled in the 18th century by Nasoni.
2. Visit São Bento Station
São Bento Station is one of the symbols of the city and one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. It was officially inaugurated on October 5, 1916, 6 years after the establishment of the Portuguese Republic (although it had been in operation since 1896) and, although Campanhã Station is the city’s main railway station, São Bento stands out for its architectural beauty and its monumental tiles. A must-see place when visiting Porto.
3. Visit the Clérigos Tower
Next to Avenida dos Aliados, the tower of Clérigos Church (Torre dos Clérigos), built by Nicolau Nasoni, dominates the area, with its 75 m high and robust appearance, but beautiful and fragile at the same time. It is one of the city’s trademark images.
You can climb the 225 steps to the top of the Clérigos Tower to have one of the best views over the city, particularly the Historic Center. This is truly a must-see place when visiting Porto.
Buy your skip-the-line entrance ticket to the Clérigos Tower.
4. Visit the Porto Stock Exchange Palace
Headquarters of the Commercial Association, the Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa) dates back to the mid-19th century, and is the richest building in the city. Highlights include the Arab Hall (Salão Árabe), where the most important official events in the city of Porto take place, and the Courtyard of Nations (Pátio das Nações), where the Stock Exchange operated until the end of the 20th century.
5. Cross the D. Luís I Bridge
It is probably the monument whose image is most associated with the city and a must-see when visiting Porto. The D. Luís I Bridge was built between 1881 and 1888, replacing an old suspension bridge that existed in the same location. Currently, the lower deck continues to serve road traffic, while the upper deck is covered by the Porto Metro. It was designed by a Belgian engineer who had already worked with Gustave Eiffel on the construction of the D. Maria Pia Railway Bridge (now abandoned). Go down to Ribeira, the historic neighborhood next to the Douro River, and enjoy the view of the river and this magnificent bridge when you visit Porto.
6. Visit Ribeira
Visiting Porto, and not going to Ribeira, is like going to Rome and not seeing the Pope! Despite the exponential growth of tourists walking along the cobbled streets, and the traditional houses transformed into accommodation dedicated to welcoming them, Ribeira continues to be the most traditional and typical area of Porto.
The Historic Center is an area classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Ribeira is its exponent. Get lost in the narrow streets and discover hidden corners and their charms. On the riverfront, enjoy the countless restaurants and bars, and the magnificent view. It is a must-see place when visiting Porto.
7. Visit Gaia
Gaia is the city on the opposite bank of the Douro River, facing Porto. Make sure you walk to the other bank and, in addition to enjoying the classic view of Porto, visit the Port Wine Cellars, where the precious liquid is stored to age and waits to be exported.
There, you can join a guided tour and taste what is, still today, one of the most recognized Portuguese products in the world, the famous Port Wine. Another option could be to watch fado music and drink port wine.
Book a Cálem Cellar Tour, Fado Show & Wine Tasting.
8. Visit Serra do Pilar and the Gaia Cable Car
Porto is a city with a harmonious architectural ensemble that even looks more beautiful when seen from the outside. The Serra do Pilar Monastery, on the Gaia side, overlooking the D. Luís I Bridge, is probably the best viewpoint for the Douro River and historic areas of both cities. Right next door, you can take the Gaia Cable Car, and enjoy a short but unforgettable trip, with unique views over Porto and Gaia pier, where the trip ends.
9. Take the train trip São Bento to Campanhã
Take any urban train (direction Aveiro, Braga or Guimarães) at São Bento Station (don’t forget to admire the beautiful blue tiles), and take the short section to Campanhã Station. You will pass through centuries-old tunnels and, between them, you will have surprising views over the Douro and Gaia Rivers, and the D. Maria Pia Bridge. An activity not to be missed when visiting Porto.
