- Where to Stay
- Europe
- Lisbon
- Porto
- Inspiration
- Where to stay
- Portugal
Travel advice for Portugal
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal
Describe your
ideal trip
Tailor your trip
with a local expert
Book your personal trip
100% securely with us
written by Amanda Tomlin
updated 7.12.2022
Wondering where to stay in Porto? Not only is the city home to number 3 in our list of 9 of the best pousadas in Portugal, it has some of the country's finest hotels.
The information in this article is inspired by The Pocket Rough Guide Porto, your essential guide for visiting Porto.
Portugal was a new addition to the most beautiful countries in the world – voted by you in 2022 and its atmospheric second city, which sits on the Rio Douro, is well worth a few days or more to explore Vila Nova de Gaia wine lodges and wander the narrow streets and alleys.
Porto's centre is all about broad squares, neoclassical buildings and Baroque churches, but not all about history. You'll find hip cafés and restaurants and a thriving art scene. Much of the city has been restored so you can take your pick of good hotels in Porto.
But if you're wondering Porto versus Lisbon: which city to see first? Take a look at the best area to stay in Lisbon guide too.
7 days / from3005 USD
Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia
Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.
customize ⤍7 days / from2963 USD
The Real Algarvian Experience
Experience and discover the real Algarve – taste local produce, drinks and traditional dishes, visit heritage sites and participate in culinary activities. If you are passionate about the people’s culture and gastronomy and want to learn more, this itinerary is for you.
customize ⤍11 days / from1696 USD
A self drive to Portugal's North and Center
Starting in fascinating Lisbon, this trip allows you to discover Portugal both on your own as well as with guided tours. Driving further up north you'll explore Coimbra and Porto before heading to the Douro Valley and Alentejo.
customize ⤍8 days / from1118 USD
Porto and the North of Portugal: off the beaten track
From Porto, you'll discover the most fascinating parts of Northern Portugal: go on a hike through unique biodiversity around the Paiva river, take a jeep tour through the slopes of the Serra da Arada and taste the wonderful wines of the Douro valley.
customize ⤍12 days / from1659 USD
The best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
Portugal offers many highlights but when you're short on time, this trip is ideal to cover all the highlights: the capital city of Lisbon, historic Porto, lush Douro Valley and the stunning beaches of the Algarve are all part of this trip.
customize ⤍7 days / from2613 USD
Azores Wild Nature
Get ready to discover what the largest island of the Azores, São Miguel, has to offer in this short adventure-packed 6-day trip. You will get to swim with wild dolphins, abseil or jump down waterfalls, ride a mountain bike through the Sete Cidades and relax in a natural spa. Adventure awaits!
customize ⤍9 days / from2862 USD
Madeira and São Miguel - guided island adventures
Visit two of Portugal's autonomous regions: Madeira, the island of eternal spring as they call it, as well as São Miguel, nicknamed the green island. Guided excursions will take you to the highlights of both islands and there's plenty of time to discover on your own or simply relax.
customize ⤍11 days / from1738 USD
Lisbon and the South of Portugal: exploration and relaxation
Take your rental car and discover Lisbon, Sintra & Cascais before heading to Alentejo. This fascinating region features many historic gems to discover, as well as a unique cuisine to taste. Finish your trip with some beach days in Tavira on Portugal's Algarve coast.
customize ⤍9 days / from4203 USD
The Wines of Portugal
This unforgettable trip will take you to Portugal's finest wine-producing regions, including the Douro Valley. Sample the finest local labels, and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complemented by guided tours of their historical old towns.
customize ⤍11 days / from3493 USD
Discovering the coast of Portugal
Explore the beautiful cities along the coast of Portugal. Start your journey discovering historic sites and wineries in Porto, from there you will head South to Lisbon. Along the way, you will get a chance to visit charming coastal towns, dramatic cliffs and national parks.
customize ⤍7 days / from5878 USD
Porto's Hidden Gems
An exciting itinerary that is filled with amazing landscapes, culture, heritage and gastronomy. Stay in the most exclusive hotels and enjoy the best Portugal has to offer - unique wine tours, a private cooking class, a luxurious river cruise to Douro Valley, and much more.
customize ⤍15 days / from5804 USD
Camino de Santiago & Portugal Deluxe
Hike the 'Way of Saint James', more precisely - the Portuguese Route, a World Heritage Site. After 5 days of beautiful hikes, it's time to say goodbye to Spain and hop on a plane to Portugal. Lisbon and Porto await before exploring the wineries of Douro Valley. A truly exceptional trip.
customize ⤍6 days / from1548 USD
Essential Portugal: Lisbon to Porto
This exciting short break will take you to the exciting and stunningly beautiful Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto, with guided tours of their historical old towns, and on to the pearls of north Braga and Gamares. You will also have the opportunity to soak up the romantic atmosphere at Amarante.
customize ⤍9 days / from2108 USD
Cultural Portugal
Beginning in Lisbon and ending in Porto, this trip will take you to the delightful wine region of Douro, the mountain range of Serra do Bussaco and the romantic town of Sintra. Relish the prospect of driving around Portugal's stunning coastline and unique cultural sites.
customize ⤍9 days / from3095 USD
The cities of Portugal
Explore the two big Portuguese cities, Porto and Lisbon. Though you won't only be exploring the cities, this trip will take you to see the beautiful Duoro valley by bike, the Minho region (the birthplace of Portugal), learn more about winemaking, relax on the beach of Nazaré and much more!
customize ⤍6 days / from2629 USD
Azores Adventure
Discover the traditions and natural beauty that the island of São Miguel can offer you – exciting activities such as swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat in the Atlantic Ocean, hiking in the picturesque hills and valleys, the thrills of Canyoning and much more.
