Built upon the banks of the River Douro and framed by Gustave Eiffel’s double-decker iron bridge, this hilly city with its colourful riverside promenade, winding cobbled streets and baroque churches is charming from the get-go. Beyond this, thanks to a flurry of buzzy hotel and restaurant openings, regenerated areas and new cultural spots, Porto is truly a second city on the up — and there’s never been a better time to visit.
A short round-up of Porto’s must-see sights…
Luís I Bridge: Stroll across the famous bridge which links Porto’s two halves (the main city and Vila Nova de Gaia) for sweeping views of the Douro and a close-up look at this feat of UNESCO-approved engineering.
Cais da Ribeira: Below the bridge is this riverfront promenade lined with colourful barcos rabelos (flat-bottomed boats) and rickety-looking pastel-hued houses stacked seemingly precariously on top of one another. Stop here for the city’s favourite cocktail, a Port Tonic, as the sun sets.
Admire the azulejos: These hand painted ceramic blue tiles adorn buildings across the city, but the most impressive (and photogenic) line-ups can be seen on the exterior of some of the city’s churches — notably Chapel of Souls, The Saint Ildefonso Church and Igreja do Carmo.
São Bento train station: Ceramics fans should also stop by this city centre train station where the tile-covered interior walls create the feeling of stepping inside a painting.
Try Port: Head over the river to Vila Nova de Gaia to learn about the city’s most famous export and sample the different blends.
Torre dos Clérigos: For a bird’s eye view of the cathedral and the twisting River Douro, climb the 240 steps of the city’s tallest bell tower.
Livraria Lello: Known to many simply as the Harry Potter bookstore, J. K. Rowling supposedly based her bookshop at Hogwarts on Lello. Either way, with its neo-gothic façade and unique staircase, it’s a beautiful albeit popular spot.
Sé Catedral do Porto: Perched upon a hill, this 12th-century Romanesque style cathedral has baroque and gothic details alongside a cloister covered in azulejos.
...and a longer look at Porto’s lesser-known spots
The Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art
For a slice of modern culture, check out Portugal’s largest contemporary art gallery. Located in a 1930s Art Deco building, the space showcases a mix of temporary exhibitions from Portuguese and international artists, while the beautiful park with its lake, rose garden and treetop walkway is worth visiting for alone.
Take the tram
This vintage tram trundles from Ribeira in the city centre to Foz, the beachside district at the mouth of the Douro. Offering spectacular river views along the way, hop off and enjoy the Pérgola da Foz, a seafront walkway that comes into its own at sunset.
Visit the Douro Valley
If time allows, the Douro Valley makes a lovely day trip. This UNESCO-recognised area has been a wine-producing region for nearly 2,000 years and the only place in the world where Port grapes are grown. Visiting the wineries is a must, as is drinking in the landscape with its steep terraced hills and river-carved slopes.
What — and where — to eat in Porto
If it’s traditional food you’re after, the winding maze of streets behind the Cais da Ribeira is where to head. Adega São Nicolau and Taberna dos Mercadores are both great options for classics including cod croquettes, salt crusted sea bass and beef stew. For Portuguese food with a contemporary twist, venture over to the Baixa area and try Época for lunch, Genuíno for natural wine and sharing plates or Tia Tia for creative dishes with bountiful vegetarian options.
The historic market Mercado Bolhão had a slick makeover in 2022 and has become a real foodie destination. Peruse the produce stalls on the ground floor, picking up a plate of local cheeses or a selection of the city’s famous tinned fish, and enjoy on the steps with a glass of local wine or Port.
A sweet breakfast, afternoon pick-me-up or dessert, get your fill of pastéis de nata at Fábrica da Nata, Manteigaria Bakery and Nata Lisboa.
Where to stay in Porto
The Rebello... This collection of riverside warehouses with Douro views leans into its boathouse heritage with an elegant-meets-industrial aesthetic. Come for the loft-style rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, stay for the rooftop bar serving cocktails and oven-fresh pizza.
Hospes Infante Sagres Porto... Just a stone’s throw from Torre dos Clérigos, city centre locations don’t come much better than this. Behind the dusty pink façade is a grand hotel that resembles a 19th-century manor house with opulent touches like a wrought iron staircase, stained-glass windows and crystal chandeliers.
Wine & Books Porto Hotel... Just a few doors down from Livraria Lello, you'll be in prime position to stock up on holiday reading materials from the city's most beautiful bookshop. Curl up with a good book on the rooftop terrace and watch the sunset with a glass of Portuguese sparkling wine.
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