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Tales of two cities: a twin-city break to Lisbon and Porto

Portugal’s two major cities are both rich in history, gorgeous food and incredible views. If you can’t decide which to visit, try combining the two

We usually love cities for the attractions they offer, but the city of Lisbon is more of an attraction in itself. There are exquisite museums and splendid palaces to visit, but whatever you choose to do, the real star of the show is always the city itself. In some ways it’s a fantastically complex destination – centuries of colourful history piled on top of itself, all wrapped up in dozens of eclectic architectural delights (Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, baroque, Modern, postmodern), which teeter precariously on seven steep hills overlooking the majestic River Tagus. It’s almost impossible not to get lost. But it’s also a very simple place to go to. All you actually have to do is stroll along its myriad narrow cobblestone streets, marvel at the beautiful tiles that pattern the walls of both ancient and modern buildings, and soak up the warm sunshine. In fact, your only real dilemma is wondering which boisterously good restaurant you’ll eat dinner in.

While ancient Lisbon assaults the senses, the modern city that flanks the old quarter is all calming boulevards, breezy roof terraces and large open squares that have been laid out since the capital’s last great reinvention of itself – the result of a devastating earthquake in 1755. Moving between the old and new parts of the city is endlessly fascinating. And underlying everything is an appreciation of the finer things in life. From Pastel de Belém, Lisbon’s world-famous pastry, to bacalhau (salted cod served in at least 350 different ways), your taste buds will be as exhausted as your legs.

Three fun things to do

Head to a flea market Feira de São Pedro is held on the second and fourth Sunday of every month. It’s a huge flea market that dates back to the time of the Christian Reconquest, but it’s still very much alive and kicking. You’ll find stalls heaving with pottery, leatherwork, local antiques and handicrafts, as well as amazing olives, cheese and spiced meats to tempt you.

Take a tram The city is crisscrossed by beautiful trams – No 28 is perhaps the most well known. The little wooden wagons clunk and groan up vertiginous streets as you perch on tiny wooden benches inside. Many of the yellow trams are listed as historic artefacts and all are lovingly maintained. A single journey is €3, or buy a one-day travel card for €6.40.

Go to church There are dozens of churches worth visiting – from small painted chapels to towering gothic masterpieces – and all are free to enter. One that will have your eyes bulging is the Igreja de São Roque. It’s one of the earliest Jesuit churches in the world and supposedly the most expensive ever built. It’s a baroque bonanza and the walls are studded with the heads of thousands of gaudy, chubby little cherubs.

Three great places to stay

1908 Lisboa Hotel Occupying one side of the revitalised Largo do Intendente – a pretty square which is a favourite with locals – the 1908 is named after the year in which architect Adães Bermudes created the original building. It’s filled with art, design and unusual touches, and has a lively restaurant and buzzy bar on the ground floor. Be sure to book the curved corner room, no 111, which has 14ft ceilings and three huge windows ( rooms from €99, 1908lisboahotel.com ).

Hotel Bairro Alto Sitting between two totally contrasting neighbourhoods – the elegant Chiado on one side and the bohemian Bairro Alto on the other – this sumptuous hotel is one of the grandest in the capital. Over the past couple of years it has been completely remodelled. Its restaurant now features the ambitious cooking of Nuno Mendes – formerly the executive chef at Chiltern Firehouse, London. Enjoy an evening cocktail on the hotel’s glamorous roof terrace with views across to the harbour and the bridges of the Tagus ( rooms from €323, bairroaltohotel.com ).

The Lumen Located in the heart of the city and opened last August, the Lumen takes its name from the famous light that Lisbon is blessed with. They’ve taken this theme a step further with an immersive light and colour experience projected on to the walls of the hotel’s central garden. More than that, there’s a glorious rooftop deck and a swimming pool lined with bright red tiles. Lie back and enjoy amazing views across the old city as you sip a cocktail and nibble almonds and olives. Rooms are large, modern and unexpectedly affordable ( from €77, lumenhotel.pt/en ).

Where to enjoy fantastic food

Ofício Lisboa Don’t be put off by the decor at Ofício, which makes you feel as if you are in the basement of a large aquarium. The food is sensational (go for the seafood) and the prices are weirdly cheap for the effort that has clearly been involved with each meticulous dish ( oficio-restaurant.negocio.site ).

Cavalariça Lisboa There’s a huge stuffed unicorn on the wall, surveying you as you eat – and there is clearly something magical about this place. Modern interpretations of traditional Portuguese classics will have you licking your lips in wonder ( cavalarica.com ).

Comptoir Parisien Head to Belém not just for the finest custard tarts on the planet (you can buy them in boxes of 40), but for a cheap and cheerful lunch in the sunshine. Lining the little street behind the pastry shop you will find a run of friendly cafés serving sardines, prawns in garlic, chips, tomato salads and carafes of cold sangria. Locals flock here at the weekends. The Comptoir Parisien is good, but so are many of the others – just choose a terrace and a table you like ( restaurante-comptoir-parisien.com ).

What to bring home

Everywhere you will see beautifully packaged tins of sardines. The prettiest are from Conserveira de Lisboa, established in 1930. They’ve taken the art of tinned fish to a whole new level ( conserveiradelisboa.pt/en) .

Over the past decade, Porto’s undergone a renaissance. Split by the gleaming Douro river, it’s small enough to cover the main sights in a long weekend, but has enough interest to keep you exploring for weeks. Wander down the steep, cobbled streets to the historic Ribeira waterfront (a Unesco world heritage site) and you’ll find it buzzing day and night, with live music, and endless places to eat. Cross the double-decker Dom Luís I bridge, built by a student of Gustave Eiffel in 1886, and you can wander around the separate town of Vila Nova de Gaia. This is the home of Porto’s most famous product: port wine.

The city’s elegant buildings are packed into the hilly landscape, many of them decorated with azulejos, the stunning blue and white tiles that are a defining feature. A more modern take is the cutting-edge street art that adorns walls across Porto. If you decide to walk everywhere, don’t forget comfortable flat shoes. But if you get tired, many classic trams crisscross the city.

There are fabulous independent stores selling local produce, crafts, cool interiors, books and hip fashion. Don’t miss the Rua das Flores and while you are here, stop off at the Mercador Café for a quick snack. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 240 steps of the Torre dos Clérigos for a great view across the city. You’ll also want to visit the city’s Sé cathedral with its 12th-century Gothic rose windows. If you can face the crowds, the bookshop Livraria Lello (made famous by the Harry Potter films) is eccentric and delightful. For more down-to-earth purchases, go to Mercado do Bolhao, specialising in meat, fish, fruit and flowers. The historic building has been closed for restoration, but should reopen soon.

A visit to Porto wouldn’t be the same without investigating the many well-known Port wine cellars in Gaia. They’re often open for visitors, with tours and tastings (we enjoyed Taylor’s). And before you go, be sure to take a six-bridges cruise along the Douro. It may feel touristy, but there’s no better way to appreciate this stunning city than from its water.

Enjoy a picnic Just across the Dom Luís 1 bridge in Gaia, you’ll find the Jardim Do Morro. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun set over the city.

Go on a gallery tour Head to Rua de Miguel Bombarda for its myriad of art galleries. You’ll also find great restaurants, bookshops and design, music and fashion. Pop into the O! Galeria illustration and art gallery. You can follow Porto’s street/graffiti art trail here, as well on the Rua das Flores, Rua da Madeira, Travessa de Cedofeita and many more streets across the city.

Eat A LOT of Past éis de Nata Try the old-school patissiere Confeitaria do Bolhao (1896), or the super-cute Nata Sweet Nata in Ribeira, right on the waterfront.

Three special places to stay

Gran Cruz House This cool, heritage boutique hotel is located right on the riverside in the bustling Ribeira. It is owned by the port brand Gran Cruz and all the bedrooms, named after port types, have views over to the port houses of Vila Nova de Gaia. A highlight is the intimate Casario restaurant with traditional Portuguese dishes and a wonderful choice of wine (rooms from €100 , grancruzhouse.pt ) .

Torel Palace Porto A stunning new hotel in what was a 19th-century palace. Every inch of the ornate interior – including the remarkable interior skylight – has been beautifully restored. Rooms are spacious, elegant and super-luxurious. There’s an outdoor swimming pool and spa treatments. The food here is excellent ( see also Blind restaurant below ; rooms from €220 , torelpalaceporto.com ).

Rosa Et Al Townhouse An intimate design hotel with just seven suites in the heart of the Cedofeita arts district. It has a tranquil garden to relax in and offers in-room spa treatments. The hotel’s delicious and informal restaurant serves some of the best brunches in the city. Don’t miss their other restaurant, Early early.pt ; rooms from €128 with breakfast, rosaetal.com ).

Where to eat amazing food

Semea by Euskalduna One of the most exciting restaurants in town, with wonderful views across the Douro, the concept here is all about sharing plates and the kitchen is all about fire. The fresh fish and seafood is incredible. Our favourite was skate, grapes and mushrooms and pica pau (which means woodpecker, but is actually spicy beef or pork). Plus, the French toast and cheese ice-cream dessert is worth the trip alone ( semeabyeuskalduna.pt ).

Blind at Torel Palace The restaurant pays tribute to Portuguese writer José Saramago’s novel, Essay on Blindness . Eating here in near darkness is an extraordinary culinary magic show, gasp-worthy at times – to explain would ruin so many surprises ( blind.pt ).

Manna Homely, relaxed vegetarian restaurant serving organic, vegan and vegetarian dishes. The coffee is top notch, and the pancakes legendary. Also hosts yoga and meditation classes ( mannaporto.com ).

Claus Porto is Portugal’s celebrated soap brand, famous for its stunning packaging and delicious scents. Its flagship shop in the Rua das Flores is simply beautiful. If you’re in need of refreshing after a hard day’s sightseeing, this is the place. Pop in to wash your hands at the large basins on the ground floor and enjoy the wonderful atmosphere. There’s also a fascinating museum upstairs ( clausporto.com ).

