Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city, behind Lisbon. The city is located along the Douro River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is well known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage and of course its world-famous port wine.
Heading to Lisbon too? Read Our Ultimate Weekend Guide to Lisbon
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How to get to Porto?
The quickest and most convenient option is to go from London to Porto is to fly. Flights to Porto leave from most airports in London and have a direct flight to Porto with airlines including British Airways, Ryanair and easyJet. The flight time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Porto Airport, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, is located around 15kms from the centre of town. The fastest way to reach the town is to get a Bolt from the airport which will cost around €10 – 15. If you are on a budget then you can catch the bus for €2 direct from the airport into town, however be aware that you will need the correct change to be able to board the bus. This will take around 40 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.
Heading to Lisbon too? Read Our Ultimate Weekend Guide to Lisbon
When to visit?
Porto is generally colder and rainier than other parts of Portugal, such as Lisbon or the Algarve. The average temperatures in Porto reach around 25°C in the summer and can drop to lows of 5°C during the colder months. If you’re looking for long days and cloud-free skies, head to Porto from June to September. However, this favorable weather also brings an increase in visitors to the city.
The best time to visit Porto is during the shoulder season either March to May and again in September to November. The first is March to May is a great time to visit as it this isn’t peak season, although this period can be rainier and colder. The second, September to October offers beautiful fall colours and is the grape harvest season, making it another excellent time to experience Porto and the Douro Valley.
Looking for other places to explore in Portugal? Check out Ericeira, Portugal: A Hidden Gem for Surf and Yoga
How to get around in Porto?
Porto is very walkable city specially in the central areas you will find that using methods of transport is not necessary.
There are buses, trams and a metro system that will help you get around the city if you are located further out. If you are looking for alternative modes of transport there is a Funicular called Funicular dos Guindais and a gondola to help you get around those steep inclines with ease.
Alternatively ride sharing apps such as Bolt and Uber are available and reasonably priced to be able to get around the city.
Things to do in Porto:
Explore Ribeira
Wander through Porto’s historic Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colourful buildings, narrow streets, and charming riverside promenade along the Douro River.
If you want to enjoy the sites and learn some history while in Porto why not join a walking tour. These tours will take you to several sites including Clerigos Tower, Lello Bookstore, San Bento train station and Porto Cathedral.
Tour the Duroro Valley
Embark on a relaxing day with a Douro Valley Wine Tour. These organised tours depending on the season/group size will take you to two different wineries, include a Douro Valley boat ride and lunch. Along the way you will get to enjoy the Douro and its beautiful landscapes from the comfort the mini van.
If you don’t have a full day to make it out to the Douro Valley then you can always visit the cellar doors across the river. Here you can explore Vila Nova de Gaia: Port Wine Tasting with Cheese Pairing or Cockburn’s Port Lodge Tour and Tasting.
Eat your way through the city
Portugal’s is the perfect place to enjoy delicious food and wine. When in Portugal you must try traditional dishes like bacalhau (salted cod), pastel de nata (custard tarts) washed down with local wines such as Green Wine or Port. Make sure to also treat yourself to Porto’s iconic dish, Francesinha, a layered sandwich made with cured meats, sausage and cheese then covered in a secret sauce.
If you are looking for someone to help show you around Porto’s food scene why not try a Food & Wine Walking Tours or perhaps learn the secrets to Portuguese pastries with a Pastel de Nata Pastry-Making Workshop.
Where to eat in Porto?
My Coffee Porto
Coffee
This small specialty coffee shop is the perfect place to sit and soak up the views of the city. They serve hot and cold drinks as well as pastries out on their balcony at the bottom of Luis Bridge.
Timeout Market
Food Market
The newly opened Timeout Market is home to a range of the city’s finest resturants all under one roof. The layout of the market isn’t as great as some of their other markets however if you are looking for one place full of several food options this is a great place to start.
Mercado do Bolhao
Food Market
Mercado do Bolhao is a multi level market full of local produce such as fruit and vegetables, baked goods, local meat and wine. The best part of the market is that you can purchase all of the fresh good which you can then eat as you wander through the market.
Castro
Cafe / Bakery
If you are looking for Pastel de Nata’s during your time in Porto these were our favourite ones in the city. They have stores in both Porto and Lisbon and the tarts can be purchased to have in or take away. While there you can also watched them prepare the Pastel de Natas on site.
Lareira
Restaurant
This small and inexpensive restaurant is a great place to dine if you are looking for a meal on a budget. They serve heart sandwiches and cheap drinks however you might have to wait for a table at popular times as the restaurant can become busy.
Pedro dos Frangos
Restaurant
If you’re after Portuguese chicken while in Porto this no frills restaurant is the perfect place. They serve a range of traditional dishes and an extensive grilled meats menu. The line can go out the door meaning you may have a wait however it is absolutely worth it during your time in Porto.
Aduela
Bar
Aduela is a bar located next to Lareira. The bar local hang is the perfect place for a drink if you are looking to soak up the vibes on the outside terrace or perhaps are after more of a moody drink inside. The drinks are super reasonably priced and the service inside it outstanding.
Heading to the Algarve, check out Our Complete Guide to Sagres, Portugal
Where to stay in Porto?
Zero Box Lodge
Lost Inn Hostel
