A Local’s Guide to Visiting Porto, Portugal
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Porto is Portugal's second-largest city and the most important municipality in Northern Portugal. Once a Celtic and Roman township, it has since developed into a big city with many services, tourist attractions, and up to 3.7 million annual visitors.
What’s so unique about Porto though, aside from its atmospheric historic core, lovely riverfront esplanade, and excellent beaches (as if that weren’t enough), is that the city has retained a local, folksy vibe despite its recent gentrification-fueled economic growth.
Porto is the city where I live and my favorite place in Portugal. I can think of a million reasons why you'd want to get to know it: the scenic view of the Douro River, the world-class wine, the abundant historic monuments, the excellent architecture… But for me, its the city’s overall vibe, her welcoming people, and the great art scene that keep my Porto love story going.
Porto is the kind of place you need to feel, not just see. Yes there are sights to hit and some things you really must do, but the real pleasure of Porto is hanging out here and enjoying life like a local.
Lucky for you, this guide to the city will tell you everything you need to know about one of the most talked-about tourist destinations in South Europe - all through the eyes of a real local.
More Portugal travel info:
If you could use some help planning your Portugal itinerary, schedule a Portugal travel consultation with one of our Local Experts!
Table of contents
Where is Porto
How to get here
When to visit
How many days to spend
Where to stay
Restaurants and foods to try
What to see & do
Tours & experiences in Porto
Porto planning cheatsheet
Plan your itinerary with expert advice
- Book a Portugal travel consultation with a local expert
My favorite hotels in Porto
- Torel Palace - boutique hotel in the Cathedral district. $300/night
- The Editory - iconic style in Aliados & Bolhão. $250/night
- Se Cathedral Hotel - fabulous location steps from the Cathedral. $200/night
- Hotel Carris - riverfront views in Ribeira. $175/night
- Chic & Basic Gravity - good value in Clérigos. $100/night
Guided tours and activities
How to get around
- Car rentals with DiscoverCars
- Train tickets from Comboios de Portugal
- Bus routes at Redes Expressos
Plan your itinerary with local help
If you could use some help figuring out the ideal plan for your visit to Porto (and Portugal more broadly), schedule a Portugal travel consultation with Leonor, our Porto-based Local Expert!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where you’ll get to chat with Leonor about the trip you’re planning and she’ll share her tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
Where is Porto
Porto is a coastal city in Northern Portugal situated along the Douro River estuary, roughly 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of Lisbon.
Big enough to have lots to do, but small enough to never feel overwhelming, the city is surrounded by hundreds of miles of Douro River vineyards, stunning beaches like the Matosinhos Beach, and charming smaller cities such as Vila Nova de Gaia, Braga, Guimarães, and Aveiro.
How to get there
By plane
For international visitors, the best way to get to Porto is by plane. You have non-stop international flights to Porto from all major European cities and even the United States and Canada.
Once you land, Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is less than 20 kilometers away from the city center and there's a metro line connecting the airport to all of the major subway stations in the area. You can get an inter-city subway ticket for as little as 1.30€.
By train
For visitors traveling to Porto from within Portugal, the train is usually the best option. Porto’s Campanhã and São Bento train stations have rail connections with nearby cities, Lisbon, the Algarve, and even Vigo (in Spain).
Train tickets to Porto will cost you between 3,50€ (Braga-Porto, for example) and 20€ (Faro-Porto, for example). The train from Lisbon to Porto takes about 3 hours. If you’re coming from the Algarve, expect for it to take just under 6 hours.
I always recommend booking train tickets direct with Comboios de Portugal. That said, the 3rd party aggregator Omio frankly offers a better website and buying the tickets through them costs only a little more.
By bus
Porto is equally well-connected to neighboring cities by bus, especially since the new Campanhã station was inaugurated in 2022. Ticket prices range from 6€ (Porto-Braga) to approximately 22-25€ (Faro-Porto).
Renting a car/driving
Portugal has an excellent highway system and, if you’ll have a car, getting to Porto is easy no matter where in the country you are. You’ll find all the big car rental companies in Portugal and plenty of local ones too.
