Porto completely took me by surprise. While I usually plan all my travel to a tee, this is one of the few times I left my itinerary open and just explored what Porto had to offer. In this case, it paid off.
What I discovered is that Porto is the perfect place show up and let the city take you by surprise. Itineraries are great, but Porto has so many beautiful corners and sites that you can wander into and enjoy on your own time.
Before the trip, I associated Porto with the pasteis de nata, the port wine region, and the iconic portuguese azulejos (painted tiles). But the fascinating history of the region, architecture, food, and kind people were all a pleasant surprise once I arrived.
If you’re planning your trip to Porto and want to get a feel for it, here’s my beginner’s guide.
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Why Porto Should Be Your Next Europe Trip
Porto is one of those special places that can’t be fully captured in photos. While the city is beautiful, there’s a liveliness that can only be felt by walking through the streets, hearing the incredible street performers in every plaza, and admiring the numerous cathedrals and monuments in person.
This city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and leisure. It’s easy to spend a full day exploring the city’s top sites and end the day with a glass of wine by the Duoro.
While you could stay longer, Porto is small and can be enjoyed in a 3 day trip. This is a perfect spot to combine with Lisbon or even northern Spain to make a week-long Europe trip.
A Brief History of Porto
The city’s history dates all the way back to 1 BC when the Romans built a vital trading port along the Duoro River. Over the years, it has been conquered by the Moors and Christians before becoming a monarchy in 1143 under the first king, Afonso Henriques.
The city gained prominence and economic power as it became a port wine exporter to the UK over the course of the 17th-18th century.
Porto is also known as The “Invicta” after it survived a brutal 13-month siege between 1832-1834 during the Portuguese civil war.
Portugal was also part of a fascist dictatorship from 1933-1974 when it finally fell during the “Carnation Revolution”. The flower, a symbol of the revolution, can be found throughout the city as a symbol of Portuguese democracy and freedom.
As you wander the city, you’ll see this history brought to life not only through the architecture, port wine business, and cultural symbols throughout Porto.
When to Visit Porto and How to Get There
Porto sits on the Duoro River, not far from the Atlantic Ocean. For this reason, the city is pretty humid. While the temperatures usually don’t get too high in the summer, they feel a bit stronger with the humidity, so plan accordingly!
The best way to get to Porto is by flying, but if you’re coming from Lisbon, there is a high-speed train that takes about 2.5 hours and costs between €40-70 depending on when you go. If you’re traveling from Spain, unfortunately the two countries are not well connected by train travel, and flying will be your best bet.
What to Eat and Drink in Porto
If you’re a recurring reader of Everyday Abroad, you probably know my favorite thing to do when I travel is to eat. Before arriving in Porto I had no idea what Portuguese food was like, and I was pleasantly surprised.
Based on my experience, here are the foods you must try on your visit to Porto.
Pastéis de Nata: Portugal’s Famous Egg Custard Tarts
This is a delicious egg custard in a filo dough outer shell. It’s like a cross between a crème brûlée and a pie — then make it mini. This is a perfect bite to have after breakfast or in the afternoon if you’re craving a sweet snack. These are perfect for grab and go, or you can get a pack to take back to the hotel.
My favorite place was definitely Manteigaria. They had the best quality and the creamiest, most balanced pasteis de nata that I’ve ever tried. They have multiple locations throughout the city, so there’s no excuse for skipping this stop!
Tinned Sardines: A Portuguese Staple
Honestly, I was not a big fan of sardines before this trip – and I’m still not in love with them. BUT, the sardines I tried in Porto were tasty, and the closest I’ve personally come to accepting them into my diet. I understand why Portugal is famous for its tinned fish.
Sardines are extremely trendy as a health food in the U.S. currently, making this a perfect souvenir from your trip. Try the sardines at The Fantastic World of the Portuguese Sardine, which also has multiple locations in the city. Pro-tip: go midday for free samples!
Codfish Cakes (Pastéis de Bacalhau): Better Than They Sound
Portugal is also known for cod, and my favorite way to eat it was in the form of codfish cakes (Pastéis de Bacalhau or Bolinhos de Bacalhau). These are made up of salted cod, potato, egg, herbs, and sometimes cheese.
Don’t knock it until you try it. The ones I tried did not have a strong fish flavor, but were more creamy, mild, and completely delicious. Try the codfish cakes at Adega do Manel in Gaia across the bridge from Porto for delicious fried codfish cakes with Portuguese cheese. It was one of my favorite dishes from the trip!
