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 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 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.

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
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
Dom Luis I Bridge featuring street scenes, a bridge and a river or creek

São Nicolau

4.5/5(124 area reviews)

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
The price is Rp2.168.076 per night from 27 Aug to 28 Aug
Rp2.168.076
Rp2.525.145 total
27 Aug - 28 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Porto. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Porto Historic Center and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (79 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 Rp1.481.005 per night from 5 Sept to 6 Sept
Rp1.481.005
Rp1.645.526 total
5 Sept - 6 Sept
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! (780 reviews)
Great room
"We love the room layout, it works very well for our needs. Room was clean and we were offered all the commodities we required before our flight next day."

Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025

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 Rp2.092.823 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
Rp2.092.823
Rp2.332.156 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! (407 reviews)
"Great hotel with great amenities and service. Only complain was that the AC was not working for the 3 nights we stayed there. We even asked them to fix it and they came and did some work but the temperature never cooled down. Other than that nice hotel, good location and great staff. Breakfast was ..."

Reviewed on 20 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 Wi-Fi, an airport shuttle (surcharge) and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,152 reviews)
"The room was extremely clean. The balcony was cute with beautiful view. Easy to take metro. The staff was very nice and patient."

Reviewed on 18 Aug 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! (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 Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (393 reviews)
"Friendly staff, beautiful and clean rooms, great location and easy to get around."

Reviewed on 18 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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