PORTO, PORTUGAL – A COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE
Updated in 2026
Porto may be Portugal’s second largest city but for what it lacks in status it makes up for in vibe. Porto oozes Portuguese character, colour and charm. It has a completely different feeling to Lisbon. The city is smaller and more manageable and despite being a tourist hub, manages to retain a feeling of “old-world” and traditional roots. By no means is Porto stuck in the past though, it’s becoming an innovative hub within the country.
This is one of my first ever travel guides for Portugal. First written way back in 2017 and updated yearly since.
Planning a trip to Portugal? You’re in the right place! Welcome to Travel Planning and Itinerary design by Candy. Olá! I’m an independent travel advisor living in Portugal (since 2016). I help people plan their dream trip to Portugal, Spain and Italy. You’re currently reading a post from my collection of travel guides. I also offer personal travel consultation and a bespoke itinerary service.
Reasons to Visit Porto
Try getting lost in one of Porto’s cobbled backstreets and you’ll likely stumble across workers enjoying a prato do dia (set lunch menu)in a traditional snack bar. Take yourself for a wander across the famous Dom Luis bridge and you’ll be greeted with the view of dozens of Port cellars all with a rich history to be discovered. Follow the Douro river to the estuary at Foz and you’ll be greeted with wind whipped beaches and a calmer pace of life. Catch a ferry to secret Afurada and enjoy and simple, fresh fish grilled on rickety BBQ’s on the sidewalk. All of these experiences are an indication that Porto has many sides to its story and I encourage you try all of them.
Where is Porto?
Porto is based in the the Norte region of Portugal 3/4 of the way up the country.
When to Visit Porto?
Porto is the second busiest city in Portugal and retains tourism year round but this peaks significantly during the summer months. The best time to visit is in the shoulder seasons (May/June and September) when the weather is pleasant and the city is less busy. The hottest and busiest time to visit Porto is in July and August when temps can reach the 30’s and tourism is at its peak. Winters in Porto are considerably wetter than much of the rest of Portugal and also colder, however you can still experience daytime temperatures of 14-16 degrees. If you are hoping to tie in your trip to Porto with harvest season in Douro Valley you’ll want to visit in early September to make the most of it. The quietest time to visit is during January and February.
Getting to Porto
Flying to Porto
Porto is well connected and the international airport Francisco Sá Carneiro flies direct to over 50 countries. My favourite flight booking tool is Skyscanner as you can search over a whole month to find the best prices. I use Skyscanner to book flights to and from Portugal very regularly.
Porto by Train
If you’re coming from another location in Portugal you may want to consider traveling by train. Services from Lisbon, Coimbra, Braga and Algarve are regular and trains are generally very good value. It is cheaper to book tickets in advance (2+ weeks before your intended travel date) but you can also buy direct from the station. Popular routes such as Algarve to Lisbon and Lisbon to Porto do get fully booked during busy periods so I would recommend booking ahead. You can book your tickets using Portugal’s official CP website.
Porto to Douro Valley by Train
One of the most special experiences you can have in Porto is taking the 2h30 long train between São Bento station and Pinhão along the river. I recommend staying overnight in Douro Valley to make the most of the wine tasting experiences and unique accommodation. Book on official CP website.
Porto by Car
You don’t need a car in Porto as everything is accessible by foot/ metro/ taxi/ Uber. However if you are planning on visiting Douro Valley, Aveiro, Coimbra or further afield I recommend renting a car for your trip.
Getting Around Porto
Despite its hilly nature Porto is well accessible by foot. If walking between destinations isn’t for you you can use the Metro system or grab an Uber.
Metro
If you’re heading out of the main tourist centre the metro is a good choice. You can also use the metro to ge tto and from the airport. Unlike Lisbon, the metro in Porto is modern and clean.
Uber / Bolt
Uber and Bolt are both available and easy to find in Porto.
Car rental in Porto
If you have a car in Porto, I would recommend parking out of the city and taking an Uber to your accommodation. There is plenty of free parking in the neighbourhood of Campanha. There are also several large paid car park on Gaia side of the river that are easy to access.
I recommend Zest for rental.
Where to Stay in Porto
Porto is not short of accommodation options or charming neighbourhoods to stay in. There really is a lot of choice when it comes to where to stay in Porto so here are my picks.