Essentials Combining a visit to both cities on a single trip is easy – and the 320km journey between the two is a good chance for some extra sightseeing. The train takes 2.40 hours and costs from €31. The bus takes 3.30 hours and costs from €19. Both have multiple services every day. For more information, go to visitportugal.com/en

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From surfing in Porto to Ljubljana’s fairytale architecture: readers’ favourite European city breaks

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Inside a mirrored ark, Rotterdam

A museum store – but not as you know it... The minute you spot the enormous mirrored ark that is Rotterdam ’s Depot , you know you’re in for something extraordinary. Open to the public, its Escher-like staircases are designed to encourage visitors to get lost; to discover objects from below, from above, to look at the backs of pictures. Tours (you get to wear a white coat for this bit) give visitors insight into the storage of objects and the complex process of a museum loan. And when you are full of wonder, you can fill up on delicious teas and food at the rooftop restaurant, enjoying city views from the roof garden. Tickets are €20. Lydia Thornley

The library from the future, Helsinki

Our December trip to wintry Helsinki was pretty amazing – my mind was blown by a parkrun in a snowy forest, heated pavements in the city centre, Portaloos with radiators at the Christmas market, but then we came across what is possibly the best library ever! There’s the usual books and magazines and computer usage, but at Oodi Central Library you can also rent meeting space, photographic studios, recording studios, gaming space and kitchens/dining rooms, have lunch, use large format printers/cutters, sewing machines, musical instruments, do your ironing and (my favourite) rent power tools! How cool is that? Lisa J

The cheeky dwarves of Wrocław

For me it has to be the bronze dwarves of Wrocław . With more than 600 now in the city (they started to emerge in 2005, when there were only a few dozen), they can be found doing all sorts of mischievous activities on shop fronts, street corners and in public gardens. They make a fantastic spotting activity for a walking tour, and you can even get guides and maps to help you tick them off. Look for the cheeky ice-cream eater and the valiant firefighting team. Sophie

Urban surf, Porto

In Porto , wild and elegant collide. Hop on the city metro and whiz past Unesco-listed cobbled streets, cafes brimming with flaky, custard-filled pastries and dark, aromatic port cellars. You will quickly find yourself in the suburb of Matosinhos – home to some of Europe’s best urban surf. Grab a board and wetsuit from a local surf school and paddle head-first into the wild Atlantic spray. Total beginners can book lessons from just €25. The soft, sandy-bottomed beaches are great for learning and draw far fewer crowds than hotspots, such as Ericeira and Peniche farther south. Vicky

An intoxicating fairytale, Ljubljana, Slovenia

On an Interrailing trip with my boyfriend, we made our third stop at Ljubljana . We had relatively low expectations, but we were blown away by the food, culture and friendliness of the locals. We stayed in the Fuzzy Log Hostel for three nights and researched “cheap eats” to help us stick to the budget. The city is small and clean, but thriving and youthful, with a mix of fairytale architecture and laid-back Mediterranean culture. We were especially happy to discover that Slovenia is one of the fine wine capitals of the world, something we certainly made the most of! Isabelle

Porticos and pizza, Bologna

Italy’s “fat city” is a dream for anyone who enjoys food. Stroll through the streets stopping off for pizza by the slice, the perfect marriage of oily but crispy and woodfired. Spend a chilled morning browsing vintage goods at the antiques market in Via Santo Stefano, and regretting only booking hand luggage. Grab lunch at Mò Mortadella Lab for a ham-packed sandwich while taking in the views of Bologna’s Two Towers. Feeling full? Meander through the Porticos of Bologna, 664 arches winding through the streets, a Unesco world heritage site. Sign the day off with tagliatelle al ragu in a cosy restaurant with a bottle of red.. Emily

Reeling in the years, Copenhagen

To see Copenhagen in a different light, before you go or while you’re there, check out the Danish Film Institute ’s silent film archive at stumfilm.dk . Many of the films include parts shot on location, such as the extract from The Cocaine Rush , which has a sequence involving the tower at Copenhagen Zoo, or the social democratic propaganda film From Darkness Towards Light, which shows off various facilities built by the social democrats. It’s a fascinating way to compare the city from 100 years ago to what we see today. Byron

Munich’s historic hills

I saw Munich in a new light after climbing to the top of the “Schuttberg” hills, dotted across the city centre. These literally mean “rubble mountains”, and were made after the second world war when mounds of debris left over from bombings were planted with greenery. They’re not small: the tallest (Olympiaberg) is 56 metres high. The hills have far-reaching views across the city. But the site also gives a stark reminder of Germany’s history and its rebirth after 1945. The other hills are called Luitpoldhügel and Neuhofener Berg. Sarah Collings

Linger in Palma, Mallorca

I can highly recommend Palma . Often it’s somewhere holidaymakers fly into but then quickly leave as they zoom off to the island’s resorts. But they should linger. The city boasts brilliant architecture, cafes in tree-lined boulevards and a truly spectacular cathedral. A day can easily be lost wandering the old streets in the city centre. Our unexpected discovery during our recent visit was the brilliant ride on an open-sided 1912 train from Palma to Sóller, through beautiful mountains, featuring orange trees, olive groves and gorgeous views down to Port de Sóller – a lovely place for a day trip. Tom

Winning tip: beautiful Sarajevo

My partner and I could not have enjoyed this beautiful city more. Winding, cobbled Ottoman-era lanes suddenly transition into dazzling Austro-Hungarian splendour as you explore its rich, tragic history. Make sure you take the cable car up to Trebević to get great views and see the old bobsled track. The food is fantastic and incredibly good value – from delicious grilled ćevapi (£5 a portion), to various flavours of burek (£2-3 a slice), and velvety Bosnian coffee (£1). Stuart

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The best hotels in Porto

By Abigail Malbon

While Lisbon remains a favourite weekend break destination, hot on its heels is Porto ; a city home to some of Portugal’s best hotels , with culture aplenty, arguably the most beautiful train station in the world and port tastings available at every wine bar on every corner. The Douro Valley, Portugal ’s most famous wine region, is just a two-hour scenic train ride away, while the city itself is home to the vertigo-inducing Luís Bridge (yes, you can climb it), stunning street art and a gluttonous local dish, the francesinha sandwich.

Whether you’re looking for a quirky boutique hotel, or somewhere to relax with views of the Douro river, this is our selection of the best hotels in Porto.

How we choose the best hotels in Porto

Every hotel on this list has been selected independently by our editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property. When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination. We’re always looking for beautiful design, a great location and warm service – as well as serious sustainability credentials. We update this list regularly as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.

1. Gran Cruz House

Best hotel in Porto for: riverside dining

Overlooking the Douro River on the corner of one of the city’s oldest squares, this small design hotel is right in the thick of it. Inside, cooling ice-cream colours welcome guests from the flurry outside – think pistachio-hued walls, mango-toned cushions and a berry-red 17th-century facade. Seven boutique bedrooms are set across four floors, each inspired by a different Port Wine – the Pink room, for example, evokes hazy summer days, where bright colours and fun patterns give way to giant windows and a balcony looking out over the square. The restaurant, however, is this hotel’s crowning jewel. Inspired by Porto ’s history and landscape, Casario is an ode to the city’s gastronomy and viniculture. Under the helm of Miguel Castro Silva, one of Portugal’s most famous chefs, the menu is uniquely split into cold dishes and hot dishes. Highlights include flaked bites of deep-fried skate with a hazelnut and celeriac puree and sea bass, pan-seared for extra crispy skin, served on a bed of creamy saffron rice – both of which I could have eaten endless servings of. Olivia Morelli

Address : Praça da Ribeira - Viela do Buraco 19, Porto, 4050-132 Portugal Price : rooms from £140 per night

2. Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection

Best hotel in Porto for: modern elegance In the middle of Rua das Flores, one of Porto’s most iconic pedestrianised shopping streets, entering this hotel feels like you’ve stepped straight into the city’s ancient history. Built in the 16th century as a family home by Brás Brandão, a merchant nobleman, before becoming the headquarters of the Port company Real Companhia Velha. As a nod to the building’s past, staff host a bi-weekly tradition of ‘fire opening’ a bottle of Port for guests to learn more about the building’s history and the city’s port culture. The hotel’s design is a perfect blend of modern touches and traditional architecture; gold-panelled windows and mirrors feature in all of the rooms, paired with elegant minimalist furnishings and large marble bathrooms. Cathedral or garden rooms have the best views – depending on whether you prefer something tranquil or a lookout over the city. Stop by the spa for a slice of tranquillity, laze by the outdoor swimming pool with views of the cathedral, and be sure to drop into the hotel’s restaurant during your stay, where terracotta walls, backlit shelves of wine and fresh, local food welcome you. Olivia Morelli

Address: Casa da Companhia, Vignette Collection, R. das Flores 69, 4050-416 Porto Price : Doubles from about £124 per night

3. Torel 1884

Best hotel in Porto for: design-lovers

Breakfast here isn’t just breakfast; it’s proof of how brilliant Portuguese design is right now. Elegantly tapered knives and forks, jade-green ceramics holding quince jelly, a chalky-white espresso cup indented with abstract patterns – all handcrafted by family-run ateliers. The rest of the hotel takes a similar outlook. In the plant-lined entrance, clay faces grimace and grin down at guests – gods on one side, earthly mortals on the other – the work of sculptor João Pedro Rodrigues, alluding to Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Paying impressionistic homage to that era, three floors of high-windowed bedrooms riff on Africa , the Americas and Asia with tactile compositions of raffia, cane, silk, leafy greens and Atlantic blues, a roar of tiger print. All about are heavily textured paintings by Jorge Curval – a black-and-white portrait of a gentleman in moustache and bicorne hat; a thick-daubed woman smoking a paint brush. Climb to the top banister, peer down at the patterned tiles, and it feels like watching a Portuguese Downton Abbey . When it comes to the country’s post-millennium boom, Lisbon gets most of the column inches but Porto is just as exciting, and this is an apt poster child for the city’s revival. By Rick Jordan

Address: R. de Mouzinho da Silveira N 228, 4050-417 Porto, Portugal Price : Doubles from about £135 per night

4. Torel Avantgarde

Best hotel in Porto for: views of the Douro

If location is key, you’ll struggle to find better than Torel Avantgarde ; a 49-room boutique hotel within walking distance of São Bento train station, Luís Bridge and other local attractions, with arguably the best view of the Douro River in Porto. With an uninterrupted look out from the hotel’s outdoor pool, it feels like a slice of serenity even during a busy 72-hour city break .

Each room at the hotel is themed differently around an artist, from Francis Bacon to Frida Kahlo, and as a result, you’re guaranteed a unique stay, even if you return. Our insider tip: if you can, book the Charlie Chaplin, Frida Kahlo or Diego Rivera room for the biggest bathtub you’ve ever seen, with a stunning view out over the balcony. Read our full review of Torel Avantgarde .

Address: Torel Avantgarde, Rua da Restauraçāo, 336, Porto, 4050-501 Price : Doubles from about £125 per night

5. Rosa et al Townhouse

Best hotel in Porto for: creative types

A boutique hotel, spa, restaurant, deli… for a small property, Rosa et al has a lot of substance. Everything is aesthetic, from the claw-foot bathtubs in the rooms to hand-crocheted throws on the beds, while the courtyard garden is a peaceful place to take five.

Known locally as a cultural hub, residents come for the much-loved brunch and stay for the spa. There are just six rooms available, each designed differently but with a focus on aesthetics. Top tip: the Garden Pavillion is particularly beautiful.

