Porto
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PORTO TRAVEL GUIDE

Recommended destinations to discover selected by highly-rated travel experts.

 
 
 
 
 

PORTO

 

Why Travel to Porto?

Porto, the vibrant capital of Northern Portugal, stands as the country's second-largest city and a flourishing industrial hub. Seamlessly blending commercial efficiency with an inviting ambience of authentic charm, this city has a rich history shaped by centuries of trade. Today, modern Porto has evolved into a cosmopolitan city while preserving its deep-rooted historical significance. Nestled majestically along the impressive gorge of the Douro River, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, this city of granite is renowned for its iconic bridges and the world-famous Port wine, cherished by wine lovers worldwide.

Porto´s Historic District was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 1996. The old Ribeira Riverside Area encapsulates Porto´s roots and essence with its labyrinth of narrow, twisting streets and picturesque archways. The ongoing revitalization of this lively quarter is drawing an increasing number of restaurants, bars, taverns, and nightlife venues.

Explore Porto´s Top Attractions

Porto offers a great number of significant landmarks, such as the 12th-century Se Cathedral, a Roman Catholic gem, and the marvellous Sao Francisco Church, renowned for its breathtaking golden interior. The neo-classical Palacio da Bolsa stands prominently in Infante D. Henrique Square, and don´t miss the opportunity to explore its renowned Arab room, reminiscent of Spain´s Alhambra. For a relaxed experience, step into the Igreja de San Francisco, also known as Saint Francis of Assisi´s golden church, and immerse yourself in its rejuvenating atmosphere.

Clerigos Church, a historical gem dating back to 1750, is renowned for its imposing bell tower, the iconic Torre dos Clerigos, visible from numerous vantage points across the city. Another must-visit cultural attraction is the Casa da Musica (the House of Music), a prestigious concert hall that houses the Fundação Casa da Musica and hosts performances by the Porto National Orchestra, Baroque Orchestra, and Remix Ensemble. Sao Joao National Theatre, tracing back to 1798, is a popular theatre that functions both as a theatre, and a concert venue.

Sip and Savor Porto´s Culinary and Wine Delights

Porto is also renowned for its food as well as its wines.  Traditional dishes include tripe Porto style, salted cod and Francesinha, the most famous dish in Porto. It is a kind of sandwich with several meats covered with cheese and a special sauce made with beer and other ingredients. Porto is also a popular stopping-off place for pilgrims lying on the pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago which starts in Lisbon. 

The fishing towns of Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira to the north of Porto boast some of the best fish and seafood restaurants in Portugal.  

Venture across the iconic two-tiered Dom Luis bridge, an important landmark dating back to 1881, and you will arrive at Vila Nova da Gaia, the authentic home of Port wine. Famous for its excellence, Port wine stands as the pinnacle of Portuguese winemaking and enjoys widespread popularity across Europe. Named after the bustling coastal city of Porto, this revered wine is actually produced with grapes grown in the mountainous interior of Alto Douro in the Douro Wine Region, the heart of the winemaking region.  These are some of the wines that you can taste in Porto: Red wine - Ruby Port and Tawny Port Wine; Rose wine, White wine and Vintage Port

In Vila Nova da Gaia, travellers can embark on immersive tours visiting world-famous lodges, with well-known brands like Taylor´s, Grahams, Cockburns, and Sandeman. The highlight of the tour is the mandatory wine-tasting session at the end.

Best Nearby Locations for Day Trips

Porto is also the gateway for exploring Northern Portugal with plenty of options for day trips to Braga, Guimarães, Vila do Conde, Esposende, Viana do Castelo, Caminha, Vila Nova de Cerveira, Barcelos, Ponte de Lima,  Valença do Minho and  Peneda-Geres National Park. Travelling south and within easy reach of the city, visitors to Espinho are promised a relaxed beachside resort setting with hotels, discotheques and a first-class casino.

