Porto trips and vacations

Take postcard-perfect photos of Cais da Ribeira’s pastel-painted houses stacked tightly on the hill while on your vacation to porto. You’ll get a great view of the neighborhood from the Luis I Bridge, which was built in the 19th century with intricate metalwork. See blue and white ‘azulejos’ (traditional tiles) at Sao Bento Train Station, where over 20,000 tiles create a mural of historical events.

Whether you choose ‘bolinhos de bacalhau’ (deep fried codfish cakes), ‘bifana’ (sandwiches with marinated pork), or grilled sardines, a trip to Porto will thrill your taste buds. You'll need to sample ruby, tawny and white port varieties to discover your favorite while indulging in the city's famous export. Get right into the foodie scene with trips to vineyards and cooking classes.

Take the metro or a 15-minute drive to put your feet in the sand at Praia de Matosinhos and stay for seafood at beachfront restaurants. A tram trip gets you to Foz do Douro for lighthouse views and an esplanade that’s perfect for strolling. Pack your binoculars for bird watching on a trip to Porto at Praia do Cabedelo do Douro, where a nature reserve meets the sand. 

Ribeira is the best neighborhood to stay in Porto for walking to the top sights. Admire medieval Se cathedral, the neoclassical Bolsa Palace and artisan shops between lively tavernas. Just remember to pack comfy shoes for uphill cobblestone alleys and book hotels early as it’s the most popular area in high seasons.

Good for: Historical landmarks, restaurants, shopping

If you’re wondering where to stay in Porto to inspire your inner artist, choose bohemian Cedofeita. Explore art galleries and vintage shops along Rua de Miguel Bombarda. Wander around long enough and you’ll glimpse the authentic Porto way of life, backdropped by edgy street art. Downhill, neighboring Miragaia’s maze of cobbled lanes was a medieval Jewish quarter.

Good for: Art galleries, vintage shopping, medieval landmarks

Dress up for wine bars or drink craft beer in cool gastropubs in Baixa (city center), the best area to stay in Porto for nightlife. Get your daily step count up on the spiral staircase to the top of the 18th-century Torre dos Clerigos belltower for extraordinary views. And check the city’s calendar of events for festivals and exhibitions held along the grand Avenida dos Aliados.

Good for: Nightlife, landmarks, shopping, dining

Harry Potter fans will feel right at home at Livraria Levlo, the bookstore that supposedly inspired author J.K. Rowlings’ depictions of Hogwarts. Rides on the city’s vintage yellow trams are among the best things to do with family in Porto. For a more active endeavor, rent bikes and cycle along the Douro River to Felgueiras lighthouse and beach.

Sip coffee underneath the chandeliers of the famous Majestic Cafe before setting out to explore Rua de Santa Catarina. The pedestrian street hosts international retailers and side streets dotted with local boutiques. For fresh food shopping in Porto, the sounds, smells and colors of Bolhao Market make it an adventure. Don’t miss Saturday’s Vandoma Flea Market to rummage through old books, stamps, vinyls and clothes. 

Learn about wine-making, sports or artworks at fascinating museums in Porto. Check out the seven museums at the World of Wine cultural district in the Vila Nova de Gaia area to learn about the region’s viticulture. Soccer fans in your group? FC Porto Museum is for you. Discover Portuguese art housed in a palace at the National Museum Soares dos Reis. Consider buying a Porto.CARD for discounts on multiple venues.

Start your night with a beer or port at Miradouro Ignez overlooking terracotta rooftops and the river at sunset. You’re guaranteed to find fun nightlife in Porto along Rua Galeria de Paris, where partygoers spill out onto the streets from bars and clubs. Street performers serenade tourists at the riverfront venues of Cais da Ribeira, and Hard Club in Market Ferreira Borges hosts live music shows. 

Dine at rooftop terraces with views across the river in the Vila Nova de Gaia area, where historical wine cellars join gourmet restaurants in Porto. Take your pick of charming eateries around Avenida dos Aliados and Liberty Square or indulge in Michelin-starred meals at the Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant. To eat like the locals, settle in at authentic ‘tascas’ (traditional Portuguese restaurants) across the city.

Go searching for street art to photograph (especially in Cedofeita) and see ‘azulejo’ tiles on heritage buildings such as Capela das Almas church. When it comes to free things to do in Porto though, it’s hard to beat the viewpoints. The most popular spot at sunset is Jardim do Morro, but there’s a chance of avoiding the crowds at clifftop Miradouro das Fontainhas.