Discover Porto: the ultimate city guide

Perched along the banks of the Douro River, Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, certainly packs a punch. It’s a place where iconic bridges, azulejo-adorned churches, port wine lodges, family-run taverns and riverside views all compete for your attention.

City breaks in Porto aren't just about ticking off the sights, but about enjoying life's simple pleasures, too. Think days spent wandering along cobblestone lanes in search of that 5-star rated café, browsing independent boutiques for one-of-a-kind finds, and soaking up the buzz (and mouthwatering aromas) of local markets. Come evening, it's all about watching the sun dip over the Douro, sharing plates of Portuguese food with friends and clinking glasses with fellow travellers as you bar hop through the city. Bursting with charm, Porto has everything you need for the perfect city break.

The top sights in Porto

From iconic bridges to historic cathedrals, Porto has plenty of sights to fill your itinerary. These include:

Dom Luís I Bridge

The Dom Luís I Bridge is arguably the city's most famous sight. Stretching across the Douro River, it connects Porto's historic centre with Vila Nova de Gaia, serving up some seriously impressive views along the way. Take a stroll across the upper deck for some of the best views in Porto, with the terracotta rooftops, winding river and pastel-coloured waterfront below. It's especially magical at sunset.

São Bento Railway Station

São Bento Railway Station is anything but your average train station. Built on the site of a former Benedictine monastery, this architectural gem isn't just somewhere you come to catch a train. Its entrance is a highlight, with more than 20,000 blue-and-white azulejo tiles depicting scenes from Potuguese history.

Porto Cathedral

As impressive inside as it is out, Porto's fortress-like cathedral is one of the city's oldest buildings and a must-visit. It dates all the way back to the 12th century and blends Romanesque, Baroque and Gothic influences, with its Gothic cloister stealing the show thanks to its azulejo tiles. Before you leave, make sure you take in the views from the square in front as the terracotta rooftops bask in the sunshine below.

Clérigos Church and Tower

Combining Baroque architecture with beautiful views, Clerigos Church is well worth adding to your itinerary. Its tall bell tower is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. Admire the church's ornate interior and marble altarpiece before climbing the narrow staircase to the top. It's a bit of a climb, but the views make it worthwhile.

Palácio da Bolsa

If you want to peek into Porto's lavish past, then you can't miss a trip to Palácio da Bolsa, the city's former Stock Exchange Palace. Dating back to the 19th century, the palace is famous for its opulent interiors. Marvel at the grand staircase with its huge chandeliers, step into the Arab Room inspired by the Alhambra, and don't miss the Courtyard of the Nations, a glass-domed atrium surrounded by national coats of arms.

Livraria Lello

A bookshop might not be the first thing you'd expect on a list of Porto's top sights, but Livraria Lello is far from your ordinary bookshop. Often hailed as one of the world's most beautiful, it wows visitors with its elaborate interiors. Climb the dramatic crimson staircase, admire the stained-glass skylight above and take your time browsing the wooden shelves filled with books.

Hidden gems in Porto

Fancy escaping the tourist trail? Beyond Porto's main attractions, you'll find plenty of hidden gems, from beautiful parks to peaceful viewpoints. Here are a few of our favourites:

Parque das Virtudes

If you want a break from Porto's bustling streets, head to Parque das Virtudes. This hillside park is the perfect spot to relax between sightseeing. It's got an unusual design with terraces sloping down the hill, offering stunning views across the Douro.

Miradouro das Fontainhas

Porto's hillside location makes it great for a viewpoint. And one of the best spots to soak up your surroundings is Miradouro das Fontainhas. Hidden away on Porto's eastern hillside, it overlooks the Douro and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. And the best part is, you can enjoy it all without the crowds.

Casa São Roque

Tucked away in the Parque de São Roque area of the city, Casa São Roque is easy to miss. But this historic mansion is well worth a visit. It offers a mix of elegant architecture and contemporary art exhibitions, and there are also gardens next to where you can enjoy a scenic stroll.

The best things to do in Porto

Sometimes it's the things you do beyond ticking off the sights that make your trip so memorable. From tasting port wine to sailing along the Douro, these are some of the top things to do in Porto:

Explore the Ribeira neighbourhood

With its narrow lanes, lively squares, colourful townhouses and glistening riverfront, Ribeira is as charming as it sounds. Nestled in the city's UNESCO-listed historic centre, it's full of life, with traditional taverns and local bars spilling out onto the streets. Have a wander along the waterfront, watching the boats bob on the river, get lost in the winding side streets, admiring the tiled facades as you go, and tuck into a delicious dinner overlooking the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.

Go port wine tasting in Vila Nova de Gaia

You simply can't visit Porto without sampling its famous local tipple, and the perfect place to do just that is just across the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia. Here, you can tour wine cellars in historic port wine lodges, learn the story behind the much-loved drink, and try a selection of different ports to see which one you might want to bring home with you.