customize ⤍12 days / from5289 USD
Portugal – Cuisine and Culture from Porto to Lisbon
From Porto to Lisbon, this culinary trip offers exceptional Portuguese cultural experiences. Taste port in a prestigious winery, savour exquisite codfish and picnic in the world's oldest wine region. Hilltop palaces, medieval old towns and glamorous beach resorts complete an unforgettable trip.
customize ⤍14 days / from6900 USD
Highlights of Portugal - Cities & Beaches
You will start this journey in Porto, the Invicta City, to then discover the landscapes of Douro Valley. Next, there is Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, a city filled with history and stories. Lastly, you will arrive to the Algarve, a place where you will connect with the sea, traditions and nature.
customize ⤍10 days / from1802 USD
Fascinating Azores - Terceira and São Miguel
Two of the magic Azores islands await in this itinerary: drive your own rental cars across Terceira and São Miguel and join one of the many adventurous outdoor activities the islands have to offer: go whale watching or canyoning or simply enjoy the landscapes on leisurely strolls.
customize ⤍9 days / from3101 USD
Coastal Portugal
Travel south from the beautiful cities of Porto and Lisbon, down Portugal's stunning coast, as far as the charming resort town of Albufeira. On this trip, you will also visit the historic coastal towns of Estoril, Sintra, Lagos and Sagres.
customize ⤍7 days / from2477 USD
Discovering Portugal's Douro Valley
This unforgettable trip will take you to the beautiful city of Porto and the verdant Douro Valley. Relish the prospect of travelling to the Douro wine-making region to sample some local labels, trekking through old villages and enjoying indulgent moments in charming cafés.
customize ⤍Porto’s oldest streets lie below the Sé cathedral in the Sé district which is home to the Paço Episcopal. Igreja de Santa Clara and Igreja de Santo Ildefonso. It's also the area for São Bento station and if you want an eyeful of grand civic buildings, Aliados is the place for those.
With our tailor-made tour to Porto and the North of Portugal you have a chance to discover the most fascinating parts of Northern Portugal: go on a hike through unique biodiversity around the Paiva river, take a jeep tour through the slopes of the Serra da Arada and taste the wonderful wines of the Douro valley.
Ribeira is Porto's medieval heart where tall, colourful houses tumble down to the Douro and everything is designated a World Heritage site. Exploring is one of the best things to do in Portugal and the district has enormous appeal from its restaurants lining the riverbank to winding backstreets concealing historic buildings.
If you're looking for iconic photo opps head to double-decker Ponte Dom Luís I. The lower level is reserved for traffic, the Metro runs 60m above the River Douro on the upper level and pedestrians can walk either level to Vila Nova de Gaia.
If you are interested in culinary travel our tailor-made culinary trip to Portugal – cuisine and culture offers exceptional Portuguese cultural experiences. Taste port in a prestigious winery, savour exquisite codfish and picnic in the world's oldest wine region. Hilltop palaces, medieval old towns and glamorous beach resorts complete an unforgettable trip.
Porto's lively Baixa (downtown) district is where you'll find many of the city's most famous sights. You can't miss the magnificent tiled facade of Baroque Igreja do Carmo, Torre dos Clérigos and Porto University are here too.
Baixa is also the district for legendary Livraria Lello. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds at this now world famous bookshop, and if you want more useful advice take a look at our 20 essential Portugal travel tips for year round trips.
Vila Nova de Gaia is Port's birthplace and where Porto's first wine lodges were established in the 12th century. Today the district still dominates the riverfront and if you want an overview take a cable car ride across the Douro.
Tours of the smaller lodges tend to be more personal, but they're all informative without exception so expect to know your Tawny from Ruby by the end of any one of them. Plus the lodges are lovely and another reason why Porto is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal to visit.
The riverfront faces Ribeira and its long docks lined with cafés and restaurants. Cruise boats moor on the esplanade and historic Barcos Rabelos still ply their trade on the water, transporting wine casks downriver from Douro estates as they've done for centuries.
Masserelos is Porto's artistic district and home to Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis. Rua Miguel Bombarda is right at the heart of the area and if you want to see the city's creativity up close, this is where to browse excellent independent art galleries and visit craft workshops and ateliers.
Get to know the creative heart of the city like a local on an easy-going guided walking tour of Porto with wine tasting and snacks.
Take a city tram to Foz do Douro, with its attractive old town and sandy beach, it makes a great day trip or indeed a good seaside base for exploring Porto.
Although you wont find it on our 10 best beaches in Portugal list, Matosinhos Beach is fun and where locals go for seafood and clubbing and you'll find even more beaches an easy walk away at Leça da Palmeira.
Find more accommodation options to stay in Foz do Douro
Cedofeita is a favourite neighbourhood for many city dwellers. It combines traditional architecture with a more youthful vibe. New cafés and restaurants are opening, expanding the list of places to go in the evening and filling the streets of the area with life. The easy-going atmosphere of the area makes it perfect to stay in Porto for couples.
Our unforgettable tailor-made tour to the wines of Portugal will take you to Portugal's finest wine-producing regions, including the Douro Valley. Sample the finest local labels, and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complemented by guided tours of their historical old towns.
The Bonfim area is situated in the east of Porto. The main attractions in the area are Church of The Lord of Bonfim - one of the most beautiful and majestic churches of the city of Porto, and Cemitério Prado do Repouso.
If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Porto without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.
Ready for a trip to Porto in Portugal? Check out the snapshot Pocket Rough Guide Porto or Pocket Rough Guide Lisbon. If you travel further in Portugal, read more about the best time to go, the best places to visit and best things to do in Portugal. For inspiration use the itineraries from The Rough Guide to Portugal and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.
We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.
written by Amanda Tomlin
updated 7.12.2022
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Portugal
Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert
Book securely with money-back guarantee
Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support