To check prices and book, I recommend using DiscoverCars. It’s a car rental websites that includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. You can often find great deals.
When to visit Porto
Early summer - The best time to visit
The early summer months of June and July are the best time to visit Porto. I recommend this time of the year because (1) Porto is a perfect summer city that you'll want to explore with good weather, and (2) visiting Porto in June and July will allow you to avoid the August crowds.
And trust me, as a local, I know how annoying dealing with a crowded Porto can be!
Winter - Not that cold, but bring a raincoat…
Interesting events take place in Porto year-round, and I would happily recommend visiting the city in the winter, especially if you like to get cozy at a nice restaurant or watch the rain outside while drinking a glass of wine.
However, there's simply a lot more to do in Porto during the summer (going to beaches, exploring green parks, strolling, and so forth) than during the winter.
Spring & fall - Risky
While you might be tempted to come in spring or fall to avoid the summer crowds, you’d have to accept spotty weather as the trade off. Both the spring and the fall can be wet and cold, so if you’re on a tight schedule, you may find the threat of bad weather to be a deal breaker.
The reality is also that Porto is a major weekend break destination for people all over Europe, so there really is no shoulder season here. Even if you come in April/May or September/October, you’re still going to encounter crowds.
How long to spend in Porto
For most visitors, 2 days is enough time to get a good glimpse of Porto and see the city’s major highlights. 3 days will let you see some lesser-known spots, make it to the beach, and explore much more leisurely.
If you want to use Porto as your base to explore greater Northern Portugal, 5-7 days here is great. This will give you the time to explore Porto with no rush and to take a series of day trips to places like Braga, Guimarães, the Douro valley, Peneda-Geres National Park, and even some great beaches and seaside towns.
For a comprehensive plan for how to spend your time here, check out our 3-day Porto Itinerary.
Where to stay
To know where to stay in Porto, you first have to decide what type of city experience you’re looking for. Porto is a city of neighborhoods, and each has a very distinct vibe. Below, I’ve tried to help you out with some useful pointers on neighborhoods, and I’ve included a few that you probably won’t find in guides written by bloggers and tourists.
Every year, there are so many hotels opening up in Porto that the locals have started wondering if there will be any houses left in the city center 10 years into the future. I suppose that is a “bridge” we’ll cross when we get there…
Either way, these are my top hotel recommendations for each of the aforementioned neighborhoods.
For an even more detailed guide to Porto’s neighborhoods (and hotel recommendations for every neighborhood), check out our full guide to where to stay in Porto.
Ribeira
Are you crazy about old streets and historic buildings? Then get a hotel near the Ribeira. You’ll find lots of places with beautiful Douro river views.
This is the go-to Porto spot for families, and also probably the most expensive neighborhood to sleep in the city.
Vincci Ponte de Ferro is a gorgeous property with probably the best view in all of Porto, just across the Dom Luis 1 iron bridge. $300 USD.
1872 River House charming riverfront guesthouse. $300 USD.
Carris Hotel elegant option with bridge and river views. $150-275 USD.
Stay In Apartments are excellent value, but they tend to book out early. $80-125 USD.
RIBEIRA by YoursPorto is a solid hotel at a reasonable rate. $100 USD
Oca Ribeira do Porto another good budget option. $100 USD.
Aliados & Bolhão
Visiting on business or just want big rooms and modern amenities, and don’t mind the neighborhood being a bit business-oriented? I’d take a look at Aliados & Bolhão.
Right near to Porto’s main square and city hall, this neighborhood is filled with modern hotels, offices, good restaurants, and high-end bars. It’s more commercial than other places on the list, but it has some of the city’s best hotels.
Maison Albar is a stunning luxury hotel that seems like something from the set of an Agatha Christie movie. $400 USD.
Editory Hotel offers a lot of class and style for a somewhat moderate price. $250 USD.
Royal Bridges Hotel is a lovely midrange option. $200 USD.
Mercure Porto Centro is a bit corporate, but good value. $150 USD.
