Porto
Currency
EUR
Language
Portuguese
Timezone
Lisbon
Continent
Europe
Discover Porto
Porto is a vertical city set on the Douro, and you descend it more than you stroll it. São Bento station with its twenty thousand azulejos, the Lello bookshop, the cathedral and the Palácio da Bolsa all sit inside the listed historic centre. Across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia are the port lodges — the wine carries the city's name but ages on the opposite bank.
When to go
May to June, and September. Porto is wetter and cooler than Lisbon; the Atlantic makes itself felt all year. Winter is mild but grey and damp.
Getting around
The centre is walked, but prepare for the gradients — the city climbs and drops constantly. The metro links the airport to the centre for a few euros. The Dom Luís bridge crosses on two levels, and the upper one gives the best view of the city.
Where to eat
The francesinha — a melted-cheese sandwich drowned in beer sauce — is the local speciality, and it is exactly as excessive as it sounds. Douro cooking is plain and generous: salt cod, grilled fish, tripe Porto-style. Nearly all the Gaia lodges run tastings.
Good to know
The Lello bookshop charges entry, redeemable against a purchase. Only four halal addresses are listed.
Where to Stay in Porto
Top Activities in Porto
activityDragon Stadium
landmarkLello & Irmao Bookstore
landmarkPorto Cathedral
landmarkCasa da Música
from €8
landmarkEstação de São Bento
museumPalácio da Bolsa
from €10
landmarkIgreja de Santa Clara
landmarkCâmara Municipal do Porto
landmarkMosteiro da Serra do Pilar
from €2
landmarkClérigos Tower
from €5
landmarkChurch of São Francisco
landmarkIgreja de Santo Ildefonso
landmarkEpiscopal Palace of Oporto
museumMuseu Nacional Soares dos Reis
from €10
landmarkTeatro Municipal Rivoli
from €7
landmarkMercado do Bolhão
museumSerralves Villa
landmarkTeatro Nacional São João
landmarkCafé Majestic
museumMuseu do Carro Eléctrico
from €8
landmarkPorto - São Bento
museumMuseu do Vinho do Porto
from €4
activityRosa Mota Pavilion
landmarkFeitoria Britânica
Restaurants in Porto
