​This picture was taken from the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal.
Updated May 2024.

The Undefeated City

Porto (or Oporto) is the second-largest city in Portugal still possesses small town vibes and charm. Formerly a Celtic hamlet on the mouth of the Duero river, the Romans turned into an industrial commercial port, “Portus Cale” that led to not just the name of the city but also the nation of Portugal.

Historically, it was invaded by the Visigoths and the Moors, before emerging as a political entity when King Alfonso VI of Castile married his daughter, Teresa of León to Henry of Burgundy. The County of Portugal was the dowry, with Porto serving as the capital. Teresa and Henry’s son, Afonso Enríquez established a new kingdom that became Portugal.

The “Age of Discoveries” led to the rise of Porto’s wealth as the city’s shipyards built sturdy vessels, while profiting as an influential commercial center. Since the best parts of animals were given to sailors leaving for North Africa, Porto’s citizens were called “tripeiros”.

Porto’s Golden Age happened during the eighteenth century as its production of port wine made it an industrial center with numerous wealthy families in the area. Port wine is known for its sweet taste, but the alcohol content can be as high as 22%.

Its nickname stems from the fact that during the 19th century Portuguese civil war, the city withstood a siege for over a year.

Overview

  • 7:45 - 8:00 AM: Chapel of Souls - blue and white tiled church
  • 8:10 - 8:25 AM: Mercado do Bolhão - marketplace
    • ​Breakfast
  • 8:30 - 8:45 PM: Porto São Bento - train station
  • 9:00 - 9:55 AM: Livraria Lello - iconic library
  • 10:00 - 10:50 AM: Carmo Church - blue and white tiled church 
  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Clérigos Tower and Church - tower with panoramic view
  • 12:15 - 1:15 PM: Porto Cathedral - main church
  • 1:30 - 2:45 PM: Cais da Ribeira - waterfront street
    • ​Lunch
  • ​3:15 - 5:30 PM: Port Wine Cellar - tour a wine cellar and taste wines 
  • 6:00 - 6:50 PM: Rabelo River Cruise - boat on the Duoro River
  • 7:15 - 7:45 PM: Jardins do Palácio de Cristal - gardens with panoramic views.
  • 8:00 - 9:30 PM: Fado Performance 
    • ​Dinner with a Show
  • ​9:45 - 10:15 PM: Spiritus Multimedia Show - light and sound show in a church
​Click the star to add the map to your Google Maps!​ To view it, simply open Google Maps, navigate to the Menu, choose “Your Places,” click "Maps", and voila, the map should be added.

Tips

Getting To/From the City
​From the main airport, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), it’s really easy to take the Metro. For 2.85€ (2.25€ + 0.65€ card cost), one can enjoy a 30-minute ride into the center of the city on ​Line E.

Follow signs in the airport towards the lower level, buy a ticket at one of the machines (buy a Z4 ticket since you’re traveling across 4 zones), activate it at a station, before heading up the escalator and into the metro car.
Getting Around the City
Walking
Most of the main activities are located in the central area and one can easily walk between the attractions.
​Metro
The Metro do Porto is more of a light rail network than a metro. While parts of it are underground, a majority of it runs aboveground.
It is comprised of 6 lines (A through F) with different colors.

The cost of a ticket is based on the zone one is traveling from and to. Zone 1 is the zone one starts in, the adjacent zone is Zone 2, and Zone 3 is the zone adjacent to Zone 4. In total, there are a total of 12 zones.

Tickets are stored on an Andante card, which is personal—each person needs their own.
  • Andante Azul: One can buy individual tickets as 1, 2, 5, or 10 tickets at once. With 10 tickets, one gets a bonus ticket for free.
  • Andante 24: One is able to travel with one ticket continuously for 24 hours.
Remember that to use a ticket, one needs to validate it on the black and yellow machines before boarding. One doesn’t need to validate it upon disembarking.


​Interestingly, this is the only city I've visited that prominently advertises where their metro stations are located on large placards located throughout the city. 

Definitely makes it quite easy to use!
Water
There are free water filling stations throughout Portugal and Porto. One can find locations through this website.

​However, the taste does have a bit of a chlorine taste, so one might opt to drinking tap water, which is safe as well!