Clérigos
Want to be near the action and have the city’s attractions on your doorstep? Welcome to Clérigos!
The Clérigos neighborhood is among the most touristy parts of Porto, but it’s also lovely, close to absolutely everything, and just exceedingly convenient.
PortoBay Flores - 5-star luxury smack in the heart of the city. $300 USD.
Chic & Basic Gravity - unique and very hip hotel. $150 USD.
Casa Carolina - Charming guesthouse just outside the busiest part of Clérigos. $120 USD.
Selina - cute decor and a lovely garden for a bargain. $75 USD
Bonfim
Do you want to know what it feels like to sleep in Porto's trendiest art neighborhood? Then book yourself a spot in Bonfim, where all of the city's cool kids love to hang out.
If you book your hotel at least one month before your trip, you should have access to amazing accommodation in the area for less than 100€ per night.
Oca Oriental Porto is always a sure bet with updated rooms and a good location. $120 USD.
Dukes Corner Guest House is a nice little guesthouse just outside of the main tourist areas. $110 USD.
The Convo Porto Hotel, now sometimes listed as the Metier Boutique Porto, offers really excellent value for money. $100 USD.
Cedofeita
Are you looking forward to getting away from the touristy center and mingling with locals? Find a hotel anywhere near Cedofeita.
Porto is absolutely filled with hotels, but the best option for spending the night in Cedofeita is to search for an affordable Airbnb or look up apartments on websites such as Booking.
One Shot Palácio Cedofeita is modern and elegant for a good price. $150 USD.
ABC Hotel Porto simple, but clean and comfortable hotel with the best price-quality ratio in the area. $100 USD.
Antas
You don't care too much about the neighborhood you're staying at, and you just want to find cheap accommodation? The Antas neighborhood is probably your best shot.
If you think of hotels as just a place for sleeping and you’ll be spending all waking hours out exploring, then a cheerful, but cheap hotel in Antas is a good idea. Don’t expect much in the way of atmosphere or amenities - these are simply places to get a good night’s rest.
Seculo Hotel won’t be a place you remember, but it’s perfectly nice and very good value. $70 USD/night.
Veneza is simple and old school with its style, but clean and comfortable. $50 USD/night.
Hit the must-see sights while also getting way off the beaten path on a walking tour with lifelong resident and local guide Leonor!
Restaurants and foods to try
As any Porto local knows, there's no shortage of mouthwatering dishes or terrific restaurants to try out in the city. Below, I’ve shared some must-try dishes from local Porto cuisine, along with a short list of recommended restaurants.
While these are a few favorites, for more ideas check out our guide to Porto’s best restaurants.
If you’re interested in trying some great treats while seeing the sites, take a food tour! Our favorite local guide Leonor offers a great private city center food tour that combines sightseeing with some of the city’s best local treats. This small-group tour is a good option as well.
Traditional dishes to try when visiting Porto
Francesinha - A one-of-a-kind sandwich made with layers of bread, cured meats like ham, linguiça, and steak, covered in melted cheese and smothered in a spicy tomato and beer sauce.
Port Wine - A sweet, fortified wine produced exclusively in the Douro Valley.
Tripas à Moda do Porto ("Porto-style tripe") - A tripe stew made with white beans, various types of meat, and vegetables.
Caldo Verde ("Green Broth") - A unique soup made with kale, potatoes, onions, and chorizo or smoked sausage that's popular all over Northern Portugal.
Bacalhau à Brás ("Brás-style Codfish") - Another landmark of Northern Portugal's cuisine, this popular dish is made with salted cod, onions, shoestring potatoes, eggs, and olives.
Pastel de Nata ("Custard Tart") - While not specific to Porto, Pastel de Nata is a beloved Portuguese treat served in 99% of Porto's cafés (I avoided "100%" just to stay safe). They're flaky pastries filled with creamy custard and sprinkled with cinnamon.
My favorite restaurants in Porto
1. Lado B
It's located on one of Porto's busiest streets and features a sign at the door that reads "Best Francesinha in the world." Remarkably, I agree (I'm only using the word "remarkably" because I do tend to hate shameless self-promotion)! Brasão and Café Santiago are two almost-as-good alternatives for trying Francesinha.