Address: Rosa et al Townhouse, Rua do Rosário, 233, Porto, 4050-524 Price: Doubles from about £100 per night

6. Torel Palace Porto

Best hotel in Porto for: history buffs

There are three Torel properties in total in Porto, and the Palace is a beautifully-located slice of history in the city centre. Dating back to 1886, the original palace was restored and reopened in 2020 with a focus on its original elegance – from the library in the entrance hall to the winding staircase and stunning skylight. There’s a feeling of grandeur throughout the hotel, with enough modern touches to suit everyone; particularly in rooms, which house giant mirrored-covered bathrooms.

The hotel’s restaurant, Blind, is a particular highlight. A tribute to Portuguese writer José Saramago´s novel Blindness , the ‘Emotions’ menu consists of eight or 10 courses, each inspired by childhood memories of chef Vítor Matos.

Address : Torel Palace Porto, Rua de Entreparedes N. 42, Porto, 4000-197 Price : Doubles from about £130 per night

7. PortoBay Flores

Best hotel in Porto for: Location

Set in a 16th-century palace, the hotel has recently undergone a renovation but aims to retain much of its original detailing; from the wrought-iron balconies to original granite flooring in the entrance and tiles throughout. There are 66 rooms in total – 55 in the new building and 11 in the old mansion – and top floor rooms offer a beautiful view of the city’s terracotta roofs.

Those who are new to Porto are likely to be impressed by the hotel’s location, with almost all of the main sights within walking distance.

Address: PortoBay Flores, Rua das Flores, 27, 4050-416, Porto Price : Doubles from about £121 per night

8. Exmo Hotel

Best hotel in Porto for: Quirky touches

Porto’s pretty townhouses sit along the river, bringing classic Portuguese colours to the landscape. Among them is Exmo hotel, a stand-out building with a bright ochre exterior, home to 16 rooms over four floors – and while the building itself is traditional, the interior is anything but. Rooms feature unusual design details, from brightly-coloured velvet armchairs resting against original stone walls to huge walk-in showers. Artworks and sculptures by local artists are on display throughout the hotel, and the bar pays homage to the building’s warehouse roots – the metal beams and industrial feel in the bar would be at home in a downtown New York location.

Address: Exmo Hotel, Rua do Infante D. Henrique, 55-61, 4050-297 Porto Price: Doubles from about £118 per night

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9. The Yeatman

Best hotel in Porto for: Wine lovers

The Yeatman’s star attraction is, undoubtedly, the decanter shaped pool and terrace that allows you to enjoy the view of Porto’s winding streets from the other side of the river. The hotel has six storeys, but domineering tower block it is not; each floor is arranged on the banks of the Douro, giving guests a lookout no matter which room they stay in.

Those who visit Porto with a plan to enjoy as many wines as possible will love this property, which is heavily focused on the local tipple; images of vineyards decorate the walls, while there’s a cellar available to tour between 4pm and 6pm. Be sure to check into the Michelin-starred restaurant while you’re there to enjoy the traditional flavours of Portugal.

Address: The Yeatman, Rua do Choupelo, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia Price: Doubles from about £222 per night

10. The Artist

Best hotel in Porto for: Creatives

Unsurprisingly, art is the focus at this hotel, which focuses on its art college heritage as the theme. Around 150 artworks are on display throughout, and nosier guests will enjoy looking closer at student grades from as far back as the 1960s. Rooms are simple but spacious, but it’s the restaurant, A Escola’s, degustation menu that’s the real star of the show, thanks to the creative dishes on offer. Choose between five or seven dishes, all beautifully presented in keeping with the hotel’s theme of art.

Address : The Artist, R. da Firmeza 49, 4000-228 Porto Price : Doubles from about £140 per night

11. M.Ou.Co

Best hotel in Porto for: music-lovers

Opened in April 2022, this hotel is something new for Porto: a music-focused property with a 180-seated or 300-standing concert hall, a music library featuring 600 vinyls for guest use and even a music therapy room. But while there's a focus on music, the final result feels cool rather than gimmicky – think 1970s-inspired decor courtesy of exposed walls and vintage wooden furniture, with leather and rattan furniture (and the odd plant). By request, a complimentary record player, guitar and keyboard can all be hired from reception to be used in the bedrooms, should you wish to flex your musical muscles during your stay.  Facilities at the hotel include a small pool, which becomes particularly busy in the warmer months – during high season, you'll struggle to secure a lounger. There's a bar serving lunch and drinks (cocktails are particularly good; the blueberry Mojito comes highly recommended) while breakfast and supper are served in the hotel's restaurant. Guests are varied, with couples, families and, of course, musicians taking advantage of the affordable room rates.  The motto here is Stay. Listen. Play, but should you wish to explore there's plenty on your doorstep. Found in the up-and-coming cool neighbourhood of Bonfim, this property isn't as central as many Porto hotels – but it's worth bearing in mind that the city is very small (it's a pleasant 20-minute walk to São Bento station, for example), so it's actually a great way to see a new side of Porto, particularly if it's not your first time in the city.

Address : R. de Frei Heitor Pinto 65, 4300-252 Porto Price : Rooms from £65

12. Tipografia Do Conto

You'll find one of Europe's nicest affordable stays in a 19th century former workshop and warehouse in Porto. Originally used as a printing press, the history of the building is referenced throughout: in the bar, hundreds of independent titles are displayed; the ceilings are engraved with phrases by different artists; and the wooden façade in the courtyard resembles the drawers used for storing fonts. There are only 10 rooms, some face the courtyard, while others overlook the city. There’s no restaurant – breakfast is served in the green-tiled bar – but plenty of hot tables are nearby in the emerging Cedofeita area; try Namban and Early Cedofeita. One of the best things about it, however, is the secret garden with its swimming pool and a hammock strung at one end. It’s perfect for hanging out with a glass of Port or Vinho Verde, surrounded only by the sound of birds and a rare moment of stillness in this otherwise happening neighbourhood.

13. Pestana Palicio do Freixo

Best hotel in Porto for: tranquillity

Those who have been to Porto before might not be quite so concerned about seeing the main tourist attractions; in which case the Pestana Palicio, located further down the river, is ideal. Classified in 1910 as a national monument, the restored Baroque-style palace and surrounding gardens are welcoming, with soaring indoor dining areas and spectacular open views of the river.

The hotel has 87 rooms in total, with superior rooms offering a river view. If you stay in summer, it’s a great time to make use of the outdoor pool or to grab a sundowner from the poolside bar.

Address: Pestana Palicio do Freixo, Estrada Nacional 108, 4300-316 Campanhã , Porto Price : Doubles from about £189 per night

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Porto itinerary: 3 days in Portugal’s stunning second city

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Here’s a quick Porto itinerary for 3 days in Porto: Portugal’s second-largest city and an absolute underrated gem. Porto is a stunning city and its riverbanks are overflowing with independent shops and hip bars and restaurants. You’re never too far from a sneaky peek of the dazzling Douro River from any of the bunting-strewn streets that lead down to the water. And Porto is near the sea, so you can get a historic tram down to one of the city beaches and enjoy views of the Atlantic. 

Despite all of Porto’s charms, it’s still one of the most affordable city breaks I’ve done in Southern Europe. And I’ve done a lot. I really rate it. It’s so good, to be honest, that I’d recommend spending a bit more than 3 days in Porto if you really want to get to know it. But if you’re on a time limit, it’s a nicely compact destination and there’s plenty you can cram into a weekend or a short break there.

So settle down with a glass of port wine (obviously) and get planning your 3-day Porto itinerary…

3 days in Porto itinerary: introduction

Interestingly, Porto used to be called ‘Cidade Invicta’ (unbeaten city). Other than just being a very badass name, this was because it was never conquered by the Moors or any of the other invaders that got the better of both Portugal and Spain in the past. Because of this achievement, Porto has a long tradition of independence. And its residents see themselves as a bit edgier and more authentic than the softies over in Lisbon . I also found the Porto locals to be really friendly and more than happy to have a natter. Portuguese people are always lovely though (I know from spending so much time in my favourite Madeira ).

When Porto became a major commercial trading port later on in its history, people began calling it ‘Oporto’. This stemmed from dozy foreigners misunderstanding the ‘o’ (‘the’) that locals would say in front of ‘Porto’. The name is still sometimes used and is apparently still a source of annoyance to some locals. That’s the kind of thing that would do my head in, too.

Anyway, despite being the smaller of Portugal’s two biggest cities, Porto can really claim one up on Lisbon . The whole country of Portugal pinched its name from Porto, didn’t it? So there.

3 days in Porto itinerary: day 1

Morning: do a walking tour to get a feel of the city.

Over the years, I’ve found that one of the best ways to kick off a city break is to do a free walking tour. You can then revisit places you liked the look of in your own time.

I really recommend the free walking tour of Porto (so do lots of other people on TripAdvisor reviews too, if you don’t believe me). The only downside to it is that it begins at 9.20am, which is terrifyingly early when you’re on holiday. But in the spirit of cracking as much of beautiful Porto as you can into 3 days, it’s worth braving the early alarm for.

The tour takes about 3 hours 30 minutes. Your guide takes you on a wander through the main sites: the station, churches, Livraria Lello bookshop (which has some rather loose Harry Potter connections, if you’re a fan), the Maria Pia and Dom Luis I bridges, the cathedral, and Ruelas Medievais (ancient cobbled streets).

Enjoy the tiles and the world’s most beautiful railway station – one of the highlights of this 3 days in Porto itinerary

Walking through the city, taking in all the amazing blue-and-white tiled buildings, is one of my favourite memories of my time in Porto. The tiles are called azulejo and are my favourite thing about Portugal in general, but Porto has a shedload of them and it’s a feast for the eyes.

São Bento Railway Station is the best place in Porto for admiring azulejo . It really is out of this world. Flooded with light from the imposing windows, and tiled floor to ceiling with the most stunning artwork, it’s no wonder that it is always nominated as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. I really liked that it was fully functioning and modern, as well as being pretty and historic. Imagine commuting in/out of that bad boy every day! Manchester Piccadilly Station suddenly seems even more traumatic for me.

Linger in beautiful Ribeira

The tour ends up in Praca da Ribeira, the gorgeous square and world heritage site overlooking the River Douro. I really rated the tour, and the fact it takes up a whole morning and covers most of the city makes it well worth it for free. Obviously, you should be nice and give a good tip when it ends. I think we gave a 10€ each, but you can give more.

Ribeira is the most enchanting area of Porto. It’s packed with colourful buildings, cobbled streets and people coming and going. Praca da Ribeira is the heart of it all. Despite the bustle, you can still imagine it back in the days when the rabelos (cargo boats) would be bringing wine from the vineyards in the Douro valley to the wine cellars here. I loved exploring the cobbled side streets, meandering underneath dilapidated but colourful buildings with laundry flapping overhead. It’s idyllic.