1-Day Plan

7:30 – 8:00 AM: Chapel of Souls - Free
A Baroque style chapel built in the 18th century most well-known for azulejos painted with scenes from saints’ lives. Famous ones include the death of Saint Francis of Assisi and the martyrdom of Saint Catherine.
8:10 – 8:25 AM: Mercado do Bolhão - Free
  • ​Historic two-level traditional market in a neoclassical building with stalls serving fresh produce, meats, seafood, flowers, and other local products. It's not really a tourist destination, but one can purchase a few baked goods or fruit.
  • The restaurants are located on the second floor and usually don't open until lunchtime.
  • To my surprise, unlike other marketplaces, this one is really clean and not as loud (although I did visit in the morning).
8:30 – 8:45 PM: Porto São Bento
French Beaux-Arts style train station famous for its stunning azulejo (traditional Portuguese tiles) panels. There are over 20,000 tiles created by artist Jorge Colaço depicting historical scenes and rural scenes from Portuguese life. It was built over the former Benedictine Convent of São Bento and opened in 1916.
9:00 – 9:55 AM: Livraria Lello​ - 8€
  • Considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world known for the grand staircase that resembles the Hogwarts’s staircases. It opened in 1906 with a neo-Gothic façade, intricate woodwork with carved wooden bookshelves, and a stunning stained-glass skylight. Supposedly, J.K. Rowling visited multiple times for inspiration.
  • Due to the crowds, arriving early is a good idea., although you will most likely wait in line unless you buy a 16€ priority ticket which is worth it if you like their specialty books they offer. Otherwise, timed-entry for 8€ is required. This serves as a voucher, and if one buys a book, one can get 8€ off the price.
  • They have books in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, and German. Each language has their own section. The English section is on the second-floor to the right upon climbing the staircase.
10:00 – 10:50 AM: Carmo Church (Igreja do Carmo) - 3.5€
  • Officially, it is known as Igreja dos Carmelitas. The Rococo-Baroque church was built in the 1800s with gilded woodwork and altars inside. Its exterior is covered in azulejos showing the history of the Carmelite Order. 
  • Interestingly, the church actually consists of 2 churches connected by a house in-between.
  • Nearby is the Fonte dos Leões (Fountain of Lions), an octagonal Roman-style marble fountain with four lion statues.
Picture
Jardim da Cordoaria
Walk through the Jardim da Cordoaria​, officially known as the Jardim de João Chagas. This garden is best recognized for the sculptures of “The Four Seasons” created by António Teixeira Lopes.

​11:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos) -
15€ (if combined with Spiritus show) or 8€ without
  • The church and tower were designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in a Baroque style.
  • The Clérigos tower was completed in 1763 and is 256 feet tall. It served as the former lighthouse for the port in the 1910s. One can climb the 240 steps for a panoramic view of the city.
    • NOTE: Focus on the climbing the tower first. There's usually a long line and the steps are quite narrow with people coming up and down at the same time.
  • The Clérigos Church was built from 1732-1750 with a beautiful façade, intricate decorations, and a spacious interior allowing for plenty of natural light. Recommend going inside only if one has time, since we'll be coming back for a light show here at night. 
12:15 – 1:15 PM: Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) - 3€
  • The Cathedral is one of the city’s oldest buildings, dating back to the 12th century. Its architectural style is a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. Inside, the cloister is filled with azulejos, but one can also enjoy the high altar and the silver altarpiece in the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament.
  • Due to its high elevation, one can receive stunning views over Porto and the Duoro River from the plaza.
    • The plaza also has the Pillory of Porto, an ornate pillar that once served as a punishment pillar.
Walk down ​Escadas do Codeçal, ~886 deet long that offers street art and amazing views on the way to the Cais da Ribeira.
1:30 – 2:45 PM: Cais da Ribeira - Free


​​The historic riverfront district of Port, one can stroll along the area with views of the Douro River, vibrant houses, winding streets, and plenty of restaurants.


Walk across the ​Luís I Bridge and head towards Gaia, where the wine cellars are located.

​The iron bridge was designed by Teófilo Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, and was completed in 1886 to connect Ribeira to Vila Nova de Gaia. Its notable feature is that the upper deck is used for Metro and pedestrian traffic, while the lower deck is for cars and pedestrians. Its named in honor of King Luís I of Portugal, who was reinging at the time.

3:15 – 5:30 PM: Port Wine Cellar Tour
Most of the wine cellars are located in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the Duoro River. Many of the wine cellars offer tours and tasting. These tours are only 1-2 hours long but they can start at different times. Book on their websites in advance, although some allow walk-ins.

