Porto Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Dom Luis I Bridge featuring street scenes, a bridge and a river or creek
Porto Cathedral featuring interior views, a church or cathedral and religious aspects
Porto showing a city and street scenes
Photo provided by Tourismo de Portugal
Photo provided by Tourismo de Portugal
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 neighbourhood are old and colourful, 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.

Where to stay in Porto

Porto showing a city and a small town or village

Centro / Baixa

4.5/5(587 area reviews)

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

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
Dom Luis I Bridge featuring 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.

Sandeman Cellars showing heritage architecture and interior views

Santa Marinha

4.5/5(50 area reviews)

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
Porto which includes signage, shopping and outdoor art

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
Porto showing a city and a small town or village

Vitória

While you're in Vitória, take in top sights like Porto Historic Center or Livraria Lello, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Guilherme Gomes Fernandes Stop or Carmo Stop.

Vitória
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 ฿4,605 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
฿4,605
฿5,107 total
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Porto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Porto Historic Center and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (363 reviews)
"Service was excellent!"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2025

The Social Hub Porto
Stay Hotel Porto Aeroporto

Stay Hotel Porto Aeroporto

3 out of 5
Rua Vasconcelos Costa, 466,, Maia
The price is ฿2,876 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
฿2,876
฿3,049 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Maia. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (760 reviews)
"The check in was a bit late"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Stay Hotel Porto Aeroporto
GRANDE HOTEL PARIS by STAY HOTELS

GRANDE HOTEL PARIS by STAY HOTELS

4 out of 5
27 Rua da Fábrica, Porto
The price is ฿3,342 per night from 14 Aug to 15 Aug
฿3,342
฿3,768 total
14 Aug - 15 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Porto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (193 reviews)
"I was pleasantly surprised when the decor and little extra touches around the hotel. The room was very nice and comfortable and walking to things was easy."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

GRANDE HOTEL PARIS by STAY HOTELS
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 Wi-Fi, an airport shuttle (surcharge) and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,136 reviews)
"Great location. Nice staff. The apartments are well equipped. You feel like home. Close to everything."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

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 Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (486 reviews)
"Nice , clean , modern Very convenient Close to the train station"

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Eurostars Oporto
Catarina Serviced Apartments

Catarina Serviced Apartments

4 out of 5
Rua de Santa Catarina 706, Porto, Porto
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Porto. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, concierge services and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Bolhao Market and Porto Historic Center ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (35 reviews)
"We have great relaxed time at the Caterina apartments. Very clean, it had everything we needed and was very comfortable. We stayed in a court yard view apartment and it wasn’t over looked. The shops and countless cafes and restaurants are all nearby. The metro and bus station isn’t far either. Great ..."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Catarina Serviced Apartments
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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