The Best Things to See in Porto

Porto is a vibrant city on the river Douro in Portugal. The city is known for its stunning medieval streets, beautiful waterfront views, and its delicious port wine. Porto’s port wine production and its location by the Douro River have made it a popular spot for tourists from around the world. With a rich history and culture, Porto offers something for almost everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away, some good food and wine, or a unique cultural experience, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Porto.

A Brief History of Porto

Porto has a long and rich history, with evidence of human occupation in the area dating back to the Bronze Age. The city was first officially settled by the Romans in the first century AD and later taken over by the Moors in 711. Porto was retaken by the Christians in 1095 and has been under Christian rule ever since. The city grew in importance over the centuries, becoming an important trading hub and port city. By the 19th century, Porto had become the largest city in Portugal and a major center of port wine production. Today, Porto is one of Portugal’s most popular cities, with millions of tourists visiting each year to experience its unique culture, delicious food, and stunning architecture.

Location and Demographics

Porto is located on the north bank of the Douro River in northern Portugal. The city has a population of about 250,000 people and is part of Portugal’s second-largest metropolitan area after Lisbon. The city is known for its unique blend of modern and traditional architecture, with many of its buildings dating back to centuries ago. The city is also well-connected to other parts of Portugal and beyond, with train and bus lines connecting it to other cities in the region.

Things to Do in Porto

Porto has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend away or an action-packed adventure. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Porto:

Explore the City’s Historical Sites

Porto is home to some of the oldest buildings in Portugal, with many of them dating back centuries. You can explore these historical sites including churches, castles, and palaces. The Clerigos Tower is one of the most iconic sites in Porto, as is the Palacio da Bolsa which was built in 1842 and is now a museum detailing the history of commerce in Porto. Other historical sites include the São Bento Train Station, Igreja de São Francisco Church, and Palacio de Cristal Park.

Experience Local Culture

The locals in Porto are friendly and welcoming, making it easy to get a taste of local culture. Visit one of the city’s many markets for an insight into traditional Portuguese life. The Bolhao Market is a great place to start, with stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to clothes and antiques. Other markets worth visiting include Mercado do Bolhão, Mercado de Serralves, and Mercado de São Sebastião.

Visit the Beach

Porto has many stunning beaches within easy reach of the city center. Matosinhos Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the city and is perfect for a day of sunbathing and swimming. Other nearby beaches include Praia do Foz and Praia da Azurara Beach.

Taste Delicious Food

Porto has an excellent food scene with some of the country’s best restaurants. Start your food tour at one of the city’s many local seafood restaurants and taste some traditional Portuguese dishes such as caldeirada (seafood stew) or arroz de marisco (seafood rice). Other local favorites include bacalhau (salt cod) and pastéis de nata (custard tarts). To try some of Porto’s best dishes head to Rua da Galeria de Paris or Rua do Infante Santo for some delicious food experiences.

Enjoy a Glass of Port Wine

No trip to Porto would be complete without tasting some of its famous port wine. This sweet fortified wine has been made in the region since the 18th century and is now exported all over the world. Head to one of Porto’s many port wine cellars for a wine tasting experience or pick up a bottle from one of the many shops in the city to enjoy back at your hotel or apartment.

Take a Boat Ride on the Douro River

The Douro River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe and is well worth exploring by boat. There are several boat tours available that take you downriver from Porto to Régua or Pinhão for stunning views of the river and its banks. Alternatively, you can take a short cruise around Porto itself for a more leisurely experience.

Popular Tours

In addition to exploring the city on your own, there are several popular tours available that can help you make the most out of your time in Porto. Here are two popular tours worth considering:

Douro Valley Full-Day Tour

This full-day tour takes you on an exploration of one of Portugal’s most beautiful regions – the Douro Valley. This tour includes stops at several vineyards where you can learn about port wine production as well as explore some charming villages along the way. You’ll also get to sample some delicious local wines as well as take part in a traditional Portuguese lunch. At the end of the day, you’ll be dropped off back in Porto where you can explore more of what this vibrant city has to offer. Book a Douro Valley Tour here.

Porto Food Tour

This 3-hour tour takes you on an exploration of some of Porto’s best food spots where you can sample some delicious local dishes such as pastéis de nata (custard tarts), bacalhau (salt cod), port wine, and much more. Your experienced guide will take you around some of Porto’s best restaurants and bars while sharing interesting stories along the way. This tour is perfect for foodies who want to get a taste of traditional Portuguese cuisine while learning more about the culture of this fascinating city. Book a Porto Food Tour here.

Conclusion

Porto is an amazing city with something for everyone – from exploring its historical sites to tasting delicious food and enjoying some port wine. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed adventure or just a relaxing weekend away, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city. With its rich culture, stunning architecture, and delicious food, Porto is sure to be an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits.