With its riverside charm, historic architecture and vibrant culture, Porto delivers an enthralling Portuguese experience. Located along the Douro River in northern Portugal, this coastal city entices visitors with its scenic surroundings, wineries, contemporary art and lively nightlife. Use this comprehensive guide to fully experience all that Porto has to offer.
Getting There
Porto is served by Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport which offers direct flights to major European hubs and other Portuguese cities. It’s a 30-minute drive or 40-minute metro ride to downtown Porto from the airport.
Porto is also connected via rail and expressway to other destinations in Portugal like Lisbon and Braga. Trains take 2.5 to 3 hours from Lisbon, while the drive is around 3 hours.
With Volario, we offer a number of route options to help you travel to Porto. Take a look at our latest fare offers today.
Getting Around Porto
Porto’s compact historic center is very walkable, especially around attractions like the Ribeira district. For longer distances, Porto’s metro system is efficient and easy to navigate with six color-coded lines.
Taxis are affordable and plentiful for point-to-point trips. Another fun way to get around is hopping aboard the old-fashioned trams that wind through parts of the city.
When to Visit Porto
Porto enjoys a mild climate, making it enjoyable to visit year-round. However, the most ideal times are spring and early fall when temperatures are mild and crowds are smaller than summer.
Summers are pleasantly warm with temperatures around 80°F, though be prepared for occasional heat waves. Winters rarely dip below 45°F during the daytime. Room rates are lowest in the winter low season if you don’t mind some rain.
Where to Stay in Porto
With its scenic waterfront setting, historic city center and lively contemporary vibe, Portugal’s second city offers many excellent lodging options for travelers. Boutique hotels and vacation rentals abound in atmospheric neighborhoods enveloping the Douro River. Whether you want proximity to top attractions, restaurants and nightlife or a room with a view, Porto delivers stylish and comfortable accommodations.
Here’s a guide to the best areas to stay during your visit.
– Ribeira – To be immersed in Porto’s postcard-perfect riverside charm, stay in one of the multicolored townhouses nestled in this district. Pestana Vintage Porto offers stylish accommodations steps from the Douro.
– Baixa – Right in the heart of the city, Baixa puts you next to Avenida dos Aliados, São Bento train station and key landmarks. Splurge on Pestana Porto or choose HF Ipanema Park.
– Foz do Douro – For proximity to Porto’s beaches, book a room at one of the upscale hotels lining this coastal suburb’s esplanade, like the contemporary Art’otel.
– Vila Nova de Gaia – Just across the river you’ll find panoramic views and lodging options like MGallery Hotel Casa da Companhia set in a restored 18th century edifice.
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Show detailsTop Things to Do in Porto
With its impressive array of architectural marvels, vibrant culture, pristine beaches and delicious cuisine, Valencia offers a diverse collection of top attractions and activities. Visitors flock to Spain’s third largest city seeking sun and fun along the Mediterranean coast, while discovering a wealth of historic sights. Here are the must-see places to visit and best things to do on a trip to Valencia.
– Livraria Lello – Feast your eyes on the neo-Gothic interiors of this enchanting bookstore that partly inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.
– Take a Porto river cruise – See Porto’s landmarks from a new vantage point aboard a riverboat cruise along the Douro. Sunset tours are a sublime option.
– Tour the port wine cellars – Travel across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia to visit renowned port producers like Taylor’s and enjoy port tastings.
– Wander Ribeira district – Admire the pastel houses lining the Douro in this postcard-perfect neighborhood. Don’t miss strolling across the Dom Luís I Bridge.
– See the tilework at São Bento train station – The vestibule’s azulejo tile panels depict transport and industry themes in over 20,000 tiles dated back to 1905-1916.
– Be wowed at Casa da Música – The iconic tilted white concrete concert hall was designed by Rem Koolhaas and hosts performances in its 1,300-seat grand auditorium.
– Admire the views from Clérigos Tower – Scale the 225 steps to the panoramic observation deck of this 18th century tower, an icon visible across Porto.
Best Day Trips from Porto
While Porto deserves ample time to explore Portugal’s second city, the surrounding region offers enticing day trips to complement an urban getaway. From river valley wineries to historic fortified towns, memorable excursions await just a short distance from downtown Porto. Here are the top day trips providing a taste of northern Portugal’s captivating scenery, culture and cuisine.
– Guimarães – Portugal’s first capital has a beautifully preserved medieval quarter crowned by Guimarães Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just over an hour away.
– Aveiro – Often called the Venice of Portugal thanks to its pretty canals, this charming city makes for a lovely day trip 60 minutes south of Porto.
– Douro Valley – Take a full-day tour to visit the renowned vineyards and estates crafting world-class port wine along the Douro River Valley.
– Braga – Visit Bom Jesus do Monte, an important pilgrimage site, and tour the historical city center of this cultural hub under an hour’s drive from Porto.
Where to Eat and Drink
Don’t leave Porto without trying the famous francesinha sandwich stuffed with cured meats and drenched in sauce. And be sure to sample Portugal’s famed port wine and the crisp local vinho verde white wines.
– Café Majestic – Order a francesinha sandwich and finish it off with a coffee and dessert in this regal café boasting Belle Époque interiors.
– Cantina 32 – This cool and contemporary spot serves delicious sharing plates and over 300 Portuguese wines in a barrel-filled space.
– Taberna Santo António – For excellent traditional Portuguese cuisine, try this friendly local favorite specializing in seafood and grilled meat dishes.
– Mercado Beira-Rio – This vibrant market hall in Ribeira features delicious local bites like fresh seafood, cheese, charcuterie, bread and more.
– Fé Wine & Club – Sample over 200 Portuguese wines by the glass alongside tapas plates on the Douro at this sleek, nautically-themed bar.
From historic sites to cosmopolitan culture, Porto delivers an incredible urban getaway. Use this travel guide to unlock the very best of this wonderful waterfront city.
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