Porto
Temperature
13°
Time
10:59 AM
Porto
Porto was once the last stop of adventurers on their way across the Atlantic to the New World. The cliché that Lisbon shows off and Porto just works is a well-worn metaphor that fails to do justice to the city's innumerate charms fully. History dwells around every corner, and more than ever, Porto is a place determined to hold on to its own distinct identity.Find your trip
Built in 1110 in the highest point in the city, Sé do Porto, or Porto Cathedral, is a defining landmark of the city, and the most important religious building in Porto. A visit to the cathedral is well worth not only for its historical importance, but also for its remarkable mix of architectural styles that range from Romanesque to Baroque and Gothic, and lastly, for the beautiful views it offers over the city--stretching from the Old Town to the Atlantic coast.
The Douro Valley is not only Portugal's most famous wine region but it's also the oldest demarcated wine-growing area in the world. So, next time you're in Porto, be sure to include on your itinerary a wine tasting session amid the vineyard-clad hills of the Douro Valley. You'll savour regional specialities with a traditional lunch in the scenic village of Pinhão then visit two wine estates for an introduction to award-winning local varietals.
Savour traditional Portuguese dishes like codfish cakes and custard tarts and sample the country's most famous export, port wine, on a food & wine tasting tour in Porto. Stroll through some of the city's quaint neighbourhoods like the historic Riberia district and visit generations-old taverns and traditional cafés to try regional delights and taste northern Portugal's wine, all the while learning interesting facts about Portuguese cuisine.
In the heart of the Old Town, the “Riverbank” quarter of the city contrasts historic winding streets with lively and colourful facades. With abundant restaurants and galleries, this is a great place to venture out during the day as well as at night, when the array of trendy bars and nightclubs open their doors.
Torre Dos Clérigos is a 75-meters high granite Baroque tower built by the Italian artist Niccolo Nazzoni in the 18th century. Those who endure the steep 240-step journey to the top will be rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view of the city. You should also visit the Igreja dos Clérigos (Church of the Clerics), a true Baroque masterpiece in the city.
Ponte Dom Luís I (The Dom Luís I Bridge), one of Porto's most famous landmarks, is a 172 metres double-deck metal arch bridge--the longest of its kind in the world--and links the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia over the River Douro. It is well worth a visit, especially to admire the sunset.
A must-see while in Porto is the São Bento Railway Station. More than just a train station, this place is another architectural jewel, among the many others this city boasts. Built by the Portuguese architect José Marques da Silva in 1900, the São Bento Railway Station opened to the public sixteen years later. Its construction took place on the site that once housed a Benedictine monastery, hence the name São Bento. The architecture has a French Renaissance influence, and even though its facade is already quite impressive, its interior is what leaves visitors truly awestruck. The main hall is beautifully decorated–from the ground to the ceiling — with more than 20,000 "azulejos" (Portuguese tiles), which recount important events of the history of Portugal.
At the Mercado do Bolhão, you will find a bright and vibrant open-air market brimming with fresh produce such as olives, cheese, and freshly baked bread. Known for its lively atmosphere, this is a great way to start the day, grab some breakfast or stock up on supplies for a day of sightseeing.
Built in 1110 in the highest point in the city, Sé do Porto, or Porto Cathedral, is a defining landmark of the city, and the most important religious building in Porto. A visit to the cathedral is well worth not only for its historical importance, but also for its remarkable mix of architectural styles that range from Romanesque to Baroque and Gothic, and lastly, for the beautiful views it offers over the city--stretching from the Old Town to the Atlantic coast.
The Douro Valley is not only Portugal's most famous wine region but it's also the oldest demarcated wine-growing area in the world. So, next time you're in Porto, be sure to include on your itinerary a wine tasting session amid the vineyard-clad hills of the Douro Valley. You'll savour regional specialities with a traditional lunch in the scenic village of Pinhão then visit two wine estates for an introduction to award-winning local varietals.
Porto’s main shopping street is the pedestrianised Rua de Santa Catarina in the city centre. Here you will find from the usual international brands, such as H&M and Zara to local shops and street vendors. Along the way, you will also find several restaurants and cafes, including the renowned Café Majestic--featured on our guide--as well as other points of interests such as the Mercado do Bolhão, the Church of San Antonio de los Congregados, and another important shopping centre, the Centro Comercial Via Catarina.
The Centro Comercial Via Catarina is an elegant mall, ideally located in Porto's main shopping thoroughfare, offering everything you would expect from a usual shopping centre, including many international fashion brands, numerous restaurants and cafes, all spread over its four floors.
