Porto holidays

Porto, Portugal

City breaks to Porto take you to Portugal’s most culture-clad spot, where famous tiled architecture and traditional food are on the cards.

Traditional meets modern

Porto – northern Portugal’s biggest city – has been in the shadow of the country’s headline acts for some time. Fast-paced Lisbon and the beach-dominated Algarve have long hogged the holiday limelight, while Porto ticks along on the periphery. But avoiding the spotlight is exactly what makes this place so special – tradition still reigns supreme all over the city, and even the modern additions tastefully blend in. So when you visit, you can expect to get in line with how the locals live, rather than tap in to a just-for-tourists experience.

City breaks to Porto

Tradition is a big thing in Porto – even the most modern parts of the city keep a close tie to their roots. You’ll see wine cellars that have been around for centuries in the Ribeira and Gaia areas, with terraces that nudge up against the Douro River. Look up, and you’ll see the arches of the mighty Dom Luís I Bridge, which has fast become one of the city’s signature sights. And when you’re roaming around the cobbled lanes of the old town, you’ll see everything from fast food restaurants designed like glitzy ballrooms to authentic cafés serving fully loaded francesinha sandwiches.

Easy on the eye

Grand Gothic architecture is a staple if you mosey along the Avenida dos Aliados, where spires, statues and ornate stonework crop up everywhere. The views from the Baroque Clerigos Tower – which has been around since the 1700s – span far and wide, and the ramparts of Porto Cathedral make it look like a castle crossed with a church. Even the city’s main train station is something to behold – it’s one of the best places to see iconic Azulejo tiles, which conjure up huge frescoes in every shade of blue imaginable. Keen readers, meanwhile, make a beeline for the Livraria Lello bookstore – its carved wooden interiors are said to have inspired the appearance of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter universe.

Sands and sailing

Despite being best-known for its urban credentials, Porto’s also got some beach credibility to boast about. The city’s parked on the coast, and there are loads of pockets of sand that are ideal for sunbathing. Praia do Carneiro beach, near the mouth of the Douro River, carries on the traditional theme – there’s an old lighthouse just off the shore, and the seafront’s backed by a 16th-century fortress. And if you fancy some more time on the water, there are boat trips that take you beneath seven bridges that span the Douro River around Porto.

Popular hotels in Porto

Top things to see and do in Porto

Beaches

Sand-skimmed city

Just like the rest of Portugal’s main tourist spots, Porto’s plot puts it right beside the sea. That means you’ve got the best of both worlds, and it’s possible to hop between beach and city in a flash. There are trams that cut down the journey time, and the options are pretty varied. You’ve got pebbly stretches that are tailormade for seaside strolls, sandy stretches for sunbathing, and spots where historic landmarks edge up close to the ocean.

The big beach

For a spot that channels the Algarve’s sunbathing prowess, make tracks for Praia de Matosinhos beach. It’s got all the tell-tale signs of its southern counterparts seafronts – picture a thick belt of cheesecake-coloured sand, plus waves that are great for surfing. And when you’re on the sand here, there’s the added boat-spotting bonus of having a port close by, so you’ll see ships coming and going while you relax.

The secret beach

For a spot that’s tucked away from the tourist trail, Praia do Paco fits the bill and then some. This dinky beach is hidden away behind dunes, and has a backing of open green fields, so you’ll feel completely removed from the city. It’s about an hour’s drive north of Porto, which is why it’s a little less known, but the journey’s more than worth it. Weather-worn rocks stud the shoreline, and there’s hardly a manmade structure in sight from most spots along the cream-coloured sand.

Shopping

Bargain buys

For shopping that hasn’t changed for generations, check out Mercado de Bolhão – or Bolhão Market. This place has been the place for picking up the essentials since the 1800s. It’s split into loads of sections, so a walk amongst the stalls will take you past everything from florists to fruit sellers and fishmongers to butchers. And don’t be alarmed if you hear people crying out while you shop – it’s a technique the sellers use to garner attention, and compete for sales.

Mid-range buys

The Mercado do Bom Sucesso has undergone a real renaissance of late – this shopping centre had become a bit rough around the edges, but a renovation has put it back on the map. It’s now home to street food stalls, mini live music sets and sellers peddling fresh fruit and veg.

Designer buys

For the best shopping in the city, head to Rua Santa Catarina. This street’s loaded with big-name fashion stores, swanky cafés and a huge mall – the ViaCatarina. Some of the brands on show along the street include Pull & Bear and Adidas, and there are loads of lanes splintering off where you can get your exploring fix.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

For a chilled evening tipple with impressive surroundings, you want to pick one of the bars in the Ribeira neighbourhood. Its colourful waterfront buildings are fronted by a terrace which is illuminated after dark, and there are wine bars and restaurants with views of the Dom Luís I Bridge. This part of the city’s a great pick if you want to blend in with the locals for a chilled night.

Lively evenings

Bars and clubs are Galerias Paris street’s bread and butter. The road’s one of the most buzzing nightlife areas in the city, with loads of party spots gathered together in a small area. You’ll see the street rammed with people after dark, because locals prefer to order their drinks and head back outdoors to sup them. It makes for a great atmosphere, whether you’re inside or out.

Food & drink

Francesinha

Porto dishes don’t come much more famous than the francesinha sandwich. Thick wedges of bread are filled with heaps of beef steak, bacon and smoked sausage, but the recipe doesn’t end there. Lashings of melted cheese envelope the outside, and a fried egg’s baked into the top of the sandwich. It’s already the sort of sandwich you’ll need cutlery for, especially as the sandwich is served in a pool of tomato-and-beer-based sauce.

Super Bock

Nothing beats a cold bottle of beer after a day’s exploring, but there’s some important info you need to know if you want to drink like the locals. There’s some low-key city rivalry when it comes to the brew of choice in Portugal, with Super Bock and Sagres going head-to-head. Both will do the trick when it comes to quenching your thirst, but in Porto the locals are loyal to Super Bock.

Bifana

Sandwiches are something of a staple in Porto, and one of the tastiest creations is the bifana. It’s essentially a traditional take on the steak sandwich, where slow-cooked cuts of pork are seasoned in garlic and spices and served in a bread roll. It stews in big pots for hours, so the filling’s always juicy and tender. And some places even dip the roll in the pot, which makes for a messy but tasty outcome.

Tripas à Moda do Porto

This local stew’s a true local favourite, despite not being the most glamorous dish around. Centuries ago, when all of the good meat was shipped away from the city, people were left with options like tripe. To make the flavour better, it’s stewed with smoked ham, carrots, onions and spices, then served with a portion of rice. It’s not to everyone’s liking, but for a taste of the traditional it’s a must-try.

Pasteis de nata

Sweet treats don’t come much tastier than pasteis de nata. These bite-sized custard tarts aren’t necessarily unique to Porto, but they’re a big favourite across Portugal. Flaky pastry cups are filled with glossy egg custard, and are topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon after they’ve been baked. Try and pick up a freshly baked one, as they’re even nicer warm.

Average Weather in Porto

Top Hotels in Porto

Facts about Porto

Currency
Euro
(EUR)
Language
Portuguese
Time zone
GMT +0
Flight duration
2 hours 10 minutes from Gatwick

Ready to start searching for your trip to Porto?

Take a look at our best deals, add handy holiday extras, or keep looking for travel inspiration.

View Porto deals