Port Wine: What to Know Before Your Tasting
Finally, you can’t leave Porto without doing a port wine tasting. The Duoro Valley near Porto is one of the world’s oldest wine regions, and they have perfected the art of winemaking.
All of the wineries are located across the bridge in Gaia. You can either book a winery tour and tasting at one of the major wineries, or some wine bars and restaurants offer smaller tastings that you can enjoy with a light bite.
If you drink, you can’t leave Porto without giving it a try. No matter which route you try, you’re in for a special experience!
Top Things to Do in Porto
While Porto is a smaller city, it is packed with unique things to do. Here are the things you can’t miss, and can fit into a 3-day itinerary.
Porto Cathedral – Sé do Porto
The Porto Cathedral is a must-see on your trip to the city. It is free to visit the cathedral, but I recommend that you purchase a €3 ticket to the museum and cloister.
The cathedral is a mix of architectural styles including Baroque, Gothic, and Romanesque, and is known for its cloister which is decorated in painted tiles. The cathedral sits on a plaza with scenic views of the Duoro River and beautiful city landscape.
This cathedral is also one of the stops on the Portuguese route of the Camino de Santiago, so you’ll notice a lot of backpackers making their way through their pilgrimage!
Palacio da Bolsa
The Palacio da Bolsa was originally the Portuguese stock exchange building. But now, the building dating back to 1842 is the headquarters for the Porto Chamber of Commerce and Industry and venue space for dignitaries and events.
The building is most famous for it’s Arab Hall inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Spain.
You can buy your entrance ticket of €14 either online or in-person. Note that all tours are guided, and last about 30-40 minutes total.
Bolhão Market
This was one of our favorite finds from the trip! The Bolhão Market is a food and artisan market that is split into two main floors. The top floor holds all the artisan vendors selling a range of jewelry, crafts, and souvenirs. The bottom floor has vendors selling Portuguese food staples from pastries and coffee to sardines, and the best olives I’ve had in my life.
Walk Along the Duoro River
One of my favorite activities was just to walk along the river and enjoy the atmosphere. The riverwalk in Porto is lined with bars and restaurants, making it easy to spend an afternoon here enjoying some snacks and drinks with good company and enjoying the atmosphere.
You can stroll along the Porto riverwalk before crossing the Ponte Luis I bridge into Gaia, where the views only get better. There are also vendors lined up along both sides of the river selling artwork and handcrafts.
São Bento Train Station
Take a quick peek into the gorgeous São Bento train station, built in 1904. The inside of the station is covered in thousands of beautiful azulejos, which you can admire for free in the entry hall. This is still a functioning train station, and if you plan to visit any other Portuguese cities by train, you will likely depart through this gorgeous station!
Rua das Flores
This is a cute street in Porto lined with cafés and shops. Here you’ll find nice shops to get a souvenir and also one of my favorite brunch spots: Floresta Cafe by Hungry Biker. It gets packed, so go early!
Rua de Santa Catarina & Capela das Almas
Rua de Santa Catarina is the main shopping street in Porto with major stores like Zara, Sephora, and more. Other than shopping, the main reason to check out this street is to view the tiles along the Capela das Almas de Santa Catarina, which is a beautiful tiled church along the street.
Livraria Llello
Livraria Llello is the library that inspired JK Rowling to write Harry Potter, and fans from all over the world come to see it firsthand. You’ll know when you’re there because the line goes all the way down the street!
You have to purchase a €12 entry ticket in advance to enter the bookstore, but the credit gets refunded back to you if you buy a book there.
To be honest, I would not include this on your itinerary unless you’re a huge Harry Potter fan or go very first thing in the morning. It gets so packed in there that it’s hard to enjoy and really browse the titles.
Cross the Ponte Luis I Bridge Into Gaia
Don’t stay in Porto the entire trip — head across the river to Vila Nova do Gaia and wander through their riverwalk and old town. Take the famous Ponte Luis I bridge, created by Gustave Eiffel, architect of the Eiffel Tower.
Even if you just go for an hour or two to take in the view of Porto across the river and enjoy a glass of port wine with the view, it’s well worth a visit.
Port Wine Tasting
If you’re into wine, I highly recommend booking a tasting at Taylor Fladgate. Here you learn so much about the history, how they cultivate their vineyards, and the craftsmanship that goes into making port wine. This was a highlight of the trip!
