Porto: 12 reasons to visit one of Portugal's most enchanting cities
Across Porto, The Douro The From River Of Old Town
Only two and a half hours from home, Porto is one of Portugal’s most enchanting cities.
Known for its history, architecture and the wine named after it Porto offers unique experiences for first time and repeat visitors.
High season brings the crowds but with temperatures in the high twenties in May and October, it’s an excellent year-round destination.
So, if you’re a wine buff, a food lover or someone who just wants to experience the hospitality of a friendly city and surrounding regions – Porto has something special waiting just for you.
For those new to the city, first on the list has to be Riberia, the historic centre of Porto. A UNESCO World heritage site, Riberia is a hive of small alleyways, narrow cobbled streets and colourful buildings.
Grab a guided tour or just follow your nose: this is a very walkable city centre. Worth checking out is World Heritage Site, Palácio da Bolsa (the Stock Exchange Palace), a neoclassical jewel in Porto’s crown.
Wherever you wander you’ll soon find yourself back in the bustling Praça da Ribeira, where you can sit outside one of the many bars and restaurants, munch a ‘pastel del nata’ and watch the world go by.
- palaciodabolsa.com, €12
Describing itself as ‘The most beautiful bookstore in the world’, Livraria Lello will not disappoint – it was founded in 1906 and is well worth a visit.
Its neo-gothic architecture, red velvet staircases and delicate woodwork are said to have inspired JK Rowling when she created the interiors for Hogwarts school.
Take your time to wander through the aisles, drink in the atmosphere and maybe even buy a book.
Just remember, there is a small entrance fee and reservations are essential as this is a seriously popular spot and queues are to be expected at all times of the year.
- livrarialello.pt/en/home, €8 - €50
Porto is the home of port wine and just across the River Douro you’ll find the historic wine cellars of the city.
To get there, take a short walk across the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia where the famous cellars are located along the riverfront.
Built by local port traders in 1200’s as a response to what they felt were unfair taxes introduced by the Bishop of Porto, these imposing buildings are still in use today.
Stroll along the river, find the Amazing Rabbit and stop in for a quick drink, as you gaze back on the city of Porto and admire the view.
Let your legs take a break from the hills of Porto and step on to a Rabelo and explore the city from a different perspective.
Hop aboard one of these traditional boats which were once used to transport Port wine barrels from the Douro Valley to the city.
With beautiful views tour options include wine tasting on board and the essential 6 bridges tour which takes 50 minutes.
You can book online or in person, you’ll find them on the wharf at the bottom of the Riberio district.
- portocruises.com, €16 per person
You’ll find accommodation options for every budget in Porto, but why not indulge yourself and stay in style?
Nestled into the hills opposite the city, every room in The Yeatman hotel has a terrace or balcony with magnificent views of old Porto.
Relax in their world class spa, enjoy the infinity pools or have a drink in Daves Bar.
The Yeatman is also home to the 2-star Michelin restaurant led by chef Ricardo Costa, where he brings a modern twist to traditional Portuguese cooking.
The epitome of quiet luxury this hotel is the chicest stay in the city.
- the-yeatman-hotel.com/en, rates from €355 B&B
No, not a museum dedicated to the Rebel County, this immersive experience and permanent exhibition space is dedicated to understanding the importance of cork to the social and cultural history of Portugal.
With over 50% of the world’s cork produced in Portugal, learn how this 100% sustainable material is used in everything from interior design, NASA spacecrafts and even surfboards in this highly enjoyable and well thought out museum located in Vila Nova de Gaia.
This interactive experience is family friendly and well worth a visit (even if you’re not from Cork).
- wow.pt/en/museums/planet-cork
- €20 for adults
A visit to Porto wouldn’t be complete without some time spent sampling the outstanding local wines and ports the region is famous for.
Best in class is ‘The Wine Experience’, located across the river in the WOW cultural district.