Anyway, the tour handily finishes here, just in time for lunch. And that leads me nicely onto the next thing on my Porto itinerary…

Lunchtime: head to Mercearia Das Flores for tapas

Now that you’ve been deposited into the beautiful Ribeira district and you’ve been walking for the whole morning, you’ll be ready to eat. Be warned, most of this Porto itinerary revolves around eating and drinking…

I really recommend finding the little artisan café/shop  Mercearia Das Flores , which is on Rua Flores, for lunch. You’d expect it to be really overpriced tourist muck, given its central location. But it’s absolutely beautiful and very reasonably priced. Everything is local or organic and you can sample some craft beer from the surrounding areas too. Sit outside and watch the world go by while shovelling a delicious array of tapas into your face. Bliss.

Afternoon: return to the bridge for views

After lunch, I’d recommend you head back to the Dom Luis I bridge to enjoy it at your own pace. If you’re lucky enough to get good weather, it’s one of the best photo spots in Porto – if not the whole of Portugal, to be honest.

There are six bridges in Porto that cross the River Douro, linking the city of Porto with its neighbour, Gaia. But the double-decker beast, Dom Luis I, is the most interesting. Unsurprisingly, it’s another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The bridge was designed by Théophile Seyrig, a pupil of Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame). That explains why its look is so reminiscent of said tower. Its upper deck is where the metro runs and the lower deck is for cars. Humans are best off on the upper level, which is also rather handy for the view and photography opportunities. 

Spot some of Porto’s brilliant street art

Once you’ve had your fill of the bridge, have a wander around Ribeira, taking in places you didn’t get long enough in on the walking tour or that you didn’t cover.

While you’re at it, keep an eye out for the excellent street art that Porto is rapidly becoming known for. I’m not cool enough to know much about street art TBH, but these are three that stood out to me especially:

• Half Rabbit by Bordalo II, Rua Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 42 , Vila Nova de Gaia – I’ve mentioned Portuguese artist Bordalo II before in my post on Camara de Lobos in Madeira , and he’s got this even more eye-catching big bunny rabbit adorning a corner in Gaia.
• Mira by Daniel Eime, Rua Nova da Alfândega – A lovely one of an old Portuguese lady.
• Perspentico by Liqen, Rua das Flores – A massive blue cat covering a whole wall. What more could you want?

As well as the big pieces of art taking up entire sides of buildings, I noticed that Porto is also covered with small but very pleasing bits of street art too. Electrical boxes, stairs, doors, and all sorts of nooks and crannies were covered with art. This one was just on the side of a café I think – the kind of place in the UK that would have some dreadful mess on it saying ‘Jay 2019’ or something. But in Porto, you get something far nicer.

Sit outside for some early evening drinks (and people watching)

After a day of exploring, you’ve definitely earned some good food and drink.

I quite like going for an early evening drink before eating, so I’d head for that first. But you can equally eat a bit earlier and do drinks afterwards if that’s how you roll. Or do both and make your evening a drink-food-drink sandwich. You’re on holiday: there are no rules.

However you prefer to do it, I recommend having some drinks at Candelabro . This is a lovely book-café by day and a buzzing little bar at night. The area it’s in is trendy and lively, so it’s a nice place to sit outside on a warm evening. Next door is a champagne and wine bar, Champanheria da Baixa , so you could also visit there. A five-minute walk away is Porto Tónico , which specialises in a delicious concoction I’d never even heard of before: a white port and tonic. I know it sounds odd, but get it down you. It’s a good ‘un.

Evening meal: enjoy experimental food at Cruel Restaurante to round off day 1 of your 3 days in Porto itinerary 

I found Cruel Restaurante on the lovely street Rua da Picaria, just near the bars mentioned above, when trying to find somewhere for a more ‘fancy’ meal on our first night in Porto. I highly recommend you have your first evening meal there too. It’s amazing.

Menus change very frequently, so I’m always wary of mentioning exactly what I’ve eaten in various restaurants around the world in case they changed their menu the day after. But I can’t help recommending getting one of the starters at Cruel that comes with an ‘electric flower’. I’d never heard of this before but it’s a little herb from the Amazon (not as dodgy as that sounds…) that sort of numbs your mouth for a minute (really!) before amplifying your taste buds. I don’t know how it worked but it did. Everything you put in your mouth immediately after tastes really intense. I’d also recommend the salmon doughnuts with wasabi mayonnaise if they still do them. 

In case it wasn’t obvious from the flower anecdote, Cruel is quite an exciting and experimental restaurant. It has a ‘concept’ menu split into three pages: cruel, cautious and fearful. ‘Cruel’ is all the interesting stuff, but you can pick and mix from all three.

3 days in Porto itinerary: day 2

Morning: a leisurely start with the botanical gardens.

Whenever I do a city break, I like to include a botanical garden in my itinerary. If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you’re probably sick of me talking about them. But they’re always such a nice way to break up urban sightseeing.

Porto’s lovely Jardim Botânico do Porto was the perfect place to wander around for an hour or so on a sunny morning. I wouldn’t say it was the best botanical garden I’ve been to in my life; don’t be expecting Kew Gardens here. But it was worth it. And it’s free to enter, which is always a bonus. The garden isn’t massive, so you don’t need to spend hours there. It’s about 20 minutes from the centre of Porto on the 207 bus (check on the official website for times and so on). 

When we went, we were pretty much the only people in the gardens, which made it even better. Of particular note was the wonderful blue sea of agapanthus, one of my favourite flowers. I’ve never seen so many and so big. Some were up to my shoulder. And then you turn the corner and there’s a whole hedge of hydrangeas as far as the eye can see. Really gorgeous. 

Lunch: indulge in Porto’s local dish, the francesinha – a tasty highlight of this 3 days in Porto itinerary

After the gardens, it should be an ok time to head for an early lunch. And there’s no better thing to consume when in Porto than the infamous local dish, francesinha . This is especially the case on this day in your Porto itinerary, because later in the afternoon you’re going to be drinking the local wine so it’s wise to line your stomach beforehand.

A francesinha, for those of you who don’t know, is an absolute beast of a sandwich. Think of it as a very pleasing heart attack on a plate.

It’s made with cheap white supermarket-style bread, traditionally filled with bacon, sausage and steak. It’s then covered with melted cheese. And if that wasn’t enough, the whole thing is smothered with a hot, thick tomato and beer sauce. Oh and it’s served with chips, obviously.

One of the best places to try a francesinha is Café Santiago , a local institution, popular with tourists and locals alike. I eat a mainly plant-based diet, so the traditional francesinha is not for me. But luckily plenty of places do vegan options. Francesinhas Al Forno da Baixa does a spot-on vegan francesinha, with layers of seitan smothered in excellent vegan cheese. No one needs to miss out on the calories.

Afternoon: it’s wine o’clock in Vila Nova de Gaia

Now that you’re full of francesinha, your stomach will be ready for another of Porto’s local delicacies: port wine.

Weirdly, the place to go port tasting when in Porto is actually not Porto itself. It’s Vila Nova de Gaia (or just ‘Gaia’ to the locals). Gaia is actually a whole separate city to Porto. It’s the place just over the other side of the river and you get to it by crossing the aforementioned Dom Luis I Bridge.

Much like other ‘sister’ cities separated by a river (see: Newcastle/Gateshead, Buda/Pest, San Francisco /Oakland), Gaia can be a bit overshadowed by its famous neighbour of Porto. But it’s where all the port warehouses are at, with their cellars stretching deep into the hillside. Most are open for tours and tastings. And luckily for you, I’ve already sampled far too many and can recommend which ones to go to.

Before I get into it, I should note that port tasting is 100% worth it, even if you think you’re not interested in port. I’d only ever ‘appreciated’ port as part of a Cheeky Vimto before (ahem). But I loved it. And it’s not always just the standard dark red (ruby) port, either. You can also get tawny and white, both of which I liked more than the usual one. I also found out that port can’t legally be called ‘port’ unless the grapes have been grown in the Douro Valley, just outside of Porto, so while in Porto it would be rude not to try the real deal. 

Visit these port warehouses to sample their delights

Your first port of call (pun very much intended) should be the lovely 3+ Arte . This is an artistic and cultural cooperative, specialising in lovely local handicrafts and Niepoort port. The owner is friendly and happy to share his knowledge of port, but not in an overbearing way. The warehouse is full of quirky things, like an old bath for amusing photos and a little vintage caravan decorated with azulejo tiles. 

After that, head up the hill to port-tasting stop number two:  Taylor’s . This is a more traditional port lodge. While it doesn’t have the friendly, down-to-earth atmosphere of 3+ Arte, it does have a beautiful garden you can sit in the shade and enjoy another round of port. I’d recommend booking onto a tour here if you’d like to learn more about the history (and yes, it has free samples).

Your third and final port lodge, Graham’s , is well worth the arduous stagger up some more steep cobbled streets. Going further up through Gaia, you’ll find that it gets more village-like. You’ll pass some little local shops, classic Portuguese café bars, and locals going about their daily business. Just as interesting as Porto, in its own way.

Anyway, Graham’s is a real oasis on a warm day and a gorgeous way to finish your afternoon. It has a stunning interior and equally stunning views from its vine-shaded terrace, where you can look out across Porto and the river and feel like you’re on a film set. Graham’s feels a bit more upmarket but, pleasingly, doesn’t have the price tag to match. In fact, all the port in Gaia I found to be very affordable, which just means you’ll be able to drink twice as much, right? Cheers to that.

Evening meal: laid-back pizza on the rooftop of an art deco car park

I was struggling with what to suggest for your evening meal after a day of tasting port, to be honest. A fancy restaurant probably wouldn’t be the best idea if you’re slightly hammered… So the agenda called for more carbs.

I found Maus Habitos (which means ‘bad habits’) when doing my research before going to Porto. The Guardian Travel guide to Porto described it as ‘a hip space on the roof of an art deco car park’. I was sold. And it did not disappoint. It is indeed very hip. Jam jars and milk bottles with flowers in? Tick. Mismatched furniture? Tick. Pendant lamps? Obviously tick. But it’s not just style over substance. It’s also host to regular exhibitions and live music, as well as having a decent menu at very reasonable prices.

Maus Habitos has a great selection of pasta, wood-fired pizzas, falafel and lasagna, with plenty of vegan and veggie options. A good place to round off the day and argue about what port you should go back and buy to take home.

3 days in Porto itinerary: day 3

Morning: art deco fun at serralves.

Serralves is a ‘cultural institution’ in Porto. It encompasses an art museum, a large park, a cinema house and a fantastic art deco style pink villa all in one place. It’s sort of like Porto’s answer to a (modern) English country house with parkland, only with a Tate Modern casually popped in its grounds too. Weirdly, it doesn’t seem to be made much of a deal of in Porto guide books and stuff, but I thought it was fantastic and definitely recommend a visit. I mean, the villa is bright pink, which should be a selling point in itself.

If you’re a fan of contemporary art, you’ll like the museum. The exhibitions are ever-changing and feature Portuguese and international art, some of which is interactive. It was so different from other art museums I’ve been to.

The art theme continues outside the museum as the park is dotted with interesting sculptures. The most memorable for me was a gigantic trowel, which also provides an excellent photo opportunity. It’s profile-picture worthy if you’re a gardener. Walking around the grounds was the highlight for me, and not just because there were ponies. There’s a treetop walk you can do by going up onto a platform walkway between the trees, which feels very magical.

Oh and don’t miss the gift shop. Arty places always have excellent shops and this one is no exception. Plenty of unique things to treat yourself to or to buy for friends back home if you’re less selfish than me.

It’s 20€ to get into the whole of Serralves, or you can pay less just to do some of its aspects. Check opening times and whatnot on the official website . You can easily spend several hours there and fill your whole morning.

Lunch and leisurely afternoon by the sea – you’ll be needing a breather in this 3 days in Porto itinerary

Once you’ve had your fill of Serralves, get the 203 bus towards Foz. In about 10 mins, you’ll reach Praia da Luz, a lovely beach in the Foz district. Foz is a chic seaside suburb and the beach here is lined with trendy little bars. The beach itself is a bit rocky/pebbly but also has yellow sand. And of course, the beautiful turquoise waters of the Atlantic. Just be warned: it might be a windy experience as it’s quite open.

There are plenty of lunch options around here but I really recommend The Bird . It’s really cute, slightly tricky to find tucked away from the crowds in a little courtyard but well worth hunting out. They do a set lunch menu for 8.50€. Set menus are always a bargain in Portugal. Although it’s lovely to sit outside here, make sure you pop inside to peruse the cakes and desserts available. The lemon meringue pie is a winner.

After lunch, you can stroll along the beach and enjoy the sunshine. Pop into Praia da Luz Restaurant for some afternoon drinks or tea/coffee later. It’s a beach bar as well as a restaurant and it has brilliant views of the sea. An ideal spot for a rest and a bit of people-watching.

I adore the fact that a city as cool as Porto is also coastal. You get the best of both worlds: culture and urban stuff with a lovely beach afternoon thrown in. 

Later in the afternoon/early evening vintage shopping and drinks

A real highlight of my 3 days in Porto was the fantastic Armazém (which means ‘warehouse’). Unsurprisingly, it’s a warehouse. But it’s a very cool converted warehouse with a bar, beer garden, eatery, vintage/antique shop, art gallery and auction house. It was such a good little hipster treasure trove. There’s even an open fire burning inside if you’re there in the evening. 

Armazem’s vintage/antique shop area sells all the kind of things I love rummaging through. There are vintage clothes, antique homewares, vinyl records, artwork, pottery and ceramics, old suitcases, and artisan local trinkets/scarves etc. Once you’ve treated yourself to a few bits that you definitely need, you can go and sit outside in the sun and reward yourself with a local craft beer. Although the drinks on this Porto itinerary have been mainly focused on port wine, Porto’s local craft beer scene is worth a try too. That leads me nicely onto my next recommendation, too…

Evening meal at Farinha for the best pizza in Porto, followed by craft beers

I can’t recommend eating at Farinha enough. It’s the stuff dreams are made of, and definitely serves the best pizza in Porto. Look it up on TripAdvisor if you need convincing because I’ve never seen such glowing reviews of somewhere (and everyone seems to agree that the goat’s cheese and honey pizza is worth shouting about!).

Although the pizza is their main thing, you can also get pasta and delicious salads. If you’re feeling a bit all-fooded-out, sharing a pizza and a salad between two is a good option. Like an idiot, I didn’t manage to get a photo, but it was quite dimly lit and nothing was coming out very well. Food bloggers must take all their photos at lunchtime because evening meals are just impossible to capture! Anyway, I highly recommend it.

After you’ve eaten, you should visit Simplex Virtus , a brilliant little bar near Farinha that brews its own beer and has a good selection of other local beers. If you’ve read my blog before, you’ll know that I’m always on the hunt for a craft beer bar. Portugal isn’t that hot on the craft scene but it’s slowly getting there (even Madeira has craft beer now !).

If that gives you a taste for the local beers, you should also try Cervejaria do Carmo , just under a 10-minute walk away, and Letraria Craft Beer Garden , which is a 5-minute Uber ride away and has a lovely hidden garden to sit in.

And if you want to stay longer than 3 days in Porto, maybe do a day trip out of the city…

If you were staying longer than 3 days in Porto, you could head out to explore further afield.

I have a whole post on how to do 10 different day trips from Porto by train (oh and one is by bus) and a really in-depth post on Guimaraes, which I especially recommend.

3 days in Porto itinerary – useful information for your trip

How to get there.

It’s a smooth journey on the metro into the city from Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport (they should have called it ‘Air porto ‘, right? Ha…). Buy an Andante ticket from the kiosks at the station (2.30€ single at the time of writing).

Where to stay for your 3 days in Porto

There are plenty of options for all budgets in Porto. Here are some suggestions. All prices are at the time of writing:

• Treat yo’self: If you want to sleep in style, I recommend checking out the lovely PortoBay Flores . At 149€ a night, it’s not cheap. But it’s pretty and modern.
• Mid-range: At 99€ a night,  The House Ribeira Porto Hotel is a great middle option with very cute colourful rooms. 
• Budget: If you’d rather spend your euros on food and exploring, you’ll enjoy the fact that Acta The Avenue is only 67€ a night yet looks just as fancy as the other options. Bargain.

How to get around

Everything is easily walkable in the centre of Porto. But there are modern trams (the metro ) that cover further out, and also cute historic trams that you should try to have a ride on even if it’s just for fun and not to specifically get anywhere. Getting a train out of the beautiful São Bento station for a day trip is a fantastic experience.

Surprisingly, I visited in August and the weather was beautiful, not too hot, but warm enough to walk around in summer clothes. August is normally a time I avoid travel because of heat and also school holidays meaning children get everywhere (I’m allergic). But for various reasons, it ended up being the only time we could do and I was pleased with both the lack of children and the lovely-but-not-too-hot sun in Porto.

Portugal, in general, is always lovely in spring too. Autumn brings some late sunshine and quieter streets.

Save and share: 3 days in Porto itinerary 

If you enjoyed this blog post giving you a 3 days in Porto itinerary, why not hover over one of the images below and pin to your Pinterest board? (Desktop only).

You might also like my other Portugal posts:

• 23 of the best towns and cities to visit in Portugal: a giant guide 
• 10 beautiful day trips from Porto
• 3 days in Lisbon: a perfect itinerary
• A guide to Mértola, Portugal: a hidden hilltop gem
• 10 things to do in Guimarães: a guide to the birthplace of Portugal
• 45 things to do in Funchal, Madeira 
• The best restaurants in Madeira and Funchal
• The best bars in Madeira and Funchal
• How to do a day trip to Curral das Freiras from Funchal
• How to do a day trip to Porto da Cruz from Funchal
• A guide to spending a week in Madeira: a 7-day itinerary without a car
• How to do a day trip to Camara de Lobos from Funchal .

And if you’ve used one of my travel guides and enjoyed it, you can also buy me a drink . Cheers. 

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16 comments.

What a wonderful report on Porto! It will have to go on my list. Have you been to Beja? It’s Art Deco heaven! I will have to go back. For sure I want to visit Madeira thanks to your trip report.

Thanks James, really glad you enjoyed it. Beja is actually on my list for the next Portugal trip, which is hopefully going to be my first escape from the UK when the pandemic is over. Hope you’re keeping well! 🙂

Loved Porto and hope to return. This piece has increased my yen to do so – thank you. But no francesinha will pass my lips – the one I had stands out in my mind as one of the worst things I have ever been served on (many!) holidays.

Porto looks so pretty to visit! I can’t wait until I can plan a trip here and see all of these fantastic locations in your post.

It’s a beautiful place – I think you’d like it.

I visited Porto a long time ago and I loved it! I would love to visit again! This city is so charming!

I want to go back, too. Although I’d go ANYWHERE right now to escape these four walls. Roll on the time we can travel again…

I have never visited Porto, but I would love to. Thank you for sharing this itinerary, I’ll save it for when I get to plan a trip in Porto.

Planning to visit Porto when things open up – this gave me so many ideas!

This looks incredible!! I would love to visit one day

Porto is very high on my travel list. Never been to portugal before but everytime I see someone talking about it on Social Media, I fall in love with the tiles and the architechture. I would also choose Porto as a starting point for the 200km Camino Portugese route to Santiago.

In which month were you in Porto? I’m thinking of going next March.

End of Aug/beginning of Sept 🙂

Just wanted to say thank you – we used this as an outline for our trip to Porto last month and had a fantastic time!

That’s the best feedback I can wish for <3 SO chuffed you had a good time.

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Porto city guide: How to spend two days in Portugal’s second city

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Porto is a city on the rise, tempting travellers with its pretty old town, excellent wine bars and golden rooftops. This isn’t a destination for those who want up-to-the-minute cool – this is the spot for long, seafood dinners, slow strolls through sleepy streets and a white port and tonic as the sun sets. It’s traditional Portugal at its finest, without the crowds of Lisbon or the tackiness of the Algarve. And with the addition of a new service from Monarch and a wealth of other budget flights available, it’s never been easier to get there.

Get your bearings

The rambling old town forms the heart of the city, with beautiful buildings adorned with tiles and sloping, cobbled streets. The Douro river underlines the city, with Vila Nova de Gaia just over the bridge. As both slope down towards the river, it’s not hard to find a great viewpoint of the terracotta rooftops and dreamy architecture. There are a few great spots further out of the city, but for the most part you’ll be fine exploring on foot. The tourist office (1) can be found on 25, Rua Clube dos Fenianos (00351 223 393472; visitporto.travel ) and is open every day from 9am-7pm or 8pm in high summer.

Take a hike

Start at São Bento train station (2), purely to take in its incredible interior. Inside, the walls are lined with illustrative blue and white tiles, depicting scenes of former battles and the history of transportation. From there, stroll up to Liberty Square (3), past the gorgeous façades of the surrounding buildings, and head up Rua das Carmelitas to Igreja do Carmo (4), another example of a stunning tiled façade. From there, hit up the Bombarda district around Miguel Bombarda Street (5), for cool street art, galleries, vintage shops and cafés (bearing in mind most won’t open until midday).

Lunch on the run

You can’t leave town without trying a francesinha . This meat-laden sandwich is a kind of devil’s croque monsieur, filled with ham, sausage and steak, doused in melted cheese and slathered in a hot tomato sauce. The best place to pick one up (figuratively – this is definitely a knife and fork job) is Cervejaria Brasão (6) ( brasao.pt ), a popular local spot. Book in advance, order a glass of Super Bock beer and stick to just a half portion (€7.40) – it’s more than enough.

