Travel Insights

Porto, once a prominent trading hub in Europe, is fast becoming a tourist hotspot. From the volley of al fresco restaurants along the riverside to the grand plaza in the Trindade district, striking Romanesque churches, and historic cobbled alley ways, there’s a whole lot to explore in Portugal’s second largest city. And let’s not forget the amazing port wine Porto is famous for.

If Porto has been on your travel bucket list for a while, here’s your chance to plan a rock solid itinerary and fly out at the next chance you get.

1. Ribeira District

The best way to start exploring Porto is to make your way over to where it all began: the Ribeira District. This is a vibrant riverside area where merchants once made their stop and now is a hotspot for both tourists and local. The piazza of the Ribeira district is always alive with happy tourists exploring the ancient cobbled streets or grabbing a bite at one of the many outdoor restaurants. The riverside walk is always a festive affair, where you can spot cute pastel-colored houses, the Luis I Bridge, and boats making their way along the Douro River, which meets the Atlantic near Porto.

2. Douro River cruise

Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the Ribeira District, hop on a cruise boat to experience Porto from the water. Douro River cruises typically last an hour and are a great way to learn about the city’s origins and journey into the modern times. Your guide will tell you all about the landmarks of Porto that you’ll spot from your boat and how the trading activities of yesteryears propelled Porto into the future. You may even cruise by some of the oldest warehouses in the city.

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3. Trindade district

Trindade district, located in the heart of Porto, is a great place to stay. The area has a beautiful piazza, shops, hotels, and restaurants where you can wind down after a day of sightseeing. You can also choose to explore the area on a bike tour.

4. Luis I Bridge

Constructed between 1881 and 1886, the Luis I Bridge is one of iconic landmarks of Porto. The double decker bridge spans over the Douro River and its complex iron framework and arch support the two transit ways. Initially, both the levels were meant to carry road traffic, but now the top level has Porto’s metro line as well as a pedestrian walkway. This bridge also resembles the neighboring Dona Maria Pia bridge, which was designed by Gustavo Eiffel (yes, of the Eiffel tower fame!).

5. Church of São Francisco

This church is a gorgeous Gothic structure with ornate portals and lovely long lancet windows. You’ll love the gilded woodwork in the interior and the intricate panels carved with cherubs, birds, vines, and leaves.

6. Church of Santa Clara

This church is located beside Porto’s medieval defensive walls and is an excellent example of baroque architecture. The church was built to replace a convent in 1457 and attracts both tourists and devotees round the year. The interiors were upgraded in the 1800s and are spectacularly decorated with opulent gilded woodwork.

7. Porto Cathedral

This cathedral is in intriguing one. If you look carefully, you’ll notice buttresses and arrow loops built into its towers, which means it was both a religious and a defensive building in the medieval times. And, although it has been renovated several times, it still contains some traces of its original 12th century architecture. The altar and naves inside are Romanesque in nature and the interiors and magnificently opulent.

8. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens)

The Crystal Palace in Porto was built to host the International Exhibition of Porto in 1865 and was modeled after the Crystal Palace in London. The exhibition was a roaring success and it later became colonial Portugal’s glory. Even more extravagant exhibitions were held over the years, and at one point, even a circulating train and cable car became a part of such exhibitions. However, later in the 1950s, the main building was demolished and the current “UFO” structure stands over its façade.

The Crystal Palace gardens are a favorite among both locals and tourists because its beautifully maintained and has some amazing views of the city. There are also many fountains and sculptures in the garden, and you may even come across a few peacocks.

9. Parque de Cidade

This is the largest urban park in Portugal, spread over a massive area of 83 hectares! It’s a great place to stop for a breather, picnic, or to just laze or bike around if you want to take a break from all the sightseeing.

10. Soares dos Reis National Museum

Named after 19th century Portugese sculptor António Soares dos Reis, this museum was built to display religious art confiscated in convents in the country. Although there are only a few pieces by António Soares dos Reis, you can still enjoy some of the earlier artworks as well as those by masters such as Domingos Sequeira and Miguel Ângelo Lupi, among others.

11. Port Wine Museum

The Port Wine museum is located in an 18th century warehouse just by the river. The museum will give you an authentic yesteryear vibe as you stroll through it and check out the artifacts, which include wine making equipment, modes of transporting the wine, wine bottles over 200 years old, and clothes of the wine producers. It’s a great way to learn all about the drink that has shaped Porto’s history as well as about those who played a prominent part in it. You can even buy a bottle to take back home!

12. Museu Romântico da Quinta da Macieirinha

This is an 18th century mansion located near the Crystal Palace gardens and was home to a long line of noble families back in the day. The most notable resident was King Charles of Sardinia and the house is now a homage to 19th century life of the nobility, with authentic furniture, decoration, and personal possessions as exhibits.

13. Casa-Museu Guerra Junqueiro

Guerra Junqueiro was an influential author and poet in Portugal whose works sparked the Portuese Revolution that ultimately abolished the monarchy. His house was handed over to the municipal authorities in 1940 and is now a museum whose exhibits include his personal possessions as well as his priced collectibles (such as ceramic from Nuremberg, beautiful silverware, and exquisite furniture).

14. Casa da Música

Casa de Musica is an avant garde concert hall in Porto built in collaboration with Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and renowned acoustic firms. The concert hall can accommodate 1300 people and has two walls made entirely of glass. It’s a great place to simply go for a tour or drop by to listen to the Porto orchestra in your evening finery.

15. FC Porto Museum

Football (soccer) is at the heart of Portugese life and FC Porto is the second most successful football team in Portugal, having won numerous home and international titles (including champions League and UEFA League titles).

The museum is a testament to the journey of the club and the incredible spirit of players like Teofillo Cubillas, Deco, and Mario Jardel. The exhibits are interactive and the museum is a must visit if you are a football fan.

16. Beaches in Porto

Due to its proximity to the Costa Verde coastline, Porto is flanked by beautiful beaches that are easily accessible from the central part of the city. Praia de Matosinhos is the largest beach in Porto, while Praia do Carneiro is a small one within city limits. You can also visit the Foz do Douro district for a luxurious and relaxed beach experience combined with Michelin star dining.

17. Bolhão Market

Housed in a massive Neoclassical building, Bolhão Market is the best place in Porto to get your fix of fresh local produce: from fruits and veggies to meat and wine. The stall owners are also super friendly and ready to help you choose the best wares for your specific needs.

18. Festa de São João

If you’re travelling to Porto in summer, join in the Festa de São João, which takes places on June 23rd and celebrates the city’s patron saint. Locals take to the streets and engage in a harmless and silly activity: of hitting each other with plastic mallets that emit a funny squeak on impact. This is accompanied by lots of music, dancing, wine, and lots of grilled meat and sardines!

Happy exploring!