The Ultimate Porto Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay & Tips 🇵🇹✨
Photo by Magda Ehlers
Porto is one of those cities that captivates you from the moment you arrive—quaint, charming, and full of history, yet bustling with life, amazing food, and breathtaking views. I’ve visited twice now, and I already know I’ll be back again!
If you’re planning a trip to Porto, this guide will help you make the most of your visit, covering the best places to stay, top things to do, and insider tips to help you explore the city like a pro. Let’s dive in!
When to Visit Porto ☀️🌊
Porto is a year-round destination, but if you want fewer crowds and great weather, I highly recommend visiting between late winter and early spring (February – April). Both times I visited Porto, I went in February, and it was:
✅ Affordable – Flights and hotels were cheaper compared to peak season – check out Omio for the best transit options!
✅ Less Crowded – No crazy tourist crowds, making it easier to explore.
✅ Great Weather – Still mild and enjoyable for walking around!
So if you’re looking for a budget-friendly yet incredible experience, aim for these months!
Where to Stay in Porto 🏨
For the best experience, I highly recommend staying central—this way, you’re close to all the attractions, food spots, and transportation hubs.
✨ YOTEL Porto – My Top Accommodation Pick!
On my most recent trip, I stayed at YOTEL Porto, and I can’t recommend it enough!
💡 Why Stay Here?
✅ Great location – Close to key attractions.
✅ Spacious, clean, & modern rooms – Super comfortable stay!
✅ Affordable rates – I paid €50-70 per night (prices vary).
✅ Amenities – On-site gym, restaurant, rooftop terrace, and a cozy lobby lounge.
✅ Friendly staff – Always helpful with recommendations.
💡 Pro Tip: Book in advance for the best deals, especially if you’re visiting during peak months!
Now, let’s talk experiences! Whether you’re a foodie, a history lover, or someone who just wants to soak in the city’s charm, here are the best things to do in Porto:
1️⃣ Visit Mercado do Bolhão 🛍️
This recently renovated market is one of Porto’s most famous, offering a mix of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local delicacies. It’s a great first stop to get a feel for Porto’s culture and grab a snack before exploring the city!
2️⃣ Walk Across the Dom Luís I Bridge & Watch the Sunset 🌉🌅
One of Porto’s most iconic landmarks! Walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge and head to Jardim do Morro on the Vila Nova de Gaia side for a breathtaking sunset over Porto’s skyline.
3️⃣ Go on a Private Food Tour with Context Travel 🍽️
If you love authentic, local food experiences, I highly recommend doing a private food tour with Context Travel! You’ll get to taste:
✅ Jesuitas (a flaky, sweet pastry)
✅ Francesinha (Porto’s legendary sandwich)
✅ Bifana (Portuguese pork sandwich)
✅ Porto wine & green wine 🍷
💡 Use my code “FANCYNANCISTA” for a discount! Also, check out my recent video here to see what the tour is like!
4️⃣ Go Port Wine Tasting 🍷
Porto is THE birthplace of port wine, so you can’t leave without trying it! Head to one of the famous cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia for a tasting experience at spots like Graham’s, Taylor’s, or Potus Wines.
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in traditional Portuguese culture, don’t miss a Fado show—a truly soulful experience! 🎶✨ Pair it with a Port wine tasting for the perfect night in Porto. 🍷 Book your experience here!
Photo by Magda Ehlers
5️⃣ Eat the Best Pastel de Nata at Manteigaria 🥐
No trip to Portugal is complete without pastel de nata, and Manteigaria makes some of the best in the city! Get one fresh out of the oven with a sprinkle of cinnamon—trust me, you’ll want more than one.
6️⃣ Visit the Famous Livraria Lello 📚
This gorgeous bookstore is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s vision of Hogwarts while she lived in Porto. The architecture is absolutely stunning, but heads up—it gets crowded, so go early!
7️⃣ Explore Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) 🏰
One of the city’s oldest and most important landmarks. It offers amazing panoramic views of Porto, so bring your camera! Book your ticket here.
8️⃣ Visit the WOW – World of Wine 🍷
A unique cultural district in Gaia featuring wine experiences, museums, restaurants, and a chocolate factory. Whether you’re a wine lover or just want to learn more about Portugal’s culture, this place is worth a visit!
9️⃣ Stroll Along the Gaia Waterfront 🚶♀️
Take a scenic walk along the riverside promenade in Vila Nova de Gaia, lined with cute cafés, bars, and stunning views of Porto’s cityscape.
🔟 The São Bento Railway Station 🚉
More than just a train station—this place is a masterpiece! Its interior is covered in 20,000 blue and white azulejo tiles, depicting scenes from Portugal’s history. A must-see!
Photo by Liv Kao
1️⃣1️⃣ Take a Day Trip to the Douro Valley 🍇
If you have time, a day trip to the Douro Valley is 100% worth it! This UNESCO-listed wine region offers stunning vineyard views, boat cruises, and some of the best wines in the world.
1️⃣2️⃣ Discover Porto’s Hidden Gem: Palácio de Cristal Gardens 🌿
Want a peaceful escape with gorgeous city views? Visit Palácio de Cristal Gardens—a lush green space filled with peacocks, fountains, and stunning lookout points over the Douro River!
Final Thoughts & Call to Action 🚀
Porto is one of my favorite cities in Europe, and whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always something new to discover.
✅ Best time to visit: Late winter – early spring
✅ Where to stay: YOTEL Porto
✅ Must-do experiences: Food tour, wine tasting, and sunset at Jardim do Morro
Have you been to Porto, or is it on your bucket list? Let me know in the comments! And if you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it! 😊
