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Porto Old Town, Portugal

Riverside Scenes

See traditional boats floating on the Douro River in Porto

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

Fado at Palacio da Bolsa

Why not experience Palacio da Bolsa in ceremonial style? Attend a cocktail reception in this beautiful 18th-century palace, before enjoying a traditional fado performance in the Arabian Hall.

 

Panorama old city Porto at river Duoro,with Port transporting boats at sunset, Porto, Portugal

Porto's Old Town

Explore Porto's 16th-century Old Town and take a cable car ride for views across Porto and the Douro River, as the traditional 'rabello' boats bob on the water below. Later, sample a selection of port during a tasting.
Hands cooking and preparing a meal

Cooking Demonstration in Matosinhos

Head to the fishing port of Matosinhos and pop into a traditional restaurant for a cooking demonstration with like-minded food adventurers, inspired by authentic coastal and regional cuisine.

General Information

Country: Portugal

 

Currency: Euro (EUR)


International Dialling Code: +351

Local Time: GMT +1

 

a eu porto weather boat on river 12 5
Population: Porto's population is over 200,000. Portugal's population is over 10 million.
View Travel Tips

Language: Portuguese 

Useful phrases: Bom dia (good morning); Boa tarde (good afternoon); Adeus (good bye); Como vai voce? (how are you?)

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.