Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in the northern part of the country. The city is best known for their production of Port wine, which has been produced since the 17th century. With the magical hillside views, the cobblestone roads, vibrantly-tiled buildings and a horizon decorated with church steeples, Porto is a traveler’s dream. Deciding where to stay, where to eat and what to do can be overwhelming in the city but I’m here to help!
Here’s a Complete Guide to Porto, Portugal:
Where to Stay
- $ Budget-Friendly – Canvas Atelier Hostel, Oporto City Hostel, Magnolia Porto
- $$ Under 100 – The Poets Inn, Hotel ibis Porto Centro, Royal Suites
- $$$ Mid-Luxury – Hotel Premium Porto Downtown, Port River Aparthotel, Eurostars Porto Douro
- $$$$ Luxury – Descobertas Boutique Hotel, InterContinental Porto – Palacio das Cardosas
Where to Eat
- Breakfast – Molete Bread & Breakfast Saint Lazarus, Seara Sweet Pastry Bakery Café, Café Java, Lda., The Traveller Caffé (Passos Manuel)
- Lunch – Maus Hábitos, Café Oásis Da Sé, Real Hamburgueria, Cantinho do Avillez
- Dinner – Portobello Rooftop Restaurant & Bar, DOP Restaurante, ODE Porto Wine House, Camafeu
What to Do
Visit Muralha Fernandina
This beautiful medieval castle began construction in 1336. Still standing today on the cliffside of Porto, it’s the most gorgeous sight when looking up from the Douro River.
Walk Across the Dom Luís I Bridge
Heading southeast from the castle walls, you’ll find yourself at the top of the Dom Luís I Bridge. One of the most recognizable structures of Porto, the bridge crosses over the Douro River, connecting Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. The views of surrounding Porto from here are stunning.
View Porto from Vila Nova de Gaia
Once you cross over the Dom Luís I Bridge, you’ll find yourself in Vila Nova de Gaia. Acting as the main hub for the Port wine industry, the views of Porto from here are stunning.
Eat Lunch Along the Douro River
The views really don’t get much better than this for a lunch spot. Feel free to spend all of your time down on the base of the Douro where you’ll keep busy tasting Port, boat-watching and shopping in boutiques.
Admire the Beauty of the Porto Cathedral
The Porto Cathedral, located a few blocks northwest of the castle, was built in the early 1700s. It displays beautiful Romanesque architecture and fortress-like interiors.
Take a Museum Tour
If you love sports, check out the FC Porto Museum. If you’re into art, visit the Museu da Misericordia do Porto. History buff? Take a walk through Casa do Infante, or House of the Prince. You’ll learn about the history of Porto and minting coins. The best part? It’s free.
Indulge in Plenty of Port Wine
The Douro wine region in Porto is the third oldest protected region in the world. Wine has been produced in this area since the early 1700s and you won’t find a restaurant in Porto that doesn’t offer it. I found the best Port Sangria at a restaurant called Republica Dos Cachorros.
Go Wine Tasting at the Caves Ferreira
Speaking of wine, a trip to Porto isn’t complete without a cellar tour. Port wine is one of the oldest produced wines in the world so it’s only fitting to see how it’s made! The tour at Caves Ferreira will take you into the wine cellars, introducing you to the vast history while sipping a glass in the 19th century tasting room.
Walk Through the Gardens of Palácio de Cristal
The romantic botanical gardens nestled at the top of a bluff will give you the perfect escape from the city. Multiple pathways intertwine around the lawns decorated with lush flowers, trees, sculptures and fountains.
Visit the Small Coastal Towns
While this may require you to leave Porto for a day, you won’t regret it. One of my favorite towns is Caminha, about an hour north of Porto at the tip of Portugal. You can sip on Port wine at an outdoor cafe while staring across the Minho river at Spain.
Read More: Spending 3 Days in Northwest Portugal
Sun-Bathe at Camarido Beach
Located about an hour from Porto is a beautiful hidden beach where the Minho River and the Atlantic Ocean meet. See the land beyond the water? That’s Spain!
Beach Day at The Chapel on the Sea
Senhor da Pedra, or Lord of the Rock, is a chapel that sits right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean on Miramar Beach. It was built in 1686 and restored in the late 1990s. The Chapel is open for visitors year-round and is the feature of an annual festival.
My Experience in Porto
We visited Porto in the spring, originally to attend a Dave Matthews concert at the Oporto Coliseum. I knew very little about Portugal before visiting and was completely taken aback by the beauty of it.
Flying with Ryan Air from Frankfurt-Hahn to Porto Airport, the flights only cost us $150 roundtrip. We rented a car through Hertz and, as always, were happy we did so we could explore outside the city.
Booking with the Hotel Premium Porto Downtown, we were very happy with our stay. The rooms are comfortable and clean and parking is available across the street in a secured garage. The breakfast, purchased for a small fee, was on point and the hotel had a bar/restaurant with a rooftop terrace.
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