Porto holidays

It takes a single holiday to Porto to fall under the spell of this hillside getaway by the river. Portugal’s compact second city is a tangle of church towers, terracotta rooftops and white-tiled facades. But poke just past its postcard veneer and you’ll find greater rewards, including avant-garde architecture, interactive museums and a thriving wine scene that goes way beyond the city’s namesake digestif.

Porto holiday highlights

Porto
Porto
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Colourful history

Take postcard-perfect photos of Cais da Ribeira’s pastel-painted houses stacked tightly on the hill while on your city break to porto. You’ll get a great view of the neighbourhood from the Luis I Bridge, which was built in the 19th century with intricate metalwork. See blue and white ‘azulejos’ (traditional tiles) at Sao Bento Train Station, where over 20,000 tiles create a mural of historical events. 

Culinary adventures

Whether you choose ‘bolinhos de bacalhau’ (deep fried codfish cakes), ‘bifana’ (sandwiches with marinated pork), or grilled sardines, holidays to Porto will thrill your taste buds. You'll need to sample ruby, tawny and white port varieties to discover your favourite while indulging in the city's famous export. Get right into the foodie scene with trips to vineyards and cooking classes.

Beach breaks

Take the metro or a 15-minute drive to put your feet in the sand at Praia de Matosinhos and stay for seafood at beachfront restaurants. A tram trip gets you to Foz do Douro for lighthouse views and an esplanade that’s perfect for strolling. Pack your binoculars for bird watching on a weekend break to Porto at Praia do Cabedelo do Douro, where a nature reserve meets the sand. 

Porto: Know before you go

Language

Portuguese

Currency

euro (€)

Time zone

UTC+0 (WET) and UTC+1 (WEST)

High season

July – August

Low season

January – February

Find the best time to go to Porto

Weather in Porto

March – May: Spring brings mild temperatures and frequent showers, so pack a rain jacket. Look out for seasonal blooms in the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal.

June – September: Summer is the most popular time to visit Porto, with warm, sunny days and clear skies. Soak up the city’s street life, from markets to open-air dining and concerts.

October – November: Warm weather can linger well into October, but you’ll get some rain once autumn sets in. Schedule a wine-tasting tour of the Douro Valley, which lights up with golden foliage.

December – February: Prepare for chilly days and consistent rain. Bundle up and explore Porto’s museums, galleries and cathedrals without the crowds.

Events in Porto

Fantasporto (February to March): This world-renowned festival is a must for fans of sci-fi, horror and fantasy movies. Expect a diverse lineup of cutting-edge Portuguese and international cinema alongside talks and panel discussions.

Serralves em Festa (June): Portugal’s biggest arts festivalis 50 hours of non-stop music, theatre and circus shows, alongside film and photography exhibitions.

Primavera Sound (June): Some of the biggest names in the music industry come to Parque da Cidade for this popular event. Previous lineups include Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar, Patti Smith and Blur.

Douro & Porto Wine Festival (July): Sample local dishes and the region’s best pours at this celebration of food and wine in the Douro Valley. Wine tasting, cooking shows and live music round out the fun.

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The best neighbourhoods in Porto

Ribeira

Ribeira is the best neighbourhood to stay in Porto for walking to the top sights. Admire medieval Se cathedral, the neoclassical Bolsa Palace and artisan shops between lively tavernas. Just remember to pack comfy shoes for uphill cobblestone alleys and book hotels early as it’s the most popular area in high seasons.

Good for: Historical landmarks, restaurants, shopping

Cedofeita

If you’re wondering where to stay in Porto to inspire your inner artist, choose bohemian Cedofeita. Explore art galleries and vintage shops along Rua de Miguel Bombarda. Wander around long enough and you’ll glimpse the authentic Porto way of life, backdropped by edgy street art. Downhill, neighbouring Miragaia’s maze of cobbled lanes was a medieval Jewish quarter.

Good for: Art galleries, vintage shopping, medieval landmarks

Baixa

Dress up for wine bars or drink craft beer in cool gastropubs in Baixa (city centre), the best area to stay in Porto for nightlife. Get your daily step count up on the spiral staircase to the top of the 18th-century Torre dos Clerigos belltower for extraordinary views. And check the city’s calendar of events for festivals and exhibitions held along the grand Avenida dos Aliados.

Good for: Nightlife, landmarks, shopping, dining

Things to do in Porto

Porto
Porto

Family friendly things to do

Harry Potter fans will feel right at home at Livraria Lello, the bookstore that supposedly inspired author J.K. Rowlings’ depictions of Hogwarts. Rides on the city’s vintage yellow trams are among the best things to do with family in Porto. For a more active endeavor, hire bikes and cycle along the Douro River to Felgueiras lighthouse and beach.

