Reasons to Travel to Porto, Portugal

By Bridget Castner


Prepare to be enchanted by Porto, a captivating blend of history, culture, and stunning beauty. Beyond its picturesque scenery, Porto comes alive with delicious food, world-renowned Port wine, and a soulful charm that will make you fall in love with its undeniable allure.

Need a little more convincing? Here are some of the top reasons to visit Porto.

Start exploring with our vacations to Porto or view all vacation packages to Portugal.


Port Wine and Cellar Tours

A visit to the city of Porto isn't complete without a tour of the famous Port wine cellars. Most tours will begin with a guided walk through the cellars where you will learn about the history of Port wine, the production process, the different types of Ports, and how it's aged in large wooden casks and vats.

Of course, the highlight of any tour is the tasting session! Porto boasts many wine cellars, so choose your favorite, enjoy stunning views from the lodges, and sample delicious port wines.

Pro tip: For a deeper dive into Port wine production, consider a day trip to the Douro Valley.


Historic Ribeira Quarter

In the heart of Porto lies a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic Ribeira Quarter. Here, you can explore the narrow cobbled streets full of hidden gems, small shops, charming nooks, and colorful houses.

Walk the lower deck of the Dom Luís I Bridge to get directly to Vila Nova de Gaia, home to many wine cellars. Alternatively, take the upper level for panoramic views. And while you're there, don't forget to catch some street performances, explore historic sites like Porto Cathedral, and enjoy a fresh seafood meal at a riverside restaurant.


Delicious Local Cuisine

Porto is a foodie's paradise, offering a diverse and flavorful culinary scene. A must-try staple is the famous Francesinha sandwich which consists of steak, ham, and sausage, and is topped with melted cheese and a flavorful, slightly spicy tomato and beer based sauce.

Be sure to also try Cataplana de Marisco (seafood stew), Bifana (marinated pork sandwich), and of course Porto's staple dessert - Pastel de Nata.


Stunning Architecture and Azulejos

Porto is filled with a rich architectural heritage from Romanesque and Gothic (Church of São), to Baroque (Clérigos Church and Tower), and Art Nouveau (Café Majestic).

Explore these wondrous places as well as buildings like São Bento Railway Station which features over 20,000 intricate hand-painted ceramic tiles known as "azulejos".


Museums, Museums, Museums

One of the best ways to learn about the rich history of Porto is through visiting some of the many museums there. Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis is the oldest and most famous museum in Porto where you'll find a vast selection of Portuguese paintings and sculptures from the 16th to 20th centuries by all different artists.

Don't miss the Tram Museum (Museu do Carro Eléctrico), where you can explore restored streetcars dating back to horse-drawn days, along with original uniforms and historical photographs. Other great museums to visit include the Military Museum of Port, Portuguese Centre of Photography, and Casa Museu Guerra Junqueiro.


Clérigos Tower

Clérigos Tower is one of the top attractions to visit in Porto. While it may seem like a lot to get to the top (approximately 240 steps!), you'll be rewarded with the most breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Porto. You can see everything from the colorful Ribeira District, to the winding Duouro River, and the port wine cellars across Vila Nova.

The tower and the adjoining Clérigos Church are stunning pieces of Baroque architecture, and even feature a museum where you can learn about the architect who created it.

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You may also like to read about:

Travel Guide to Porto, Portugal

Top Things to Do in Porto

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