Window shopping

Book lovers will adore Livraria Lello (7) ( livrarialello.pt ), one of the most visited bookshops in the world. You have to get a ticket (€5.50, redeemable against purchase) to enter, and if you don’t get in early you’ll be fighting the crowds, but it’s worth it. JK Rowling wrote the first few chapters of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone when she lived in Porto, and you can feel the influence of this bookstore, with its intricately carved bookshelves and elaborate winding staircase. You’ll find all the European high street shops on Rua de Santa Catarina (8), with cute delis and pastry shops down Rua Formosa.

An aperitif

Porto is stuffed with little wine shops that serve up glasses of excellent Portuguese vintages for a euro or two. But this is the city of port, so it would be rude not to indulge. Most of the port wine cellars are over the Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia, with beautiful views back to Porto. Head to the rooftop bar of Espaço Porto Cruz (9) ( porto-cruz.com ) and order a Cruz Rosemary (€6) with white port, ginger, rosemary and tonic.

Dine with the locals

Stroll back over the Luís I Bridge and you’ll find a parade of restaurants lining the riverside. FishFixe (10) (00351 917 625 408 facebook.com/FishFixe ) has tables by the water and the higgledy-piggledy restaurant itself is more than charming. Unsurprisingly, it’s a fish-heavy menu, doling up local catches like sea bass alongside tapas-style starters.

One of the hottest tables in the old town is Cantinho do Avillez (11) ( cantinhodoavillez.pt ) from hotshot chef José Avillez. There’s a global and slightly molecular feel to the menu, but the simple Hazelnut dessert is the showstopper, with creamy mousse, ice cream and a sprinkling of sea salt.

Out to brunch

Porto is just turning on to brunch, but it’s not served everywhere. Try O Diplomata (12) (00351 960 188 203, facebook.com/odiplomatabar ) for pancakes loaded with fresh fruit or melted chocolate. Alternatively, head into a confeitaria and pick up a custard tart or a pastéis de bacalhau (codfish fritter) to eat in one of the squares. For a caffeine kick, order a cimbalinho (espresso) and you won’t be disappointed – coffee here is taken very seriously.

A walk in the park

The Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (13) make for the perfect stroll, with beautiful views of the city from lookout points. The resident peacocks swanning around the gardens are a neat touch, too. Walk the whole loop and you’ll have a great view of Vila Nova de Gaia and the river, with manicured gardens in between.

Take a ride

For the most part, you’ll hardly need public transport, as the old town and the city centre are compact and easily walkable. But if you want to explore further afield, the Metro ( en.metrodoporto.pt ) will get you where you want to go. You’ll pay an initial 60c for a card, then rides cost between €1.20 and €2.75, depending on the zone. If you want to take in the local scenery, a river cruise will show off the length of the Douro – try DouroAzul ( douroazul.com ), which offers hour-long river cruises from 9.30am-6pm every day (from €12).

Cultural afternoon

Take the metro out to Casa da Musica (14) ( casadamusica.com ) and take a tour of the concert hall and home of the symphony orchestra – the innovative architecture is fascinating, and you might just catch a whisper of rehearsals. Tours in English run daily at 11am and 4pm and cost €7.50. Afterwards, take the 203 bus to the Museum of Contemporary Art (15) ( serralves.pt ) at Serralves. Get a ticket that combines the museum, the art deco Serralves Villa and the gardens for €16. In the summer, it’s open every day bar Tuesday from 10am-7pm (8pm on weekends).

The icing on the cake

The Yeatman (16) ( the-yeatman-hotel.com ) is one of the most highly regarded hotels in Portugal, and with good reason. It’s not just for guests, either – locals head over the river to enjoy a glass of wine and the view back over to Porto. If you can swing it, The Restaurant is the only spot in Porto with two Michelin stars, and dining there is a once-in-a-lifetime experience (dinner starts at €100 for four courses).

Travel essentials

Best time to book

Getting there

Easyjet ( easyjet.com ) flies from Gatwick (as well as Luton, Bristol and Manchester) from £25 one-way, and flights from Gatwick with TAP Portugal ( flytap.com ) start at £44 one-way.

Ryanair ( ryanair.com ) flies from Stansted, Edinburgh and Liverpool year round, and Birmingham seasonally, from £19.99 one-way.

The airport (17) is seven miles out of the city centre. The easiest way in is by Metro – the purple line runs into the city centre every 20 minutes, and costs €2.55. A taxi will take 20 to 30 minutes and cost between €20 and €30.

Staying there

On one of the cutest streets in the city, the Mercador (18) is a charming, pastel-hued guesthouse with stylish rooms at a great price.

Doubles from €101, B&B. porto.mercador.com.pt

Check availability

Smack bang in the middle of the city, Hotel Teatro (19) is a sleek, central option.

Doubles from €150, B&B. hotelteatro.pt

The Yeatman (16) has some of the best views in town (especially from the infinity pool) and an extensive, yet reasonably priced, wine list.

Doubles from €315, B&B. the-yeatman-hotel.com

Find more hotels in Porto

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33+ Porto Tips & Things to do in Porto, Portugal (Travel Guide)

Situated at the mouth of the Douro, Porto is often referred to as one of the most beautiful cities in Portugal due to its numerous historical sights and its impressive old town. In this travel guide I will introduce you to the best things to do in Porto and give numerous Porto Tips for tours, restaurants and hotels as well as hostels based on my own travel experience.

• 1) Passenger Hostel ($) -> check availability
• 2) Gallery Hostel ($$) -> check availability
• 3) Jardim da Batalha ($$$$) -> check availability

  Portugals second largest city is also the economic and cultural center of the norther part of the country. The area along the Douro is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the fact that it is the oldest wine-growing region in the world. The same applies to the historic old town. Besides the capital of Lisbon a visit to Porto is without a doubt a must for any trip to Portugal!

My personal Porto Tips will help you make the most of your time there. Use the following navigation to jump to the things to do in Porto you are most interested in:

1. Popular Sights & Things to do in Porto

Besides numerous wineries, you will find a wide selection of sights in Porto due to its long history. Most of the Porto Tips mentioned here are very close to each other which makes it easy to explore the city by foot.

However using public transport is also fairly straightforward and extremely affordable!

a) Ribeira – Portos Old Town

To get a first overview I recommend a proper stroll through the old town. The core of the “Centro Historico” stretches from Torre 2 Clerigos down to the banks of the Douro.

It is best to start in the upper part of Ribeira and stroll (with one or two detours) down the streets to the “Cais da Ribeira”. My favorite part are the charming, narrow streets east of the cathedral!

b) Cais da Ribeira

The waterfront promenade Cais da Ribeira is definitely the highlight of the old town. With its typical colorful houses, street musicians, numerous restaurants and cafés, the Cais da Ribeira is ideal for sunset.

Apart from the beautiful location overlooking the Port Wine Cellars and the Dom Luis Bridge, the waterfront is also the starting point for the popular Douro River boat tours. As far as restaurants are concerned, you should rather limit yourself to drinks here as they are mostly classic tourist traps.

c) Livraria Lello

The fact that a bookshop is now one of the sights in Porto is also thanks to Instagram. Due to the fairytale interior design with its uniquely curved wooden staircase, the Livraria Lello, which opened in 1906, is one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world (regarding to the Guardian & Lonely Planet) for a reason.

Due to the high number of visitors an entrance fee of €5 has been introduced in 2015, which can be offset with any purchase in the store. Nevertheless this small library became so popular that you should expect to wait in line for quite some time. I therefore recommend coming as soon as the shop opens and buying the ticket online in advance – this way you avoid waiting times and can bypass the queue at the box office.

d) Torre dos Clérigos

The 76m high bell tower of the church of the same name is visible throughout the city and served as a guide for seafarers back in the days. If you want to see Porto from above the Torre dos Clérigos is undoubtedly the best choice.

Climbing the tallest church tower in Portugal is a bit of a workout, but the view makes up for the effort. Similar to the Livraria Lello the lines can be quite long as the viewing platform only offers space for a few visitors. In this case, I also recommend booking an admission ticket in advance:

• Torre dos Clerigos Entrance Ticket (Skip the line)

e) Estação de São Bento

You're probably wondering why a train station has made it into my list of Porto Tips. The reason being are not the train connections, but rather the beautifully designed entrance hall. Here you can admire some quite impressive tile art, the so-called “azulejos”, which illustrate parts of Portuguese history. The artist Jorge Colaço spent altogether 11 years to complete theses masterpieces.

The central location of the Sao Bento train station makes it the ideal starting point for city explorations. You can even stay here – the Passenger Hostel offers a wide range of accommodation options and activities (see below).

f) Cathedral

Porto's main church is visible from afar as it is located on a hill right next to the Dom Luis I Bridge. The impressive building also offers the opportunity to see the city from above. Although the vantage point is not quite as high as at the Torre dos Clerigos, the entrance fee is a little cheaper at only €3.

g) Ponte Dom Luís I

One of the most beautiful bridges in the city is right next to the old town and connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. Due to its striking architecture and great location, the Ponte Dom Luis is one of the most popular sights in Porto. A walk on the upper part is definitely a must for any visit to Porto.

h) Port Wine Cellars in Villa Nova Gaia

You can combine the walk across the bridge with a visit to the numerous port wineries on the other side of the river. As you might know Porto gave its name to the world-famous wine which is harvested upstream in the Duoro valley. The wine itself is stored and exported in Villa Nova da Gaia.

On a tour through the local wineries you will learn more about the history of the wine and you can taste the wide range of port wine options. I did a self-guided audio tour including a tasting at Taylors – there are numerous recommendable guided tours and great combo-packages at other renowned wineries that you can book in advance:

• Graham's Port Lodge Tour and Wine Tasting
• Wine tour to 2 wineries with wine tasting (mostly Croft & Taylors)
• Burmester Wine Tasting Tour with Foodpairing
• Cálem Cellar Tour, Fado Show & Wine Tasting

i) Cais de Gaia

When on the other side of the river you might as well go for a stroll along the promenade. The numerous wooden Rabelo boats anchored here were once used to transport the wine barrels and make up for some great photographs.

Along the promenade you will find not only restaurants but also bars and severals spots for port wine tasting – in summer there are also a few concerts here.

j) Teleférico de Gaia

A cable car in Portugal is certainly a bit unusual, but the Teleferico de Gaia offers a few new perspectives.

Though the trip is a bit pricey with €6, you can enjoy a great view over the wineries, the Douro Valley and the old town.

k) Jardim do Morro & Miradouro da Serra do Pilar

Right next to the “mountain station” of the cable car you will find the Jardim do Morro park. The small green area was only recently redesigned and is considered one of the best spots to enjoy the sunset thanks to its panoramic view over the Douro to the old town.

