Porto Travel Guide

Nestled along the Douro River with its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and panoramic views, Porto is a city that will capture your heart. It’s also a paradise for food lovers. Savor the city’s fresh seafood, try the iconic francesinha sandwich, and, of course, sample world-famous Port wine. Coffee culture is big here too, with cozy cafés perfect for enjoying a bica (espresso) or pastel de nata. Porto has it all for a memorable and delicious getaway!

What to Taste: Porto’s Food Scene

Let's start with Porto’s food scene! Here are some dishes to try as you explore the city:

• Francesinha: Imagine a sandwich stuffed with ham, sausage, and steak, covered in cheese and drenched in a spicy tomato-beer sauce. The Francesinha (or “little Frenchie”) is hearty, rich, and an absolute must in Porto. Café Santiago and Casa Guedes Oliveiras serve some of the best in town.

• Bacalhau: The famous Portuguese salted codfish is a national favorite, and Porto offers it in many variations. Be sure to try bolinhos de bacalhau, also known as "salt cod fritters" or "salt cod croquettes.” 

• Petiscos: Think of these as the Portuguese answer to tapas—small plates perfect for sharing. Try octopus salad, chouriço (sausage), or the tangy olives to kick off your meal.

• Pastel de Nata: This creamy, custard pastry is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Manteigaria and Fabrica da Nata make some of the best in the city.

Don’t forget about visiting the local markets either! Mercado do Bolhão is the perfect place to explore, with vendors selling local wine, cheese, olives, fresh fish and handcrafted goods.

What to Sip: Port Wine

You can’t visit Porto without sampling its world-famous wine. Known as the birthplace of Port, exploring the city’s tasting rooms and wine cellars is an absolute must for any wine lover. Head across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, where most of the wine cellars are located, like PIANO Douro Valley, Sandeman, and Ferreira. Book a guided tour to learn about the intricate process behind Port wine, from grape to glass, and enjoy tastings of ruby, tawny, and white varieties.

For something a little different, look for vinho verde (literally “green wine”)—a light and slightly fizzy young wine, perfect for a hot day by the river. Porto is home to some fantastic wine bars, so explore the city and sip some of the finest wines in the region.

Where to Wander: Historic Centre of Porto

It’s time to wander Porto’s historic centre, which has a UNESCO World Heritage designation. Check out some of these sights as you stroll through the city:

• Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) is a Roman-Gothic building from the 12th and 13th centuries.

• Clérigos Tower. Climb the 225 steps for one of the best views of the city!

• Livraria Lello is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.

• Luiz I Bridge is an arched bridge carrying a lower-level road & a higher-level metro line between Porto & Vila Nove de Gaia.

• Miradouro da Serra do Pilar is a viewpoint overlooking Luis I Bridge and the Porto waterfront.

• São Bento Railway Station with its gorgeous azulejo tiles.