Search

Porto : Travel Guide

Porto: The pearl of Portugal, where history and culture combine with the beauty of the Douro

Table of content

customized tour for Porto

Are you looking to use a travel agency to plan your trip to Portugal?
Compare the offers from our partners.

General information

Located on the banks of the Douro River, Porto is a captivating city offering an intoxicating blend of history, charm and flavors. From its cobbled streets to the colorful houses clinging to the steep hills, Porto seduces travelers with its unique architectural heritage and warm atmosphere.

POPULATION

Porto's people are warm and welcoming. The locals, often referred to as "Portuenses", are proud of their heritage and culture. They are known for their hospitality, which makes visitors to the city feel welcome from the moment they arrive.

CLIMATE

Porto enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Average summer temperatures are around 25°C, while winter temperatures hover around 13°C. Spring and autumn are pleasant seasons to visit the city, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists.

CURRENCY

The official currency is the Euro (EUR).

LANGUAGE

The official language is Portuguese.

A bit of history

Porto, a city steeped in history, is one of Europe's oldest cities, dating back to Roman times. Founded in the 4th century BC, Porto, formerly known as Portus Cale, prospered as a key river port for trade along the Douro River.

Over the following centuries, Porto was marked by barbarian invasions, periods of Muslim domination and Christian reconquest in the 11th century.

In the 19th century, Porto witnessed decisive political events. The Liberal Revolution of 1820 took root here, leading to the civil war that eventually led to the abolition of slavery in Portugal.

Today, Porto is proud of its rich historical heritage, reflected in its cobbled streets, ancient buildings and emblematic monuments.

Porto Portugal

What to visit in Porto

Porto is brimming with fascinating attractions and sites to discover. Every corner of the city offers a historical treasure or a breathtaking view, guaranteeing you an enriching experience. Here are just a few of the places not to be missed on your visit to Porto:

The Ribeira

Porto Cathedral

LLivraria Lello

Port wine cellars

When to visit Porto

The best time to visit Porto is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is pleasant and tourist crowds are smaller than in summer.

So you can enjoy all the city's attractions in a quieter atmosphere.

 

Things to do around Porto

Explore Porto's surrounding treasures and discover unmissable escapades!

Guimarães

Matosinhos Beach

Peneda-Gerês National Park

Our selection of accommodation in Porto

Booking.com

customized tour for Porto

Would you like to travel to Portugal with a travel agency?
Compare the offers from our partners.

Our selection of Restaurants in Porto

Porto is bursting with culinary delights! Discover our selection of restaurants that will help you discover the unique flavors of the region.

Casa Guedes

Abadia do Porto

Events not to be missed in Porto

 Discover the lively events that make Porto's heart beat all year round. 

São João festival

São João festival

Celebrated in June, this traditional festival is marked by bonfires, dances and firecrackers.

Porto Ribeira Festival

Ribeira Festival

A colorful September festival showcasing Portuguese culture through music, dance and gastronomy.

Transportation in Porto

Streetcars

 Porto's historic streetcars are an attraction in themselves. Lines 1, 18 and 22 offer picturesque routes through the city's historic districts, such as Ribeira and Foz do Douro.

Bus

 Porto's bus network covers the whole city and offers a wide range of routes to help you get around. It's a convenient way to reach neighborhoods that are less accessible by metro.

Subway

Porto's metro is a fast and convenient way to get around the city. It comprises six lines serving the most important districts.

Bike

 Porto is a great city to explore by bike. You can rent bicycles in various stores and rental outlets throughout the city.

Tuk-tuks

 Tuk-tuks are small motorized vehicles that offer a personalized tourist experience.

Taxi

Cabs are readily available in most areas of Porto. You can hail them on the street or find them at designated cab ranks.

The cost of living in Porto

0
Average salary in Porto
Average cost of living 65%

During your stay in Porto, you'll be pleasantly surprised by its great value for money. Whether it's accommodation, food, transport or leisure activities, Porto allows you to enjoy an unforgettable experience without spending a fortune.

