First time in Porto: Top sights, neighborhoods, and more

First time in Porto: Top sights, neighborhoods, and more

From port wine tastings to exploring the famous Ribeira district, here’s your first-timer’s guide to Porto.

Nestled between the Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean, Porto has stolen the hearts of travelers for centuries. Famous for its UNESCO-listed Ribeira neighborhood, world-class wine cellars, and stunning views, there are plenty of fun things to do in Porto for first-timers.

Spend your first time in Porto exploring the maze-like street of the old town, visiting iconic attractions like the Livrario Lello and the Clérigos Church, before settling down for a delicious dinner. From activities to the best neighborhoods to tips and what to avoid, this first-timer’s guide covers all the things to know about Porto.

Porto: Tips for first-timers

  1. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as Porto is built on steep hills, and the cobblestone streets can be slippery
  2. Many traditional restaurants don’t accept credit cards, so bring cash with you
  3. Port wine tastings are cheaper in Vila Nova de Gaia, which is right across the river and easily accessible, than in central Porto
  4. The food in Porto is what draws many travelers to the city, so make sure to try it all and check if some restaurants require booking
  5. Many shops and attractions are closed on Sundays, so be sure to plan ahead
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Porto's beautiful botanic gardens, like those of the Crystal Palace, are in full bloom come summer.

Best time to visit

Porto experiences mild winters and warm summers, so it’s a true year-round destination. The best time to go depends on what activities you’re most interested in.

Spring

Spring in Porto (March to May) brings mild temperatures of around 59 to 68 F (15 to 20 C) and some light rain. If nature is your thing, this is a great time to go: Porto’s beautiful parks and gardens, like those of the Crystal Palace, are in bloom.

Summer

Peak season runs from June to September, with temperatures often exceeding 77F (25C). Expect larger crowds at the most popular attractions, but summer in Porto offers perfect weather for trips to the nearby beaches.

Fall

If you’re interested in wine production, a trip in the fall is perfect for your first time in Porto — it’s harvest season in the Douro Valley, where port is produced. Porto’s fall is out of high season, so you can expect fewer tourists in the city.

Winter

December to February sees chillier temperatures (around 50 to 59F / 10-15C) and a fair amount of rain. Porto in winter is still charming, though. Its cozy wine bars come alive, and the streets are bedecked with festive decorations before Christmas.

Porto’s top 5 must-visit attractions

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Climbing to the top of Clérigos Church's bell tower offers panoramic views of the city.

1. Clérigos Church

Impressive Baroque architecture makes Clérigos Church one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks. Climbing to the top of the bell tower offers panoramic city views.

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Livrario Lello & Irmao is cited one of the world's most beautiful bookstores, thanks to its intricate woodwork and impressive Gothic architecture.

2. Livrario Lello & Irmao

Famously inspiring J.K. Rowling’s books, the Livrario Lello is a must-do in Porto for Harry Potter fans. A feat of Gothic architecture, the library has an incredible red staircase and intricate wooden interiors.

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Photo: Veronica Passaretti

The home of port wine, Porto's wine cellars offer world-class tastings and experiences.

3. Port wine cellars

Some of the best wine cellars are in Vila Nova de Gaia, just south of Porto. Cálem is one of the oldest wine houses in Portugal and offers tours, tastings, and Fado shows.

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Photo: Bex Walton

A former stock exchange building, the Palacio da Bolsa is famous for its Neoclassical architecture.

4. Palacio da Bolsa

The Palacio da Bolsa is famous for its ornate Neoclassical architecture and fascinating history — it was a former stock exchange building.

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Walk across the iconic Dom Luis Bridge for panoramic views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.

5. Dom Luis Bridge

The iconic Dom Luis Bridge’s upper level is pedestrianized; walk across for spectacular vistas of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Or, if you’re not a fan of heights, cruise along the Douro River for an alternative view.

Explore experiences at Porto’s top attractions

Best 3 neighborhoods to explore in Porto

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Ribeira's medieval streets, lined with colorful houses, cascade down to he Douro River.

1. Ribeira

Exploring Ribeira, the city’s atmospheric heart, is a must; it’s home to some of Porto's unmissable landmarks. Ribeira’s characterful cobbled streets — adorned with brightly colored and intricately tiled houses — wind down to a pretty square offering pretty Douro views.