10. Admire the Fernandina Wall
Next to the Church of Santa Clara (itself with an interior decoration worth a visit), access a section of the Fernandina Wall (14th century), walk at the top and, between the battlements, have fabulous views over the Douro River, the Guindais houses, the D. Luís I Bridge, and also Gaia.
11. Walk down the Guindais neighborhood to the Douro River
Although the Guindais Funicular is right next door, walk down the winding alleys of the Guindais neighborhood, admire the Fernandina Wall, and experience the daily life of the locals up close. Be sure to try the Guindalense Football Club terrace, with magnificent views. Sooner or later this neighborhood will be converted into accommodation for tourists, so go while there’s still time!
12. Visit the Bolhão Market
In a place where a market had already existed since the 19th century, in 1914 the building that still stands today appeared. However, the emblematic Mercado do Bolhão closed for years for renovation work to make way for a new project that has recently opened. The exterior design of the building was maintained and the fresh market on the ground floor also remains. The remaining shops and restaurants are now starting to open.
13. Admire the blue tiles of the city of Porto
Due to their magnificent tiled exterior, the Carmo Church, near the Clérigos Tower, the Soul’s Chapel (Capela das Almas), near Bolhão Market, and the Santo Ildefonso Church, in Batalha Square, will leave the most traveled tourist’s jaw dropping.
14. Discover the most beautiful churches in Porto
If you like to appreciate religious art, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the most beautiful churches in Porto. Due to its luxurious and stunning interior, be sure to visit Santa Clara Church, close to the Cathedral, and São Francisco Church, close to the Stock Exchange Palace.
If you prefer simplicity, the Cedofeita Church is the oldest in the city, being almost 1000 years old.
15. Try Porto’s gastronomy
If you are a food fan, there are delicacies that you cannot miss when visiting Porto. The city is known for traditional dishes such as “francesinha” (a fortified meat sandwich) and “Tripas à Moda do Porto” (cow’s entrails), with Rua Passos Manuel being a good place to start studying the terrain. But gourmet gastronomy is also increasingly a symbol of the city, with some of the best restaurants in the country.
For more information about portuguese traditional dishes, check out our “Plan your trip”.
16. Walk along Santa Catarina and 31 de Janeiro streets
The city of Porto has some places that you cannot miss if you are a fan of shopping in local stores. Santa Catarina Street crosses the center of Porto, in a North-South direction, from Marquês Square to Batalha Square, but it is the section between Batalha and Fernandes Tomás Street that constitutes the main commercial artery of the city. International and local stores, cafes and restaurants delight those who want to take home a souvenir. 31 de Janeiro Street runs down from Batalha Square to São Bento Station and is also something not to be missed when visiting Porto.
17. Visit the Bom Sucesso Market
Bom Sucesso Market is truly a success story in the recovery of a commercial location. Today it is a city market where you can try Porto’s gastronomy in restaurants where freshness and quality come first. Cultural and musical events take place regularly at the venue.
18. Watch a show at Casa da Música when visiting Porto
The Casa da Música is one of the most emblematic architectural works in the city, as a result of Porto being “European Capital of Culture” in 2001. The building has a bold and award-winning architecture, which stands out in the surrounding urban landscape, and has become an icon of the city of Porto. Take a guided tour to discover more, and don’t miss a show in the Suggia room. A place to visit when visiting Porto.
19. Buy a book at Lello Bookshop
Lello Bookshop, built in 1906, is recognized as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and has become a tourist attraction. Try to distract yourself from the crowds, and focus on the beautiful architecture of the interior, where the impressive red staircase and magnificent ceiling stand out, and on the diversity and quality of the books on display. This is a must-see place when visiting Porto.
20. Admire modern art at Casa de Serralves
Opened in 1999, the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art has established itself internationally and regularly exhibits exhibitions by renowned artists. Located in the spaces of the Serralves Foundation, which include a park and the Casa de Serralves, the architecture of the buildings, the uniqueness of the art and the beauty of the outdoor spaces combine to make a visit to the Serralves Museum one of the highlights when visiting Porto.
