Porto

Travel Guide
Dom Luis I Bridge featuring night scenes, street scenes and a bridge
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 neighborhood are old and colorful, 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 IBridge 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 which includes a small town or village and a city

Centro / Baixa

4.5/5(771 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 square or plaza, a monument and cafe lifestyle

Ribeira

The abundant dining options and stunning 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
Porto which includes signage, outdoor art and a city

União de Freguesias do Centro

4.5/5(26 area reviews)

União de Freguesias do Centro is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Porto Historic Center and Porto City Hall. See more of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória by jumping on the metro at Lapa Station or Trindade Station.

União de Freguesias do Centro
Default Image

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

Porto which includes signage, outdoor art and a city

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 Porto Historic Center and Bolhao Market, and jump on the metro at Trindade Station or Bolhao Station to see more of the city.

Santo Ildefonso
Dom Luis I Bridge featuring night scenes, street scenes and a bridge

Sao Nicolau

4.5/5(216 area reviews)

Visitors to Sao Nicolau love its stunning river views, and you can check out Porto Historic Center and Stock Exchange Palace. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Infante Stop.

Sao Nicolau
Zero Box Lodge Porto
Zero Box Lodge Porto
3 out of 5
R. do Ateneu Comercial do Porto, 13, Porto, Porto
The price is NT$1,858 per night from Nov 18 to Nov 19
NT$1,858
NT$2,108 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 18 - Nov 19
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the bathrooms in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (479 reviews)
"Staff muy amigable y demasiado Bien ubicado. Cerca de la estacion de tren y del centro de la ciudad"

Reviewed on 2024/10/28

Zero Box Lodge Porto
Hotel Porto Interface Trindade By Kavia
Hotel Porto Interface Trindade By Kavia
2 out of 5
Rua de Camões 47, Porto, Porto
The price is NT$1,591 per night from Nov 19 to Nov 20
NT$1,591
NT$1,825 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 19 - Nov 20
Stay at this hotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (308 reviews)
"Hotel location is great with train station n bus line close by. Within walking to most visited places."

Reviewed on 2024/11/3

Hotel Porto Interface Trindade By Kavia
YOTEL Porto
YOTEL Porto
4 out of 5
Rua de Gonçalo Cristóvão 206, Porto, Porto
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,767 per night from Nov 24 to Nov 25
NT$2,767
NT$3,072 total
includes taxes & fees
Nov 24 - Nov 25
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (750 reviews)
"it was pleasant stay breakfast items were limited and monotonous"

Reviewed on 2024/10/28

YOTEL Porto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Spot Family Apartments
Spot Family Apartments
3 out of 5
Rua do Bolhão, 109, União de Freguesias do Centro, Porto, Porto
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (968 reviews)
"Excelent"

Reviewed on 2024/10/22

Spot Family Apartments
Oca Ribeira do Porto AT
Oca Ribeira do Porto AT
3 out of 5
Rua de São João 9-21, Porto, Porto
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (229 reviews)
"The location was great, and facilities were great -- if they were fully functional, but I had some difficulty. Fridge, stove top, microwave, toaster and espresso maker. Nicely laid out bathroom; lots of room and a table to eat at. The espresso machine was very difficult to work. Sometimes it did, ..."

Reviewed on 2024/10/25

Oca Ribeira do Porto AT
Porto River
Porto River
4 out of 5
Rua dos Canastreiros, 50, Porto
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (428 reviews)
"Beautiful historical property with modern apartment overlooking the river. Wonderful staff and excellent breakfast. It is a little difficult to find when first arriving."

Reviewed on 2024/11/2

Porto River
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Porto

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
657
" "5 - Excellent 73.82022471910112%
4 - Good
206
" "4 - Good 23.146067415730336%
3 - Okay
22
" "3 - Okay 2.4719101123595504%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 0.33707865168539325%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.2247191011235955%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

It's such a beautiful city!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Porto was a wonderful city. I wish we would have stayed a bit longer. Due to the Corona craziness we came back to the states early. Porto has great sangria and delicious food. There are many wineries and tons of history. I will be back one day.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

It was good but not great. Go to Lisbon to see all the beauty

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

There were so many wine cellars to visit but our favorite was Graham's. The tour is excellent and the view of the city is breathtaking.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Nice town with friendly atmosphere

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great city, lots to see. Must come back to just relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

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