You have a similar view from the slightly higher viewpoint “Miradouro da Serra do Pilar” which is located directly in front of the church of the same name. Compared to the adjacent park the photo motif is better here as you have the Dom Luis Bridge in the picture.

l) Jardins do Palacio Cristal

One of my personal favorite things to do in Porto is a visit to the Jardins do Palacio Kristall park complex, perched on a terrace above the Douro River. On the one hand, a walk through the beautifully landscaped gardens offers a change from sightseeing, on the other hand, you can admire numerous great panoramas due to the elevated position of the gardens. Admission to the park is completely free.

m) Matosinhos & Castelo do Queijo

Although Porto itself is not by the sea, you can take the metro to the nearby beach of Matosinhos in just a few minutes. Unlike the beaches in Cascais this beach is certainly not one of the most beautiful in the country the conditions for surfing and for a refreshing dip in the cool water are ideal. There are also a number of restaurants and bars along the beach promenade which are perfect for a drink in the sun.

My personal recommendation is a short walk along the beach to the fortress of Castelo do Queijo. The small cheese castle (the name comes from the shape of the granite blocks on which it was built) can be visited for a small fee of 50 cents.

2. Guided Tours in & around Porto

In addition to the popular things to do in Porto there are also a few guided tours and day trips can make your stay even better.

Best of all, the following Porto Tips do not require a rental car for the day tours, as transport is already included in the tour price.

a) Duoro River Cruise

The best way to see the sights of Porto waterside is on a river cruise. Being a true classic the “6 bridges cruise” takes you in 1 hours from the old town to Freixo, at the mouth of the Douro.

The trip on the traditional Rabelo boat starts directly in the old town at Cais da Ribeira and can be easily combined with your sightseeing program. With GetYourGuide you can book the tour in advance and save yourself the hassle of queuing on site:

• River Douro 6 Bridges Cruise
• 6 Bridges Cruise with Optional Wine Cellar Tour
• Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, River Cruise, & Port Cellar Tour

b) City Tours

If you want to learn more about the history of the city and also save some time, a guided city tour with a local is the way to go. You can choose from different tour options – from bike tours and the classic city tour on foot to the night tour with a fado show:

• Guided Walking Tour and Lello Bookshop
• City Highlights 3-Hour Guided Electric Bike Tour
• Private Food Tour – 10 Tastings with Locals
• Porto by Night Tour with Fado Show & Dinner

c) Duoro Valley Tour

One of my personal recommendations is this day tour to the wineries in the Duoro Valley including a river cruise on a Rabelo boat, wine tasting and a traditional lunch. On this excursion you will not only learn more about wine production you will also get to see the beautiful landscape where the famous port wine is growing:

• Douro Valley Tour with Wine Tasting, Cruise and Lunch (my choice)
• Full-Day Douro Wine Tour with Lunch and River Cruise
• From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch (incl. photo stops)

d) Excursion to the Peneda-Gerês National Park

The Peneda-Gerês is the only national park in Portugal and one of the most beautiful parks on the Iberian Peninsula. Located on the border with Spain you will find an attractive combination of mountains, rivers, waterfalls and numerous lakes in evergreen nature.

I was already in the park on my first trip to Portugal in 2012 and can highly recommend a visit to all outdoor and trekking lovers. But also if you don't want to be active you can enjoy the beautiful landscape from numerous vantage points and take a refreshing dip in the park's waterfalls. At GetYourGuide you can find day tours for both options (all with pick-up in Porto):

• Small Group Day Tour of Geres National Park
• Peneda-Gerês Park 4×4 Tour with Lunch
• Hiking and Swimming in Gerês National Park
• Kayak & Waterfall Trek w/ Lunch

e) Surfing in Matosinhos

Although Porto is not necessarily known as a surfing destination you will find ideal conditions for surfing in the neighboring town – at the beach of Matosinhos. The metro takes you from downtown Porto to the wide sandy beach in just under 50 minutes (stop: Matosinhos Sul).

You can either rent the necessary equipment directly from one of the numerous surf schools on site or book a course (incl. equipment) online in advance:

• Matosinhos: 1.5-Hour Surfing Experience
• Porto: Private and Small Group Surfing Experience (3h)

f) Full Day Tours

Due to its location Porto is also a great starting point for tours to other regions and cities. In addition to the mentioned things to do in Porto I also visited Braga & Guimarães, two cities north-east of Porto that are well worth seeing.

So…if you bring a little more time it's worth taking a look at the following day tours (all from Porto):

• Braga and Guimarães Full-Day Tour with Lunch
• Fátima and Coimbra Full-Day Tour from Porto
• Aveiro, Paiva Walkways and Arouca 516 Footbridge

3. Restaurants in Porto

In addition to the all the Porto Tips regarding sights and tours the culinary side shouldn't be neglected during a visit. During my time in the city focused primarily on restaurants that offer regional dishes – below I list all the restaurants that I consider particularly recommendable.

a) Petisqueria Voltaria (Petiscos / Lunch & Dinner)

My absolute highlight was this small restaurant in a side street of the old town where I was able to enjoy a very tasty selection of petiscos (Portuguese tapas). What was once one of the Porto tips for insiders got pretty popular recently…so I recommend coming as soon as the restaurant opens.

If you still have to wait: it's worth it!

Opening hours Mo. 12:00 – 16:00 h & 18:30 – 22:00 h Tu. 12:00 – 16:00 h We. closed Th. 12:00 – 16:00 h & 18:30 – 22:00 h Fr. 12:00 – 16:00 h & 18:30 – 22:00 h Sa. 12:00 – 16:00 h & 18:30 – 22:00 h Su. closed

Address R. Afonso Martins Alho 109, Porto, Portugal ( Google Maps )

b) Casa Dias (Lunch & Dinner)

Located on the promenade of Villa Nova de Gaia, Casa Dias is a very authentic Portuguese restaurant. Accordingly you will find very classic local dishes such as Bitoque and the prices are correspondingly low. Highly recommended!

Opening Hours Tu. – Su. from 12:00 – 15:30 h & 19:00 – 21:30 h

Address Around the corner from the cable car station at the promenade Av. de Ramos Pinto 242, 4400-161 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal ( Google Maps )

c) Barris do Duoro (Lunch & Dinner)

Another comparatively cheap restaurant in this part of town can be found at the beginning of the promenade. In the Barris do Douro I can highly recommend the fish. Solid dishes, great view and friendly service.

Opening Hours Tu. – Sa. 11:00 – 22:00h Su. 11:00 – 16:00h

Address Av. de Diogo Leite 402, 4430-999 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal ( Google Maps )

d) Restaurante e Churrasqueira Papagaio

This small, very traditional restaurant is located in the upper part of the old town not far from the university. Also here you can enjoy down to earth cuisine at fair prices – both meat and fish lovers will get their money's worth!

Opening Hours We. – Mo. 12:00-15:30 & 19:00 – 23:30h Tu. closed

Address Tv. do Carmo 30, 4050-165 Porto, Portugal ( Goolge Maps )

e) Cafe Santiago

Contrary to what the name might suggest, Café Santiago is not a café but one of the places to taste the legendary “Francesinha”. This very special sandwich is now famous beyond the borders of Porto and quite rich: toast stuffed with boiled ham, chourico, beef and topped with melted cheese and a thick sauce.

I recommend showing up immediately after opening at noon (otherwise it can be quite crowded) and skipping breakfast beforehand – definitely try the version with a fried egg on top. If you just want to try it you should definitely share the dish with a second person 😉

Opening Hours Mo. – Sa. 11:30 – 22:30h Su. closed

Address R. de Passos Manuel 226, 4000-382 Porto, Portugal ( Google Maps )

f) Casa Guedes

When it comes to sandwiches however I particularly like this place. Of all the dishes on offer you should go for the “Sandes Pernil com queijo” here which is a roasted pork knuckle sandwich with cheese on top (which melts on the meat). Absolute madness (and one of my best culinary Porto tips)!

Opening Hours Su. – Th. 11:00 – 23:00h Fr. & Sa. 11:00 – 0:00h

Address Praça dos Poveiros 130, 4000-393 Porto, Portugal ( Google Maps )

4. Cafés & Brunch

Want a little break from exploring all the things to do in Porto featured above? Use my following Porto Tips for proper Cafés to make a stopover or start the day right with a decent breakfast.

a) Muralhas Olival

Let's start with a solid bakery next to the Torre dos Clérigos. In addition to bread and rolls there are many delicious pastries and snacks on offer as well as good coffee for fair prices.

If you want to take a break and save money you've come to the right place. I recommend a classic Croissant misto (with ham & cheese) and a Galão (Portuguese version of the milk coffee) to go with it.

Opening Hours Mo. – Su. 06:00 – 20:00h, So. closed

Address Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 117, 4050-367 Porto, Portugal ( Google Maps )

b) Esquires Coffee Porto

If you fancy a decent brunch or a good espresso for a change Esquires Coffee has you covered. In addition to the breakfast menu there is also a wide selection of toasts, salads, omelettes and waffles.

Opening Hours daily 08:30 – 18:00h

Address R. de 31 de Janeiro 215, 4000-543 Porto, Portugal ( Google Maps )

c) Pãodemia

Located on the other side of the river in Villa Nova de Gaia this traditional bakery offers a wide selection of Portuguese favorites for reasonable prices. I loved coming here for breakfast and was the only tourist in the shop.

Opening Hours Mo. – Fr. 06:30 – 20:00h Sa. & Su. 06:30 – 19:30h

Address R. 1.º de Maio 17, 4430-175 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal ( Google Maps )

5. Bars & Nightlife

In Portugal Porto is best known for its nightlife. Especially in the summer months the Portuguese like to come here to party on weekends.

a) Pubcrawl

If you stay in one of the recommended hostels below you're sure to find a pub crawl among the activities listed. Especially if you only have little time this option is ideal for getting to know the nightlife.

When staying in one of the other recommended accommodations you can book a pubcrawl directly with the Porto Walkers .

b) Explore the “Bermuda Triangle”

But also without a guided tour you can have a lot of fun. The good thing about nightlife in Porto is that everything is on two streets which are next to the Torre dos Clérigos.

On Rua Cândido dos Reis and Rua Galerias de Paris you will find both bars and nightclubs. Most of the pubs are a combination of both similar to the Reeperbahn in my hometown Hamburg. However you should note that in Porto things really only get going after midnight. Dance floors slowly start filling up at around 1am.

c) The Royal Cocktail Club

If you like it more relaxed and would like to swap the rum & cola for an unusual cocktail creation you should definitely pay a visit to this cocktail bar. In addition to the cocktails on the menu you can also request a cocktail with your favorite ingredients. Highly recommended!

Opening Hours Su. – Th. 19:00 – 02:00h Fr. & Sa. 19:00 – 04:00h

Address Rua da Fábrica 105, 4050-247 Porto, Portugal ( Google Maps )

6. Where to stay in Porto

In addition to all the things to do in Porto this article also includes my personal recommendations for accommodation. Since I have been a guest in the city more than once I have several Porto tips on offer for hotels and hostels:

a) The Passenger Hostel (Budget & Boutique Hostel)

Located inside the beautiful Sao Bento train station the Passenger Hostel is one of the new hot spots when it comes to boutique hostels in Porto. In addition to the spacious dormitories, the modern double rooms and common areas are particularly impressive.

