Destination Food'n Road

Porto
Travel Guide

A dive into Portuguese culture and traditions

The north of Portugal is full of good surprises. But, it’s on the banks of the Douro River that Portugal hides one of its greatest jewels: The city of Porto. The city is small in size, but large in tradition and modernity as few can. It’s smaller than Lisbon, but, in terms of leisure and gastronomy offers, it doesn’t lose anything to the Portuguese capital. Not to mention that in the region of Porto are some of the best Portuguese wines, such as the elegant Douro wine, the fortified Port wine and the exclusive green wine. It is no wonder that Porto has won the hearts of tourists and for years it has been recognized as the ‘best destination in Europe’. In this Porto guide, you will find tips on what to do, where to eat, the best regions to stay and much more.

Planning Porto

General

Information

Capital of Northern Portugal
Language: Portuguese
Distances: Lisboa (313km), Coimbra (121km), Faro (549km).
The name Porto comes from the Latin expression “Portus Cale”, which means “the place where boats dock”.
Curiosity: The city is affectionately called “Invicta” and the residents are known as “tripeiros”.

Transportation

How to get there

Francisco Sá Carneiro International Airport (OPO) is less than 20 minutes from the city centre. If you do not rent a car, the transfer from the airport to the central region can be done by metro, bus, transfer or taxi/transport by an app. There are also trains and bus lines that run from Lisbon to Porto.

Transportation

In the city

You can get to know the main tourist spots on foot, by subway or by apps. There are trams, trains and tourist buses that also take you for tours all over Porto. Traffic is intense. It is only worthwhile to rent a car if you want to go further and see other cities in the region.

AGENDA

When to go

Porto is a year-round destination. July and August is when it gets hotter, but prices rise and the city is packed with tourists. September is grape harvest time being the best time for a tour around the Douro and its wineries. From November to February, it rains and gets colder, but most places are usually empty and cheaper.

Where to stay

Best Neighbourhoods

Close to Everything: Baixa do Porto/Sé

In terms of location, it is the best area to stay in. It is right in the heart of the city, close to famous sights and subway stations. The charm is in walking through the streets and getting to know the traditional architecture of Porto. There are hotels for every taste (and every budget).

Trendy and Charming: Cedofeita

It is the place for those who want to get to know the more artistic and ‘young’ side of Porto. It has art galleries, concept stores and is within a reasonable distance of the city’s main monuments. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, don’t stay in the vicinity of Rua Galeria de Paris as this is where many trendy bars and restaurants are located. Cedofeita also has great options for couples.

With Douro River View: Ribeira

Do you know those classic photos that show the Luiz I bridge and the colourful houses of Porto in the background? They are a portrait of Ribeira. The hotels are a little more expensive, but, on the other hand, you have the privilege of waking up with the view of the Douro River.

Seaside and Sophisticated: Foz do Douro

Foz do Douro is known for being one of the noblest regions of Porto, with excellent infrastructure and the advantage of being seaside. The hotels are more expensive, but the location is ideal for those looking for a more relaxed trip away from the tourist centre.

Accomodation

Book your hotel

Porto

In Frames

Porto is a city that balances between the traditional and the modern. You will notice this when walking through the streets and observing fancy buildings sharing space with century-old buildings rich in architectural details. Take a look at the traditional Portuguese tiles, on the threshing floors and banks of the street markets… Ah, if you can, take some time at the riverside and watch the boats come and go in the Douro without haste.

Eat and Drink in Porto

You eat very well in Portugal. At every corner, you will find more and more restaurants, emporiums, bars, taverns… The most traditional ones are faithful to traditional recipes and take advantage of those homemade seasonings that resemble grandmother’s house. Expect to find a simple (but very friendly) service, combined with hearty meals, authentic and entitled to a lot of wine and seafood.

For a few years now, the gastronomic scene in Porto has gained a new face. Hipsters cafes, good vegetarian options and restaurants by renowned chefs – with Michelin stars. Today the offer is quite democratic: from small taverns with popular prices to bistros that charge more than €60 per dish.

Gastronomy

5 must try food & beverages

A symbol of Porto, Francesinha is a sandwich that takes bread, steak, sausage, ham – all covered with melted cheese and a slightly spicy sauce. Oh, and it even comes with potato chips as an accompaniment.
Where to eat? Yuko Tavern, Café Santiago, Brasão Cervejaria.

It is on the menu of most restaurants in the city. Get ready to try the most different versions, from dumplings and stews to hamburgers and pies.
Where to eat? Terra Nova, Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau or Bacalhoeiro in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Legend has it that the recipe appeared at the time of the Great Navigations. Even today it is a classic: the stew is made with sausage, tripes and white beans.
Where to eat? A Cozinha do Manel, Líder.

It is the typical drink of northern Portugal. A fortified wine that compared to other wines is sweeter and stronger (the alcohol content can reach 22%).
Where to drink? Wine Quay Bar, Capela Incomum or at the cellars Sandeman and Graham’s, in Vila Nova de Gaia.

