If you are looking to travel Porto Portugal, then this is the guide for you. Travelers often overlook Portugal’s second-largest city, Porto, in favor of Lisbon. But those who take the time to explore this historic city on the Douro River will be rewarded with its quaint cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and world-famous port wine cellars. Travelers can enjoy all that Porto has to offer by taking a leisurely stroll through its historic center, visiting one of its many museums or churches, or sampling the local cuisine. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Porto, you’re sure to walk away with lasting memories of this charming European city. I have just finished a month long stay in Porto and loved every minute. This is easily my favorite city in Portugal. In this guide, i’ll go over everything from things that are a must see in porto, best areas to stay in Porto Portugal, best Porto hotel options, how many days in porto you need and much more! Let’s get into it!
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Complete Guide to Travel Porto Portugal- Is Porto Worth Visiting?
Is Porto worth visiting? That’s a question that many people ask when they’re planning a trip to Portugal. And the answer is yes! Porto is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do. From its stunning architecture to its delicious food, there’s something for everyone in Porto. And best of all, it’s relatively affordable compared to other European cities. The entire city is centered around the Douro River, giving a truly unique European city environment. The city is stunningly beautiful everywhere you look. This is truly one of my favorite cities in all of Europe. So if you’re looking for a city that offers a great mix of culture, history, and value, then Porto is definitely worth a visit! In this travel Porto Portugal Guide, you’ll see is Porto worth visiting for you.
Must See in Porto
Porto is a beautiful city located in northwestern Portugal. It is known for its stunning architecture, its vibrant culture, and its delicious food. Visitors to Porto can enjoy a variety of activities, from exploring the city’s many historical landmarks to sampling the local cuisine. The Ribeira district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Porto. This quaint neighborhood is located along the banks of the Rio Douro and is filled with narrow streets, charming cafes, and picturesque views. Some of the top Must See in Porto attractions are within this area. The city itself is very easy to navigate, with most of the top attractions being within a short distance from each other. All of these Must See in Porto attractions are sure to make your visit to Porto a memorable one!
- Here are just a few of my favorite Must See in Porto Attractions:
- Ponte de Luis Bridge
- Walk Along the Ribiera
- Vila Nova de Gaia
- Jardins do Palacio de Cristal
- Rua das Flores
Check out my full blog post on the top Must See in Porto things to do here!
Book a tour of the Must See in Porto attractions on Expedia here!
Best Areas to Stay in Porto Portugal
Porto is a relatively small city and very easy to get around. While the city does have its fair share of hills, it is not nearly as bad as Lisbon. There are many different areas to stay in Porto Portugal, all within close distance to some of the best that the city has to offer. You’ll find accommodation’s to match any budget and comfort level from high end luxury to hostels. You can also find multiple accommodation options, from hotels to Airbnb’s and hostels. When you are planning your trip to travel Porto Portugal, choosing the best areas to stay in is a very important step. If you pick the wrong area, it can greatly alter your trip. Here are some of the best areas to stay in Porto Portugal in my personal opinion.
- Best Areas to Stay in Porto Portugal
- Cedofeita
- Baixa
- Ribiera
- Vila Nova de Gaia
- Boavista
Check out my full blog post on the Best Areas to Stay in Porto Portugal here!
Best Porto Hotel Options
If you’re looking for the best Porto hotel options, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of great choices available. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a luxurious five-star property, you’ll be able to find a hotel that’s perfect for your needs. One of the best things about Porto is that there are hotel options available at all price points, so you can find something that fits your budget. If you’re looking for a bargain, there are plenty of great three-star hotels that offer excellent value. For a bit more luxury, there are also four- and five-star hotels that offer top-notch amenities and service. No matter what your budget is, you’ll be able to find the perfect hotel for your needs in Porto. Personally, I stayed in an Airbnb the entire time. But for a shorter stay, consider some these best Porto hotel options below.
Get a great deal on some of the best Porto hotel options on Expedia here!
Best Day Trips in Porto
Porto is an amazing city with so much to see and do. However, sometimes it’s nice to get out of the city and explore the surrounding area. Luckily, there are plenty of great day trips that can be taken from Porto. Many of these can be reached both with public transit as well as group tours. You always have the option of renting a car in Porto Portugal to make the most of your surroundings. While I was in Portugal for a few months, I took a few of these best day trips in Porto. Here are just a few of the best Day trips in Porto.
Penacova: About an hour and a half drive south of Porto, the areas surrounding Penacova are beautiful Portugal countryside. I had the great privilege of staying in an old water mill village in this area and it was magical. There are many great hikes, rivers, and things to see in the Penacova region. With it being a relatively quick drive, this is one of the best day trips in Porto.
The Douro Valley – This stunning valley is located just a short drive from Porto and is well worth a visit. The valley is home to some of the best wine in Portugal and there are plenty of tour operators who offer wine tasting tours. The city of Port got its name from the delicious Port wine that can be found in the Douro Valley. There are also beautiful hiking trails that wind through the valley, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Check out my full blog post on traveling the Douro Valley here!
Book one of these best day trips from Porto on Expedia here!
