If you’re planning a trip to Oporto, Portugal, congratulations! You’re about to discover one of the most charming cities in Europe. Oporto, also known as Porto, is famous for its wine, its historic center, and its bridges. With this guide, we’ll give you some tips on what to see, where to stay, and where to eat during your three-day visit. We’ll also suggest some routes and free tours to help you make the most of your time in this beautiful city.
What to See in Oporto, Portugal
Oporto has a lot to offer, so it’s important to plan your visit in advance. Some of the most important places to visit are:
- Ribeira: This neighborhood is located on the banks of the Douro River and is one of the most picturesque areas in Oporto. You can stroll along the riverfront and enjoy the colorful buildings and the historic architecture.
- Ponte de Dom Luís I: This bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in Oporto. You can cross it on foot or by tram and enjoy breathtaking views of the city and the river.
- Torre dos Clérigos: This tower is one of the tallest structures in Oporto and offers panoramic views of the city. You can climb to the top and take some amazing photos.
- Livraria Lello: This bookstore is one of the most beautiful in the world. Its neo-gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and spiral staircase make it a must-visit for book lovers and fans of Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling was inspired by this bookstore when she wrote her famous series).
- São Bento Station: This train station is known for its beautiful tiled walls, which depict scenes from Portuguese history. It’s worth taking a few minutes to admire the tiles and take some photos.
- Port Wine Cellars: Oporto is famous for its port wine, which is produced in the Douro Valley. You can visit the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia and learn about the history and production of this delicious wine. Don’t forget to taste some!
Routes in Oporto, Portugal
If you want to explore Oporto in a more organized way, we suggest the following routes:
- Historic Center Route: This route takes you through the most important historic buildings and monuments in the city center, such as the Cathedral, the City Hall, and the Clérigos Tower.
- Riverfront Route: This route follows the banks of the Douro River and takes you to some of the most picturesque neighborhoods in Oporto, such as Ribeira, Miragaia, and Foz.
- Port Wine Route: This route takes you to the cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you can learn about the history and production of port wine and taste some of the best wines in the region.
Where to Stay in Oporto, Portugal
Oporto has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Some of our recommendations are:
- The Yeatman: This 5-star hotel is located in Vila Nova de Gaia and offers stunning views of the river and the city. It’s also home to one of the best restaurants in Oporto.
- InterContinental Porto – Palácio das Cardosas: This historic hotel is located in the heart of the city center, next to the City Hall and the Clérigos Tower. It’s the perfect location for exploring the city on foot.
- Oporto City Hostel: This budget hostel is located in the Ribeira neighborhood and offers clean and comfortable rooms at an affordable price.
Where to Eat in Oporto, Portugal
Oporto is a paradise for foodies, with a wide range of restaurants and cafés serving traditional Portuguese dishes and international cuisine. Some of our favorites are:
- Cantinho do Avillez: This restaurant, owned by celebrity chef José Avillez, serves creative and delicious dishes inspired by Portuguese cuisine. Don’t miss the codfish with cornbread and aioli!
- Café Santiago: This is the place to go if you want to try the famous Francesinha, a sandwich with several types of meat, covered with cheese and a special sauce. It’s a true delicacy!
- Majestic Café: This café has been open since 1921 and is one of the most iconic places in Oporto. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee and a pastry while admiring the beautiful Art Nouveau decor.
- Tapabento: This tapas restaurant offers a great selection of Portuguese and Mediterranean dishes, as well as a wide range of wines and cocktails. Try the octopus rice and the black pork loin!
Free Tours in Oporto, Portugal
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Oporto, we recommend taking one of the free tours offered by local guides. Some of the most popular tours are:
- Free Walking Tour: This tour takes you through the historic center of Oporto and covers the main landmarks and monuments of the city.
- Port Wine Cellar Tour: This tour takes you to one of the most famous port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, where you’ll learn about the history and production of this delicious wine.
- Street Art Tour: This tour takes you through the streets of Oporto to discover some of the most amazing street art murals and graffiti.
FAQs
- What is the best time to visit Oporto? The best time to visit Oporto is from May to September, when the weather is sunny and warm.
- Do I need a visa to visit Portugal? If you’re a citizen of the EU, the USA, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand, you don’t need a visa to visit Portugal for up to 90 days.
- How can I get around Oporto? Oporto has a good public transport system, including buses, trams, and metro. You can also explore the city on foot or by bike.
- What is the currency in Portugal? The currency in Portugal is the Euro.
Oporto is a beautiful and charming city that deserves to be explored. With this guide, we hope we’ve given you some useful tips and recommendations on what to see, where to stay, and where to eat during your visit. Don’t forget to take a free tour and taste some delicious port wine!
If you want to learn more about Oporto, we recommend visiting the official website of the Oporto Tourism Board, where you’ll find more information on events, attractions, and activities in the city.