It is a typical ingredient in almost the entire Portuguese coast. In Porto, it is no different. Be sure to try the breaded octopus fillets and the Octupus ‘à lagareiro’, well seasoned with olive oil and garlic.
Where to eat? Puro 4050, Solar Moinho de Vento.

The best places to eat Francesinha in Porto

What to do in Porto

Porto gathers almost everything tourists look for in one place: historic addresses, good restaurants, viewpoints, river, beaches, wineries, museums, art galleries, popular festivals… The truth is that the city of Porto is full of dishes for every type of traveller and offers programs that suit all tastes. If you have available time, book at least three nights to get to know it.

Tip: Before assembling the itinerary, check that Porto.CARD is worth buying. The card guarantees free entry to some museums and gives a discount up to 50% at various attractions and restaurants in the city. Its price ranges from € 6 and can be purchased online or at physical points of sale.

Activities

Main Attractions

Historic centre

The region is best explored on foot, going up and down the slopes and closely observing the century-old architecture. São Bento Station, Torre dos Clérigos, Palácio da Bolsa and Capela das Almas are unmissable. The famous Lello bookshop is also in the historic centre.

Museums and cultural centres

There are more than 20 museums around the city. A good part of them tells about the history of Portugal and its traditions, such as the Soares dos Reis National Museum and the FC Porto museum. Also, be sure to visit the contemporary exhibitions of the Serralves Foundation and check the Casa de Música (Music Hall) schedule.

Street markets and fairs

No place is better to know Porto lifestyle than the popular markets and street fairs. The Bolhão Market is the most famous and traditional, but it is undergoing a renovation since 2018, for now, it is possible to visit the Temporary Market of Bolhão. There you will find flowers, fruits, meats, fish, bread… Now, to find antiques and trinkets, the right address is the Vandoma Fair, a flea market which takes place on Saturdays at Estádio do Dragão.

Boat trips along the Douro

Navigating the Douro River is one of the “mandatory” programs for everyone who goes to Porto. There are several tour options from the Ribeira marinas. The most traditional is the “River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise”, a more compact tour, so to speak. But there are also options for more robust tours, that include lunch, visits to wineries and wine tasting.

Viewpoints (Miradouros)

Porto is even more beautiful if seen from above. There are more than 20 viewpoints spread throughout the city. Knowing this, keep your camera ready to get different angles of the city. The best views are from the viewpoints of Sé Cathedral, Crystal Palace Gardens (Jardim do Palácio de Cristal) and Passeio das Virtudes.

Port Wine Cellars

The Porto region has so many cellars that it is difficult to choose which one to visit. Just cross the Luiz I bridge to reach Vila Nova de Gaia and you’ll find what the Portuguese call “the highest concentration of alcohol per square meter in the world”. It is not really an exaggeration: the cellars are positioned almost in sequence, one close to the other. The most famous are Graham’s, Taylor’s, Sandeman and Real Companhia Velha. At Espaço Porto Cruz, you can find a bit of everything: the building has interactive exhibitions, a tasting room, a restaurant and a rooftop that serves cocktails based on regional wine – all with a view of the Douro River.

Matosinhos

Not everyone knows, but the metro in Porto takes you to the beach. You can reach the coastal city of Matosinhos in less than half an hour from Trindade station. It is very popular with residents and tourists who want to go for a swim and enjoy the seafood, whether at the Matosinhos Municipal Market or at one of the many seafood restaurants. Another classic program is to visit the stores and factories of traditional Portuguese canned goods. Conserva Pinhais & Cia offers guided tours that tell about the tradition of fishing and show the production processes which the brand has been using for over 100 years.

+ Portugal: What to do in Lisbon

No trip to Portugal is complete without a few days in Lisbon. Check out our tips for a 2-3 day itinerary in the country’s capital.

Book Tours in Porto

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Best places to eat Francesinha in Porto

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Plan your next trip!

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PortoTravel Guide

Planning Porto

Information

How to get there

In the city

When to go

Best Neighbourhoods

Close to Everything: Baixa do Porto/Sé

Trendy and Charming: Cedofeita

With Douro River View: Ribeira

Seaside and Sophisticated: Foz do Douro

Book your hotel

In Frames

Eat and Drink in Porto

5 must try food & beverages

Francesinha

Cod Fish

Tripas à Moda do Porto

Port Wine

Octupus

The best places to eat Francesinha in Porto

What to do in Porto

Main Attractions

Historic centre

Museums and cultural centres

Street markets and fairs

Boat trips along the Douro

Viewpoints (Miradouros)

Port Wine Cellars

Matosinhos

+ Portugal: What to do in Lisbon

Book Tours in Porto

Be inspired before the trip

Movies

Porto (2017)

Books

The Book of Disquiet (1982)

Videos

Parts Unknown in Porto

more portugal

Plan your next trip!

Porto
Travel Guide