Known as Porto or Oporto, it's a charming mini-metropolis in northwest Portugal.
Visitors can enjoy a rich cultural scene, diverse architecture, green parks for relaxation, and even beautiful beaches.
Porto earns its nickname "City of Bridges" due to the six arches spanning the Douro River, which flows along its southern edge. The most famous bridge is the Dom Luís I Bridge, offering stunning views of Porto's colorful UNESCO World Heritage historic district to the north.
Exploring Porto can fill a long weekend or a week, with highlights including the contemporary art at the Serralves Foundation and the historical buildings like Igreja de São Francisco. Whatever you choose to do in this captivating city, you'll appreciate its diverse attractions, and capture great photos.
Best Things to Do in Porto
1. Dom Luís I Bridge
Price & Hours: Free; Less than 1 hour time to spend
The Dom Luís I Bridge is an iconic iron structure spanning the Douro River, linking Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. It's famous because it was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, who created the Eiffel Tower. When completed in 1886, it was the world's longest iron arch bridge.
The lower level carries cars, while the upper level accommodates Porto's metro and pedestrians. Walking along the upper deck offers breathtaking views of the riverside buildings nestled into the cliffs.
Visitors to Porto consistently recommend experiencing the bridge's architecture and panoramic vistas. Taking a Douro River cruise to see all six bridges is also popular.
Access points are on the southeastern edge of Porto and the northern edge of Vila Nova de Gaia, with nearby metro, stops at Sao Bento in Porto and Jardim do Morro in Vila Nova de Gaia on the yellow (D) line.
2. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens)
Price & Hours: Free; 1 to 2 hours time to spend
The Crystal Palace Gardens feature lush greenery, winding paths, vibrant flowers, and bubbling fountains. It's a photographer's paradise, offering numerous opportunities to capture everything from diverse flowers to panoramic views of the Douro River.
Keep an eye out for the peacocks that roam the gardens—they're a delightful sight! The park is named after the original Crystal Palace, which was demolished in 1956. Today, a domed pavilion stands in its place, serving as a sports arena and multi-purpose events center, recently renovated in 2019.
Visitors consistently praise the stunning panoramic views from the hilltop Crystal Palace Gardens.
To reach the gardens, take the metro to either the Aliados stop on the D (yellow) line or the Carolina Michaelis stop, which connects to the A, B, C, E, and F (blue, red, green, purple, and orange) lines. It's a moderate walk of about 15 to 20 minutes from either station. Alternatively, several bus lines (3, 20, 35, 37, 52, 78, 200, and 207) also serve the area.
The gardens are open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April through September, and until 7 p.m. from October through March. Admission to the gardens is free for visitors to enjoy.
Best Hotels in Porto
1. PortoBay Flores
Best Price: $ About 311
PortoBay Flores places travelers in the heart of Porto, Portugal, within walking distance of major attractions such as the Porto Cathedral, São Bento Railway Station, and Clérigos. The hotel seamlessly blends old and new, combining a modern building with a 16th-century palace. A courtyard connects the two, offering guests a private outdoor space.
2. Maison Albar - Le Monumental Palace
Best Price: $ About 318
Maison Albar Hotels - Le Monumental Palace is situated on the renowned Avenue of the Allies, offering guests easy access to São Bento Railway Station and the Porto Cathedral. The hotel is housed in a stunning neoclassical-style building adorned with white marble and black ironwork, a feature that has impressed previous visitors.
Best Months to Visit
The optimal time to visit Porto is from May to September when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. Porto generally enjoys a moderate climate throughout the year. During summer, temperatures can be high but comfortable, and the breezes and nearby beaches offer relief from the heat. Fall brings cooler temperatures and occasional drizzle, while winter is typically rainy. Springtime also has some showers, though fewer than in winter, and temperatures are moderate.
How to Save Money in Porto
Consider purchasing a Porto Card for your visit. It provides free or discounted entry to select museums, restaurant discounts, and unlimited use of public transportation. Prices range from 13 to 33 euros, depending on how long you need it and if it includes transportation.
Plan your sightseeing on Sundays to save money. Many museums, like the Serralves Foundation and the Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis, offer free entry on Sunday mornings and early afternoons. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore and enjoy cultural attractions without spending extra cash.
Lykkers, after exploring Porto's rich cultural scene, breathtaking views from iconic bridges, and luxurious hotel accommodations, we hope this guide has inspired you to plan your own adventure in this captivating city.
