City

Porto

Expand map
Joao Marques, poncho and 49 more people have been here
Translate

Porto (Portuguese: Oporto) is an enchanting coastal city nestled in the northwest of Portugal. It is known for its stately bridges, historic city centre, and world-renowned Port wine, cultivated in the extensive vineyards that surround the city. With a moniker as the 'City of Bridges,' Porto masterfully blends diverse architectural styles, vibrant culture, and a rich tapestry of history dating back to Roman times.

Porto Vineyards and the Art of Port Wine

The vineyards of the Douro Valley, situated just outside of Porto, are an essential facet of the city's identity. As one of the oldest wine regions in the world, the valley is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The undulating terraces of vineyards sculpt the landscape, crafting a breathtaking view for anyone fortunate enough to visit.

The vineyards produce the grapes used in the making of the city's famous Port wine. This fortified wine is renowned worldwide and is intrinsically linked to the city's history and culture. Visitors to Porto can tour the vineyards, learning about the vinification process, and enjoy the picturesque vistas over the Douro Valley. Many wine cellars or 'caves' offer tastings, allowing wine enthusiasts to savor this sweet, potent drink, and gain insight into its rich heritage.

A City Rich in History

Porto's past spans back to the Roman Empire, contributing to the city's eclectic mix of architectural styles, which ranges from medieval remnants to modern masterpieces. The historic center, known as Ribeira, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site characterized by winding, narrow cobblestone streets flanked by vibrant houses and leading to a bustling riverfront.

The Porto Cathedral, an imposing presence in the city skyline, stands as a testament to Romanesque architecture, adorned with later Gothic and Baroque enhancements. Notably, the city houses Livraria Lello, hailed as one of the world's most stunning bookstores, with claims of inspiring settings in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series.

A Culinary Paradise

Porto's gastronomy, rich and diverse, offers everything from traditional Portuguese cuisine to avant-garde culinary innovations. Quintessential dishes like 'Francesinha,' a robust sandwich laden with various meats and smothered in melted cheese and a hot tomato and beer sauce, and 'Bacalhau,' a codfish dish prepared in countless ways, are a must-try.

Cultural Vibrancy and Nightlife

Porto teems with culture, boasting a thriving arts scene, dynamic nightlife, and numerous festivals year-round. It hosts a myriad of museums, such as the Serralves Museum—Portugal's premier contemporary art museum—and the Soares dos Reis National Museum, which houses an impressive collection of Portuguese art.

The city illuminates with life at night, presenting a plethora of bars, clubs, and music venues. Galerias de Paris, a street brimming with nightlife venues, caters to all tastes.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a gourmand, a wine aficionado, or an explorer of vibrant city life, Porto can cater to your preferences. It's a city where tradition and modernity converge, every street corner tells a story, and each meal is an adventure. In Porto, there's always something new waiting to be discovered.

An Evocative Walk Through History

With a rich and complex history dating back to the Roman times, Porto is a veritable timeline of architectural and cultural influences. It is said that the city was established under the Roman Empire around 300 BC, and remnants of this ancient civilization can still be found in the city, particularly in the archaeological area known as 'Cividade.'

During the 8th century, Porto fell under the Islamic influence due to the Moorish invasion of the Iberian Peninsula, before being reconquered by Christians in the 9th century during the Reconquista. The next few centuries marked a period of expansion, fortified by the construction of the city walls, parts of which still survive today.

In the 14th and 15th centuries, Porto played a significant role in the Age of Discovery, launching many exploratory expeditions to Africa, America, and Asia. The prosperity of these voyages contributed to the city's growth and the construction of iconic buildings, such as the Church of Santa Clara.

The 18th century brought about the production of Port wine, which bolstered the city's economy significantly and continues to be an integral part of Porto's identity. Over the years, Porto has grown into a vibrant city, maintaining a harmonious balance of its storied past and dynamic modernity. The city continues to fascinate visitors with its resilient spirit, preserved in the city's architecture, culture, and the heart of its people.

Whether you're walking the historic streets of Ribeira or tasting the city's world-renowned Port wine, every experience in Porto offers a glimpse into the city's rich past, intertwined with its lively present. Embarking on a journey through Porto is akin to flipping through the pages of a living history book - each chapter filled with fascinating tales waiting to be told.

Porto tourist attractions and interesting places

See all See all
Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Clérigos Church

The Clérigos Church (Portuguese: Igreja dos Clérigos, pronounced ]; 'C

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Cais da Ribeira

Cais da Ribeira is a tourist attraction, one of the Coastal

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Arrábida Bridge

The Arrábida Bridge is an arch bridge of reinforced concrete which

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
She Changes

She Changes, known locally as anémona (the anemone) is a sculpture

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves

O Museu de Arte Contemporânea da Fundação de Serralves fica na ci

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Porto Cathedral

The Porto Cathedral (português. 'Sé do Porto'), located in the h

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Casa da Música

Casa da Música (English: House of Music) is a major concert hall

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Coliseu do Porto

The Coliseum of Porto (Portuguese: Coliseu do Porto) is a Portuguese

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Jardines del Palacio de Cristal (Oporto)

Paghimo ni bot Lsjbot.

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Palácio da Bolsa

The Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) is a historical building

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Miradouro da Vitória

Miradouro da Vitória is a tourist attraction, one of the Scenic

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Igreja do Carmo (Porto)

A Igreja do Carmo ou Igreja da Venerável Ordem Terceira de Nossa

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Farolim de Felgueiras

O Farolim de Felgueiras, ou Farol de Felgueiras, ou Farolim do Molhe

Add to wishlist
I've been here
Visited
Piscinas de Marés

Piscinas de Marés (Portuguese: Swimming Pools of the Sea) is swimming

See all nearby places

Hotels in Porto

See all hotels See all
Booking.com
Varanda 2

starting $0

Frente 1

starting $55

Frente 1

starting $0

Ultimo

starting $0

Exe Almada Porto

starting $439

Varanda 2

starting $0

Vera Cruz Porto Hotel

starting $107

Charm Garden Almada

starting $75

Flight tickets to Porto

Post a comment
Tips & Hints
Arrange By: