Travel Guide of Oporto in Portugal by Influencers and Travelers

Porto or Oporto, is the second-largest city in Portugal and one of the Iberian Peninsula's major urban areas. Porto city is small compared to its metropolitan area, with a population of 237,559 people.

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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Oporto

TRAVELERS TOP 10 :

1 - Porto

Porto or Oporto, is the second-largest city in Portugal, one of the Iberian Peninsula's major urban areas. Oporto city has a population of 237,559 and a metropolitan area with 2.4 million people in an area of 2,395 km², making it the second-largest urban area in Portugal.

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2 - Clérigos Church

The Clérigos Church is a Baroque church in the city of Porto, in Portugal. Its tall bell tower, the Torre dos Clérigos, can be seen from various points of the city and is one of its most characteristic symbols.

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3 - Surfing in Porto

Learn surfing with professional lessons in Oporto's best learning beach! The surfing group courses are focused on initiating new surfers or perfecting the techniques of those with previous experience. Beginners can have their first taste on the...

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4 - São Bento Railway Station

São Bento Railway Station is a 20th-century railway terminal in the civil parish of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória, in the municipality of Porto, district of Porto. The English translation of São Bento is Saint Benedict.

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5 - Casa da Música

The Casa da Música is a concert hall in Porto, Portugal. It was designed by architect Rem Koolhaas and opened in 2005. Designed to mark the festive year of 2001 in which the city of Porto was designated European Capital of Culture, it was the first building in Portugal aimed from its conception to be exclusively dedicated to music, either in public performances or in the field of artistic training and creation.

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6 - Tours & Sightseeing | Porto River Cruises

Follow the route of the traditional rabelo boats as they deliver port wine to **Porto** and enjoy a **cruise down the Douro River**. From the water you can admire the beautiful landscapes and red-roofed houses of **Ribeira** and **Vila Nova de Gaia**, the heart of port wine export. Sail under the famous **six bridges** and pass by famous landmarks of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Porto – **port wine cellars, Crystal Palace, and Serra do Pilar Monastery.**

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7 - Porto Cathedral

The Porto Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the historical centre of the city of Porto, Portugal. It is one of the city's oldest monuments and one of the most important local Romanesque monuments.

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8 - Ribeira Square

The Ribeira Square is a historical square in Porto, Portugal. It is included in the historical centre of the city, designated World Heritage by UNESCO.

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9 - Canyoning in Porto

Are you looking to do something different whilst on vacation in the beautiful city of Porto? Then you must try out the canyoning adventures Detours has for you! The Rio de Frades canyon is located in Serra da Freita, a mountain range in Portugal,&nbs...

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10 - Maria Pia Bridge

The Maria Pia Bridge is a railway bridge built in 1877, and attributed to Gustave Eiffel, situated over the Portuguese northern municipalities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

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11 - Livraria Lello

The Lello Bookstore, also known as Livraria Lello & Irmão and Livraria Chardron, is a bookstore located in civil parish of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória, in the northern Portuguese municipality of Porto.

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12 - Tasting | WOW Porto Wine School

The WOW Wine School holds regular workshops and tastings designed for those curious about wine, wine connoisseurs and professionals. Tailor your own wine tasting menu with the help of an expert, with one of our Tailor Made Tastings of 3 or 5 wines and learn more about Wine Pairings, with our Chocolate truffle or Cheese tastings. Otherwise, choose one of our Demystify Wine workshops and get to taste 5 glasses of different wines, focused on a theme of your choosing:

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13 - National Museum Soares dos Reis

Soares dos Reis National Museum is a museum, currently housed in the Carrancas Palace situated in the civil parish of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória, in the northern Portuguese city of Porto.

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14 - Foz do Douro

Foz do Douro is a former civil parish in the municipality of Porto, Portugal. In 2013, the parish merged into the new parish Aldoar, Foz do Douro e Nevogilde. The population in 2011 was 10,997, in an area of 1.88 km². It became a parish in 1836.

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15 - Boat Tours in Porto

This is a circuit that breaks with conventional sightseeing. You will get to know Douro River and the riverside areas of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Starting from Douro Marina, you will go on a powerboat tour and get to see some of the most beautifu...

