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Plan Your Trip to Porto: Best of Porto Tourism

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Porto, Portugal

Portugal’s second-largest city, and the one that gave the country (and port wine) its name, Porto is the perfect blend of classic vibes and modern energy. First off, it's a fantastic walking city. Stroll the winding cobblestone streets and take in 18th-century townhouses alongside chic shops, restaurants, and design-forward boutique hotels. And be sure to check out the port wine cellars across the Douro River at Vila Nova de Gaia. Porto's also a hotspot for contemporary art, from the Museu de Arte Contemporanea de Serralves (a modern art mecca) to the galleries on Rua Miguel Bombarda. But to deep dive on the city’s history, head to its old town—the vibrant Ribeira district. A UNESCO World heritage site, it shows centuries-old architecture (its 14th-century São Francisco church is a main attraction) against a backdrop of some fantastic views of the Douro River. There's a lot more to see and we've got all your recs below.

Essential Porto

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Travel Advice

How to do Porto in 3 days

Art galleries, trendy restaurants, and tile-coloured landmarks
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7 best day trips from Porto

An underrated creative city, Porto is the perfect home base for exploring northern Portugal. On my first trip, I took a Viking cruise up the Douro River, but I couldn’t resist returning to see the area’s other surprising sights. From ancient castles and regal palaces to rugged national parks and picturesque vineyards, here are my favourite detours from Porto.
  • Casa de Mateus
    1,094
    The 18th-century Casa de Mateus is a baroque treasure, designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni. Inside, you’ll discover carved chestnut ceilings, antiques, period paintings, and a handsome library with a rare edition of the Portuguese epic, Os Lusíadas. The estate is equally stunning, with a reflecting pool, a chapel full of religious relics from the Vatican, and immaculate gardens of boxwood hedges, rose bushes, and cypress tunnels. Tip: Have your camera ready for the scenic hour-long journey there.
  • Peneda-Geres National Park
    117
    Drive 90 minutes northwest to Peneda-Gerês, Portugal’s only national park, which spills into Spain. Here, rivers cross oak-and-pine forests, granite mountains, and verdant valleys, where roe deer (the park’s mascot), wild Garrano ponies, and Iberian wolves roam. My favourite hike is the Geira Roman road, featuring 2,000-year-old ruins, medieval bridges, waterfalls, and crystal-clear lagoons. On other trails, you’ll find castles (once occupied by the Spanish, Moors, and Portuguese), monasteries, megalithic dolmens, and espigueiros (stone granaries on stilts).
  • Università Di Coimbra
    3,611
    Follow the Atlantic Coast 90 minutes south to the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO site overlooking Mondego River. Founded in 1290, it’s one of the world’s earliest academic institutions, where classes are dismissed by the bells in a 17th-century tower. Look familiar? Students shrouded in black cloaks seem like they’ve popped straight out of Harry Potter’s pages. Don’t miss the colourful ceilings in Capela de São Miguel and the gold-leaf bookshelves in Biblioteca Joanina.
  • Bom Jesus Do Monte
    121
    An hour's train away, Braga is a popular pilgrimage site. It’s home to the country’s oldest cathedral, the Archbishop’s Palace (bordering the colourful Santa Barbara Garden), and the crown jewel: Bom Jesus do Monte. This neoclassical church sits atop a dramatic baroque stairway that zigzags 17 flights (about 580 steps) up the slopes of Mount Espinho. There’s also a funicular to make it more accessible. Tip: Stay until dusk to see it light up.
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Porto travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travellers ask in the forums.

Car Rental Companies

According to forum posts, travelers have used various car rental companies in Porto. Europcar and Hertz are frequently mentioned as reliable options, with Europcar available at locations like Rua de Goncalo Cristovao and the Campanhã railway station. Hertz provided satisfactory service for one-way rentals from Porto to other cities like Faro.

Rental Rates and Policies

For many users, rental rates and policies vary widely, with some finding rates as low as 12 Euros per day near the airport. However, it's essential to be cautious of additional charges like electronic toll fees, cross-border fees, and insurance excess. Users have advised thorough research on terms and conditions across different platforms and suggested clearing browser cookies for more accurate pricing during searches.

Local vs International Companies

Some travelers have recommended using local companies for potentially cheaper rates and better service compared to multinational chains. However, the choice often depends on specific needs like one-way rentals to different cities, which might be better served by larger international companies.

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Hotel Views and Locations

Some travelers recommended hotels with great views and locations in Porto. The Rebello, located in Gaia, offers balcony rooms with river views. Vila Foz Hotel also provides rooms with balconies, though specific views are not mentioned.

Hotel Amenities and Accessibility

According to forum posts, for elderly travelers or those concerned with accessibility due to Porto's hilly terrain, hotels like Portobay Flores and Palacio Príncipe Real are preferred for their central locations and accessibility. The Icon Duplo Ribeira hotel is noted for easy downhill walks to the waterfront, though uphill return might require a taxi or Uber.

Additional Recommendations

Travelers have called out several other hotels for their merits. Pestana Vintage is praised for its location and views if a water view room is booked, and Pestana Palacio Freixo, although a bit out of the city center, offers scenic river views and grounds with the convenience of a shuttle bus to the center.

