Located on the northwestern coast of Portugal, Porto is a city with a rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking scenery. Known for its famous port wine, stunning landscapes, and charming architecture, Porto is a must-visit destination for any traveler. 

From exploring the winding streets of the historic Ribeira district to taking in the panoramic views from the Dom Luís I Bridge, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this enchanting city. Whether you’re a foodie looking to sample the local cuisine or a history buff interested in the city’s past, you’ll satisfy your curiosity. 

It’s no wonder Porto has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe. Grab a glass of wine, sit back, and let’s explore everything that this amazing city has to offer!

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PORTO TRAVEL GUIDE

Praca de Carlos Alberto

Porto’s History

Porto is a historic city that dates back to Roman times. It was originally named Portus Cale, which later evolved into Portugal. In the 12th century, Porto became an important commercial and cultural center, and it played a significant role in Portugal’s maritime history. 

The city’s historic center, Ribeira, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is home to many beautiful buildings and landmarks that have been well-preserved. Today, Porto is a vibrant and modern city that is known for its wine, food, and stunning landscapes. 

Top Attractions

Ribeira

The historic center of Porto, known as Ribeira, is a picturesque neighborhood that is full of character and charm. The narrow streets are lined with colorful buildings, cafes, and restaurants, and the area is home to many historic landmarks, such as the Porto Cathedral and the Sao Bento train station. 

Ribeira is located along the Douro River, which is a great place to take a leisurely stroll and take in the views. Don’t miss the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge, which connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Porto Cathedral

The Porto Cathedral, built in the 12th century, is a stunning cathedral and a perfect example of Romanesque architecture. From the outside, the cathedral’s 75-meter-high bell tower dominates the skyline. The interior is just as impressive, with intricate carvings and beautiful stained glass windows. The cathedral has a museum with artifacts that date back to the cathedral’s construction, including ancient books and religious artifacts. 

Sao Bento Train Station 

Sao Bento Train Station is another must-visit attraction in Porto. Built in the early 20th century, this stunning train station features grand architecture that is typical of the Beaux-Arts style. The interior of the station is decorated with over 20,000 tiles that depict scenes from Portuguese history. These tiles were created by renowned artist Jorge Colaço and are a true work of art. Even if you’re not planning on catching a train, a visit to Sao Bento Train Station is well worth your time. 

Six Bridges Boat Cruise

One of the best ways to see any city, including Porto, is from the water. Taking a 6 Bridges Boat Cruise is the perfect way to get another view of Porto and to see and learn about the 6 iconic bridges in the city. This hour-long boat tour takes you under six of Porto’s iconic bridges, including the Dom Luis I Bridge, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city, the Ponte de Infante, the Dona Maria Pia, the Ponte de Sao Joao, the Freixo, and the Ponte da Arrabida. The tour also takes you past some of Porto’s most beautiful buildings, including the Customs House and the Ribeira district.

The photo above is a view of Porto from our boat. We booked our cruise on GetYourGuide.

Lello Bookstore

No visit to Porto would be complete without a stop at Lello Bookstore. This stunning bookstore was built in 1906 and is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. From the outside, the store is unassuming, but inside, it’s a different story. The store’s grand staircase is one of its most impressive features, and it’s easy to see why it was an inspiration for the Hogwarts staircase in the Harry Potter movies. The store also has a vast collection of books, including rare and out-of- print titles. Wether you’re a book lover or not you must stop by. 

Church of Sao Francisco

The Church of Sao Francisco is another must-see attraction in Porto. This stunning church was built in the Gothic style in the 14th century and is famous for its baroque interior. The church is adorned with intricate carvings and gold leaf, making it one of the most opulent churches in Portugal. The highlight of the church is the catacombs, which contain the remains of several Franciscan monks. Visiting the Church of Sao Francisco is very much a unique and unforgettable experience. 

Rua Santa Catarina

Chapel Santa Catarina

Rua Santa Catarina

Rua Santa Catarina is Porto’s main shopping street and is a great place to spend an afternoon. The street is lined with shops selling everything from clothing to souvenirs. One of the focal points on the street is the Chapel Santa Catarina, which is a beautiful example of Baroque architecture. The chapel is located at the top of the street and is worth the climb up the hill. This is the place to be if you’re looking for a place to shop and soak up some local culture.

It is also a great place to stay during your trip.  We stayed here at the Bloom House by Sweet Porto Hotel during our part of our stay in Porto, and I definitely recommend it.

