Porto is one of Europe's oldest tourist destinations. Its wealth of monumental and artistic heritage, Port Wine, open-air leisure spaces and cultural life are just some of the reasons to visit this city.
At any time of the day, 365 days of the year, Porto has a special charm for anyone visiting the city for the first time, as it does for those coming back for a second visit, to discover a city that is simultaneously modern and authentic. In 1996, the historical centre of Porto was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
The city unfolds along the river bank and the sea shore, to reveal charming vistas, inviting esplanades and all the pleasures of the outdoors, framed by its green spaces.
Setting out to discover Porto means bumping into surprise after surprise. Whilst maintaining its welcoming and conservative nature, the city is, at the same time, contemporary and creative. This can be seen in its streets, its architectures and its monuments, its museums, its leisure spaces, its esplanades and its shopping areas which run from the traditional to the modern and exclusive.
Events enliven the annual cultural and sporting calendars, culminating in ‘São João’, the city’s very own Feast.
At night, Porto turns into a new and different city, with entertainment and leisure opportunities that cater to all tastes and excitement that bubbles up to fill the streets with energy and cheerfulness. There’s a wide offer of lodging ranges from well-known hotel chains, charming guesthouses, welcoming hostels and comfortable apartments.
As the main gateway to the North of Portugal and three other World Heritage Sites, Guimarães, Foz Côa and the Douro Valley, a whole world of experiences awaits the visitor. Each day can be quite unlike the day before – one day you might be in a World Heritage city centre, the next at the seaside or on a wine tasting trip up the Douro valley, or hiking through the National Park or exploring an important religious site, such as Fátima or Santiago de Compostela.
Best hotels
in Porto
9.0
Porto Moments Apartments
Situated in the historical center of Gaia
Amazing views, unique design, great staff
9.0
The Artist Porto ★★★★
Located near the famous Bolhao Market
Service, atmosphere, bar & restaurant
8.6
9.4
Porto
image gallery
Tours & Activities
in Porto
Top things to do
in Porto
Feel the history at World Heritage Porto Historical Centre
In 1996, the historical centre was classified as a World Heritage Site, based on its historical, architectural and social qualities. Those who wander its narrow lanes - will see that there is no staged scenery – will get to meet the people who live there, smell the aromas of home-cooking, see the clothes drying on the balconies, the cats peeking out from behind the doors, the children playing in the street...
Experience Port Wine
Port wine is present in this city in a multitude of forms and sensations: whether in a wine or a gourmet shop; at a guided tasting in one of the wine cellars, among the casks and mashing tubs; in the company of a cheese board and dried fruit aperitifs; a stay at a wine hotel; at a relaxing moment in a spa. Whatever you choose to do, let yourself be carried away by your senses, for then you can be sure that your experience will be an unforgettable one!
Indulge yourself in the city centre
The buildings in the city centre create a curious mosaic of different architectural styles, from Neoclassical to Art Nouveau, amongst which the Livraria Lello stands out, one of the three most beautiful bookshops in the world.
In the city centre you will find all kinds of shopping options - commercial streets, local markets (Bolhão), and shopping centres, as well as several traditional restaurants and cafés (Majestic).
Casa da Musica
On a par with the historic legacy for which it is well-known, Porto also explores its identity in terms of sophistication and contemporariness.
The Serralves Foundation and the Casa da Música contribute both as architectural icons and centres for distinctive cultural offerings.
How to make the most of the outdoors - River and Sea
Porto is a riverside city, also bathed by the Atlantic that welcomes us with its pleasant beaches, bordered by appetising esplanades. The Marinas and the Ribeira docks welcome leisure and tourist boats and both up and down the water course there are multiple opportunities to practise water sports such as sailing, rowing, canoeing, diving, surfing and water-skiing.
