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Portugal · Norte

Porto travel guide

Port wine cellars, tiled churches and a riverside old town

The Ribeira and the Dom Luís I Bridge. Photo: Deensel, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2hflight from London
OPOnearest main airport
20° in Augwarmest month
10° in Jancoolest month

Porto is Portugal's second city, built on steep hills above the Douro River. The Ribeira's colourful houses, the iron Dom Luís I bridge and blue-and-white tiled churches make it one of Europe's most photogenic cities.

Across the river, the port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia offer tastings, and the Douro Valley vineyards are a day trip away.

Good forCity breaksWineFoodArchitecture

What Porto is known for

  • Port wine

    Cellars and tastings across the river in Gaia.

  • Azulejo tiles

    Blue and white tiles on churches and stations.

  • The Ribeira

    Colourful riverside houses, a UNESCO site.

  • Francesinha

    A huge meat sandwich with cheese and sauce.

Top things to do in Porto

  1. 1

    The Ribeira

    Riverside cafés and the old waterfront.

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  2. 2

    Port lodge tours

    Cellar tours and tastings in Vila Nova de Gaia.

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  3. 3

    Livraria Lello

    A stunning neo-Gothic bookshop. Tickets are needed.

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  4. 4

    São Bento station

    A railway station with huge tiled murals.

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  5. 5

    The Dom Luís I Bridge

    Walk the upper deck for the best views.

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  6. 6

    A Douro River cruise

    Six-bridges cruises, or full-day trips up the valley.

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See all tours and tickets in Porto

Where to stay in Porto

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Best time to visit Porto

Best value: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. May, June and September: warm days, though Porto gets more rain than Lisbon.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
10.5 C10°J10.6 C11°F12.1 C12°M13.6 C14°A15.9 C16°M18.4 C18°J19.9 C20°J20.3 C20°A19.4 C19°S16.9 C17°O13.2 C13°N11.1 C11°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Porto, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 2h from London to OPO, and flights from most UK airports.

The metro links the airport to the centre. The old town is walkable but steep.

Find flights to Porto (OPO)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Book port lodge tours ahead in summer.
  • Bring a light rain jacket, even in spring.
  • Arrive early at Livraria Lello to avoid the queues.
Portugal guidesVisasPlugs & adaptersWhen to go

Porto FAQ

How many days do you need in Porto?

Two or three days, with a day trip to the Douro Valley.

Porto or Lisbon?

Porto is smaller and cosier. Lisbon is bigger and sunnier.

More places in Portugal

Back to the Portugal travel guide + Add Porto to your bucket list