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Recommended Food Tours

Some travelers recommended the food tours by Taste Porto and Blue Dragon. Taste Porto is particularly noted for accommodating solo travelers and offering a Vintage tour that was enjoyed by a group of eight. The Blue Dragon tour is a food and wine walking tour, suggested for its comprehensive coverage of local cuisine and beverages.

Recommended Wine Tours and Cellar Visits

For wine tours and cellar visits in Porto, travelers have had positive experiences with Augustos and Quinta Do Bom Dia, both of which allow walk-in visits without prior booking. Augustos was preferred over Sandemans for its overall experience. Grahams, Taylors, Calem, and Kopke were also highlighted for their port lodges in Gaia, offering tours and tastings, with Taylors providing a unique self-guided tour with an audio guide.

Additional Recommendations

A highly praised evening food and wine tour is the City Lovers guided Port Wine Walking Tour, although starting times may require adjustment based on flight arrivals. Another notable mention was Tasco restaurant, celebrated for its exceptional food and service, making it a worthwhile visit for those interested in Portuguese cuisine.

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Prima Vera Festival

According to forum posts, the Prima Vera festival is a notable event in Porto, typically held in early June. The festival venue is located on the western side of the city, approximately 4 miles from the city center, near the beach area.

São João Festival

Travelers have called the São João festivities the largest celebration in northern Portugal, occurring on the night of June 23rd to 24th. This vibrant event fills the city with fun chaos, including street events mainly at Av. dos Aliados and Ribeira.

Queima das Fitas Festival

Some travelers mentioned the Queima das Fitas Festival, primarily a student event filled with concerts and activities. It generally occurs in May, and its main venue is the Queimódromo.

Christmas Markets

For many users, the Christmas markets in Porto also stand out as significant events. Though specific details about the markets' location were not discussed, they're suggested as a worthwhile visit during the holiday season.

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Travel by Train

According to forum posts, trains from Porto to Lisbon are frequent, with 18 daily departures. Tickets can be purchased up to 60 days in advance at www.cp.pt, where mandatory seat reservations are available. Discounts are significant if bought early.

Travel by Bus

Travelers have mentioned two bus lines operating between Porto and Lisbon, Rede Expressos and Flixbus, offering regular services. Tickets for Rede Expressos can be bought 30 days in advance, while Flixbus offers a more flexible booking window.

Travel by Plane

Some travelers said that flying is an option, but not recommended due to the time lost at airports for security checks and boarding processes, making it less time-efficient compared to trains or buses.

Car Travel Considerations

For those considering driving, users have noted that it is the second most expensive option after private transfers, with costs increasing due to fuel and tolls.

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Running Routes

According to forum posts, one popular water-related activity is running alongside the Douro River from Ribeira to Foz, which offers flat terrain and beautiful landscapes. Another route recommended by travelers is across the Luís I Bridge to the fishing village of Afurada and then to Espinho along the beaches of Vila Nova de Gaia.

River Tours

Travelers have called out that recreational activities along the river, including sightseeing buses and river tours, were banned during a specific period, as noted by Porto City Council, affecting the availability of such activities at least temporarily.

Beach Accessibility

Some forum users inquired about beaches near Porto where they could rent umbrellas and chairs, indicating an interest in beach relaxation within a 40-minute radius from Bolhão Market.

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Beach Recommendations

According to forum posts, Meia-laranja beach in Leça da Palmeira offers sun beds and umbrellas, which are ideal for relaxation. Additionally, Matosinhos is frequently mentioned as a beautiful beach with a variety of cafes and good surfing conditions, making it a popular choice among travelers.

Accessibility

Some travelers noted that Matosinhos beach is easily accessible via public transport from Porto. You can take the metro from São Bento station on the yellow line to Trindade, then transfer to the blue line towards Senhor de Matosinhos, which takes about 35 minutes overall. Alternatively, the 500 bus provides a scenic route from around São Bento station directly to the port in Matosinhos.

Additional Options

For those looking for a scenic beach walk, Foz area near the lighthouse offers a long boardwalk by the ocean, leading to Matosinhos. This area is also well-regarded for its beach bars and seafood restaurants.

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Weather Overview

According to forum posts, Porto experiences a variety of weather conditions throughout the year. In summer, average daytime temperatures range from 25 to 30ºC, occasionally getting hotter, while nighttime temperatures usually cool down due to sea breezes. Humidity levels can vary depending on the wind direction, with inland winds bringing dry air and sea breezes contributing to higher humidity.

Winter and Rainy Seasons

During winter, particularly in January, Porto can be cold, windy, and wet, with some travelers noting occurrences of frost. November also tends to be colder and rainier compared to other months. In October, weather conditions are generally warmer than expected but can cool down significantly at night, and sudden rain showers are common.

Variability and Advice

Travelers have reported that the weather can be unpredictable, with rapid changes and discrepancies between different weather forecasts. It's advisable for visitors to prepare for varying conditions, potentially packing both rain gear and lighter clothing depending on the time of year they visit.

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