Renting a Car in Porto Portugal
Renting a car in Porto Portugal is a great way to see the country. You don’t really need a car if you are staying in the city center, but you will want to rent a car to do fun trips outside the city. Portugal has a lot of interesting places to visit, and renting a car in Porto Portugal is the best way to see them all. You can visit the beaches, the mountains, and the forests. Renting a car in Porto Portugal is the best way to see everything at your own pace. If you plan to only stay in the city, you won’t need a car. Actually, renting a car in Porto Portugal might not even be necessary at all if you plan to take guided tours. But if you do plan on renting a car in Porto Portugal, you’ll be glad to know that it is usually more affordable than most European countries.
Find a great deal on renting a car in Porto Portugal on DiscoverCars here!
Flying to Porto
Flying to Porto is easy and convenient, thanks to the city’s close proximity to the airport. Porto is served by a number of international airlines, and the flight time from most major European cities is less than three hours. The airport is located just outside the city center, so travelers can be in the heart of Porto within minutes of landing. Once in the city, visitors will find plenty of things to see and do, from exploring the historic center to sampling the delicious local food and wine. With its convenient location and wide range of attractions, flying to Porto is a great choice for any traveler.
Find a great deal on a flight to Porto on Expedia here!
Porto General Information
How Many Days in Porto are best for your visit?
For the average person who will travel Porto Portugal, you could see the top sights in the city within 3-5 days. But I recommend at least a week, since it is such a great city. Of course, this all depends on how quickly you want to see everything. If you’re the type of person who likes to take your time and really soak in the sights, then you could easily spend a long time here. However, if you’re the type of person who likes to move quickly and see as much as possible, then a short visit might be more your speed. Ultimately, how many days in Porto are needed all comes down to personal preference. But one thing’s for sure: there’s plenty to see and do in this beautiful city, so you’re sure to enjoy whatever amount of time you decide to spend here.
Is Porto Portugal Safe?
Yes, Porto is an incredibly safe city. With a relatively low crime rate, ample police presence, and helpful locals, visitors who travel Porto Portugal can rest assured that they will be safe during their stay. Additionally, the city is well-lit and well-maintained, making it easy to navigate and reducing the chances of becoming lost or disoriented. While no city is completely free of crime, Porto is a safe destination for travelers of all ages and backgrounds. As always, be aware of your surroundings and use common sense street smarts. The best way to avoid any potential problems is to not appear like a target. But overall Porto is a safe city.
Cost of Living in Porto Portugal
Overall, the cost of living in Porto is quite affordable, making it an attractive option for those looking to travel Porto Portugal. Portugal is well known for being an affordable country to live in. This is especially true when compared to other Western European countries. The cost of living in Portugal’s second largest city, Porto, is significantly lower than in Lisbon, the capital. Nevertheless, it is still slightly higher than the national average. Expenses such as food, transportation, and utilities are relatively low when compared to other European cities. Rent prices can be high depending on the location and size of the apartment, but are generally reasonable. If you are coming from the USA or another Western European country, you’ll be happy in comparison with the low cost of living in Porto Portugal.
Best Time to Visit Porto
Porto is a great place to visit at any time of year, but there are certain times of year when the city is particularly lovely. The spring and summer months are the best times to visit Porto if you like a more lively city experience. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny, and the city comes alive with festivals and events. If you’re looking for a more relaxed trip, however, the fall or winter may be better suited to your needs. Traveling to Porto during these months will give you the chance to experience the city at a slower pace and enjoy its peace and quiet. To save the most money, the best time to visit Porto would be the shoulder seasons of the spring and fall. Prices will be lower and it is still not crazy cold. No matter when you decide to travel Porto Portugal, the city is sure to offer something special.
Porto Climate
Porto’s climate is mild and temperate, with average temperatures ranging from 18-25 degrees Celsius. The city experiences a fair amount of rainfall, so visitors should pack an umbrella! June and July are the warmest months, while December and January are the coolest. Porto is a great place to visit any time of year – in the spring, the city comes alive with blossoming flowers; in the summer, you can enjoy long days lounging by the river; in the fall, the leaves change color and create a beautiful scenery; and in the winter, Porto is illuminated with festive lights. No matter when you travel Porto Portugal, you’re sure to have a great time!
Travel Porto Portugal Guide Conclusion
Traveling to Porto Portugal is an experience that you will never forget. The city is full of culture and history, and there is something for everyone to enjoy. From the beautiful architecture to the delicious food, Porto has something to offer everyone. Porto was without a doubt my favorite place I visited in all of mainland Portugal. While there is still a large tourist scene here, it also has lots of local flair. I loved just wandering the streets and getting lost in the beauty of the city. There really are lots of must see in Porto attractions. Be sure to check out the rest of my content on Portugal here. So pack your bags and travel Porto Portugal for an unforgettable vacation!
I hope that you found this travel Porto Portugal guide to be both useful and informative. Whether you are looking for the best Porto hotel, best areas to stay in porto portugal, or other info, I hope this guide was helpful. If you found this blog post to be helpful, please consider sharing it with your friends and fellow travelers. Also, be sure to follow me on social media and my e-mail list to stay up to date with all of my travels and content! Thank you so much for visiting my travel blog!
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