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 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.
Top Hotels in Porto
Estimated price for 1 night / 2 adults
Eurostars Porto Douro
4 out of 5
Avenida Gustavo Eiffel 22, Porto
CA $89
per night
Dec 22 - Dec 23
Located in Centro / Baixa, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Dom Luis I Bridge and Ribeira Square. Sandeman Cellars and Porto Cathedral are also within ...…Located in Centro / Baixa, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Dom Luis I Bridge and Ribeira Square. Sandeman Cellars and Porto Cathedral are also within ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (510 reviews)
"Well priced. Good location. Nice rooms. I would stay there again"…""Well priced. Good location. Nice rooms. I would stay there again"WWW…"
Located in Centro / Baixa, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Praça da Batalha, Porto Cathedral and Bolhao Market. Dom Luis I Bridge and Porto City Hall ...…Located in Centro / Baixa, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Praça da Batalha, Porto Cathedral and Bolhao Market. Dom Luis I Bridge and Porto City Hall ...WWW…
4.2/5Very Good! (1,500 reviews)
"Excellent hotel ideally situated staff very friendly would highly recomend this hotel look forward to staying there again"…""Excellent hotel ideally situated staff very friendly would highly recomend this hotel look forward to staying there again"WWW…"
Pestana Vintage Porto - Hotel & World Heritage Site
5 out of 5
Praca da Ribeira, 1, Porto
CA $226
per night
Dec 15 - Dec 16
Located in Sao Nicolau, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Ribeira Square and Dom Luis I Bridge. Porto Cathedral and Sandeman Cellars are also within ...…Located in Sao Nicolau, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Ribeira Square and Dom Luis I Bridge. Porto Cathedral and Sandeman Cellars are also within ...WWW…
4.5/5Wonderful! (869 reviews)
"Close to everything. Boat trips bus stops /centre Hotel was lovely. Restaurant / bar/ rooms."…""Close to everything. Boat trips bus stops /centre Hotel was lovely. Restaurant / bar/ rooms."WWW…"
Delight in the rich flavors of Portugal’s finest Porto wines, marvel at views over Porto and explore historic cellars at this charming 225-year-old port lodge.
Small-Group Douro Valley with Lunch & Wine Tasting
CA $147
Explore the picturesque Douro Valley where the sloping land is flecked with grape vines that supply the delicious local vineyards. Visit charming towns and take a cruise along the river. Then enjoy a tasty lunch followed by samples of award-winning regional wine.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, River Cruise, & Calem Cellar Tour
CA $41
Explore the best of Porto and its nearby districts from the top of a double-decker bus. With 2 extensive bus routes, a scenic river cruise, and admission to Calém Wine Cellars, this 48-hour ticket allows you to discover the marvels of this delightful city at your own pace.
Take a walk through the city that introduced port wine to the world for an introduction to some of its best and oldest brands. This tour lets you became an expert in the tastes and history of a signature Portuguese wine as a dedicated guide shows you some of the city's most prominent wineries.
Small-Group Walking Tour with Local Food Tastings & Lunch
CA $96
Step off the usual tourist track to see and taste your way around Porto and get a look at the real city life. Learn what makes Porto's cuisine so enticing as you sample Portuguese culinary delicacies, discover historic architecture, and check out some of the most popular areas among residents.
There's a lot to see amid Porto's hustle and bustle. Follow your guide through alleyways away from the touristy roads and get a chance to explore the city as the locals know it. Discover hidden viewpoints over the river, pass by lesser-known landmarks, and enjoy a walk in a charming local park.
Douro Valley Tour & Hop-off Hop-On Porto & Cruise Douro River
CA $156
Itinerary This is a typical itinerary for this product Stop At: Casa de Cultura de Amarante Odilon Nunes Museum, Praca Quincas Castro s/n Centro, Amarante, State of Piaui 64400-000 Brazil Suggestion: Visit Museu Amadeo Souza-Cardoso Duration: 30 minu
Beautiful city. Friendly, great shopping, great dining, beautiful sights.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
Nov 19, 2019
Lot of Hills lot of walking just be prepared , but if I can do it so can you
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
Nov 17, 2019
Easy walk around.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
Nov 16, 2019
Intended to be in porto for 2 days..stayed for 5 days...a fascinating walkable city
would have liked to include a duro river cruise..but weather in november not conducive to that. Also, additional time required..And..Port wine is VERY sweet...
5/5 - Excellent
GB
Nov 16, 2019
Porto is quickly or coming a top rate EU destination. Lots of charm and excellent port. Didn’t even know I liked port.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveller
Nov 7, 2019
Lovely city except November is the month that rain a lot. Bring umbrella with you the whole time