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16 - Aguda

   13 km away

Aguda Beach is a small fishermen village located at about 13 km south of the city of Porto, in Arcozelo, a parish of Vila Nova de Gaia Municipality. It is known for its wide sandy beach and for its sea waters reach in marine life. Actually its waters are also, highly appreciated for therapeutics due to its high iodine content.

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17 - Povoa de Varzim

   27 km away

Póvoa de Varzim City Hall is the seat of government of the municipality of Póvoa de Varzim, Portugal. It houses the office of the mayor of Povoa de Varzim, the city council chamber, as well as other city services.

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18 - Arrifana

   30 km away

Praia da Arrifana is a beach within the Municipality of Aljezur, in the Algarve, Portugal. The beach is on the western Seaboard in the north west of the Algarve.

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19 - Largo Carlos Amarante

   47 km away

The Holy Cross Church in Portuguese, Igreja de Santa Cruz is a Portuguese 17th century church in Braga, Portugal, dedicated to the Holy Cross. The Church of the Five Wounds in San Jose, California was modeled after the Holy Cross Church in Braga.

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Pictures and Stories of Oporto from Influencers

13 pictures of Oporto from Henar Langa, Marcelo Cid, Alvaro Polo and other travelers

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Why should you visit Oporto ?

Travel to Oporto if you like:

  🏘️ Town     🏖️ Beach     🌆 Skyline     🗼 Landmark     🏞️ Reservoir  

How to visit Oporto ?

Why traveling there?

Oporto, also known as Porto, is Portugal's second-largest city and a vibrant, bustling destination that offers a unique blend of historical charm and contemporary culture. With its stunning UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, world-famous Port wine cellars, picturesque Douro River, and delectable cuisine, Oporto is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a rich cultural experience, breathtaking scenery, and unforgettable gastronomic delights.

How to get there?

Oporto is easily accessible by air, with Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) serving as the main international gateway. The airport is well-connected with major European cities and offers several low-cost flight options. From the airport, you can take the Metro Line E (Violet) directly to the city center in about 30 minutes. Alternatively, Oporto can be reached by train from various cities in Portugal and Spain, with the central São Bento Station located in the heart of the city.

What to book in advance?

To make the most of your time in Oporto, consider booking the following experiences in advance:
1. Guided walking tours of the historic center to learn about the city's rich history and architecture.
2. A visit to the famous Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Online reservations are recommended due to its popularity.
3. A guided tour of the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, including wine tastings.
4. A Douro River cruise, which offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding countryside.

What are the costs?

Oporto is generally an affordable destination compared to other major European cities. Accommodation options range from budget hostels (€20-€40 per night) to mid-range hotels (€60-€120 per night) and luxury hotels (€150+ per night). Dining out at local restaurants can be reasonably priced, with meals averaging €10-€20 per person. Public transportation, such as the metro and buses, is also affordable, with a single fare costing around €1.20-€2.00.

What are the best things to do?

Some of the best experiences in Oporto include:
1. Exploring the UNESCO-listed historic center, including the iconic Clérigos Tower and São Bento Station.
2. Tasting traditional Portuguese dishes, such as Francesinha and Bacalhau, at local restaurants.
3. Visiting the Livraria Lello and other unique bookstores.
4. Strolling along the Ribeira waterfront and crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge for stunning views.
5. Taking a Douro River cruise or day trip to the Douro Valley wine region.

Where to eat?

1. Cantina 32: A trendy restaurant offering delicious modern Portuguese cuisine and a lively atmosphere.
2. Café Santiago: Known for its mouthwatering Francesinha, a local specialty sandwich.
3. Tapabento: A cozy tapas bar that serves a variety of small plates inspired by Portuguese and international flavors.

Where to stay?

1. Moov Hotel Porto Centro: A budget-friendly option located near the historic center.
2. Eurostars Porto Douro: A mid-range hotel offering stunning river views and modern amenities.
3. Pestana Vintage Porto Hotel: A luxury hotel situated in the heart of the Ribeira district, with a unique blend of historic charm and contemporary style.

