Porto, or Oporto , is Portuga l’s second largest city and the capital of northern Portugal. After being awarded the European Capital of Culture in 2001, Porto has been able to use the prize money for cultural improvements.
Portugal receives fewer travelers than other Mediterranean destinations, due to its position at the western end of Europe. Because of this, cities are unpopulated and food and hotels tend to be cheap. This is one place where you can splurge on good accommodation without breaking the bank.
Known primarily for its port wine trade, which travels along the east-west trending Douro River beginning in Spain, Porto has a long history as a cosmopolitan commercial center. Porto is also known as one of the best places to dine in Portugal.
While it still has a blue collar feel to it, it’s kind of a working-class Vasco de Gama with a timeless style. You’ll see a variety of architectural gems from the Roman, Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Renaissance eras in this picturesque town built on the granite cliffs at the mouth of the Douro River.
Main attractions in Porto
Igreja de Sao Francisco is a Gothic church with a simple facade but filled with gold leaf on the inside. There is also a museum and catacombs below, which we find especially fascinating.
Ponte de D. Luis is the city’s iconic iron bridge and was built by a disciple of the famous Eiffel.
Food lovers will want to visit Mercado do Bolhão, Porto’s iconic market in the heart of downtown.
Don’t miss the Ribeira do Porto, with its cluster of buildings, smoke-filled bars, and seafood restaurants along the coast.
One of the best bookstores in Europe, an architectural marvel, is located in Porto. Livraria Lello has been selling books since 1881. Designed by Xavier Esteves, its facade is Neo-Gothic, and the red curving curve between levels, decorated walls and ceilings and a glass skylight will amaze you.
A number of tours are offered for Viator if you want to go further or just do something like a fado or bike tour of the city.
Where to go for great views of Porto
- Enjoy the view from the top of the Torre de los Clérigos , a 75-meter tower accessed by 225 steps.
- Go up to the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar , with a splendid view of the bend of the river, the bridge and the city.
- If you dare, cross the Ponte de Dom Luis I to enjoy good views of Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite shore.
Port tasting:
Port Wine Lodge is a great place to go to try many types of ports in a comfortable, living room setting.
Vila Nova de Gaia, is a southern suburb of Porto on the other side of the river, perched on the rugged banks of the Douro, where Port wine lodges dominate the landscape. There are more than 50 port producers within the narrow streets where the wines are aged and blended. Tours and tastings are a must for visitors with a taste for Port wine.
Airports
Porto is served by Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport. The Aerobus leaves to the main avenue of Porto, Avenida dos Aliados, every half hour between 7 am and 7:30 pm
Train stations in Porto
Porto, a train hub in northern Portugal and has three train stations. You can buy tickets for any train originating from any station at São Bento Central Station. Be sure to check out the tile murals while you’re there.
An IC train from Lisbon takes about 3 1/2 hours, a regional train an hour longer.
Driving map
We recommend a recent , detailed map of Portugal if you are driving (excluding Spain as that makes the map less detailed overall). The influx of money from the EU has created a seemingly endless boom in road construction and rerouting.
Porto Weather and Climate
Almond, apple, pear, cherry, orange, and fig blossoms are particularly eye-catching in February. Summer is pleasant, with maritime winds that moderate the climate. Porto has a temperate climate with little chance of rain in the summer season, although it rains more there than in Lisbon during the winter months.
Portuguese cuisine
Porto is a great place to sample Portuguese cuisine, from the famous “Francesinha” sandwich (ham, cheese sausage, roast beef…) to the Michelin-starred restaurant at The Yeatman, supervised by chef Ricardo Costa, who puts his own spin in traditional Portuguese dishes.
If you’re near the iconic Porto market, enjoy old-world elegance at the Majestic Cafe. Another place to enjoy an inexpensive snack or lunch near the market is Pasteis de Chaves, where puff pastries that originate in the northern border town of Chaves are filled with veal, vegetables, or even chocolate.
We enjoyed the “tasting world” of Foz Velha. Chef Marco Gomes wowed us with small plates of exquisite food, never too far from tradition despite the food being thoroughly modern, fresh and exciting to see and eat.
If you are in Porto Vinum from the end of November to the beginning of December, the restaurant of Graham’s Port Lodge, hosts “Jornadas do Boi de Trás-os Montes”.
And finally, Porto offers the casual diner some great dining experiences. Anita’s Feast offers some of her favorites, the best tascas and taverns in Porto, Portugal.
Where to stay in Porto
The top rated Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa – Porto is highly appreciated by Venere users for its service and spacious rooms.
Less expensive is the centrally located Eurostars Das Artes, «near the most important art galleries and the commercial and historical area of Boavista. It is within walking distance of Ponte Dom Luis, Torre dos Clerigos, Mercado do Bolhao and the traditional area of Ribeira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A decent budget option is the Hotel Pensão Cristal – Porto near the river.
A hotel in the center of Porto, the InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas Hotel is recommended by our honeymoon guide.
Staying nearby in Nova de Gaia
Staying in Vila Nova de Gaia is an option, although not totally satisfactory. While you’ll be closer to the port houses, they are mostly below the level of the main city, and walking there for dinner can be a strain on your legs. There are some big, full service hotels out there where you can stay pretty cheap.
A great place to eat in Vila Nova de Gaia is the Barao Fladga Restaurant, which is located in the Taylor Port works. There you will find excellent food, wine and views at a reasonable price with good wine.