Calém offers tours hourly in multiple languages and is one of the best if you made more last-minute plans.
There are many notable names, but here are a few options:
  • Graham’s: One of the best structured tours and the location has a great view of the Duoro River. Their wines are considered some of the finest vintage ports.
  • Cockburn’s: The most beautiful lodge serving vintage and aged ports. It has the largest cellar in the area.
  • Calém: The only lodge where one can enjoy a fado show while drinking wine. Their wines are known for their accessibility and the cellar is close to the bridge.
  • Sandeman: Offers thematic tours and are known for the “Don” figure as their branding.
  • Taylor’s: Oldest port houses (founded in 1692) with extensive aging cellars and good views.
  • Ferreira: Associated with Dona Antónia Adelaide Ferreira, a legendary figure in the port wine industry, as he expanded and modernized the company and known for their Portuguese heritage.
6:00 – 7:00 PM: Rabelo River Cruise
  • A traditional "6 Bridges Cruise" takes you to along the Douro River to see the following bridges: Luís I Bridge, Maria Pia Bridge, São João Bridge, Arrábida Bridge, Freixo Bridge and Infante Bridge.
  • You ride in a rabelo boat, traditionally used to transport wine. These wooden cargo boats are flat-bottomed with shallow draughts allowing them to go through the fast-flowing waters. They were originally propelled with oars but sails became more common in the 19th century.
  • PROTIP: It costs 15€ if you book from the Vila Nova de Gaia side and 18€ from the Ribeira side.

Here are the multiple companies where one can make a reservation, although most allow you to purchase when you walk past. If you book online, you'll most likely exchange your voucher at the pier for a timeslot.
​
Ribeira: Vila Nova de Gaia:
7:15 – 7:45 PM: Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens)
  • Located atop a hill, these gardens were built around the former crystal palace, where now an arena serving as a concert venue stands.
    • There are themed garden areas, such as the Garden of Aromatic Plants, the Garden of Feelings, and the Medicinal Garden​.
  • It offers beautiful panoramic views of the city and the Douro River.
  • One can also spot many different birds roaming. Of note are peacocks, ducks, and wild chickens. 
  • There are many paths that meander through the park with many sloped paths and stairs.
  • This is a perfect place to view the sunset.
8:00 – 9:30 PM: Fado Performance (with Dinner)
  • Casa da Mariquinhas (45€): One of the oldest Fado houses in Porto, offering a traditional and intimate Fado experience. 
  • O Fado: A restaurant and Fado house that offers a combination of traditional Portuguese dishes and live Fado performances. Reserve on their website or on TheFork.
  • Taberna Real do Fado (40€): Combines Portuguese cuisine and Fado music.
  • Ideal Clube de Fado (19€): Focused solely on providing an authentic Fado experience without the distractions of food service. 
  • A Casa do Fado (19€): A dedicated Fado house offering nightly performances in an intimate setting.
9:45 – 10:15 PM: Spiritus Multimedia Show.
  • One of the coolest things to do is visit the Clérigos Church at night. They have shows at 6pm, 6:45pm, 7:30pm, 8:15pm, 9pm and 9:45pm that last for 30-minutes. This light & sounds show plays some of Fernando Pessoa's most famous poems and the most beautiful images.​
  • Arrive early to wait in line, and sit in the last rows so you won't miss anything!
​
  • PROTIP: Move towards the edge of the church pews and if you have neck problems, lie on the floor!

Museums

Experiences
  • Port Wine Museum (Museu do Vinho do Porto): In a former wine warehouse along the Duoro River, this museum showcases the history and significance of port wine.
  • FC Porto Museum: For soccer fans, one can learn about the history of FC Porto, one of Portugal’s most successful football clubs.
  • World of Discoveries (Museu Interativo e Parque Temático): Interactive museum focused on the Portuguese Age of Discovery where visitors can explore life-sized ship replicas and interact with displays recreating the voyage of Portuguese explorers.
  • Romantic Museum (Museu Romântico): A recreation of the 19th-century romantic era focusing on the lifestyle of Porto’s bourgeoisie through furnishings, artwork, and personal items.
  • Tram Museum (Museu do Carro Eléctrico): Showcasing the history of trams in Porto, one can learn about how public transit evolved in the city.

Art
  • Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves): Within a massive estate, it hosts contemporary art exhibits from Portuguese and international artists, but one should also visit the landscaped gardens, sculptures, and the Art Deco Serralves Villa nearby.
  • Soares dos Reis National Museum (Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis): Located in the Carrancas Palace, it is the oldest public museum in Portugal that focuses on 19th- and 20th-century Portuguese art with a focus on sculptor António Soares dos Reis.
  • MASA - Museum of Sacred Art and Archaeology (Museu de Arte Sacra e Arqueologia): In the former Seminary of Porto, the museum focuses on religious art.
  • Centro Português de Fotografia: In the former 18th-century prison, the Cadeia da Relação, it focuses on Portuguese and international photographers with exhibits regarding the history of photography and showcasing equipment over the ages.
Other
  • Bolsa Palace This palace was built in the 1800s by the city’s Commercial Association to attract and impress international visitors and investors. It combines Neoclassical and Palladian styles to create a beautiful interior.
    • The most famous room is the Arab Room, inspired by Granada’s Alahmbra, showcasing the Moorish Revival style.
    • One can only visit through a guided tour.
  • Casa da Música: A concert hall that is both a music venue and a place for guided tours discussing the design, history, and function. It was built when Porto was chosen as the cultural capital of Europe in 2001.

