Porto Travel Guide

What to do in Porto?

Porto is a city that has seen many changes throughout its long history, from the Roman conquest to the art, music and literature it has today. The city has a rich cultural heritage and welcomes tourists from all over the world with its vibrant culture and historical sites.

In Porto, you will find plenty to see and do, as the city hosts many events, such as the Fado Festival and the International Book Festival. In addition, the city offers tourists a unique experience in the heart of Europe, with an interesting mix of fashion and beauty that makes it one of the most popular cities on the continent.

What are the tourist attractions in Porto?

Porto is a city with a long history, having been an important destination in the Roman Empire in Portugal. However, the city has also been an important trading center in northern Europe since the 14th century. In addition, Porto is a city famous for its beauty and cultural amenities, home to many museums, galleries and historic buildings that are worth visiting.

The city offers many different tourist attractions, you can enjoy its beautiful beaches and stroll through the city's tree-lined squares, even in winter. But if you're looking for an unusual experience, a visit to Vila Nova de Gaia is the right destination.

Porto offers an unforgettable experience for its visitors, and is the perfect destination to explore Portugal's historical heritage and learn about its rich history while enjoying its modern conveniences.

São Bento Station

São Bento Station is the main station in Porto, and the most important railway hub in Portugal with six railway lines and a total of 46 platforms. However, it was built to replace an older station located on the other side of the city centre.

Dom Luis Bridge

Built in 1891 to connect the two banks of the Douro River to the city center of Porto, the Dom Luís Bridge has been widely used to transport goods and visitors to the river bank.

Porto Cathedral

One of Porto’s most iconic landmarks is the Porto Cathedral, which is one of the oldest churches in Europe and has stood there since at least 1178, although it has been rebuilt many times throughout its existence. However, the cathedral has been damaged and destroyed several times throughout history due to a variety of reasons, such as earthquakes and wars, but it has always managed to recover and still stands proudly today with its imposing tower pointing towards the sky.

Music House

Built in the late 19th century by Rem Koolhaas, the Casa da Música features unique tile architecture that gives it a three-dimensional appearance. However, the building is situated in such a way that the sound echoes through the streets to create a unique atmosphere for the city.

Palace of the Stock Exchange

The Palácio da Bolsa is a building in the city of Porto that has been there since 1655 and is considered one of the most important symbols of the city. However, during the XNUMXth century, the site was used as a stock exchange and is now open to visitors.

Where to stay in Porto?

When traveling to a city, one of the first things you need to do is decide where you’re going to stay, as you need to make sure that you’re getting the best deal in terms of comfort and cost. With so many options to choose from and so many discount websites, it’s easy for some people to get carried away and end up staying in a hotel that’s too expensive for their budget.

However, Porto is world-famous for its rich history and culture, making it an ideal destination for travelers from all over Europe and the world. Alternatively, you can choose to stay in a hostel or Airbnb, as these options provide more privacy and will help you save on accommodation and travel expenses.

downtown

The magnificently renovated Center is home to the city's most glamorous buildings, with structures built from the last two centuries to the present, offering a glimpse into a long history filled with architectural wonders.

The region has a long history dating back to the 16th century, and was home to many important Portuguese figures, including King John III and the Marquis of Pombal, who led the nation during Napoleon's invasion and was instrumental in the city's expansion and modernization.

The area is also a hotspot for tourists, with dozens of museums located in its three main squares, namely Praça da Batalha, Praça do Comércio and Praça dos Leões.

Low

Located in the city’s historic center, the Baixa neighborhood is home to a plethora of architectural gems, such as the Santa Clara-a-Nova Monastery. However, the area’s popularity comes from its proximity to its many attractions, including the Serralves Museum and Porto Cathedral.

The region has a very old and rich history, as for centuries it was a central place in the city's life, but currently, with the decline of its traditional commerce and industry, the place is experiencing a renaissance.

Foz do Douro

Foz do Douro is the most typical neighborhood in Porto, and its name literally means “river of springs”. The place has a rich history and is home to some of the best preserved historical buildings in Portugal. Today, Foz do Douro offers many tourist destinations to visitors, including museums, theaters, cafes and restaurants.

The area attracts many visitors, but not for its famous architecture or stunning views, but rather for its incredible variety of things to do. Although Foz do Douro is not one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal, there is no doubt that it is one of the best places to experience Portuguese culture.

Cedofeita

Cedofeita is a historic neighborhood in Porto with many historical attractions, such as the City Hall, which was built in 1564, and the Casa da Música. However, the area is also home to many restaurants and cafes, but it is best known as a place where people go to enjoy the outdoors, as it has many parks and green areas.

The neighborhood is also one of Porto’s most popular tourist destinations, as it is known for its colorful houses that stand out on the hilltop of its steep terrain. The streets are lined with Port wine barrels, offering an old-world charm that you won’t find anywhere else in Portugal.

Bonfim

Bonfim is a neighborhood located in the northern part of Porto, with a population of just over 4.000 people and a landscape that ranges from red brick houses to olive groves. However, Bonfim is the perfect place for those looking for an authentic experience that is different from the city center.

The area was previously known for its poverty, with most residents unemployed and struggling with alcohol addiction. However, in recent years the area has been revitalized and is now home to a number of new tourism opportunities, including wineries, workshops, art galleries, restaurants and more.

The Bonfim region has become increasingly popular among tourists, thanks to its stunning landscapes that provide incredible views of the Porto city skyline.