Avenue dos Aliados

Avenue dos Aliados is one of Porto’s most famous streets and is home to some of the city’s most impressive buildings. The street is lined with grand buildings, including the City Hall and the Monument to the Heroes of the Peninsular War. The street is a great place to take a stroll and admire the architecture. It’s also a popular spot for events, including concerts and festivals. If you’re looking for a place to relax and take in the sights, Avenue dos Aliados is a good choice. 

Fado Performance

Graham’s Wine Cellar

Port Wine Tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia

No visit to Porto is complete without sampling some of the city’s famous Port wine. The best place to do this is in the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood, where you’ll find dozens of Port wine cellars. These cellars offer tours and tastings, where you can learn about the history of Port wine and sample different varieties. Some of the most popular cellars include Taylor’s, Sandeman, and Graham’s. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just a casual drinker, a visit to the Port wine cellars is a must-do activity in Porto. 

Pinhao, Portugal

The Douro River and Wine Country 

The Douro River is one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Porto. You can take a boat tour along the river, which will give you a unique perspective of the city and its surroundings. Along the way, you’ll see beautiful vineyards, charming towns, and stunning landscapes. The Douro Valley is also home to some of Portugal’s best wineries, where you can learn about wine production and sample some of the region’s finest wines. 

We took a train to Pinhao and had a tasting at the Carvalhas Winery and took a tour with a tasting at the Bomfim Winery. We enjoyed the delicious wines and the magnificent scenery! The photo above was taken just outside the Carvalhas Winery.

View from Jardins do Palacio de Cristal overlooking the Douro River and across at Vila Nova de Gaia

Stunning Landscapes 

Porto is known for its stunning landscapes, which include everything from the rugged coastline to the rolling hills of the Douro Valley. One of the best places to take in the views is from the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, a beautiful park that overlooks the Douro River. Miradouro da Vitória also offers panoramic views of the city and the river. For a more adventurous experience, you can take a hike in the Serra do Pilar, a mountain range located just outside of Porto. 

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Local Cuisines

Francesinha at Cafe Santiago

Pasteis de Nata from Nata Lisboa on Rua Santa Catarina

Majestic Cafe

Porto is a food lover’s paradise, and there are several local dishes you must try. One of the most popular dishes is Francesinha, which is a sandwich that is filled with ham, sausage, steak, and covered in melted cheese, a spicy tomato sauce and sometimes an egg on top. One of the best places to try it is at Cafe Santiago. 

Another must-try dish is Bacalhau, which is a traditional Portuguese dish made with salt cod. Porto is also known for its pastries, the most famous being the Pasteis de Nata., a caramelized custard in a flaky puff pastry. Our favorite was at Nata Lisboa on Rua Santa Catarina. We got a warm one that was heavenly! And it just happened to be right by our hotel (Bloom House by Sweet Porto). How lucky!

Majestic Cafe

Don’t leave Porto without stopping at the Majestic Cafe, pictured above, a grand cafe that dates back to 1921 and is famous for its Art Nouveau architecture. We only had dessert and coffee there. The French toast, which is served as a dessert, is amazing! I stopped by just for that twice during our trip!

Where to Stay

D&S Lazaros Apartments

Bloom House by Sweet Porto

There are plenty of accommodation options in Porto, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. For a unique experience, consider staying in one of the city’s historic buildings, which have been converted into hotels. The Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel is a great option, as it is located in a 16th-century building and offers stunning views of the Douro River. The Yeatman Hotel is another popular choice, as it is located in Vila Nova de Gaia and also offers beautiful views of the river. 

We stayed at two places in Porto because we went at the beginning of our Portugal trip and again at the end. I recommend them both. The first one was D&S Lazaros Apartments, and the second one was the Bloom House by Sweet Porto hotel on Rua Santa Catarina. While we liked both and both were in good locations, we preferred the location on Rua Santa Catarina. There’s so much right outside the door– restaurants, shops, grocery, laundry, etc.

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Transportation

Porto is a relatively small city, and many of the top attractions are located within walking distance of each other. But be aware! There are steep hills everywhere. Going toward the river is all down-hill, but coming back up is a workout! Luckily there are public transportation options. The Metro system is efficient and affordable, and there are also buses and trams that run throughout the city. Taxis and Uber are also readily available, and they are a good option if you need to travel outside of the city center. 

We walked a lot, but a few times late at night when we were very tired we chose to take an Uber back up the hill. They are very cheap in Portugal, so why not?! 

Currency

The national currency in Portugal is the Euro (€).  Click here to get the daily conversion.

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