Shopping

Sip coffee underneath the chandeliers of the famous Majestic Cafe before setting out to explore Rua de Santa Catarina. The pedestrian street hosts international retailers and side streets dotted with local boutiques. For fresh food shopping in Porto, the sounds, smells and colours of Bolhao Market make it an adventure. Don’t miss Saturday’s Vandoma Flea Market to rummage through old books, stamps, vinyls and clothes. 

Take in the culture

Learn about wine-making, sports or artworks at fascinating museums in Porto. Check out the seven museums at the World of Wine cultural district in the Vila Nova de Gaia area to learn about the region’s viticulture. Football fans in your group? FC Porto Museum is for you. Discover Portuguese art housed in a palace at the National Museum Soares dos Reis. Consider buying a Porto.CARD for discounts on multiple venues.

Nightlife

Start your night with a beer or port at Miradouro Ignez overlooking terracotta rooftops and the river at sunset. You’re guaranteed to find fun nightlife in Porto along Rua Galeria de Paris, where partygoers spill out onto the streets from bars and clubs. Street performers serenade tourists at the riverfront venues of Cais da Ribeira, and Hard Club in Market Ferreira Borges hosts live music shows. 

Places to eat

Dine at rooftop terraces with views across the river in the Vila Nova de Gaia area, where historical wine cellars join gourmet restaurants in Porto. Take your pick of charming eateries around Avenida dos Aliados and Liberty Square or indulge in Michelin-starred meals at the Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant. To eat like the locals, settle in at authentic ‘tascas’ (traditional Portuguese restaurants) across the city.

Free things to do

Go searching for street art to photograph (especially in Cedofeita) and see ‘azulejo’ tiles on heritage buildings such as Capela das Almas church. When it comes to free things to do in Porto though, it’s hard to beat the viewpoints. The most popular spot at sunset is Jardim do Morro, but there’s a chance of avoiding the crowds at clifftop Miradouro das Fontainhas.  

Plan your holiday to Porto

Budget

From relaxing in scenic parks to eating at rustic restaurants, you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly activities to fill a cheap holiday in Porto. Enjoy an inexpensive meal for about ten euros (€), a local beer for €3 and a coffee for €2. Short taxi rides start at around €4. But you’ll save even more using Porto’s great public transport network.

Day trips from Porto

Take the train just over an hour to reach Guimarães, a UNESCO-listed gem with a stunning 15th-century palace. A bit farther north, Braga awaits with its rich history and Portugal’s oldest cathedral. If you’re up for an outdoor adventure, hire a car and explore Parque Nacional da Peneda-Gerês. The country’s only national park is filled with scenic hiking trails and breathtaking landscapes.

Getting around Porto

Buy an Andante Card to take advantage of the city’s metro lines, buses and trams. Or choose the unlimited transport option with a Porto.CARD. If you stay in compact Ribeira, it’s easy to walk to most attractions. A cheap funicular ride gets you up the steep hill from the river, and Tram No. 1 runs to the Foz do Douro beaches. Taxis are readily available.

FAQs about Porto holidays

With an average rainfall of 21 cm, December is the wettest month to go on a Porto holiday. When the skies open up, head indoors and make the most of the city's cafes, galleries, museums and more.
Whether it's your first visit or your tenth, no trip to this city is ever the same. If checking out attractions is on your list of things to do in Porto, don't forget to include Livraria Lello and Ribeira District.
Portuguese is what you'll hear most around here. From common greetings to unique local expressions, you're sure to pick up some new phrases during your city break in Porto.
January is the coolest time of year to visit. Set off on your Porto holiday then and you can expect lows of 3ºC (37ºF).
With fantastic transport options and walkable districts, it’s possible to see the attractions on a weekend break to Porto. We recommend staying for about a week for day trips to beaches and wineries.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) for purchases during your trip to Porto. Pay by card when you can, but have some cash as a backup for places that don't accept cards.
The warmest month in Porto is August, with maximum temperatures of 32ºC (90ºF).
Weekend breaks to Porto are popular with travellers looking to experience the nightlife in this city, which is generally considered safe. Stick to the tourist neighbourhoods, avoid dark alleys and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas.
May is the cheapest time to take a trip to Porto based on airfares. Make the most of the discounts on Porto flights and hotels and treat yourself to a longer break.
Your city break in Porto can differ in price based on anything from your travel dates to trip length. To score a great deal on Porto flights and hotels, stay flexible with your departure plans and look out for early bird offers and promotions.
Pack layers and a rain jacket for a holiday to Porto between November and February, but it’s worth it for huge savings on flights and hotels. Plus, you won’t have to jostle with crowds to get near the top attractions.

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