Porto Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Dom Luis I Bridge featuring street scenes, a bridge and a river or creek
Porto Cathedral featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects
Porto showing a city and street scenes
Photo provided by Tourismo de Portugal
Photo provided by Tourismo de Portugal
Portugal’s second-largest city captivates visitors with its rich history, award-winning wines and grand architecture.

Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Europe’s oldest and best-preserved cities. Set upon the steep banks of the Douro River, the city blends Old World charm with a passion for fine wines.

For a look into the grandeur of Porto’s past, tour the ornate Palácio da Bolsa, the city’s 19th-century neoclassical stock exchange. Next door, you’ll find the Gothic Igreja de São Francisco. In contrast to the church’s dark exterior, the interior is almost entirely covered in gold leaf.

Walk up the hill or take the cable-car railway to admire the uniquely Portuguese mosaics called azulejos that adorn the cloister walls of the Sé do Porto and the nearby São Bento Train Station. Be sure not to miss the bookstore Livraria Lello & Irmão, a Porto institution considered one of the most beautiful shops in the world.

Closer to the Douro, step back in time as you wander the narrow passages of the Ribeira district. The buildings in this medieval neighbourhood are old and colourful, and the streets teem with people. Enjoy Porto’s signature culinary delights, tripas à moda (a tripe dish) or francesinha (a meat sandwich drenched in a beer sauce) at one of the many restaurants along the river.

No trip to Porto is complete without experiencing port, the wine named after the city. Learn about the history of the wine trade at the Port Wine Museum. Cross the towering Luís I Bridge to visit the area’s many Port wine cellars. For a small fee, you can tour the cellars and sample some of the region’s best wines. If you have a few hours, cruise down the river on a rabelo (wine cargo boat) to gaze up at the terraced vineyards that line the hills.

Driving in Porto is not recommended. Instead, use the extensive metro, tram and bus networks. Be aware that many of the narrow lanes in Port’s older districts are accessible only by foot. This allows ample opportunity to study architecture and local culture as you explore the area.

Where to stay in Porto

Porto showing a city and a small town or village

Centro / Baixa

4.5/5(587 area reviews)

Centro / Baixa is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Porto City Hall and Bolhao Market. See more of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória by jumping on the metro at Trindade Station or Aliados Station.

Centro / Baixa
Ribeira Square featuring a monument, a square or plaza and a fountain

Ribeira

The ample dining options and beautiful river views are top of the list for many visitors to Ribeira. A stop by Ribeira Square or Porto Historic Center might round out your trip.

Ribeira
Dom Luis I Bridge featuring a bridge

If you're spending time in Sé, check out sights like Praça da Batalha or Porto Cathedral and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Batalha-Guindais Stop or Guindais Funicular.

Sandeman Cellars showing heritage architecture and interior views

Santa Marinha

4.5/5(50 area reviews)

While you're in Santa Marinha, take in top sights like Gaia Cable Car and jump on the metro at Jardim do Morro Station to see more of the city.

Santa Marinha
Porto which includes signage, shopping and outdoor art

Santo Ildefonso

Known for its ample dining options and beautiful river views, there's plenty to explore in Santo Ildefonso. You can visit top attractions like Bolhao Market and Porto City Hall, and jump on the metro at Trindade Station or Bolhao Station to see more of the city.

Santo Ildefonso
Porto showing a city and a small town or village

Vitória

While you're in Vitória, take in top sights like Livraria Lello or Clerigos Tower, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Guilherme Gomes Fernandes Stop or Carmo Stop.

Vitória

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