PORTO

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INTRO
THINGS TO DO
TOP FESTIVALS
TOP MUSEUMS
FOOD & DRINKS

TRAVEL IN PORTO

Full of colourful, medieval buildings, great food and good vibes, Porto is one city you don’t want to miss. The second biggest city in Portugal, this major Port city played a massive role in European trade over the centuries. As a result, it built up a lot of wealth and attracted aristocracy from all over the country. See how the beautiful people once lived in this city at the Museu Romântico da Quinta da Macieirinha, the former residence of King Charles Albert of Piedmont, as well as the Soares dos Reis National Museum, which has an impressive collection of jewels, art and ceramics from this period. You can also kick back and relax in one of their many parks and gardens, including the incredible Gardens of the Crystal Palace, from which you can see one of the best views of the city.

For those who are coming to Portugal for some summer festivities, Porto will tick all your boxes. Beautiful white-sand beaches pumping with clubs and bars, bronzed locals and good times can be found in Foz do Douro. Grab a ticket or two to some of Porto’s amazing music festival, including NOS Primavera Sounds and Noites Ritual, hosting some of the best international and local acts on the European summer festival calendar.

And let’s not forget the most important parts: the food and wine. Located right on the River Douro, Porto is full of delicious, fresh seafood cooked in the Northern Portuguese manner. Tuck into cataplana de peixe e marisco or bacalhau, Porto’s most-loved fish. If you’re feeling game, give the local tripe a try.

The people of Porto are super proud of their Port Wine and it shows: enjoyed often – pretty much after every meal – the city hosts many different wine shows throughout the year. Check out Essência do Vinho wine fest, the biggest on the calendar.

For food, fun and plenty to see and do, back your bags and head straight to Porto, Portugal.

FAST FACTS

Language: Portuguese
Currency: Euro
Electricity: 230V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Italy.
Dialling Code: +39
Time Zone: (GMT +01:00 / CEST)

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Enjoy the view from Ponte Luiz I

An industrial symbol for Porto, the Luiz 1 Bridge in Porto is a twin-level arched bridge that connects the cities of Porto and nearby Villa Nova de Gaia. Walk over the Douro River from either the upper or lower levels of this metal bridge. Rising almost 45 metres in height, get an awesome view of the colourful Cais da Ribeira, Porto’s beautiful waterfront street, from the upper level of the bridge. Even better, pull up a chair at a café on this famous street for an almost-unobstructed view of the bridge. This is the best place to take a snap of the famous landmark and to people-watch for hours.
Have a traditional Portuguese dinner by the river

The city of Porto was built by all the trade and activity happening along the Douro River and it’s still one of the city’s most vibrant places. Get yourself down to the Riberia district of the city at night time to experience what dinner is like for the Portuguese. If you’re going all out, pick one of the district’s amazing restaurants and do it properly. Start your meal with Caldo Verde soup or Tripas à Moda do Porto. Opt for some fresh seafood for your mains – we suggest either Cataplana de peixe e marisco or bacalhau. If you’re going more lowkey, pick up a bifana sandwich from a local takeaway shop and perch yourself on the river’s edge. You’ll find heaps of young locals doing the same.
Stroll down Praça da Liberdade

The Praça da Liberdade is a public square and boulevard on the southside of the city of Porto. Its open space is a world away from the narrow streets of the Cais da Ribeira, but is the pumping heart of this bustling city. Full of neoclassical churches and historic buildings, the Praça da Liberdade is a great place to soak up some of the history of Porto, as well as grab a bite to eat or do a bit of shopping. Be sure to check out the Cardosas Palace, the former convent and oldest building in the square, as well as pose for a photo with the statue of King Peter VI on his horse.
Get the best ocean view at Foz do Douro

On the west-most point of the city, you’ll find the district of Foz do Douro. In the summertime, this is the place to be: DJs play music all day at beach bars and locals enjoy the white-sandy beaches. But it’s way more than just a summertime party: you can check out Foz do Douro’s iconic lighthouse, stroll through its beautiful botanical gardens and eat at its many cafes and restaurants. You’ll actually find both of Porto's two Michelin-starred restaurants in this hot-spot. Whether you’re keen to gaze out at the open ocean, check out the sites or hang out with the locals, Foz do Douro is the spot to go.
Enjoy the greenery of Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

For one of the most spectacular views of Porto and neighbouring Gaia, head straight up the hills of the city and make your way to the Gardens of the Crystal Palace. This gorgeous botanical garden is a local favourite, with manicured lawns, amazing fountains and lots of awesome walking paths. Discover neoclassical sculptures, giant magnolias, camellias and olive trees in this stunning park. Want to make a day of it? Buy some local wine, cheese and cured meats, grab some friends and head up to this sunny spot for a fun, DIY picnic. Pass the afternoon gazing at the river and making awesome memories of Porto.