Due to its central location and the varied program the Passenger Hostel is the ideal starting point for travelers of all kinds to get to know Porto with all its facets. Another plus: a quite extensive breakfast is also included in all rates!

b) Gallery Hostel (Boutique Hostel) – my choice

By far one of my best hostel experiences in Europe was at the Gallery Hostel : great breakfast, chic rooms, modern interior and above all really nice staff. There is a reason why the small Gallery Hostel has already won several awards and is one of the top accommodations in Porto on many booking websites. Accordingly booking well ahead of time is recommended.

I was a guest here on my first Porto visit and was impressed by the cosy atmosphere, a stark contrast to the big hostels, which focus more on mass than class. Both the dorms and the private rooms are attractively designed and are therefore a good choice for travelers of all kinds. The breakfast offered, the in-house bar and the activities (free walking tour) are impressive. Highly recommended!

c) Jardim da Batalha Boutique Hotel (*** Boutique Hotel)

The modern Jardim da Batalha Boutique Hotel only opened its doors in 2019. The location in a quiet corner in the center of the city is ideal for walking to most of Porto tips described here.

In terms of equipment and design the house fully meets the definition of a hip boutique hotel which is of course also reflected in the price. Nevertheless the stay is worth it: warm staff, great breakfast, chic rooms and an ideal location make the Jardim da Batalha a first-class option for guests looking for more comfort!

d) Torel Avantgarde (***** Hotel, Luxury)

If you want to go one step further and make your Porto vacation a little more exclusive you should definitely consider the Hotel Torel Avantgarde . The portfolio of the award-winning 5-star hotel includes chic, modern rooms as well as an outdoor pool, a fitness center, a garden with panoramic views over the city and its own restaurant.

In addition to the friendly staff and the good location a rich breakfast buffet is also part of the package. Altogether the Torel Avantgarde offers all the ingredients for an unforgettable stay – an ideal gift for your partner!

e) Oh! Porto Apartments (Apartments)

Those who like a little more privacy should consider these cool apartments. Located in Villa Nova de Gaia, Oh! Porto Apartments offers beautifully furnished, modern apartments with great views.

The ideal choice for couples and families who want to spend a few relaxing days in the city!

Any Porto Tips or Things to do in Porto, Portugal you'd like to add?

I wrote this Porto travel guide based on my own travel experience. If you have been to Porto as well and you have something to add to this list of things to do in Porto please feel free to leave a comment below. In case you liked my Porto Tips and found them helpful, I would appreciate if you could share it with your friends or link to it from your homepage!

Disclosure:  This Porto Guide contains Affiliate Links for services and products I’m using on my travels therefore I can highly recommend them. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees. All recommendations, tips, opinions, and ironic remarks are, as always, my own.

About The Author

Steve Hänisch

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The 33 best things to do in Porto right now

Tinned fish, walking trails and one of the world's most famous bookshops? Sign us up.

Portugal isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but whatever you do, make sure you don’t sleep on the  Porto . In our opinion, Porto is the best city break in the whole of Europe , so if you’re looking for great food and a ridiculous number of great things to do, you’re in the right place. 

Here you’ll find beautiful bookstores, old-school cinemas and rows and rows of colourfully-packaged tinned fish to grab for your next date night (if you know, you know). Buy souvenirs at ancient markets, people-watch from outdoor bars and try your first francesinha , if you dare. Here are the best things to do in Porto. 

RECOMMENDED: 🍴 The best restaurants in Porto 🍻 The best bars in Porto 🏖️ The best beaches in Porto 💗 The best romantic hotels in Porto 🏠 The best  Airbnbs in Porto

This article was written by the editorial team at Time Out Porto . At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines .  

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Top things to do in Porto

1.  Sample local produce at Mercado do Bolhão

What is it?  Porto's most iconic market, which first opened in 1839, but moved into its current home in 1914, a beautiful  neoclassical style building in Rua Formosa. The market was renovated again in 2022, but workers were careful to retain its original design, including the façade, staircases, and many of the tiles.

Why go?  Some of the traders here have been operating at the market for over 50 years, and are   always   up for a friendly chat. Look out for  72-year-old Maria Alice, who sells fish at the Peixaria do Bolhão stall and is likely to tell you about the time she met Anthony Bourdain.

Don’t miss:  It would be rude not to sample some tripe whilst you're in Porto, and Maria Luísa's meat stall is the place. She sells  pork, black pudding, sausages and the famous flour-dusted tripe.

2.  Explore every corner of the Fundação de Serralves

• Things to do
• Cultural centres

What is it?  An incredibly important national institution in Porto, and a veritable conveyor belt of historical and cultural heritage. The museum is designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, and found next to the Casa de Serralves (Serralve's House), a great example of Art Deco architecture.

Why go? The Serralves Park, with its great diversity of harmoniously interconnected spaces, is a reference in the landscape patrimony in Portugal. In addition to the temporary exhibitions, there are many other permanent exhibits that will enrapture art lovers of all shapes and sizes.

Don’t miss:  Strolling through  the Parque de Serralves after touring the museum, which is home to gardens, woodlands and even a farm. Designed in the 1930s, it is home to one of the Foundation’s major attractions: the Treetop Walk, an elevated path suspended above the ground and nestled among the treetops.

3.  Visit the refurbished Soares dos Reis National Museum

What is it?  One of the most important museums in the country, which reopned in April 2023 after being closed for maintenance for four years. Its grand reopening saw more than 1,300 pieces presented to the public, and it’s home to two gardens on the ground and second floors. 

Why go? The museum has a vast collection of paintings from the 16th to the 20th centuries, spanning  ceramics, sculpture, paintings, printmaking, goldsmithing, jewellery, furniture, textiles and glass . Check out works by Henrique Pousão, Silva Porto, António Carneiro, Aurelia de Souza or Amadeo de Souza Cardoso  – all iconic Portuguese artists. 

Don’t miss: When you visit the museum, admire the work ‘O Desterrado’ (1872), by the artist who gave the house its name. This is a mandatory stop, and one of ten pieces at the museum classified as national treasures on account of their value.

4.  Smell amazing at Claus Porto

What is it?  O ne of Porto’s most recognised and prestigious century-old brands, located on one of its busiest streets.

Why go?  T he store isn't just a commercial outlet: it tells the story of a brand that has a history spanning more than 130 years.  On the ground floor you'll find its classic products, from soaps to lotions and colognes, as well as the shop's gigantic sink, cut from a single block of  Estremoz marble. Then head upstairs for a gallery filled with four generations of hand-drawn designs, lithographs, 1940s newspaper clippings, perfume bottles and more.

Don’t miss:  Monthly workshops held in the laboratory on the second and top floors, where you can learn how to make the products they sell. Check Claus Porto's website for upcoming classes. 

5.  Channel your inner film nerd at Batalha Cinema Centre

What is it? An iconic cinema in  Praça da Batalha, which has been showing films since 1908. The Batalha reopened at the end of 2022 after a decade of restorations, and now shows films for literally everyone: from classic to contemporary and the occassional cine-concert.

Why go:  The Batalha now features two projection rooms,  a 40-square-metre film room dedicated to installations, a library with tons of film literature and a cracking bar. 

Don't miss: The frescoes by  Portuguese painter Júlio Pomar, which were covered up for 80 years due to his opposition to the Estado Novo regime in the 1940s. They were discovered during the restorations, and are a remarkable sight. 

6.  Explore the São Roque Gardens

What is it? A 200-year-old house and gardens, restored in 2019 to become a cultural hub dedicated to contemporary art. 

Why go? The reopening of the restored 200-year-old Casa São Roque as an art centre is further proof the eastern part of the city is gaining a new life. Its history dates back to 1759 when it was a mansion and hunting lodge, and during the 19th century the house and its surroundings became the property of the family of António Ramos Pinto, one of the most famous producers and exporters of Port. Now, it's a beautiful grounds with a lookout point, a grotto and a pergola, and an unmissable attraction in Porto. 

Don't miss:  There are two guided tours available: one dedicated to the house and the exhibition, the other focusing on the gardens and their spaces.

7.  Indulge at Michelin-starred Euskalduna Studio

• 5 out of 5 stars
• Contemporary Global
• price 4 of 4
• Recommended

What is it? A Michelin star restaurant of fine dining cuisine with very few seats, an open kitchen and a menu that changes depending on the season. Euskalduna Studio was awarded a Michelin star along with  Le Monument on Avenida dos Aliados in November 2022.

Why go?  Get that palate ready for a real party. The tasting menu at Euskalduna is sure to become one of the best dining experiences of your life. Want a tip? Try and nab a seat by the counter to get a sneak peek into the kitchen, where the magic happens.

Don’t miss: The dishes are never the same, but everything is a must. Make your reservation, put on your finest clothes and prepare for magic.

8.  Buy a book at Livraria Lello

What is it? O ne of the most famous bookshops in the world, and sits right at the heart of Porto. 

Why go?  Whether you like books or not, you’ll find this bookshop pretty magical. The shop has been around since 1906, and remains at its original address at number 144 Rua das Carmelitas. It truly is a magical place, with a huge winding staircase, carved wood and a vast array of treasured books (it even inspired J.K. Rowling to write Harry Potter!). 

Don’t miss:  Our big tip is to go at an off-peak time, not just to avoid the queues but to get the bookshop to yourself. This place gets busy. 

9.  Take in the views from the Clérigos Tower

• Attractions
• Monuments and memorials

What is it?   This tower is Porto’s thing . The monument looks out over the whole of the city, providing the most spectacular views. 

Why go?  Looking out over Porto is a real experience. Miles and miles of beautiful buildings, winding streets, the huge river, and even a sunset if you time it right. The tower itself has been around since 1753, and built on an uneven street, for the laughs. It’s not a trip to Porto without seeing it. 

Don’t miss:  Load up with a great brunch beforehand and take on those 225 steps. Just do it. You won’t regret it when you see Porto from 75 metres up. 

10.  Drink, eat and people watch at Aduela

• Bars and pubs
• price 1 of 4

What is it?  One of the liveliest and best places to grab a glass of wine or a beer in the afternoons, and find yourself not leaving till the early hours. 

Why go?  This place is always buzzing with music and laughter, there’s tons of space on the tables and chairs outfront, and the space is a great sun trap until it gets dark. Like many of Porto’s hotspots, Aduela serves up a ton of great snacks, including those all-important cheese and meat boards. And if you don’t get a seat, don’t panic. Simply order a drink and chill on the street. Everyone does it. 

Don’t miss:  A glass of moscatel on ice and a prego (a traditional Portuguese sandwich filled with beef and mustard). 

More great things to do in Porto

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