Watch the Sunset from Jardim do Morro
Take the cable car to the top of the bridge and walk over to Jardim do Morro. This the perfect place to watch the sun as it sets over Porto. Go early and grab a spot on the hill because it gets packed!
There’s also a nice indoor/outdoor bar called Esplanada Jardim do Morro with a terrace just in front of the park with beautiful views of the river. This is what we did, and we got a beautiful sunset view plus drinks (and a bathroom).
Shop!
Porto is one of the best cities to shop in. It’s easy to find artisan, handcrafted, and unique souvenirs at shops throughout the city. Here are a few ideas of where to go and what to shop for during your trip.
- Tinned fish from The Fantastic World of the Portuguese Sardine
- Azulejos and ceramics from Prometeu Artesanato
- Port Wine from your favorite winery in Gaia
- Cosmetics at Benamôr, a Portuguese natural cosmetics brand
- Jewelry, postcards, and souvenirs at Bolhão Market or the outdoor Ohana Market
My top recommendation is to shop local Portuguese brands and even take an azulejo painting workshop at Fernandes, Mattos & Ca. This was my favorite store we went into, and they have three floors with everything from cosmetics to port wine and clothing.
Porto Travel FAQs
Is Porto worth visiting?
Absolutely. Porto is one of Europe’s most underrated cities, combining centuries of history, striking architecture, a vibrant food scene, and one of the world’s oldest wine regions, all in a compact, walkable destination. Most visitors find it just as impressive as Lisbon, with a grittier, more lived-in charm.
How many days do you need in Porto?
Three days is the sweet spot for a first visit. That gives you enough time to explore the historic center, cross into Gaia for a port wine tasting, wander the Ribeira, and still have a slow morning or two. You can see the highlights in two days, but you’ll feel rushed.
What is Porto best known for?
Porto is best known for port wine, which takes its name from the city. Beyond that, it’s famous for its azulejo tile facades, the iconic Ponte Luís I bridge, and its role as a historic Atlantic trading port. The city’s dramatic hillside setting along the Douro River is also a defining feature.
What is the best area to stay in Porto?
The historic center, including Ribeira and Aliados, puts you closest to the main sights and is ideal for first-time visitors. Bonfim is a popular choice if you want a slightly more local, residential feel at a lower price point. Most areas in central Porto are walkable, so accommodation within the city center works well regardless of neighborhood.
Is Porto expensive?
Porto is one of the more affordable cities in Western Europe. Budget travelers can eat and drink well for relatively little, and museum entrance fees are generally low. Accommodation costs have risen in recent years, but you’ll still pay significantly less than in Paris, Amsterdam, or Barcelona for a comparable experience.
Do people speak English in Porto?
Yes, widely. English is commonly spoken in hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist areas throughout Porto. Most younger residents and anyone working in tourism will speak it comfortably. Learning a few words of Portuguese like obrigado/obrigada (thank you)or por favor (please) is always appreciated but rarely necessary.
What is the best time of year to visit Porto?
Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September–October) offer the best combination of mild temperatures, manageable crowds, and longer daylight hours. Summer is warm and lively but can get humid and busy. Winter is quiet and affordable, though it tends to rain a lot.
Can you do a day trip from Lisbon to Porto?
Technically yes — the high-speed Alfa Pendular train connects the two cities in about 2.5 hours, but a day trip doesn’t do Porto justice. If you’re based in Lisbon and want to include Porto, consider an overnight stay or a two- to three-night stopover as part of a longer itinerary.
Is Porto safe for tourists?
Porto is generally a safe city for tourists. Petty theft (pickpocketing, bag snatching) is the most common concern, particularly in crowded areas like the Ribeira, on trams, and near major tourist sites. Use standard travel precautions and you’re unlikely to have issues.
Map of Porto Must-See Spots
Porto Is Worth It’s Spot On Your Itinerary
If you’re planning a trip to Europe, I hope Porto is now on your itinerary. I fell in love with this city within an hour of exploring it’s beautiful, hilly streets. The people are kind, the culture is vibrant, and the food is amazing. It’s a perfect place to explore, learn, relax, and enjoy.
If you’ve been to Porto, leave your recommendations in the comments!
Other blogs you might like:
- How to Spend One Week in Spain: Madrid to Barcelona Travel Guide
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- How to Spend 24 Hours in Madrid
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