Contemplating a visit to Portugal? Take advantage of Porto insider tips on the best things to see which will make the most of your trip.
Porto is fast climbing the chart of top European destinations for tourists and travelers. Loaded with attractions and several places that are worth visiting, it is a guarantee that you will have one of the most memorable holidays of your life.
People in Porto are warm and hospitable. What you can look forward to is a good mix of great good, excellent sites, and great architecture with many fun things to do in Porto. Porto nightlife is entertaining and safe.
When to go to Porto?
Porto can be enjoyed at any time of the year. However, the best time to explore the city is around March till October as winters can be very cold, as the temperatures between March and October are mild and pleasant, one can plan a trip around this time of the year.
Take private tours in Porto to explore the city to the best and make the most of your time.
How to get to Porto
Porto is easy to access and can be easily reached via road, train or by air.
There are regular flights to Porto from all over Europe with low-cost carriers to the city’s Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport. The airport is well connected to both national and international destinations.
As a vital railway hub, Porto’s Sao Bento Train Station is well connected to cities and north destinations.
Other popular alternatives include traveling by bus or a car. It is easy to travel by road because of the excellent road connections across the whole of Portugal.
Once you reach Porto, you will find that it is easy to explore the small hilly city on foot. Hence walk around to see the major sights that are well within reach and enjoy great sights and views at every turn.
Porto Insider Tips on What Not to Miss
There are sites and attractions that you should not miss on your first trip.
- Start with the Historic Centre of Porto which is a World Cultural Heritage Site and offers a wealth of monuments and sights such as the gothic Igreja de São Francisco and Praça da Ribeira, a UNESCO recognized historical square.
- Palácio da Bolsa was made between 1842 and 1910 and belongs to the Porto Chamber of Commerce. Enjoy guided tours to this pretty Stock Exchange building which is a must see.
- Walk across the D. Luís I bridge that lies on the southern banks of the River Douro and enjoy some great views of the city. Keep your camera ready to capture some fantastic shots.
- Take a guided tour of Port wine lodges and enjoy the visit of the interesting museum as well as get to taste the best Port wines. Later, you can even take cable car trip up to the Jardim do Morro and back to the Baixa area on a metro.
- Porto doesn’t disappoint book lovers. If you love books, simply head for Lello Bookshop, which is well known as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. Enjoy the books, pick up a Porto guide, and absorb the ambiance.
- Torre dos Clérigos is a building for religious meetings and was constructed around the mid-18th century. Explore its six floors and reach the top to enjoy some magnificent views of the city.
- Café Majestic is the most historical café of the city. Its Belle Epoch art nouveau interior is a must see. Linger in this stunning space to enjoy a sizzling cup of hot coffee.
- Casa da Música, the Music House in Portugal was the first building to be made and dedicated to music. Casa da Música is well known for Porto 2001, the European Capital of Culture festival held in Porto. Things to do: Enjoy live band performances apart from the traditional musical scenes.
- Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art is the most important museum in Porto and indeed one of the best museums in the country. Explore the vast gardens as well as the displays inside.
- Parque da Cidade, the largest park, works like the green lung for the city and boasts of green spaces with plenty of walking trails. Enjoy those walks as well as admire the diverse fauna and flora for an enriching experience.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using CheapOAir, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to TripAdvisor.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.
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