Porto, Portugal A Guide For Travelers
- Lindsey Markwood
- May 10
- 3 min read
If Lisbon is Portugal’s heart, then Porto is its soul. Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and one of Europe’s oldest cities. Porto was once known as Portus Cale during the Roman period and has been a city center of trade, culture, and resilience. When you think of Porto, port wine is the first thing many travelers think of. Portuguese is the official language. Click here for common phrases. English is widely spoken in Porto and the Euro is the official currency. Credit cards are accepted, although smaller shops may prefer cash instead.
Best time to travel:
Although you can travel here year-round, for the best weather and fewer crowds visit in spring (April to June) and fall (September to October). Spring will have beautiful blooms which pair perfectly with the Douro river. (Could morning coffee be any better?). Fall brings with it the festivals, wine harvest season, and lower crowds.
Top things to see:
1. Livaria Lello – This is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Harry Potter fans might think it came from the book. J.K. Rowling was a regular visitor to the bookstore when she lived in Porto and taught English.
2. Vila Nova de Gaia: the port villages - Here is where all the magic making happens. There are ton of tasting rooms with city views that are packed full of centuries old traditions. Pro tip: Visit Wow Porto which is considered one of the best wine museums in the world.
3. Dom Luis I Bridge – This metal double decker bridge connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia The best time to walk here is a sunset for some wonderful view. Pedestrians and the Metro can utilize the top deck of the bridge. Another suggestion is to take a river cruise to get some amazing views.
4. Ribeira – This neighborhood is a UNESCO heritage site (since 1996). When you see postcards from Porto, it is usually from here. Ribeira is home to a beautiful gothic style Church of Sao Franscisco.
5. Bonus: take the Gaia Cable Car for stunning view.
How to Visit:
There are three ways you can visit Porto: river cruise, land, and ocean cruise.
The most common way to visit is via a river cruise. Porto is an embarkation and disembarkation port for the Douro River. Many river cruises will have an overnight stay in Porto. River cruises here tend to sell out faster compared to the other European rivers like the Danube. Schedule a consultation with Markwood Magic here to determine which river cruise line is best for you.
Ocean cruises dock about 6ish miles away at Leixões Cruise Terminal. You cannot walk along the cruise port, but you can take an excursion from the cruise ship or a taxi if you prefer to explore on your own.
Land trips in Portugal are a great to explore the country at your own pace. Most travelers will pair Porto with time in Lisbon and one other city.
How long to stay:
Three days, maybe four depending on your interests is the perfect length of time to enjoy Porto. No worries – Markwood Magic can help figure out what is right for you and your travel party. A reminder - Porto should be a paired with at least one other city for a longer stay. No worries, as we can also help determine what other destinations would be perfect for you and your travel party.
Food and Wine: Port wine is only made in the Douro Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This area has microclimates with steep, sun-drenched slopes carved into terraces (socalcos) over centuries. It helps prevent erosion and the grapes grown here provide very distinct flavors. Besides wine, Porto is known for francesinha (a sandwich with cured ham, sausage, and steak covered in molten cheese and a hot tomato and beer sauce)
Are you ready to plan your next adventure in the beautiful Porto? Please schedule a consultation below.
