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Porto, Portugal is a perfect city for a city break due to its attractions, the famous Porto wine, and its unique charm. The old town center, along with the Luis I Bridge and the Serra do Pilar Monastery, are included on the UNESCO list.
Read about Top Attractions on the Island of Sao Miguel, Azores.
How to get to Porto?
Porto has an airport. The distance between the airport and the city center is 17 km, and you can reach it by metro or bus. The metro is the fastest way to reach the center, with Trinidade station being just a 25-minute ride away, and the ticket costs 2 euros. If you need to make multiple trips, you can purchase an Andante Tour Card from the Tourism Desk at the airport. With this card, you can travel on all public transportation for 24 hours for 7 euros or for 72 hours for 15 euros.
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When to visit Porto?
We recommend visiting Porto between May and September if you want to enjoy sunny weather, excellent temperatures, and even the nearby beaches. The temperatures start at 23°C and easily reach 30°C during the summer months. However, during this time, prices are higher, and it can be crowded. From October to March, the rainy season begins, with December being the rainiest month and January the coldest, with temperatures ranging from 5°C at night to 15°C during the day. If you don’t mind lower prices, fewer crowds, and unpleasant weather, you can plan your vacation during this period.
Recommended accommodations in Porto
Hotels with breakfast included centrally located:
Legendary Porto Hotel Book this hotel
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Fortinha Porto Book this hotel
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Grande Hotel do Porto Book this hotel
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Oca Oriental Porto Hotel Book this hotel
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Hotels with breakfast included near the airport:
Hotel 3 K Porto Aeroporto Book this hotel
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Park Hotel Porto Aeroporto Book this hotel
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What to visit in Porto?
You can visit one of the numerous wine cellars that will introduce you to the history of Porto wine and allow you to taste it. Reserve a tour of the Porto wine cellars with Tiqets. Prices and details can be found here.
A must-see is a cruise on the Douro River to see the six bridges of Porto. The duration of the cruise is 50 minutes. Cruises depart from both sides of the river, on either side of the Luis I Bridge. On the side with the old town center, called Ribeira, the cost is 18 euros. Details and reservations can be found here.
On the side with the Serra do Pilar Monastery and the cable car called Gaia, the cost is 15 euros.
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See the city of Porto from above!
There are several options, each with its own charm. Some are free, while others require payment:
- Luis I Bridge: free access.
- Clerigos Tower: entrance ticket costs 12 euros, open from 9 am to 7 pm.
- Cable car on the Gaia side: one-way ticket costs 7 euros, round-trip ticket costs 10 euros.
- Ribeira Lift: free access, open from 8 am to 8 pm.
- Panoramic terrace at the Serra do Pilar Monastery: free access.
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Don’t miss the churches with azulejos-covered facades, such as Capela dos Almas, San Idelfonso Church, and Carmo Church. Also, visit the churches with remarkable decorated and sculpted interiors, such as St. Clare Church, Carmelitas Church, San Francesco Church, and Clerigos Church. Explore the history by visiting the Stock Exchange Palace to see the Arab Room. The entrance ticket costs 12 euros, and it is open from 9 am to 6:30 pm. Capture a photo of the most beautiful train station in Europe, Sao Bento, with its scenes made of azulejos.
Discover the history by visiting Porto Cathedral, Se. The entrance ticket costs 3 euros, and it is open from 9 am to 6:30 pm. Reserve your ticket for Porto Cathedral with access to the church and tower through Tiqets, without queues and hassle. Details can be found here.
Step into the most famous and beautiful bookstore in Portugal, Lello Bookstore. The spiral staircase with a red carpet and the intricate details on the ceiling attract a multitude of tourists. Tickets can only be purchased online and cost 5 euros. This amount can be used towards the purchase of books in different foreign languages. Details can be found here.
Admire the church and the Misericordia do Porto museum with its outstanding paintings. Details can be found here.
What to eat in Porto?
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Try the traditional fish dish, bacalhau, which can be found in numerous preparations. Sample the Francesinha sandwich, originated in Porto, with multiple layers of toasted bread, meat, cheese, and a rich sauce. Taste Tripas, a traditional pork stew from Porto, which includes beans, vegetables, and spices. Enjoy Alheira, a specific sausage from the region, which can be served fried with rice or potatoes. For the best Pasteis de Nata in Porto, visit the Mantegaria pastry shop. They have two locations in the city (one near Clerigos Tower and another near Bolhao Market). A Pasteis de Nata costs 1.10 euros.
For a glass of Porto wine, you will pay between 4.5 and 6 euros. If you want to enjoy a glass of wine or a refreshing drink on a terrace with a view, go to Rooftop Flores on Rua Vitoria 177. The view of Porto Cathedral is fantastic, and the shade is provided by orange trees.
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Where to shop in Porto?
The most famous shopping street in Porto is Rua Catarina, where you can find all kinds of shops, as well as the Catarina Shopping Center. The Alameda Shopping Center is located near Estadio do Dragao metro station, and the Norteshopping mall is located near Sete Bicas metro station. For a market with fruits, vegetables, and artisanal products, visit Bolhao Market.
Book accommodation in Porto with Booking! Choose hotels that offer breakfast, spa services, hammam, sea views, or are located in the historic center.
Article photos, Trip Instinct team