Staying in Ribeira
For an authentic experience and the chance of Douro river views stay in the bustling Ribeira district. I have stayed in both of these apartments so can personally recommend them.
This stunning riverside apartment sits just 50m from Dom Luis Bridge and the bars and restaurants of Cais de Ribeira. The apartment features two double bedrooms and a sofa bed with two balconies, kitchen and stunning views over the river.
This Duplex apartment is delightfully squished amongst local houses in Ribeira’s maze of backstreets. The high quality apartment features two small double bedrooms, a good kitchen and living area with comfortable sofa.
Staying Downtown
I usually always book apartments during my trips to Porto but now and again I treat myself to a luxury hotel
If you are looking for a 5 star stay in Porto I highly recommend Casa da Companhia. A centrally-located small, gorgeous hotel with spa.
Another hotel (4 star) that repeatedly tops best stays is Porto Vincci. Porto Vincci is perched on the edge of the river on Gaia side so has fantastic views!
Staying in Vila Nova de Gaia
Also worth mentioning is Vila Nova de Gaia which sits across the river (just a 5 minute walk) from Ribeira. There are plenty of cosy studios and breezy apartments tucked in between the incredible Port Cellars. I usually stay in Gaia when I visit Porto.
Tips for Planning a Trip to Porto
- Don’t plan every minute of every day. The biggest mistake people make is trying to fit in too much. Keep at least one morning and one afternoon free for wandering and discovery.
- Don’t book every restaurant in advance. If you have some non-negotiable restaurants then get these booked up but don’t book every lunch and dinner because you never know what you may find along the way.
- Don’t feel like you HAVE to go to Graham’s for port tasting or CHAMA for dinner. Thanks to social media certain places start “trending” and become out of control. Often people worry if they don’t go to the place everyone is talking about the miss out but that’s not the case. Activities, restaurants and experiences are always evolving in Porto and there are more than one or two things to do and places to eat that will give you a good experience. Find them!
- Research is your friend. On that note, research is your friend. Social media platforms can be great for gathering preliminary information, but don’t rely solely on them. Speak with locals and scour GoogleMaps. Work with a local travel planner if you don’t have time to do the research yourself. Som
Best things to do in Porto
Like every city Porto has many popular tourist sites and lesser-known places of interest. My main focus is always on traditional, local or genuine experiences regardless of whether they are the most popular or not. Let’s start with the ones you’ve probably already heard of…
TORRE DE CLÉRIGOS – One of the most popular tourist attractions in Porto is Torre de Clérigos and seeing as though I’m a sucker for a good view I’ve featured in this guide. The Baroque church features a 75m tower with a winding staircase. Book your tickets in advance (€5) and arrive at the tower for opening (9am). Unless you are very unlucky you’ll enjoy the views from the top mostly to yourself. I would avoid visiting the tower in the middle of the day.
LIVRARIA LELLO – Apparently Livraria Lello is the World’s oldest book store and rumours say it inspired JK Rowling when writing Harry Potter which has since been proven not to be true. If you are a big book fan or a Harry Potter fan then absolutely go and check it out. To be totally honest I was underwhelmed by Livraria Lello. Personally I think there is many more interesting cafes, houses and shops to explore with interesting features including A Vida Portuguesa next door. As always if you do decide to visit Livraria Lello I recommend booking in advance.
Port Tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia
One thing I certainly wouldn’t skip is taking part in a port tour and tasting. Even if you are not a wine drinker Port wine is a huge part of Porto’s history and the experience is a fun addition to your itinerary while you are in the city. The port cellars are located across the river from Porto in Vila Nova de Gaia – just short walk across Dom Luis Bridge. There are dozens of port cellars to consider which can be a little daunting if you only have a short time. I’ve listed and linked a few of my favourites I’ve below.
GRAHAMS – An informative tour including a short film followed by three port tastings. Graham’s Port Lodge also has some of the best views over the Douro River. I took part in this tour and tasting solo and I felt totally comfortable.
SANDEMAN – A fun tour and tasting. The Sandeman cellar tour is led by a fully caped ‘Don’.
