Porto

One of Europe's oldest cities and the home of port wine.

This ancient city on the Douro River estuary is known for its UNESCO-listed center, Baroque buildings, and terraced vineyards. The Ribeira district buzzes with activity along the waterfront.

4.6
out of 5

Porto stretches across hillsides along the Douro River. In the city's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you'll find narrow streets lined with colorful tiled buildings. You can explore São Bento station's tiled walls, taste port wine at riverside cellars, eat hearty local dishes, and enjoy views from hilltop lookout points. Porto's lively arts scene and its proximity to the Douro Valley wine region attract many visitors.

Exploring Porto's Historic Center

Walk through Porto's old town, starting in the Ribeira district. Here, you'll navigate narrow lanes between houses with wrought-iron balconies. On the riverfront promenade, you can stop at cafes and restaurants in former merchants' homes. For a view of the city, climb the steep streets to the Sé Cathedral. This 12th century Romanesque church includes a Gothic cloister decorated with blue and white azulejo tiles showing scenes from the Song of Solomon.

Crossing the Dom Luis I Bridge

The double-decker Dom Luis I Bridge spans the Douro River. A student of Gustave Eiffel designed this metal arch bridge. You can walk across the upper deck to see Porto's skyline and the Vila Nova de Gaia district on the opposite bank. At night, lights illuminate the bridge, creating a reflection in the river below.

Sampling Port Wine in Vila Nova de Gaia

After crossing the Dom Luis I Bridge, you'll reach Vila Nova de Gaia, where you'll find numerous port wine cellars. You can tour cellars filled with oak casks, learn about port production, and taste different varieties. Try a tawny port with hints of dried fruit and nuts or a vintage port from a single exceptional harvest. Many cellars offer views back across the river to Porto's old town. Sandeman, Taylor's, and Graham's are among the well-known producers offering tours and tastings.

Enjoying Porto's Culinary Scene

Porto's cuisine reflects its working-class background. You can try the francesinha - a sandwich filled with ham, sausage and steak, covered in melted cheese and a spicy tomato-beer sauce. Drink it with a glass of vinho verde, the region's light, slightly bubbly white wine. For dessert, try pastéis de nata, custard tarts dusted with cinnamon. Visit the Bolhão Market to sample local products like cured meats, cheeses, and fresh produce.

Admiring Azulejo Tile Art

You'll see decorative azulejo tiles on many of Porto's buildings, from churches to train stations. In São Bento station's main hall, you can see 20,000 hand-painted blue and white tiles showing scenes from Portuguese history. The Church of Saint Ildefonso has a detailed Baroque facade completely covered in blue and white tiles. For a more modern approach, visit the Chapel of Souls, with its exterior decorated with bright blue tiles depicting religious scenes.

Average temperatures during the day in Porto.
October
16°
Nov
12°
Dec
10°
Jan
9°
Feb
10°
Mar
11°
Apr
13°
May
15°
Jun
18°
Jul
20°
Aug
20°
Sep
19°

What people say about Porto

4.6
People
5
Food
5
Spaces
5
Value
4
Safety
4

Articles about Portugal

Image of The 3 best workation destinations in Europe
Image of The 3 best workation destinations in Europe

The 3 best workation destinations in Europe

December 2023,
Workation meaning The definition of workation is working while travelling. Workation is a portmanteau of the words "work" and "vacation," reflecting the concept of combining work responsibilities with
Image of The warmest places in Europe during winter
Image of The warmest places in Europe during winter

The warmest places in Europe during winter

September 2024,
Winter in Europe typically falls between December and March. During this time, temperatures can vary significantly depending on the region. In the northern parts of Europe, temperatures may drop below
Popular on Humbo right now
Humboâ„¢AboutVisitedBucket listSustainable travelPrivacyTerms