Porto | Portugal
Portugal's second-largest city has mastered modern glamour and its edgy outlook with ease. Golden-roofed and historically rich, read more about Porto's highlights in this city guide.
Porto, Portugal's second-largest city, basks in a mellow glow and its glorious geographical position at the mouth of the Douro River flowing out to the Atlantic Ocean. Golden-roofed and historically rich, Porto has mastered modern glamour and its edgy outlook with ease. Take the city's port wine-making culture, still central to Porto's heritage, but where merchant ships once moored along its river banks, today hip bars flank either side. Cool glass structures like the Casa de Musica concert hall contrast with the city's steep cobbled streets, bringing the old and new together in a seamless fashion. Discover traditional markets and indulge in the flaky custard tarts for which Portugal is known.
Must-Sees
![Placio De Bolsa Staircase, Portugal](/-/media/apt-responsive-website/europe/hero-panel-12-5/portugal-12-5/hc-a-eu-portugal-porto-palacio-da-bolsa-staircase-hf9c4p-a-exp-9-1-2022-web-12-5.jpg?w=555)
Fado at Palacio da Bolsa
![Panorama old city Porto at river Duoro,with Port transporting boats at sunset, Porto, Portugal](/-/media/apt-responsive-website/europe/hero-panel-12-5/portugal-12-5/hc-a-eu-portugal-porto-duoro-river-panorama-old-city-boats-at-sunset-20319155l-d-12-5.jpg?w=555)
Porto's Old Town
![Hands cooking and preparing a meal](/-/media/apt-responsive-website/dining-food-wine/hero-panel-12-5/hc-a-generic-chef-cooking-83868299i-12x5.jpg?w=555)
Cooking Demonstration in Matosinhos
General Information
General Information
Country: Portugal
Currency: Euro (EUR)
International Dialling Code: +351
Local Time: GMT +1
![a eu porto weather boat on river 12 5](/-/media/apt-responsive-website/europe/hero-panel-12-5/portugal-12-5/hc-a-eu-portugal-porto-river-boat-498801168l-i-web-12-5.jpg?w=1200)
Population
Language
Language: Portuguese
Useful phrases: Bom dia (good morning); Boa tarde (good afternoon); Adeus (good bye); Como vai voce? (how are you?)
Culture
Fascinating fact: The translation of Porto (officially O Porto in Portuguese) is, you guessed it, the port.
River views: Take a stroll through the romantic botanical gardens of the Palacio de Cristal - Crystal Palace (Rua Dom Manuel II). Besides the curated landscape it also offers great panoramic views over the river.
Top local cuisine:
- A specialty of Porto is "Octopus filets – or as I call them calamaris 2.0
- Francesinha is a signature dish in Porto established after a Portuguese man discovered France's Croque Monsier. It is a toasted sandwich layered with meat, mostly ham and sausage with a special sauce and melted cheese.
Ready to explore this picturesque destination? Start planning your Portugal adventure with APT for an unforgettable travel experience.