Porto

Travel Guide
Porto Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, religious aspects and interior views
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 neighborhood are old and colorful, 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 IBridge 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 which includes a small town or village and a city

Centro / Baixa

4.5/5(771 area reviews)

Centro / Baixa is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Ribeira Square 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
Porto which includes signage, outdoor art and a city

União de Freguesias do Centro

4.5/5(26 area reviews)

União de Freguesias do Centro is highly notable for its stunning river views, and you might want to visit top sights like Ribeira Square and Porto City Hall. See more of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória by jumping on the metro at Lapa Station or Trindade Station.

União de Freguesias do Centro
Ribeira Square featuring a square or plaza, a monument and cafe lifestyle

Ribeira

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

Ribeira
Porto which includes signage, outdoor art and a city

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 Bolhao Market and Porto City Hall, and jump on the metro at Trindade Station or Bolhao Station to see more of the city.

Santo Ildefonso
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Bonfim

4/5(62 area reviews)

Noted for its cafes and river views, there's plenty to explore in Bonfim. Top attractions like Porto Historic Center and Duoro River are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Campo 24 Agosto Station or Heroísmo Station to see more of the city.

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

Zero Box Lodge Porto
Zero Box Lodge Porto
3 out of 5
R. do Ateneu Comercial do Porto, 13, Porto, Porto
The price is NT$2,133 per night from Apr 10 to Apr 11
NT$2,133
per night
Apr 10 - Apr 11
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the bathrooms in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (253 reviews)
"Good property close to DT Porto. Very clean and large washrooms. AC issue fixed in a short amount of time."

Reviewed on 2024/3/25

Zero Box Lodge Porto
Park Hotel Porto Aeroporto
Park Hotel Porto Aeroporto
3 out of 5
Avenida do Aeroporto, 241, Maia
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$2,614 per night from Apr 3 to Apr 4
NT$2,614
per night
Apr 3 - Apr 4
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Maia. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Nice hotel. Convenient for the airport."

Reviewed on 2024/3/16

Park Hotel Porto Aeroporto
HF Fénix Porto
HF Fénix Porto
4 out of 5
Rua Gonçalo Sampaio, 282, Porto
The price is NT$2,482 per night from Mar 31 to Apr 1
NT$2,482
per night
Mar 31 - Apr 1
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (997 reviews)
"Hotel is modern, rooms are very large and clean. Location is in the new area but 5-8 min from old area. Very nice staff too"

Reviewed on 2024/3/17

HF Fénix 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.
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, a TV, and a kitchen. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions Ribeira Square ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (103 reviews)
"Great downtown location. Can walk to everything. Very comfortable apartment. It was perfect for a family of 4."

Reviewed on 2024/3/17

Oca Ribeira do Porto AT
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, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (824 reviews)
"Best place in our trip. Concierge was very professional and courteous. Great location I think the best ! Better than the pictures"

Reviewed on 2024/3/21

Spot Family Apartments
Condes de Azevedo Palace
Condes de Azevedo Palace
5 out of 5
Palácio Condes de Azevedo -, Rua Saraiva de Carvalho N93, Porto
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Porto. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (378 reviews)
"Wonderful place and amazing staff, very helpful and accommodating. Great location."

Reviewed on 2024/3/21

Condes de Azevedo Palace
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.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Porto

4.7
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
657
" "5 - Excellent 73.82022471910112%
4 - Good
206
" "4 - Good 23.146067415730336%
3 - Okay
22
" "3 - Okay 2.4719101123595504%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 0.33707865168539325%
1 - Terrible
2
" "1 - Terrible 0.2247191011235955%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 27, 2020

It's such a beautiful city!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Mar 13, 2020

Porto was a wonderful city. I wish we would have stayed a bit longer. Due to the Corona craziness we came back to the states early. Porto has great sangria and delicious food. There are many wineries and tons of history. I will be back one day.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 4, 2020

It was good but not great. Go to Lisbon to see all the beauty

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 2, 2020

There were so many wine cellars to visit but our favorite was Graham's. The tour is excellent and the view of the city is breathtaking.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Mar 2, 2020

Nice town with friendly atmosphere

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Feb 27, 2020

Great city, lots to see. Must come back to just relax and enjoy the atmosphere.

Cities near Porto