Accommodation

The cost of accommodation in Porto varies according to your preferences and budget. Mid-range hotel rates are generally reasonable, and there are also luxury options for those seeking a more upscale experience. Budget travelers will appreciate the well-equipped youth hostels.

Food

Portuguese cuisine is delicious and affordable in Porto. You can enjoy tasty traditional dishes in local restaurants without breaking the bank. Tascas" are traditional establishments offering simple, hearty dishes at affordable prices.

Transportation

Transportation in Porto is also very affordable. The metro is the most economical option for getting around the city, with tickets available at reasonable prices. Streetcars and buses are also affordable and offer a picturesque way to discover Porto.

Activities

Porto offers a variety of leisure activities to suit all tastes and budgets. Many tourist attractions, such as churches and monuments, offer reasonable entrance fees. Guided walking tours are an excellent way to discover the city without spending a lot of money.

Things to do in Porto

Practical information

Porto is generally a safe city for travelers, but as in any major tourist city, it's always a good idea to take a few precautions. Be sure to keep your valuables safe, and be vigilant in crowded areas. In case of emergency.

Before you leave for Porto, make sure you have a map of the city and a tourist guide to help you find your way around its lively streets. Don't hesitate to ask locals for advice, as they're often happy to share their best addresses and tips for making the most of your stay. Make the most of your trip to Porto and discover all it has to offer in terms of culture, history and gastronomy! 

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR Porto

Travel insurance is particularly important if you're planning to travel to Portugal.

Although the city is relatively safe for tourists, it is still possible to encounter unexpected situations such as health issues, lost or stolen luggage, or transportation delays.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

CASH MANAGEMENT

When traveling to Portugal, it's important to take bank charges into account so that you can manage your financial transactions efficiently. The easiest way, and the one we recommend, is to open an account Revolution Metal.

Here are the advantages of having a Revolut Metal account for your trips

  1. Currency conversion free of charge Revolut enables instant and transparent currency conversions without hidden fees. You can load your Revolut account with your local currency and convert money to Colombian pesos (COP) at the real exchange rate, thus avoiding the costly commissions charged by traditional currency exchange offices.

  2. Use without borders With Revolut, your account is usable worldwide. You can make online and in-store payments, withdraw cash from ATMs, and even use your Revolut card to pay for public transportation and taxis in Colombia. This saves you from carrying large amounts of cash and facilitates your daily transactions.

  3. Security and Control Revolut offers advanced security options to protect your account. You can easily enable and disable your card in real-time through the app if needed. Additionally, the Revolut app allows you to track your expenses in real-time, set spending limits, and receive instant notifications for each transaction, giving you full control over your finances.

  4. Budget and savings Revolut offers budgeting features that help you track your expenses during your trip. You can create budgets for different spending categories such as accommodation, food, and tourist activities. Additionally, you can round up your purchases to save money automatically in a separate savings account.

  5. 24/7 Support In case of any issues, Revolut's support team is available 24/7 to assist you. You can contact them through the app or the website for any questions or concerns related to your account or transactions.

In such cases, travel insurance can help you resolve the issues quickly and efficiently, without having to bear high costs or additional complications. 

Frequently asked questions

Not-to-be-missed sights in Porto include the Ribeira, Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), Livraria Lello, the Porto wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, and the Clerigos Tower.

Historic sites not to be missed in Porto include Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), Livraria Lello, and the Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.

The best time to visit Porto is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), to take advantage of the pleasant climate and avoid the tourist crowds.

The main means of transport available in Porto are the metro, historic streetcars, buses, trains, cabs and bicycle hire.

Local culinary specialties in Porto include francesinha, bacalhau (cod), pasteis de nata (cream pastries) and Porto wines.

You can enjoy the best panoramic view of the city from the top of the Clerigos Tower or from the terrace of the Palácio da Bolsa.

To discover Porto's authenticity, explore the Ribeira district with its picturesque alleyways, the Sé district with its cobblestone streets and the Miragaia district for its traditional charm.

en_US