Buy your ticket to the Serralves Foundation here.
21. Take a tram when visiting Porto
In 1872, the first line of “American cars” in the city of Porto was inaugurated. Currently there are 3 different lines of the Porto Tram City Tour that run through emblematic areas of the city: Lines 1, 18 and 22. If you are interested in the history of this means of transport, also visit the Tram Museum, which has on display beautiful examples of trams that circulated on the streets of Porto. Another fantastic experience for when visit Porto.
22. Have a cimbalino at Majestic Cafe, in Porto
Located on Santa Catarina Street, Majestic Cafe opened its doors on December 17, 1921 and soon established itself as a place for political gatherings and debate of ideas. Symbol of Porto’s “Bélle Époque” and Art Nouveau, it underwent renovation works in the nineties and today is one of the most touristic places in Porto, but continues to be a meeting point for writers and artists.
23. Watch a show at the Coliseum when visiting Porto
Opened on December 19, 1941, the Coliseu do Porto is one of the institutions that Porto residents most recognize and love. In 1995, the population of Porto took to the streets, demonstrating to keep the Coliseu do Porto as the city’s heritage. And that’s what he is today, more than ever. Don’t miss a ballet, opera or Portuguese music show. Another must-see place when visiting Porto.
24. Watch a football game at Dragão Stadium when visiting Porto
Dragão Stadium is the home of the city’s biggest club, Porto Football Club, dominant in the Portuguese League and winner of several European titles. Don’t miss a game in this fabulous stadium, if possible one in the Champions League, at the home of the ninth team with the most victories in games in the history of the competition and with two titles (1986-87 and 2003-4).
Book your visit to the Dragão stadium and museum.
25. Take the Six Bridges Cruise when visiting Porto
Get a unique perspective of the city of Porto and its bridges and take a short boat trip along the Douro River. Try a traditional rabelo boat and pass by the road bridges of D. Luís I, Arrábida, Infante and Freixo, and the railway bridges of D. Maria Pia (closed since 1991), and São João. A must-do experience when visiting Porto.
Book your six bridges cruise in Porto.
26. Celebrate São João in Porto
The celebrations of Saint John’s Day (June 24th) are the most awaited by the people of Porto, bringing tens of thousands of people to the streets of Porto. A popular festival by nature, it brings together all social classes on the city streets. Don’t miss the grilled sardines, fly a São João balloon and let yourself be enchanted by the fireworks at midnight. A must-do experience when visiting Porto.
27. Eat street food in a traditional tavern when visiting Porto
Take advantage of the small riverside streets and alleys or the traditional neighborhoods to enter a tavern, sit down and eat roasted chorizo, cornbread, olives and some cod patties You won’t regret it. Another must-do experience when visiting Porto.
Book your food and wine tour in the city of Porto.
28. Visit the Bricklayers Cooperative
Created in 1914, the Bricklayers Cooperative built its headquarters building on the quarry from which it extracted construction material, close to the highest area of the city, Marquês Square. On the 14th floor of the tower, you can have lunch at the Portucale Panoramic Restaurant and enjoy a magnificent view over the entire city, the sea and the mountains. A lunch (or dinner) with an unforgettable view of Porto.
29. Enjoy the nightlife when visiting Porto
If you like to enjoy nightlife and go out for a drink, the most popular nightlife area in Porto is Ribeira, in particular Praça do Cubo.
But there are new spaces asserting themselves as meeting places for Porto residents and tourists. In particular, the area between Aliados and Clérigos is becoming one of the hottest areas in the city of Porto. You can also watch a show at the Hard Club, housed in the former Ferreira Borges Market building.
30. Enjoy Nature when visiting Porto
Visiting Porto can also be synonymous with physical exercise or contact with nature. If you prefer quiet places to relax and enjoy life in a relaxed way, the city of Porto offers several green and peaceful spaces, where you can walk, run, exercise or, quite simply, sit on a garden bench.