Our food experts have chosen the best tour operators offering tours with food, wine, and walking holidays in Porto. You can check our full list of things to do in Porto: top food tours to Porto and top boutique hotels in the sections of the travel to Porto destination guide.

Population: 237,591 (2023) inhabitants

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PORTO

 

RECOMMENDED TOURS, EXPERIENCES & TASTINGS

Our top 10 best tours, experiences & tastings in the destination selected by our experts. Slow Way Food Tours, Green Walking Holiday and Exclusive Food & Wine Tours/Tastings.

 
 
 
 
 
  12 Days / 11...
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A Slow Camino: Food & Walking Adventure on...

 

Walk the beautiful Portuguese Coastal Way tackling the last 150 km of it from Oia to Santiago de Compostela. As well as enjoying beautiful coastal and typical Galician countryside scenery you’ll be samping the local gastronomy along the way...

 

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4 Days / 3...  
960,00 euros  
 

A Gastronomic & Nature Short Break in Baiona,...

 

Experience the Rias Baixas region in Galicia with this wonderful short break in Baiona, enjoy excellent food and wine while immersing yourself in nature and local culture. Taste delicious seafood paired with local wines, and have fun on a safari of Serra da Groba admiring wild horses!

 

  

 
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  7 Days / 6...
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Camino do Vino Way in Ribeiro Wine Country to...

 

El Camino de Ribeiro way is part of a longer and ancient pilgrimage route which has only recently been resurrected between Braga and Santiago de Compostela.

 

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Full-Day...  
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Douro Valley: Tasting Port Wines at selected...

 

Experience the beauty of Douro Valley, Portugal´s wine haven. Explore terraced vineyards, taste exquisite Port wines at traditional Quinta wine farms, and celebrate the art of winemaking in this iconic region. Join our wine adventure through history and flavours!

 

  

 
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  04hrs 30mins....
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Porto Half Day Private Food Tour

 

Visit the city of Porto and enjoy the Portuguese food and wine while getting to know the local culture and history of the city. Admire the vibrant city of Porto and visit a selected wine cellar to taste the famous wine of the region, the Port wine, produced in the Douro Valley and considered Portugal´s flagship wine.

 

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Private Historic Porto & Wine Lodge Tour

 

Walking tour of Porto to discover its main attractions like the historic Palacio de la Bolsa and the Se Cathedral. Cross the bridge to Vilanova de Gaia for a tour and port wine tasting at one of the finest wine lodges. Finish the day with a delightful lunch at a wine lodge with panoramic views of Porto.

 

  

 
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  4 Days / 3...
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Porto & Douro Valley Food and Wine Short Break...

 

On this food & wine short break, you will eat and drink your way through the streets of Porto and Gaia where all the port wine lodges are. Then follow the Douro River for a day in the wine country for a slow-paced day of port wines and a fabulous lunch with unforgettable views!

 

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TOP RESTAURANTS

The best places to eat selected by our foodie experts in the food destinations we cover.

 
 
 
 
 
  Full-Day...
On Request Best Rate euros 
 

Douro Valley: Tasting Port Wines at selected...

 

Experience the beauty of Douro Valley, Portugal´s wine haven. Explore terraced vineyards, taste exquisite Port wines at traditional Quinta wine farms, and celebrate the art of winemaking in this iconic region. Join our wine adventure through history and flavours!

 

  0 User Reviews

 
See details
 
Half Day...  
On Request Best Rate euros 
 

Private Historic Porto & Wine Lodge Tour

 

Walking tour of Porto to discover its main attractions like the historic Palacio de la Bolsa and the Se Cathedral. Cross the bridge to Vilanova de Gaia for a tour and port wine tasting at one of the finest wine lodges. Finish the day with a delightful lunch at a wine lodge with panoramic views of Porto.

 

  

 
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RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Our travel experts have researched the best hotels in the destinations we cover. Stay in unique accommodations from modern city centre hotels to wine country manor house with amazing food & wine. If you can not find a suitable option just let our experts know and we will suggest something different for you.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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