Porto travel guide: tiled churches, port lodges and the Douro
Steep lanes tumbling to the Douro, churches clad in blue tiles and port lodges across the bridge. Porto is smaller and rougher round the edges than Lisbon, and plenty of people prefer it.
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The Douro
Photo: Tomás Evaristo / Unsplash
Porto, a city facing the river
Cross the upper deck of the Dom Luís I bridge at sunset. Below you is the Douro, and ahead the houses of the Ribeira climb the hillside. Behind you, the names of the port houses glow on the rooftops of Vila Nova de Gaia. It is Porto's best view, and it costs a short walk.
Portugal's second city gave its name to both the country and its most famous wine, and its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For the rest of the country, see our Portugal travel guide.
Neighbourhoods to know
Ribeira
The old riverfront: narrow alleys, restaurants and boats that take you under the six bridges.
Baixa
The centre around Avenida dos Aliados, the tiled São Bento station and the Livraria Lello bookshop.
Vila Nova de Gaia
Across the river and technically a separate city, home to the port lodges with tastings and tours.
Foz do Douro
Where the river meets the Atlantic, with a seafront promenade and seafood restaurants. Ride the old number 1 tram there.
Three days in Porto
Day 1: São Bento, the cathedral and the Ribeira, then over the bridge to Gaia for port tasting and sunset.
Day 2: Livraria Lello (book ahead), the Clérigos Tower and the Bolhão market. Tram to Foz in the afternoon.
Day 3: a day trip to the Douro Valley, where the grapes for port grow on terraces above the river.
Food and drink
The francesinha, a double-decker sandwich of meat, melted cheese and a beer-based sauce, is Porto's heavyweight. Otherwise expect grilled sardines, bacalhau and a pastel de nata with your coffee. Port comes in many styles, from white and rosé to tawnies aged for decades.
InterContinental Porto Palácio das Cardosas
Photo: Hotels.com
Where to stay
The Ribeira and Baixa put you in the heart of the city, Gaia gives you views of the old town and Foz the sea. Our Porto hotel guide has the picks, and our Douro Valley guide covers the wine country.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at InterContinental Porto Palácio das Cardosas
Frequently asked questions about Porto
How many days do you need in Porto?
Three days covers the city, the port lodges and a day in the Douro Valley.
Porto or Lisbon: which is better?
Lisbon is bigger with more to see. Porto is more compact, better value and, many say, more atmospheric.
How do I get from Porto airport to the city centre?
The metro's violet line reaches the centre in about half an hour.
When is the best time to visit Porto?
May, June and September. Winters are mild but wet.