The Ultimate Guide to Porto
Date Posted: 21/12/2023
Popping up from the banks of the Douro River, traditional yet edgy Porto entices travellers with its vibrant culture, delicious food, and boundless holiday fun in the sun.
An ancient city nestled between northern Portugal’s rolling valleys and shimmering shorelines, Porto is famed for its hilltop viewpoints, stunning architecture, and UNESCO-listed historic centre. But there is more to Porto than meets the eye.
A summer destination that combines beachside fun with lashings of culture, cuisine, and nightlife, Porto makes for the perfect long weekend city break. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie or simply a lover of all things beautiful, Porto has something to offer everyone.
Our Top 5 Things to See & Do:
Douro River:
It’s impossible to miss the Douro River on a holiday in Porto. However, there are some stand-out ways to experience the magic of this waterway. Hop on a traditional Rabelo boat and gain a new perspective of Porto. Glide past the 6 bridges and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding lush hills and terracotta rooftops.
If you prefer dry land, one of the best neighbourhoods to see some knockout views of the river is Ribeira. Picturesque, authentic, and full of photogenic hotspots, stroll the colourful waterfront and take in the serenity of Porto.
Lello Bookstore:
If you're in the mood for some culture, be sure to check out the Lello Bookstore. Said to have inspired J.K. Rowling while she was writing the Harry Potter series, Lello is quite possibly the most beautiful bookshop in the world. Known for its grand staircase, intricate walk bridge, and collection of books, it certainly is a breathtaking building. But make sure to look up, there’s a beautiful stained-glass ceiling.
São Bento Train Station:
Another must-see attraction in Porto is the São Bento Railway Station. This station is known for its beautiful blue and white tile work, depicting scenes from Portuguese history. Even if you’re not catching a train, it’s well worth a wander around. It's a great spot for some unique photo opportunities.
Beach Day:
Ready to break up the sightseeing with a little beachside bliss? Then a trip to Foz do Douro Beach is a must. A coastal gem with sweeps of golden sand and seaside promenades, spend sun-kissed days sinking into the waves and balmy evenings soaking up Portuguese sunsets at waterfront restaurants.
A Mooch Around the Markets:
Portugal has a huge open market culture, so it’s no surprise that Porto has dozens of markets scattered among its cobbled streets.
On Saturdays Porto Belo, Porto’s most popular market, lines the Praça Carlos Alberto. A great location next to many main city attractions such as the Lello bookshop and the famous Clérigos tower, this market is a perfect place to break up some Saturday sightseeing with a spot of shopping. After all who doesn’t love digging for treasure amid a sea of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing, records and antiques to handmade jewellery, unique artwork, and taste-tingling jams?
But don’t worry, if you find yourself longing for a market mooch on another day, the oldest market in the city, Bolhão Market, is open Monday to Saturday with its wide range of food vendors and quaint cafés – you may even get to hear some traditional Portuguese buskers.
Food & Drink:
When it comes to food, Porto is a foodie's heaven. With no shortage of delicious options, whether you want authentic street food or Michelin-starred menus, there’s something to tickle every taste bud.
A local treat that’s not to be missed is a francesinha. An open sandwich stuffed with roasted meats and cheese then topped with a fried egg, this is a perfect on-the-go lunch.
Majestic Café
If you want a slice of history with your dessert, head to the Majestic Café. Since opening its doors back in the 1920s, Majestic Café has been serving up some mouthwatering menus- especially for sweet tooths. Think Duck magret with Port Tawn, French Toast wrapped in a creamy custard and so many butter pastries it’ll be hard to choose just one. Renowned as one of the most beautiful cafés inhe world, step through the Belle Époque style grand entrance and admire the magic, elegance, and traditional grandeur of this stunning restaurant.
It’s Wine o’clock Somewhere.
There is one thing that perhaps outshines Porto’s impressive food scene… it’s wine. A gateway to the wine region, no trip to Porto is complete without visiting the famous Port wine cellars. These cellars are located across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia and offer tours and tastings of the region's most famous export. You can learn about the history of Port wine and get to sample some of the best varieties. Or just sit back and savour the Portuguese nectar- both sound perfect to us.
Do Something Different:
Not scared of heights? Take to the skies above the river by cable car and see the iconic beauty of Porto and the rustic roofs of the Gaia cellars. A unique trip that connects the two banks, the Gaia Cable Car is an unforgettable experience to tick off your bucket list.
With its stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and rich cultural history, Porto is a city that shouldn't be missed. After all, it was named Europe's Leading City Break Destination 2023 at the World Travel Awards for a reason. So why not add Porto to your travel bucket list and discover all that this beautiful city has to offer?