Off the beaten path

For an unusual travel experience in Oporto, visit the Serralves Museum and Park, a contemporary art museum set within a lush, sprawling garden. The museum showcases rotating exhibitions of modern and contemporary art, while the park features a variety of unique artistic installations and beautifully landscaped spaces, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city center.

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Travel to OPorto: a city in symbiosis with the sea

The second city of Portugal, Oporto is not as coveted as its sister city, the beautiful Lisbon.

And yet, the city's assets are not lacking and can be discovered during a stroll in a city center on a human scale. We like to stroll in its small cobbled streets, to meditate in its baroque churches, to walk in its gardens, to stroll along its river, or to store in its ultra-trendy vintage stores... An ideal destination for a city break, it will seduce couples looking for a romantic weekend as well as friends looking for a festive stay!

Oporto, creative and dynamic, reveals its charms and heritage on the banks of the Douro River.

With its fusion of Romanesque and Baroque architecture, this city, three times voted best European destination, will fascinate you with its culture, its history, and its bright colors.

In recent years, Oporto has experienced a period of unprecedented cultural, artistic, and tourist splendor. This city of almost 250,000 inhabitants has been voted best European destination three times. This energy can be seen everywhere in the city, especially in the historic center and its trendy district - the Rua Galeria de Paris - but also in those buildings that have been abandoned for years and have now been rehabilitated into sumptuous hotels that cater to travelers.

In the new neighborhoods surrounding the old town, you'll find the Casa da Música, a futuristic theatre designed by Dutch urban planner Rem Koolhaas, and the Fundação de Serralves, the contemporary art museum created by one of the biggest names in contemporary architecture: Álvaro Siza, a native of the region.

The Cidade Invicta (Unconquered City) has not forgotten its culture and traditions, as evidenced by the tiles that adorn the historic buildings. On the other side of the river, in the municipality of Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the most important wineries, you will discover the history of the famous wine produced in the Douro Valley, protected by the Marão Mountains, where the grapes are gorged with sunlight to produce the different types of port: White, Ruby, Tawny, LBV or Vintage.

Don't leave the city without tasting at least one of its emblematic fortified wines... in moderation, of course. The combination of recipes and port is an art and an excellent way to discover the local specialties.

Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Oporto

Oporto : what to eat?

Porto has many restaurants, one of which has a star in the famous red guide. The quays are full of small restaurants to eat.

Be sure to try the many local specialties: tripe à la mode de Porto (beef tripe with beans), cod à la mode de Gomes de Sá (potatoes, cod, eggs, parsley), fresh fish in summer (grilled sardines but also sea bream and whiting), roast Cabri, seafood panade or rice and octopus with rice.

Oporto : what to do?

• A guided tour of the Casa da Música, the house of music, designed by Rem Koolhaas. It has become an architectural and cultural symbol of Porto, revealing to the public its most important rooms, including the famous main auditorium.
• A visit to the House of Art Nouveau, the museum, and a walk in the gardens of the Serralves Foundation.
• A typical boat cruise on the Douro River.
• A shopping session in the Miguel Bombarda neighborhood. There are many trendy boutiques and shopping centers, such as the CCB (Centro Comercial Bombarda).
• A visit to the swirling Bolhão market where you can find fish, seafood, cold cuts, olives, flowers...
• The colorful facades of the buildings. Some of them are decorated with "azulejos", the famous blue and white ceramic tiles.
• The old neighborhoods of Porto where you will find traditional stores: grocery stores, old bookstores (including the famous "Lello"), cafés (Guarany and Majestic), etc.
• The numerous churches (Clerigos, Carmelite, Saint Francisco...) scattered around the city.
• The old administrations rehabilitated, like the court and the prison transformed into a museum of photography.

Oporto : what to bring back?

It's impossible to return home without a bottle of the famous eponymous beverage!

Don't forget to pack it carefully and put it in the suitcase that will go on hold. As for gastronomy, don't forget to invest in one (or more) bottles of olive oil from the Douro region and Serra sheep cheese.
Stores sell cork objects (umbrellas, purses, etc.), ceramics and tiles, and embroidered linen (tablecloths especially), as well as ultra-trendy clothing and decoration.

   Where to Stay in Oporto

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