Porto is Portugal’s second largest city, known worldwide as the city that exports Portugal’s legendary Porto or Port wine (2006 marked the 250th anniversary of Port wine, making Douro the oldest demarcated region in the world). The valley of the river Douro is of unequalled beauty, and can be explored by car or by river cruises. The city of Porto is distinctive for its granite baroque splendor and modern grandeur, such as the brand new futuristic concert hall Casa da Música (designed by Dutch master architect Rem Koolhaas). Porto is also the gateway to the historic region where Portugal began in the 12th century. Splendid Baroque towns and manor houses are scattered throughout historic cities like Braga, Amarante, Bragança, and the monumental city of Guimarães (which is the nation’s first capital and birthplace of its founder and first king, D. Afonso Henriques).
It was in Porto and the north that Portugal came into being as a country, which is why the region has such a rich and fascinating heritage.
This is a mountainous area with rivers, natural parks and steep, sloping hillsides covered with leafy vegetation. The granite from its mountains was used to build many of the region’s religious and historical monuments, such as the unpretentious Romanesque chapels and baroque churches.
History surrounds you when you visit the region’s castles - the castle at Guimarães was the birthplace of the nation’s founder and first king, Dom Afonso Henriques. And at the countless manor houses and palaces emblazoned with coats of arms, visitors are received with an aristocratic display of hospitality.
However, this region also owes much of its character to the great waterway that cuts it in half, the scenic River Douro, whose vine-filled valley is today classified as a world heritage site.
The river was given the name of ouro (gold) because it brings the water that the sun-drenched vines rely on to produce the world-famous Port wine. But also because this was the place from which ships used to set sail in the great period of Portuguese discovery. Or perhaps the name is due to the carved and gilded woodwork of the city’s countless baroque churches.
The fact remains that this ancient city gave its name to both Port wine and to the nation of Portugal. Much of its heritage is based on shipping and trade, making it a bustling and passionate city. Porto is also classified as world heritage site. Perhaps these are the reasons why Porto finds its way into the hearts of its visitors.
Our top To-Do List
Visit Douro Wine Cellars
Porto is the main start and ending point Porto’s wine. From the vineyards along the Douro valley, it is here that the wine itself ages and gets shipped. At the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river, facing Porto, a number of cellars are open to visitors. From Ferreira to Calem or Sandeman, the major Port brands have here great page of their history. Take a tour and have a glass of Porto, in Porto.
Do the 6 Bridges Cruise
From the Arrábida Bridge to Freixo, you get the chance to cruise the Douro River along 6 bridges. Its a 1 hour ride where are will be able to see the Dom Luis I bridge, from the 19th century and Maria Pia, designed by Théophile Seyrig, Gustave Eiffel’s protégé.
Get a feeling of Miguel Bombarda new arts scene
Miguel Bombarda Street has recently emerged as the new arts & crafts district of Porto. The block around it is known for its art galleries, design jewelry shops, off the beaten path cafes or bookstores. Get to know local artist, try the chocolate cake at Pimenta Rosa or have a tea at Rota do Chá.
Eat a Francesinha
Porto’s “little frenchie” has been for year’s known as the Porto’s classic dish – even Anthony Bourdain went after the best one in ‘Parts Unknown.’. A massive sandwich with beef, sausage and ham, covered in cheese melted in the oven. Its secret comes on the top. The slightly spicy sauce that has variant, but its basis is tomato and beer. Get a Super Bock and dip the fries in the sauce.
Get a book from Lello
Just in the old historical heart of the city, Lello is not a random bookstore. Its red curvy stairs inspired J. K. Rowling for Harry Potter’s library and its shelves date from 1906. The colored stained glass in the roof, the gothic architecture and the outside facade make this one of Porto’s most emblematic buildings. The entrance fee is discounted in a book purchase!
Take the Train from the São Bento station heading to Pocinho
Linha do Douro is the train railway route going from Porto to Pocinho (Guarda) in a 160km extension along the river’s valley. Originally built in the late 19thcentury, the major part of the route is still working. You go through tunnels and bridges with an amazing sightseeing. This is one of the most beautiful train rides in the country. www.cp.pt
Have a coffee at Majestic
This is an historical café at the heart of Santa Catarina Street. A busy shopping area, you feel like you’re in another place as soon as you get in. Once called ‘Elite’, it was the place for artists, politicians and writers to meet and exchange ideas in the early 20’s like they do in NY’s Algonquin Round Table. Go back to the ‘”belle époque” and explore the small terrace.
Try the pork sandwich in Casa Guedes and the small sausages at Gazela
Guedes is the home for the most famous “sandes de pernil” in town. A rustic small tavern, you’ll probably have to wait just a bit. The bread is slightly toasted; the sauce gives a tasty flavor the meat. The pork is from the Alentejo and the cheese on top from the Serra da Estrela – a great combination. If you need a snack, you should try Gazela’s the hot dogs. A snack bar in the Batalha Square, the house is famous and the service usually fast.
Go up the Clérigos Tower
Built in the 18thcentury under the order of the Brotherhood of the Clerics, the Clérigos church and tower are a huge Porto landmark. With 76 meters high, you have to climb up 225 stairs to get up to the top, but the view is worthwhile. A national monument since 1910, its one of the first baroque churches in Portugal and has the signature of Nicolau Nasoni, a well-known Italian architect.
Explore Serralves Gardens
Serralves is a major art and culture Foundation in Porto. A museum, a Park and a Villa, it combines exhibits with workshops and activities, festivals, jazz in the park and conferences. Its 18 acres of green take you to gardens, woodlands and small ponds. The Museum of Contemporary Art and the old villa, built as a summer house by the 2ndCount of Vizela, are must see visiting points along with the garden route.
Mercado do Bolhão
If you’re a market fan, Bolhãois the place to visit. Two floors with stands of fresh fish, vegetables, meats or flowers, the vendors are usually the stars. They’re known for their sympathy and welcoming service. The market origins go back to the late 19thcentury and today the building is a monument of national interest. It's a must right downtown.
See a show in Casa da Música
A modern concert hall, the ‘House of Music’ hosts three main orchestras, a foundation and a music school. Its modern architecture in Batalha Square and every room inside has a different identity. Completed in 2001, it's the first building in the city exclusively dedicated to music!
Take a ride in the Trolley
The Porto Tram City Tour has 3 main routes that can take you from downtown along the
Douro shore passing by the city’s main monuments. You can either go from Ribeira to Foz, from Clérigos to Carmo or from Carmo to Batalha. These are the lines remaining from the original tram route that in the early 20thcentury was the most popular means of transportation in the city – and one of the first electrified routes in Europe.
Jayme H. Simões is a Portugal–U.S. communications consultant who writes about the realities of moving, living, and retiring in Portugal, based on first hand experience.
Let’s Move to Portugal Now is an independent resource for Americans considering life in Portugal. We provide practical, experience-based information on visas, housing, health care, cost of living, and everyday life—focused on clarity, realism, and informed choices. This site is not affiliated with the Portuguese government and does not offer legal or immigration advice.
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