QUINTA DO NOVAL – Great if you want to skip the tour and get straight to the tasting. Quinta do Noval offers different selections of Port and Table wine to try and optional chocolates to pair.
FERREIRAS – Also worth mentioning because Ferreiras is the only Porto company that is 100% Portuguese owned. You can choose from several port or table wine tastings.
Azulejos Hunting
Azulejos (hand painted ceramic tiles) can be found all over Portugal and porto is home to some of the best examples. The Azulejos that adorn many of the churches in Porto are ncredible works of art. My favourite is the Capela das Alma pictured below. The Azulejos that can be found on some of Porto’s most famous churches and inside the gorgeous Sao Bento station are typically blue and white but you can find different coloured and patterned versions all over the city. A great way to see the city is walking from each of these churches and looking out for more examples of these beautiful tiles; you’ll soon start to notice Porto is covered in them.
Sidecar Tour
One of my most favourite tours in Portugal. Porto by sidecar. Founder João invited me to try the sidecar tour in 2023 and it was so much fun. This is a really unique way to see the city and João does everything he can to make you feel like a celebrity as you cruise past the best spots in the city. It’s not just the popular spots though This tour will take you places no other tour does and you’ll end the trip feeling a bit closer to Porto. I recommend this to all my travel planning guests and they always comment that it’s one of their favourite experiences in Portugal.
Cycle to Foz do Douro
If you like to stay active during travel and/or enjoy exploring further then hiring a bike is a great way to do it. Porto has so many interesting districts to discover by bike including the beaches of Foz do Douro. Just a 5km flat ride from Porto is this relaxed, windswept stretch of coast – perfect for when you need a breath of fresh air away from the city. Pick up a bike (electric or standard) from Tricla and set off on a mini adventure for the day. Also worth checking by bike out is Matosinhos and Afurada.
Food Tours & Tastings in Porto
Best Food Tours in Porto
Looking for some other food tours in Porto? Cullinary Backstreets do some really cool ‘behinds the scenes’ types of tours in both Porto and Lisbon. I took part in a Hidden Flavors tour in Lisbon and despit having alreayd lived near the city for many years, the guide introduced me to several new spots. I’ve recommended them to lots of my travel planning clients so now they offer my readers 5% off – use code CANDY5.
Make your own Pastel de Nata
If you’ve been to Portugal it is highly likely you have tried the sweet treat that is Pasteis de nata. The custard tart recipe originated in Belem in Lisbon but the tart has become popular across all of Portugal and sold in every bakery. It is important to note that Pasteis de nata do not keep well and should be enjoyed fresh. What better way to enjoy the typical Portuguese food than by making them yourself. This Air BnB Pastel de Nata Experience made for a super fun afternoon.
Olive Oil Tasting
Did you know Portugal produces exceptional quality olive oil? You can book a tasting at Fábrica do Azeite. They also have a fantastic shop with local products and great souvenirs.
Pinhais Sardine Factory Tour
It took me 7 visits to Porto before discovering Conservas Pinhais in Matosinhos and it is now firmly up there with some of my favourite experiences in Porto. This highly interactive tour (great for both kids and adults) takes you on a historic journey through the factory. You’ll take part in some fun activities and even see the factory workers tinning sardines in real time. At the end you’ll get to taste these iconic Portuguese fish and wrap your very own tin of delicious ‘Nuri’ sardines to take home.
The Freshest Grilled Fish at Matosinhos
If fresh fish on on your to-do list in Porto (if not they why not?!) then make some time to visit the fishing port of Matosinhos for a taste of Porto. Matosinhos certainly isn’t a secret but the fish here is some of the freshest you’ll experience in Portugal and delicious seafood dishes are easily found. Scroll down to the ‘Where To Eat’ section to see our favourite.
Port Cocktails with a View
A unique view of Porto and Dom Luis bridge can be found from the amazing Porto Cruz Lounge. Based on the 4th floor this rooftop bar and terrace serves up Port wine cocktails (yes its a thing) such as pink port, orange and chilli (yes its delicious).
They are a little hard to pin down via e-mail but Porto Cruz also offers Port cocktail making experiences. You’ll learn how to make to very drinkable port cocktails and probably finish off a bottle while you do it. The space has great views of the river and the cocktail class would make a great couple or group activity.
