Porto

Travel Guide

Dom Luis I Bridge featuring street scenes, a river or creek and night scenes
Porto Cathedral featuring a church or cathedral, interior views and religious elements
Porto featuring street scenes and a city
Photo provided by Tourismo de Portugal
Photo provided by Tourismo de Portugal

Portugal’s second-largest citycaptivates visitors with its rich history, award-winning wines and grandarchitecture.

Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one ofEurope’s oldest and best-preserved cities. Set upon the steep banksof the Douro River, the city blends Old Worldcharm with a passion for fine wines.

For a look into the grandeur of Porto’spast, tour the ornate Palácio da Bolsa,the city’s 19th-century neoclassical stock exchange. Next door,you’ll find the Gothic Igreja de SãoFrancisco. 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 toadmire the uniquely Portuguese mosaics called azulejos that adorn the cloisterwalls of the Sé do Porto and the nearbySão Bento Train Station. Be sure not tomiss the bookstore Livraria Lello &Irmão, a Porto institution considered one of the mostbeautiful shops in the world.

Closer to the Douro, step back in time as youwander the narrow passages of the Ribeiradistrict. The buildings in this medieval neighbourhood are old and colourful, andthe streets teem with people. Enjoy Porto’s signature culinarydelights, tripas à moda (a tripe dish) or francesinha (a meatsandwich drenched in a beer sauce) at one of the many restaurants along theriver.

No trip to Porto is complete without experiencingport, the wine named after the city. Learn about the history of the wine tradeat the Port Wine Museum. Cross the toweringLuís IBridge to visit thearea’s many Port wine cellars. For a small fee, you can tour thecellars and sample some of the region’s best wines. If you have a fewhours, cruise down the river on a rabelo (wine cargo boat) to gaze up at theterraced vineyards that line the hills.

Driving in Porto is not recommended. Instead, usethe extensive metro, tram and bus networks. Be aware that many of the narrowlanes in Port’s older districts are accessible only by foot. Thisallows ample opportunity to study architecture and local culture as you explorethe area.

Where to stay in Porto

Porto featuring a small town or village and a city

Centro / Baixa

Centro / Baixa is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Porto Historic Center and Porto City Hall. See more of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória by jumping on the metro at Trindade Station or Aliados Station.

Centro / Baixa
Dom Luis I Bridge showing a bridge

If you're spending time in Sé, check out sights like Porto Historic Center or Praça da Batalha and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Batalha-Guindais Stop or Guindais Funicular.

Ribeira Square featuring a fountain, a square or plaza and a monument

Ribeira

The ample dining options and beautiful river views are top of the list for many visitors to Ribeira. A stop by Porto Historic Center or Ribeira Square might round out your trip.

Ribeira
Porto featuring signage, a city and shopping

Santo Ildefonso

Known for its ample dining options and beautiful river views, there's plenty to explore in Santo Ildefonso. You can visit top attractions like Porto Historic Center and Bolhao Market, and jump on the metro at Trindade Station or Bolhao Station to see more of the city.

Santo Ildefonso
Sandeman Cellars featuring heritage architecture and interior views

Santa Marinha

While you're in Santa Marinha, take in top sights like Porto Historic Center and jump on the metro at Jardim do Morro Station to see more of the city.

Santa Marinha
Dom Luis I Bridge featuring street scenes, a river or creek and night scenes

São Nicolau

Visitors to São Nicolau love its stunning river views, and you can check out Porto Historic Center and Stock Exchange Palace. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at Infante Stop.

São Nicolau
The Log Porto Hotel by Piamonte Hotels

The Log Porto Hotel by Piamonte Hotels

4 out of 5
R. da Vigorosa 456, Porto, Porto
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €115 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€115
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Porto. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Porto Historic Center and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (82 reviews)
"We had a great stay in the Log Porto Hotel. Very close the bus station (10 mins walk). Would definitely recommend it to anyone visiting Porto."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 2025

The Log Porto Hotel by Piamonte Hotels
Stay Hotel Porto Aeroporto

Stay Hotel Porto Aeroporto

3 out of 5
Rua Vasconcelos Costa, 466,, Maia
The price is €89 per night from 15 Sept to 16 Sept
€89
15 Sept - 16 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Maia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Stay Hotel Porto Aeroporto
The Social Hub Porto

The Social Hub Porto

4 out of 5
Praça de Dom João 80, Porto, Porto
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €121 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
€121
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Porto Historic Center and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (420 reviews)
"Great place to stay! We valued their ethos."

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

The Social Hub Porto
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Spot Family Apartments

Spot Family Apartments

3 out of 5
Rua do Bolhão, 109, União de Freguesias do Centro, Porto, Porto
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, an airport shuttle (surcharge), and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
Spot Family Apartments
Eurostars Oporto

Eurostars Oporto

4 out of 5
Rua do Mestre Guilherme Camarinha, 212, Porto
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (494 reviews)
"Good hotel."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

Eurostars Oporto
Oca Ribeira do Porto AT

Oca Ribeira do Porto AT

3 out of 5
Rua de São João 9-21, Porto, Porto
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (397 reviews)
"The beds could have been a little softer"

Reviewed on 24 Aug 2025

Oca Ribeira do Porto AT
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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