2. MITO
Most of the best restaurants in Porto are traditional, family-run businesses with super-accessible menus, but MITO is a notable exception. They serve sophisticated dishes mainly aimed at vegetarians, and they do it with refreshing modesty. Expect to pay around 50€ per person.
3. Shiko
One of the first things that I noticed after moving to Porto is that there's a huge number of sushi restaurants in the city center. I have tried most of them, and Shiko is my favorite. Just remember to make a reservation first!
4. Expresso
From the outside, Expresso looks somewhat uninviting. But trust me: this is one of the best spots in Porto for trying typical Portuguese dishes such as Tripas à Moda do Porto. The best thing on the menu, however, is Expresso's signature pork sandwich, which is left marinating in sauce for the whole day.
5. Tasquinha Rebelo
If you arrive in Porto via the Campanhã train/bus station, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit Tasquinha Rebelo. This little restaurant is run by an all-female crew and lives up to its slogan: Tasquinha Rebelo, é só sentar e comê-lo!—which roughly translates as "At Tasquinha Rebelo, all you have to do is sit down and eat."
6. Kinay
Few outsiders know this, but barbecue chicken is actually one of the favorite dishes of the Portuguese people. Even though barbecue chicken is by no means exclusive to Porto, the city does have a fine selection of grill restaurants with chicken. Kinay, in the Bonfim neighborhood, is my number one recommendation.
7. Casa Xico
Last but not least, there's Casa Xico, a tiny restaurant that's perfect for having a mid-day snack. Their signature dish is… A simple bread and ham sandwich! Why is it so famous, then? Because the guys at Xico put an indecent amount of ham in every sandwich.
One of my friends did the math once, and he counted 19 slices of ham for one single bread!
What to see and do in Porto
These are my top recommendations for things to see and do in Porto:
1. Explore the city center
I know - it's not the most original of recommendations. However, there's no way around the fact that Porto is a perfect city to explore on foot. The historic center is only 40 square kilometers (16 square miles) and it is filled with charming little secrets, grand avenues, and almost claustrophobia-inducing back streets.
You can also spot the famous Portuguese azulejo (a type of ceramic tile featuring intricate artworks) adorning the facades of many central buildings.
The Aliados area (basically Porto's political and financial center) is very beautiful despite the seemingly ever-present construction work, but my top strolling recommendations are Rua de Santa Catarina and Rua das Flores. These two streets are always busy and filled with interesting stores and restaurants, and they contain the essence of Porto.
The Ribeira Square, right next to the Douro River, is the perfect place to end your wander stroll, especially if the sun is about to set.
2. Take pictures at Dom Luís I Bridge
As a Porto resident, I remember feeling underwhelmed when I first visited the famous Széchenyi Lánchíd Bridge in Budapest. Why? Because I live in a city with the prettiest river view in the whole of Europe! Bold statement? I'm sticking by it!
Visiting Porto and ignoring the incredible D. Luís I Bridge borders on criminal. The stunning view of the Douro River and cityscape, a mass of buildings tumbling down towards the Ribeira riverfront, is unmatched. Make the most of this opportunity to snap some memorable pictures.
I think it’s worth visiting the bridge during the day and then again at sunset, to get two similar, yet somehow totally different views.
3. Explore Porto's feel-good gardens and parks
I don't think I ever feel as portuense (that's the name given to the inhabitants of Porto) as when I leave the house on a sunny afternoon to hang at the Morro, Virtudes, or Crystal Palace gardens. Sitting in the grass sipping a cold beer and having a nice conversation with friends is kind of a non-official Porto tradition that I recommend to any visitor.
The Virtudes experience is actually comprised of two different places: the jardim (garden), which is more of a chill-out area (I once attended a Reading Rave there and it was quite amazing), and the passeio (sidewalk), where hundreds of locals and tourists reunite every afternoon to enjoy a beautiful view of the Douro River, mingle, and get a little tipsy.