Francesinha at O Golfinho
Another foodie tick box whilst in Porto is the belly-busting Francesinha. This mammoth sandwich is Portugal’s answer to the French Croque Monsiuer. The sandwich includes three types of meat (typically some type of sausage and steak or roast meat) topped with cheese and served on a bed of chips. What makes the Francesinha so special though is the rich, slightly spicy beer gravy addition. Each restaurant has its own recipe which is guarded carefully. Do your research before you arrive so you are guaranteed a traditional version of Porto’s famous sandwich. My personal favourite is O’Golfinos but I’ve included lots of other restaurants serving up the very best in Porto on the Portugal Travel Map.
Visit the Secret Treasure of Afurada
Possibly Porto’s best kept secret is the fishing village of Afurada. If you want to experience traditional Portuguese life and eat like a local spend the afternoon in sleepy Afurada. Take a look at the communal washing hut for a glimpse at a bizarre tradition and then nibble sardines straight from one of the many street side BBQ’s. Afurada is located about 4km west of the port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia or a short ferry hop from Ouro on Porto side.
Mercado do Bolhão
The emblematic Mercado de Bolhão is one of the most famous markets not only in Porto but in Portugal too. The market originated in 1893 when the land was bough by the local council but the actual building wasn’t constructed until 1914. A century on and Bolhão has managed to hold on to customers despite the ever growing number of super market chains now available in Porto. The newly renovated market is a must-visit in Porto.
Porto Eats & Drinks | A Restaurant Guide
Curated after almost ten years of living in Portugal, visiting Porto multiple times a year.
- Chama Porto’s most talked about restaurant with beautiful food and great reviews. Booking in advance is essential.
- Muro de Bacalhau Riverside restaurant in Ribeira. Great reviews. Vegetarian dishes also available.
- Casa Viúva Very authentic and cheap, eat with the locals. One of my favourites in Porto for an authentic experience.
- Arco Das Verdades Tiny hidden wine bar with amazing view over the river, hilly walk to reach it
- Porta 4 intimate restaurant with small but great tapas menu
- Adega São Nicolau Traditional Dishes with a homely feel.
- O Golfino – For the famous Franceschina – eat lunch with the locals!
- Casa Guedes – Traditional restaurant. Expect queues. Better for lunch.
- Café Santiago – Retro interior and a very local feel with traditional dishes. This is on the tourist map so it’s no secret but still a great spot! Better for lunch.
- Conga traditional bifana.
- Espaco Porto Cruz Port tasting, restaurant and small rooftop bar overlooking the river.
- Loads more to find on the Portugal Travel Map
Portugal Travel Planning Map
The best way to plan your Portugal itinerary is by having all of the options in one place. I’ve created a trip planning map for Portugal with hundreds of pins to help you plan your trip. Need trip inspiration or itinerary ideas? You’ll find everything you need on the map.
Speciality Coffee in Porto
I’m a big coffee fan and speciality coffee shops are some of the first thing I look for when I research my next trip. Portugal is not known for good speciality coffee and outside of the main cities its almost impossible to find. Luckily Porto has been on the speciality coffee scene for a while now and there are some brilliant spots to add to your itinerary.
- 7G Roasters
- Combi
- Fábrica Coffee Roasters
Overwhelmed? Don’t worry. If you want tips on how to make the most of your trip to Portugal I can help. I offer personal travel planning calls to help you find the most authentic experiences and plan the perfect itinerary.
TIME ZONE: GMT+0 (same as UK)
LANGUAGE: Portuguese
Here is some very basic phrases and words to start with…
Hello Olá
Good Morning
Bom dia!
Good Afternoon
Boa tarde!
Good Night
Boa noite!
Thank you
Obrigado/a (male/female)
Do you speak English?
Fala inglês?
I speak a little Portuguese
Eu falo/a um pouco de Português
Bread Pão
Olives Azeitonas
Butter Manteiga
Chicken with piri piri Frango piri piri
Fish Peixe
Meat Carne
Dessert Sobremesa
Water sparkling/still Agua com gas/sem gas
Beer Cerveja
Red wine Vinho tinto
White wine Vinho branco
Green wine Vinho verde
Do you have? Você tem?
Yes Sim
No Não
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