Take a cruise along the Douro River

You don't have to do all your sightseeing on foot. Taking a cruise along the Douro is one of the most exciting and relaxing ways to experience the city. Just sit back and soak up your surroundings. There are plenty of cruises to choose from – try a sightseeing tour to see the city's sights from a different perspective or hop on board a traditional Rabelo boat for something a little different.

Indulge at Bolhão Market

Although the city's port wine tends to steal the spotlight, its culinary scene is just as impressive. And one of the best places to experience Porto's mouth-watering flavours is at Bolhão Market with its lively atmosphere and colourful displays of fruits, vegetables, meats and cheeses. Make sure you come hungry, as it's the ideal spot to taste Portuguese specialities. Must-try dishes include:

• Francesinha: This seriously indulgent sandwich is Porto’s most famous dish. Think thick bread stuffed with steak, sausages, ham, melted cheese and a spicy sauce. And if that isn’t enough to fill you up, it’s often served with a side of chips too!
• Bacalhau: Salted cod is a staple in Portuguese cuisine. It’s prepared in a variety of ways creating different dishes such as Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, a baked dish with salted cod, potatoes, onions, boiled eggs and olives.
• Tripas à Moda do Porto: For a real taste of Porto's culinary heritage, try this traditional slow-cooked stew, packed with tripe, butter beans, a variety of meats and lots of seasonings.
• Cachorrinho: Sandwich lovers will also appreciate the Cachorrinho. It’s a little bit like a hot dog with sausage, melted cheese and a spicy sauce, and the perfect snack mid-sightseeing.
• Pastel de nata: No trip to Portugal is complete without having this classic Portuguese sweet treat. These small tarts feature a crispy pastry with a creamy egg and custard filling, sprinkled with cinnamon. Best enjoyed with a cup of coffee.

Explore Cedofeita

If you want to venture beyond the historic centre, Cedofeita is the artsy, bohemian corner of the city. It's full of character, with independent boutiques, cool coffee shops, brunch spots and craft beer bars. Enjoy a latte at one of the laid-back cafes, browse the shops for vintage finds or pop into the local galleries.

Where to stay in Porto

Before you book a trip to Porto, it's worth having a look at which area suits you best. If it's your first visit, we'd recommend staying in Baixa and Aliados, where you'll be within easy reach of the city main sights along with shops, restaurants and bars. Ribeira is a great spot for postcard-perfect riverside views, whilst Cedofeita offers a cooler creative vibe. Across the river, Vila Nova de Gaia is perfect for port wine lovers and gorgeous views of Porto, or if you want to stay something a little quieter, staying in Foz do Douro gives you the opportunity to combine city life with a coastal escape.

How to get around Porto

There are plenty of ways to explore the city. Walking is one of the best options for discovering the historic centre and riverside, with many of the city's sights just a short stroll from one another. Plus, walking is a great way to discover hidden gems and admire the city's beautiful architecture. Just bear in mind that Porto is very hilly, with plenty of steep and cobbled streets that can affect people with reduced mobility.

Porto has an extensive public transport network too, including the metro, buses, trams and even a funicular. The metro is especially handy for exploring the city, with six metro lines connecting various neighbourhoods, including the airport. Buses also cover any areas that the metro doesn't. Hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses can also be fun, especially if you're travelling with little ones.

For something a little different, jump on board one of Porto's vintage trams. They're more of a novelty rather than a means of getting from A to B and are great for soaking up the views and just enjoying the experience. The Funicular dos Guindais is another experience worth trying. It connects the Batalha area with Ribeira and offers beautiful views along the way.

If you're travelling with a car, we wouldn't recommend driving in Porto city centre. Roads are narrow, parking is limited and traffic can be heavy. Instead, you're best parking on the outskirts of town and using public transport to make your way in.

Tip: If you're using public transport regularly, have a look into the Andante Tour Card. It offers tourists unlimited travel across the bus and metro network and can work out cheaper than buying individual tickets.

When to visit Porto

Summer is the most popular time to visit the Portuguese city. The sun's shining, temperatures are at their warmest and it's the perfect time to enjoy Porto's outdoor lifestyle, from riverside drinks to beach trips and street festivals such as Festa de São João which takes place in June. However, summer is also the busiest season, so you can expect longer queues at attractions and higher accommodation prices. If you're visiting during summer, it's worth booking your accommodation in advance, along with any restaurant reservations.

If you prefer fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures, then spring might suit you better. You can still enjoy outdoor attractions, but the milder weather makes sightseeing easier, and viewpoints tend to be less crowded. Autumn is also a great option, especially for wine lovers as it's harvest season in the Douro Valley. The landscapes are beautiful, days are often still warm, but the summer crowds have gone.

Meanwhile, winter brings the most unreliable weather, with cooler temperatures and a greater chance of rain. However, it can be a good time for a quiet city break, enjoying cosy cafes and browsing independent shops.

Trips from Porto

From Porto, you can also go on to explore other parts of Portugal. Some of the most popular trips from Porto include:

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