Azulejos

  • Azulejos are Portuguese hand-painted tin-glazed ceramic tilework. This ornamental art form also serves the purpose of keeping the damp out of houses and serving as insulation. These tiles are scattered throughout the city and is one of the reasons Porto is known as the "Blue City of Portugal".
  • The popularity of the tiles led to a revival with many old churches and buildings receiving a remodeling.
  • These tiles can be any color, but the reason many are blue and white is because that rare blue color was considered a symbol of wealth.​
  • Of note is Portuguese painter Jorge Colaço, who added thousands of tiles to many important places.
The following is a list of which places have some of the most beautiful tiles with the year of installation in parentheses.
  1. Porto Cathedral (1729-1731) - Valentim de Almeida
  2. São Bento Train Station (1905-1916) - Jorge Colaço
  3. Chapel of Souls (1929) - Eduardo Leite
  4. ​Igreja do Carmo (1912) - Silvestre Silvestri 
  5. Igreja Paroquial de Massarelosk (1929) - António Costa: 
  6. Igreja de Santo Ildefonso (1932) - Jorge Colaço
  7. Igreja de Santo António dos Congregados (1920) - Jorge Colaço
  8. Painel de Azulejos on former Steak Shake building (2016) - Joana Vasconcelos
  9. "Ribeira Negra" in Ribeira Tunnel (1987) - Júlio Resende
  10. ​A Pérola do Bolhão (1917) - João Batista Ribeiro
Of course, one can also walk all throughout Porto and see other buildings sporting beautiful azulejo designs as well!

Restaurants

Copenhagen is known for sustainability with the following restaurants are known for their passion for the eco-sourced food and sustainable agricultural practices.
  • Chama: Small, hip restaurant that doesn’t have a menu, instead, one eats creative creations.
  • Restaurante Costume Bistrô: A hidden gem with a cozy interior. Try their seafood (especially the octopus) with wine pairings.
  • Porto Á Noite: No-frills restaurant with traditional Portuguese food, especially seafood.
  • Casa Expresso: An unassuming restaurant that served some of the most delicious and inexpensive food we had in Porto! They have daily specials but their cod can't be beat!
  • Tapabento: One of the best restaurants in Porto, it’s so popular that one can’t dine without a reservation!   
  • Postigo do Carvão: Traditional Portuguese food with the best arroz de marisco and the owner’s mother makes all the desserts.
  • Café Santiago: Head here for the Francesinha, which is large enough to share between 2 people.
  • Café Guarany: A historic, old-style café that often hosts Fado nights. 
  • Cafe Majestic: Historic cafe that has been renovated and revived. Its distinctive Art Nouveau facade and curved stonework are impressive to view, but it's not necessarily known for its food.
  • O Porto dos Gatos: A cat cafe with a complete vegan menu.

Bars

  • HD Bar to Be Wild: Rock music bar. One can pay 1€ to enjoy the jukebox.
  • Galeria de Paris: Casual speakeasy with occasional live music.
  • Vermuteria da Baixa: Gastrobar serving tapas and good drinks.
  • Café do Cais: Great deck to enjoy drinks, but their food is pricier than other places.
  • Hotel Pestana: Cocktails on an intimate terrace by the main square.
  • Ponte Pensil: Bar right a the foot of the bridge

Food to Try

  • Francesinha: A sandwich with two slices of bread filled with smoked ham, sliced ham, chorizo, sausage, and beef steak covered in melted cheese and drizzled with a slightly spicy sauce. An egg is served on top and fries on the side.
  • Tripas (or dobrada) à moda do Porto: The traditional dish of Porto and a symbol of the city’s working-class heritage. This stew is made from tripe, beef entrails, beans, and spices.
  • Bacalhau. Cod can be found in many forms: grilled, fried, or oven-baked. All options are delicious!
  • Rojões: A typical dish of Minho, a province north of Porto. It’s composed of pork chunks, sausage, and lightly breaded intestine.
  • Alheira: Smoked sausage made of ground meat (chicken predominantly), bread, olive oil, paprika, and other spices.
  • Sardinhas grelhadas: Grilled sardines a popular treat in Porto during the summer months. Other times, they'll have other fried fish options like mackerel or carapau.
  • ​Caldo verde: Popular soup consisting of finely shredded Portuguese cabbage, potatoes, olive oil, pepper and salt, flavoured with onion and garlic.

Other Resources

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