Things to do in Porto

Fantasporto
Film

Fantasporto is a film festival held in Porto. Focusing mainly on fantasy and science fiction genres, this film festival takes place around mid-February to early March every year. With both international and locally-produced films, you can catch a screening at cinemas all around the city.
Essência do Vinho
Wine

The Essence of Wine festival is the largest wine event in Portugal. Celebrating its national wines, this festival takes place in the Palácio da Bolsa in Porto in late February. Sit in on wine talks and workshops, chat with over 100 wine experts, learn about wine pairings and taste over 3000 amazing wines at Essência do Vinho.
DDD – Festival Dias de Dança
Dance

Through contemporary dance, Festival DDD — Dias da Dança is a way for the neighbouring cities of Porto, Matosinhos and Gaia to connect and collaborate artistically. Full of performances, workshops and dance installations that happen all over the cities – both in theatres and on the streets – you can catch Festival DDD between late April and early May every year.
NOS Primavera Sound
Music

The festival made famous by Barcelona has made its way over to Porto. This summer music festival takes place in porto in City Park in early June. Playing host to international acts like Patti Smith, Antony and the Johnsons and Belle & Sebastian, get amongst the tunes and good vibes at NOS Primavera Sounds.
Noites Ritual
Music

One for lovers of rock music, Noites Ritual is a huge music festival held in Porto. This annual festival happens at the end of August every year, and is usually held at the amazing Crystal Palace Gardens overlooking the Douro River. The best part about this festival? Tickets are free.

Top 5 Festivals in Porto

Spanning the areas of film, music and wine, the cultural life of Porto is pumping. With a variety of music and cultural festivals happening throughout the year, be sure check out some of the big events on Porto’s calendar. Here are five of our favourite Porto attractions.

Serralves Museum & Villa
Considered one of the centres of creative life in the city, Serralves Museum & Villa is a modern art gallery in Porto. Showcasing works by reputable international and local artists, this museum is most famous for its incredible architecture. Take a selfie in front of its iconic pink walls and manicured lawns.
Palácio da Bolsa
While its name might suggest that you’re off to a palace, the Palácio da Bolsa is the home of the Stock Exchange in Porto. This impressive neoclassical building dates back to the 19th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Go inside to sneak a peak of its incredible mosaic floor.
Soares dos Reis National Museum
One of the oldest museums in Portugal, the Soares dos Reis National Museum was first opened in 1833 and has a huge collection of 19th century paintings, ceramics, jewels and medal work. The museum collection is housed in the stunning Carrancas Palace, which you’ll recognise for its crimson-red exterior and manicured gardens.
Museu Romântico da Quinta da Macieirinha
The Romantic Museum of Quinta da Macieirinha tells the story of the 19th century aristocracy of Porto. Located in the city’s stunning Crystal Gardens, this palatial home was once the residence of King Charles Albert of Piedmont. Walk through its ballroom, dressing room and billiard room to see what life was like for Portuguese aristocrats.
Museu do Vinho do Porto
As a city famous for its wine, it’s only right to swing by the Porto Wine Museum. With Port Wine being one of the most celebrated products of Porto, learn about its history, production and commercialisation at this fascinating museum. The Porto Wine Museum is located in an 18th century warehouse right on the Douro River.

Top 5 Museums in Porto

With its many colourful, neoclassical buildings that are bursting with stories of its aristocratic past, discover the history of Porto in one of its many museums. Whether you like art, wine or just gossiping about the royals, here are five Porto museums that we think you’ll enjoy.

Tripas À Moda Do Porto
One of the hangovers from a less prosperous time, tripe is still one of the specialities of Porto. Tripas à Moda do Porto – which literally means ‘Tripe done in the Porto fashion’ – fries up intestines with beans, sausage, vegetables and herbs, to make for a flavoursome dish. If you’re game, try some at Tripeiro in Porto.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Tripeiro, Rua de Passos Manuel 195, 4000-032}
Bacalhau
Bacalhau (codfish) is the most popular fish in Portuguese cuisine. While grilling and poaching are the most common ways to cook this bad boy, try the baked version. Bacalhau com natas (codfish with cream) is one of the specialities. Baked in a delicious cream sauce, it’s sure to get you licking your plate clean.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Bacalhau, Muro dos Bacalhoeiros 154, 4050-080}
Cataplana
The cataplana is one of Portugal’s favourite cooking utensils. This large clay pot is Portugal’s go-to method for delicious, slow-cooked meals. When in Porto, try Cataplana de peixe e marisco – this fish and seafood stew is slow-cooked in the cataplana in a tomato, garlic and white wine sauce.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Ora Viva, R. da Fonte Taurina 83, 4050-551}
Caldo Verde
Caldo verde, known as kale soup in English, is the ultimate soup for a cold winter’s day. Flavoured with Portuguese chouriço, this vegetable soup is thickened with pureed potatoes and flavoured with garlic. Pick up a bowl or two of this delicious soup at A Grade restaurant in Porto.

_{Best eaten at}
_{A Grade, R. de São Nicolau 9, 4050-561}
Francesinha
One of the most famous dishes of Porto, francesinha is the Portuguese twist on a classic French sandwich. Take some Portuguese bread and stuff it with four or five different meats, then drown it in cheese and sauce for the perfect francesinha. While many restaurants in Porto claim to have the best francesinha in the city, we love the one they make at Lado B.

_{Best eaten at}
_{Lado B, R. de Passos Manuel 165, 4000-382}

Food in Porto

Come to Porto hungry, because Portuguese people sure know how to cook. With stacks of fresh seafood and interesting ways to cook it, you’ll be eating your way through tonnes of delicious Porto food. Here are five dishes you should try when in Porto.

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