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Porto

Opening up like a pop-up book from the banks of the Rio Douro, edgy-yet-opulent Porto entices with its historic center and sumptuous food and wine.

Attractions

Igreja de São Francisco
Ribeira
Igreja de São Francisco looks from the outside to be an austerely Gothic church, but inside it hides one of Portugal’s most dazzling displays of baroque…
Serralves
Foz do Douro
This fabulous cultural institution combines a museum, a mansion and extensive gardens. Cutting-edge exhibitions, along with a fine permanent collection…
Sé
Ribeira
From Praça da Ribeira rises a tangle of medieval alleys and stairways that eventually reach the hulking, hilltop fortress of the cathedral. Founded in the…
Ponte de Dom Luís I
Ribeira
Completed in 1886 by a student of Gustave Eiffel, the bridge’s top deck is now reserved for pedestrians, as well as one of the city’s metro lines; the…
Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis
Miragaia
Porto's best art museum presents a stellar collection ranging from Neolithic carvings to Portugal’s take on modernism, all housed in the formidable…
Palácio da Bolsa
Ribeira
This splendid neoclassical monument (built from 1842 to 1910) honours Porto’s past and present money merchants. Just past the entrance is the glass-domed…
São Bento Train Station
Aliados & Bolhão
One of the world's most beautiful train stations, beaux arts São Bento wings you back to a more graceful age of rail travel. Completed in 1903, it seems…
Livraria Lello
Aliados & Bolhão
Ostensibly a bookshop, but even if you’re not after books, don’t miss this exquisite 1906 neo-Gothic confection, with its lavishly carved plaster…

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  "destination": "Porto",
  "city": "Porto",
  "region": "The-Douro-&-Trás-os-Montes",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "country": "Portugal"
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Things to Know

Porto’s history, hills and hipster allure always fascinate. Here are a few things to know before you arrive in this sensational city.

Best Neighborhoods

From sightseeing to places to stay, get to know the vibrant city of Porto with this neighborhood guide.

Day Trips

Porto is an ideal launch pad to visit other towns, cities and regions in northern Portugal. Here are five great day trips from Porto.

Money and Costs

The top 13 ways to save money on a trip to Portugal's captivating northern city. Here's how to visit Porto on a budget.

Transportation

Learn the best ways to get around the city, whether you’re looking for speedy service, eco-friendly travel or transport that offers panoramic views.

5 Shops

Porto's best independent shops pull shoppers in some unexpected, quirky directions

Spending Diaries

How to eat well, go sightseeing, get around and even take a day trip for under 300 euros.

Destination Practicalities

Jun 19, 2024 • 6 min read

Porto’s history, hills and hipster allure always fascinate. Here are a few things to know before you arrive in this sensational city.

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