The Morro Garden, right after the D. Luís I Bridge, is a bit more touristic despite the fact it used to be a dangerous, drug-filled area even only a few years ago! Nowadays, it's incredibly safe and mostly frequented by foreigners, street musicians, and the occasional "entrepreneur" selling beer out of a portable cooler.
Finally, there's the Crystal Palace garden, which is not as good for socializing (i.e., drinking beer) as the other two, but is usually emptier and quieter.
For an even more relaxing experience, try the Parque de São Roque, a criminally underrated green area on the other side of the city with virtually no tourists.
4. Take a Douro River boat trip or Douro Valley day tour
The Douro River has been Porto's lifeline for hundreds of years, so I recommend taking a boat trip to get to know it. There are two main options: buy a one-hour ticket for a short cruise that will take you past Porto's six bridges, or invest in a full-day tour of the Douro Valley.
For full days tours, you can choose one that runs the entire journey by boat, or you can hire a driver to take you on an adventure through the winding roads and valleys of the region.
If doing a driving tour, you have the option of driving yourself (totally doable if you’ll have a car and will not be drinking) or booking either a tour/day trip.
If you’d like to spend the day on the water instead of by car, there are also cruises to the Douro that leave right from Porto. On average they cost around 100€ per person and generally include meals and a wine degustation experience.
For any day trip, factor that you will need 8 hours bare minimum for the day.
If you’re interested in a tour, here are a couple of nice possibilities:
5. Go food shopping at Mercado do Bolhão
"Excuse me, do you know where I can find Ball-how?" Years ago, when a visibly confused tourist asked me this question, I was left even more confused. Then, I realized: "Ball-how" was her funny way of saying "Bolhão," which happens to be an amazing street market in Porto's city center!
Recently renovated, the new Mercado do Bolhão is a gentrified version of the old same-named market, which used to be a loud, busy, and rather foul-smelling spot.
Now cleaner and prettier than ever, the new market has somehow managed to retain its folksy charm and it still offers an endless array of traditional foods and delicacies, despite being radically adapted to fit into 21st-century Porto.
6. Visit Porto's historic monuments
Historic monuments are usually what people go for in big cities, but I have hardly mentioned Porto's yet. Is it because they're bad? Not at all! Even though historic monuments aren't the first thing I'd recommend seeing in Porto, there's an abundance of cool attractions for anyone who's into history, architecture, and religion.
To prove my point, here's a short overview of the best-known monuments in the area:
Clérigos Tower: An iconic symbol of Porto, this baroque bell tower offers panoramic views of the city from its top after a climb of 240 steps.
Sé do Porto: One of the oldest and most important monuments in the city, this Romanesque cathedral dates back to the 12th century and features a mix of architectural styles.
Palácio da Bolsa: The old stock exchange, this 19th-century neoclassical building features lavish rooms, including the breathtaking Arab Room adorned with intricate Moorish design.
Church of São Francisco: Known for its ornate Baroque interior, particularly the stunning gilt woodwork and intricate artwork.
In addition, don't forget to check out the São Bento train station (the building is wonderful) and the world-famous Lello Bookshop, which is said to have inspired the creation of Harry Potter (even though many people in Porto have assured me that was never the case and that the myth was fueled by the bookshop owners themselves).
7. Learn about Porto's most curious facts with a walking tour
I was prejudiced against walking tours for years. I thought these tours were mostly expensive tourist traps that resulted in a boring, unrewarding experience. Then, I finally decided to take one, and I was somewhat stunned. The experience was far from boring and I ended up learning a lot about my city in just a couple of hours.
The best thing about Porto's walking tours, however, is the people! Sharing the experience of learning about Porto with other walkers is always a treat, and I even made a couple of new friends out of it. I figure that if these tours are this fun for a local, they must be even better for an outsider.
If you’re interested in a tour, here a few good options:
Highlights and hidden gems of Porto (private - guided by Leonor)
Food tour (small group)
8. Surf (or swim) at Matosinhos Beach
Full disclosure: I get tired and weary just by looking at a surfboard! However, pretty much all of my friends assure me that Matosinhos Beach, sitting a mere 2 kilometers away from Porto's city center, is a paradise for surfers.