There is no better way to get a glimpse of daily Portuguese life, than by paying a visit to one of the many open-air markets this city has to offer. So, here's a list of the three ones worth visiting when in Porto: - Mercado do Bolhão One of the most popular and lively markets in Porto, the Mercado do Bolhão and its several floors of fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat are a true feast for the eyes, nose, and palette. Centrally located, this market is also a nice place to hunt for souvenirs. Address: Rua Formosa, Porto Mon–Fri 8am–8pm, Sat 8am–6pm - Mercado Porto Bello Although more compact than its namesake market in London, the Mercado Porto Belo still boasts the same hipster vibe from its Notting Hill's distant cousin. Here you will find antiques, vinyl records, vintage clothing and accessories, organic goodies such as homemade jams, olive oil, and soap, as well as a few food stalls. It takes place every Saturday from 10am–7pm at Praça de Carlos Alberto. - Vandoma Fleamarket Even if you are not searching for anything to buy, a visit to this flea market is worth just the experience alone. Started in the 1970s by students who would sell their old clothes and books, now this traditional and eclectic flea market offers a vast array of second-hand goods that range from clothes, vinyl records, and books to stamps, electronics, and household utensils. It is held every Saturday, from 8am–1pm at Avenida 25 de Abril.
Temple dedicated to chocolate and other sweet treats, such as macarons, almond cake, and línguas de gato, small chocolate bars shaped like a cat tongue. Arcádia is such a popular patisserie that it has other nine shops across the city.
Founded in 1917 and boasting a beautiful Art Nouveau-inspired facade covered in Portuguese tiles referencing the spice route, A Pérola do Bolhão in downtown Porto is a traditional grocery store offering a large variety of quality products. From mountain cheeses to sausages, from dried fruits and caramels to regional wines--a great place to pick up a few local delicacies and take them home with you.
Gold jewellery is a speciality of Portugal, the country boasts a great collection of antique and modern gems, a reflection of its colonial past and its conquests of gold-rich lands in South America. Recommended jewellers are David Rosas (Avenida da Boavista 1471) and Pedro A Baptista (Rua das Flores 235).
If you are looking for unique and genuine Portuguese souvenirs made locally by Portuguese artisans, come to Portosigns in the Ribeira district. Here you will find items, such as hats, clothing, bags, wallets, and home decor, all to remind you of your wonderful time in Portugal.
Casa da Guitarra is a string instruments shop specialising in traditional Portuguese string instruments. Assembly, sale, promotion, and learning about string instruments all happen here, with extra room for cultural events--the perfect shop for buying something genuine and Portuguese.
Porto’s main shopping street is the pedestrianised Rua de Santa Catarina in the city centre. Here you will find from the usual international brands, such as H&M and Zara to local shops and street vendors. Along the way, you will also find several restaurants and cafes, including the renowned Café Majestic--featured on our guide--as well as other points of interests such as the Mercado do Bolhão, the Church of San Antonio de los Congregados, and another important shopping centre, the Centro Comercial Via Catarina.
The Centro Comercial Via Catarina is an elegant mall, ideally located in Porto's main shopping thoroughfare, offering everything you would expect from a usual shopping centre, including many international fashion brands, numerous restaurants and cafes, all spread over its four floors.
Portugal can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE, and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Porto provides mild weather throughout the whole year. The winter months, in particular, can be dominated by heavy rain — do not forget the typical coastal weather that can change quite fast. To experience the typical Portuguese life, however, the best time to visit might be in the summer months, when the open-air markets fill with crowds and the city hosts many festivals, such as Serralves em Festa and Festa de São João.
The Porto Airport is called Aeroporto Francisco Sa Carneiro and is situated 11 kilometres north of the city. To reach the airport you can use the lightrail. It departs every 30 minutes. From the airport, you can also take buses number 601, 602, 604 and 3M into the city centre. There are also shuttle buses and taxis available at the airport.
Porto has a good bus and tram network with routes serving all the key tourist spots. The city also has a Metro system that is both clean and efficient. You can buy a metro ticket at the station and in other sale spots, or you can buy tourist cards that allow you to get around Porto on all means of transportation: daily tickets and 3-day tickets.
Taxis in Porto are very convenient and also great for airport transfer. Taxis Invicta +351 22 507 64 00 www.taxisporto.com RadiTaxis: +351 225 073 900 www.raditaxis.pt
To find a post office in Porto, look for the red sign saying CTT. Letter boxes are also red.
Pharmacies are normally open 9am–1pm and 3pm–7pm. All areas have one shop open all night or on Sunday. A white cross on a green background marks out the pharmacies.
Country Code: +351 Area Code: 022
Portugal can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of most European countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE, and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
Porto provides mild weather throughout the whole year. The winter months, in particular, can be dominated by heavy rain — do not forget the typical coastal weather that can change quite fast. To experience the typical Portuguese life, however, the best time to visit might be in the summer months, when the open-air markets fill with crowds and the city hosts many festivals, such as Serralves em Festa and Festa de São João.