2. Baixa

Historic charm meets contemporary energy in Baixa, downtown Porto, which is just as lively by day or night. In the day, visitors flock to the Praca da Liberdade, one of the city’s most iconic squares; in the evening, revelers from bars spill out onto the streets — Baixa offers some of the best nightlife in Porto.

3. Cedofeita

Cedofeita is a trendy bohemian neighborhood buzzing with galleries, vintage shops, and hipster cafés. Rua Miguel Bombarda runs through the district, attracting travelers and locals with its contemporary art scene.

Explore the highlights of Porto’s best neighborhoods

What to eat in Porto

Porto’s cuisine is hearty and influenced by the surrounding land and sea. The city is famous for its fresh seafood, rich stews, and unique sandwiches.

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A Francesinha is a must-try in Porto: this traditional sandwich comprises layers of bread and meat, covered in melted cheese.

Main dishes to try

Francesinha

Porto’s iconic sandwich features layers of bread and meat covered in melted cheese and spicy tomato sauce. Now there are vegetarian options also available.

Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá

A sumptuous codfish casserole with potatoes and olives — a hearty staple.

Tripas à Moda do Porto

The city’s signature tripe stew that gave locals their nickname “tripeiros”.

Sardinas Assadas

These charcoal-grilled sardines are especially popular during the summer.

Pastéis de Nata

Last but not least: classic Portuguese custard tarts, which are perfect for any time of day

Discover food and drink experiences in Porto

Getting to Porto

Flying into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport

Porto’s international airport is well-connected and serves most major European cities. Just 11km from the city center, the Metro (line E) takes about 30 minutes to get into the city. Buses, airport shuttles, and a 24/7 cab rank are also easy transport options.

Porto Campanhã Station

Porto Campanhã Station connects Porto to major Portuguese cities and international destinations, including France and Spain. Located slightly outside the city center, the station is easily accessible by metro or cab.

Getting around Porto

One of the most important things to know about Porto is that it’s easy to navigate. Walking is a great way to discover the city center, but the metro is a speedy way to get around Porto if you’re packing many activities into one day or traveling further afield.

Exploring Porto on foot

Ribeira’s cobbled streets are best explored on foot, although the steep hills can be challenging, especially in the heat.

Walking is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the different Porto neighborhoods, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Public transportation in Porto

Porto’s efficient and affordable public transport makes sightseeing a breeze. The metro system has six lines covering the city and suburbs. Buses are a good option too, although it’s worth noting that some areas of the city center are for pedestrians only. Porto’s tram network also operates along the Douro River, although this is more of a fun scenic activity than a mode of transport.

If you plan to use public transport, purchasing an Andante card is an easy and cost-effective option. For a set fee, you can make as many journeys on the bus, metro, or train as you like within one day. Alternatively, use your contactless bank card.

Book your city passes for Porto

What to avoid in Porto

  • To avoid misunderstandings, only take cabs if you’ve pre-agreed to the fare, or use a ride-hailing app.
  • The Ribeira waterfront is a beautiful spot for a coffee, but the restaurants tend to be overpriced. Seek out spots on the side streets for a more authentic experience.
  • A cultural faux pas is ordering port wine to accompany a meal. It’s usually consumed as aperitif or after a meal.
  • If you can help it, don’t rely solely on GPS to get around. Porto’s streets are old and winding, and GPS can sometimes be inaccurate.

Buy Porto transportation passes

FAQs

What’s the tipping policy in Porto?

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Porto, but for good service in restaurants, you can round up the bill or leave 5 to 10% (no more).

How many days should I spend in Porto as a first-time visitor?

A minimum of four days allows you to explore the main attractions, enjoy port wine tastings, and explore the surrounding areas.

Where’s a good area to stay in Porto?

If this is your first time in Porto, stay in Ribeira or Baixa/Sé for easy access to the main attractions. For a more local experience, Cedofeita is a good option, as it has a range of accommodation options and good transport links.

What are the best free things to do in Porto?

There are so many free things to do in Porto. Highlights include walking across the Dom Luis Bridge, exploring the Ribeira district, and visiting churches like the Igreja do Carmo.

Do I need to book restaurants in advance in Porto?

Yes, booking a few days ahead is wise, especially for popular restaurants in the historic center and during weekends.

Read more about Porto