Stroll through the gardens of Palácio de Cristal (where you can visit the Book Fair in September), go jogging in Parque da Cidade, the largest urban park in the country, or walk along the Douro riverfront, from Ribeira to Foz. Parque de São Roque, or Quinta da Lameira, near Antas, and Quinta do Covelo, near Marquês, are two large green spaces where you can relax from the urban environment.
31. Go to the beach when visiting Porto
As a large urban center, Porto is not famous for its beaches, and there are many that stretch out in the sun in the heart of the historic center.
However, in Porto and near the city there are also beaches! The city’s beaches are Praia do Molhe and Praia da Luz. Near Porto you will find Praia de Lavadores (Gaia), and the beaches of Matosinhos and Leça. If you want to see the beautiful and unusual Senhor da Pedra Chapel, built on the rock and surrounded by the sea, don’t miss Miramar beach (Gaia).
SUGGESTED ITINERARY TO VISIT PORTO
1st Day – Visit Porto’s great attractions
- Avenida dos Aliados
- Porto City Hall,
- São Bento Station
- Train between São Bento and Campanhã (if you have time)
- Cathedral and Episcopal Palace
- Santa Clara Church
- Fernandina Wall
- D. Luís Bridge (upper deck)
- Serra do Pilar Monastery (Gaia)
- Gaia cable car
- Gaia Pier
- Port Wine Cellars
- D. Luís Bridge (lower deck)
- Ribeira
- Infante’s House
- Church of San Francisco
- Six Bridges Cruise
2nd Day – Visit classic Porto
- Bolhão Market
- Chapel of Souls
- Santa Catarina Street
- Majestic Café
- Porto Coliseum
- Batalha Square
- Church of Santo Ildefonso
- 31 de Janeiro Street
- Clérigos Church
- Clérigos Tower
- Lisbon Square
- Lello Bookstore
- Rectory of the University of Porto
- Carmo Church
- Crystal Palace Gardens
3rd Day – Visit modern Porto and open spaces
- Boavista Roundabout
- Casa da Música
- Bom Sucesso Market
- Boavista Avenue
- Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art
- Parque da Cidade
- Electric car, from Foz to Ribeira.
- Stock Exchange Palace
- Ferreira Borges Market.
WHAT TO VISIT FROM PORTO
It is not only because of its historical, cultural and economic importance that Porto is known as the “Capital of the North”. Visiting Porto also has advantages when it comes to the rest of Portugal. The truth is that, from the city of Porto, it is possible to make day trips to the north and center of Portugal. Here are some of our suggestions for places to visit from Porto.
1. Visit Guimarães from Porto
Visit the birthplace of Portugal, beautiful Guimarães. The city gains even more charm during the Festas Nicolinas and the famous Feira Afonsina.
Book a day trip to Guimarães (and Braga) from Porto.
2. Visit Fátima from Porto
A little further away from Porto, it is possible to visit Fátima, the religious capital of Portugal.
Book a tour to Fátima and Coimbra from Porto.
3. Visit Gerês from Porto
Explore Gerês mountain range, the biggest and highest in the north of Portugal, by joining an organized tour from Porto.
Book a day trip to Gerês from Porto.
4. Visit the Douro from Porto
Discover the charms of the Douro Line, hop aboard the Douro Historic Train, and delight in Douro cuisine. If you have little time, be sure to take a trip to the Douro region from Porto.
Book your place on an excursion to the Douro River, with boat trip, wine tasting and lunch.
5. Visit Santiago de Compostela from Porto
You can start one of the sections of the famous Camino de Santiago in Porto, the Coast one or the Portuguese one. There is a pilgrim support workshop in front of the Episcopal Cathedral, where you can pick up your credential there and start on the path. Or you can join a trip to Santiago de Compostela.
Book a 1-day tour from Porto to Santiago de Compostela.