If you're into surfing, hitting the waves at Matosinhos is a must. Maybe you’ll find me having a beer in the sand while you do the hard work!
If you have never surfed before but you'd like to try it, there are many pop-up surf schools in the area: check out Fish Surf School and Matosinhos Surf Camp for a start.
Even if you’re not into surfing, there’s a gorgeous and wide pedestrian promenade that runs all along the coast of Matosinhos and plenty of lovely beaches to stop at for a. dip or a view. You’ll find little snack shops, excellent seafood restaurants, and lots of bars and cafes lining the walk as well.
You can even bike out here from the city center if you’re up for renting a bike!
9. Get radical with Porto Bridge Climb
By now, you have probably noticed that the six bridges connecting Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia are an essential part of the city's DNA. But you probably didn’t know that you can actually climb one of them!
Porto Bridge Climb is a unique service selling climbing excursions on the Arrábida Bridge. The best part is that, for a radical experience, it’s pretty accessible to everyone. What I mean is that, while things can get scary at the bridge (especially if you're afraid of heights), the expedition is not as physically demanding as it first looks and can be performed by people of all ages and fitness levels. Come on, even Richard Ayoade did it…
10. See Porto from the water
For visitors who want to get onto the water, there are a few short boat tours that depart from the city center, usually on traditional rabelo boats. The most popular is the “Porto 6 bridges tour” which of course cruises under the city’s 6 iconic bridges. Other tours go out to the mouth of the Douro river, where it meets the Atlantic.
6 bridges tours usually take around 1 hour.
If you’re interested in a boat ride, there are a few providers, but LivingTours is one of the oldest. If you’d like a more intimate experience, this private boat ride is a nice option.
11. Watch a live show at a classy venue
Music venues are an essential aspect of any modern city, and Porto happens to have one of the very best: Casa da Música. Casa da Música means "The House of Music," and, aside from putting on great shows, the venue is also a marvel of modern architecture.
In Porto, everybody knows Casa da Música for its upside-down triangular shape and well-curated music shows spanning an incredibly eclectic array of genres.
For a more intimate and even classier experience, try out the Candlelight Concerts at Ateneu Comercial do Porto, which is a renovated 19th-century building. The Candlelight Concerts is a series of classical music shows in which the stage is beautifully lightened with candles.
12. Spend a morning at Serralves
Art, nature, and beautiful architecture - what more can anyone ask of a sunny morning? Serralves is a 3.5-hectare green park in the middle of Porto that also features a contemporary art museum and the Casa de Serralves, a building designed by one of the most famous Portuguese architects of all time (Álvaro Siza Vieira).
Any morning at Serralves is amazing (assuming it's not raining), but visiting on a Sunday morning is even better, because entrance to the museum is usually free.
Exploring the lavish Serralves garden is more than enough to justify a visit to this location, but the museum is like a slice of paradise for art aficionados, featuring artworks from the likes of Andy Warhol, Joan Miró, and Keith Haring.
Spend a half-day wandering Porto's maze of twisting alleys while also trying all the city's best local treats with our favorite guide, Leonor!
13. Experience Porto’s booming nightlife and paint the town red
Porto may not be "the city that never sleeps," but the nightlife here is still pretty damn good. While you have plenty of run-of-the-mill clubs and bars in the tourist-heavy Galerias de Paris streets, where Porto really shines is in its bevy of cool, alternative, and casual night spots.
These are my top Porto nightlife recommendations:
Ferro Bar - Boasting a one-of-a-kind combination of local night owls and foreigners, Ferro Bar is always open until 5 A.M. and features an ever-changing line-up of electronic music DJs, rock concerts, and occasional art performances.
Club Gare - Groove and minimal techno is Porto's signature nightlife sound of the hour, and the best techno representative in the city is the iconic Club Gare. If you think of yourself as a raver, this is the place to go.