Enter a world that showcases the history and importance of wine production in Portugal, from ancient winemaking methods to modern techniques.
Learn about the diverse terroir, the unique Portuguese climate and soils that give Portuguese wines their distinctive characteristics.
And if you’re feeling inquisitive, use the interactive displays to figure out if you’re more ‘Alentejo’ than ‘Alvarinho’ – this writer was surprised to find she was more an ‘Arinto’!
When you’re finished with the Wine Experience, head down the street to the WOW Wine School.
Offering educational programmes for all levels of expertise, the Wine Academy is also a centre of accreditation for sommeliers in Porto.
But for the casual visitor, you can walk in and enjoy a personalised tasting session, or book one of their beautiful rooms for larger groups and learn more about wines from the region, how to pair wine with different foods and sit back and relax as you enjoy the best of local and regional produce.
Had enough port? Then try the whimsical Pink Palace, also located in the WOW cultural district.
Entirely dedicated to celebrating rosé wines it provides a fun (and very Instagram friendly) way to end a day of sightseeing in Porto.
Decorated entirely in pink, enjoy a taste tour that brings you through the delicate process of producing rosé, or just pose in the 1950’s Cadillac before jumping into the giant pool of pink balls.
For families or groups of friends, this is a light hearted look at a global phenomenon and shouldn’t be missed.
- €25. If you’re visiting one or more WOW attraction, find special prices on tickets.
- wow.pt
While it’s renowned for its wine Porto is also a food lover’s paradise. Based on fresh local ingredients, the cuisine is hearty and full of flavour.
Head to the Mercado do Bolhão for the best in regional produce and try the local ‘Francesinha’ (layers of ham, pork, cheese and the spicy tomato sauce that gives it its name).
Dinner options are numerous, the Time Out market opened in May 2024 and the city now has 10 Michelin star restaurants to choose from.
For the best in local cuisine with an elevated twist venture across the river to Mira Mira for chef Ricardo Costa’s casual take on much loved Portuguese ingredients.
With stunning views from the dining room, try the tasting menu and local wine pairing option. You won’t be disappointed.
- miramira-porto.com/en/
- 4 courses €80; 8 courses €150.
Having spent the day sightseeing, you might just want to have a nap before heading out for the night in Porto – nothing kicks off until after 10pm.
Try any of the bars on the Galerias de Paris street, grab a drink and do like the locals do – hang outside and move from bar to bar with the crowd.
One of the most iconic clubs in Porto, ‘Indústria’ can be found in Foz, by the Douro River.
Or you could try ‘Plano B’ with it’s 2 floors, chill out rooms and international DJs.
If something a bit more esoteric is your style, head down the street to ‘Candelabro’s’ , known for showing movies from the 1920’s behind the bar.
- Indústria: Avenida do Brasil 843. Open: Thursday to Saturday from 12am-6am.
- Plano B: Rua de Cândido dos Reis 30. Open: Thursday to Saturday from 10pm-6am.
- Candelabro’s: Rua da Conceição 3. Open seven days a week.
Want something more than just a city break?
Then consider getting out of the city and plan a visit to the Douro Valley.
Only an hour and a half away by car and very accessible by train, prepare to be transported to a breathtaking landscape.
A UNESCO World Heritage site and completely covered in terraced vineyards, every inch of this valley is dedicated to the production of the best ports and wines in the region.
Enjoy visits to historic vineyards like Crofts or Fonseca and a glass of cold white port as you breathe in the extraordinary scenery.
If you’ve got the time, head to the tiny town of Pinhao and take a relaxing 2 hour Rabelo boat trip along the Douro River.
For a longer trip, check into the historic Vintage House Hotel, Pinhao for a relaxing and elegant stay.
- vintagehousehotel.com, B&B from €450
- magnificodouro.pt, Rabelo boat tours 1 hour €12.50.
- Nessa was a guest of WOW, Porto’s Cultural District. learn more at wow.pt