Passos Manuel - A two-floor disco that doubles as a concert hall/cinema, Passos Manuel sits discreetly underneath the Coliseu do Porto building and is the favorite night spot of Porto's trendiest partygoers.
Pérola Negra - An old cabaret house, Pérola Negra has since been renovated and restructured to function as a club. Regardless of the DJ (their program is very eclectic), Pérola's dancefloor is always ready for some sweat.
Maus Hábitos - An iconic bar, restaurant, and music venue that has been putting on the best live music shows and niche parties in Porto for well over a decade.
14. Wander over to Vila Nova de Gaia (and taste some Port wine)
Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia are two different cities, but visiting Porto and ignoring Gaia would simply be a mistake. All you have to do to get there is cross the D. Luís I Bridge.
Once in town, you’ll have lots to do - from world-class wine cellars to amazing traditional restaurants with great views. The general Porto region is famed for its production of Port wine and many major producers have big wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia. Tours visit the cellars and then offer guided tastings. Learn more here.
The Gaia promenade right next to the Douro River is also always worth a stroll.
If you have enough time, you should walk down the riverfront until you reach the charming village of Afurada, a fisherman's town with an abundance of fabulous seafood restaurants.
Tours & Experiences in Porto
Porto is relatively small, but it’s densely populated and packed with beautiful and interesting places. Having become a major tourist destination in recent years, especially for European city breaks, there are a huge number of tours available both in and surrounding the city.
In Porto proper, you have standard offerings like big group walking tours and hop-on/hop-off buses, but also lots of interesting private tours and a bunch of great day trips to surrounding cities and natural areas. Because Porto is compact, walking tours with a local really are the best way to see the city.
Private city tours
For private walking tours our favorite local guide, Leonor, offers a host of differentthat cover the city’s highlights, its hidden gems, and some local mysteries.
Small group city tours
If a private tour isn’t on the cards, you have some good small group tours. They’re not quite as intimate as a private tour, but they’re much better than the crowded, big bus tours. In general, I recommend booking something that keeps the group size to 8 people max, as this is more pleasant than walking around in a group of 15.
This city center walking tour provides a good introduction to Porto.
This food tour run by Porto Food Lover lasts 3-4 hours and includes a wide variety of tastings of local dishes and treats. Group sizes are capped at 8.
If you’re hoping to try some port wine, this walking wine/food tour includes snacks paired with local wine and beer, and a visit to a port cellar.
I don’t do this type of tour, so can’t really speak to the experience, but if you want to see a lot of the city with minimal physical effort, tuk tuk tours have become increasingly popular.
Day trips
Far and away the most popular day trip from Porto is to the Douro Valley. However, other great options include the pretty town of Aveiro, the wonderful Peneda-Geres National Park, and the historic cities of Braga and Guimarães.
Douro Valley
This private full-day Douro Valley tour is a good option run by a very well-reviewed small, local company.
If you don’t want to splurge on a private experience, this small-group Douro Valley tour has great reviews.
For a full day boat tour out to the Douro Valley (beginning in Porto), this group tour from Living Tours is one of the classics.
If you want to get off the beaten path and see the Douro Valley away from the crowds, the guys at Grapeland Adventures run a fabulous 4x4 off-roading winery tour.
Aveiro
Combine a visit to the town of Arouca, the Paiva suspended bridges, and Aveiro on this full-day tour.
This day trip combines visits to Aveiro and Coimbra into one long, but good day.
Peneda-Gerês National Park
For a break from the city, this full-day trip to Portugal’s most beautiful national park includes time for swimming, light hiking, and off roading. Group sizes are capped at 8.
If you want to explore more intimately, check out this private day trip.
Braga and Guimarães
This small group tour (max 8 participants) covers both cities in a day, with total timing of 9 hours roundtrip from Porto.
For a private day trip, the small team at Your Tours Portugal does a good job.
- Chat with a local expert
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Leonor Tito
Portugal Expert based in Porto
Óla e bom dia! 👋
Hi, I'm Leonor, and I've been a tour guide and travel consultant here in Portugal for the last 20 years. If you're looking for some local advice on your trip, I'd love to help!
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