Holidays
  • HOLIDAYS
    • View Holidays Homepage
    • Beach Holidays
      • Adults Only Holidays
      • All Inclusive
      • Beach
      • Family Holidays
      • Long-Haul Holidays
      • Luxury Holidays
      • Nightlife
      • Spa Holidays
      • Sports and Activity
      • View all beach holidays
    • Multi Destination
    • Tours
    • City Breaks
    • Ski Holidays
    • Lakes and Mountains
    • Disney Holidays
    • Lapland
    • Villas
    • Weddings
    • Accessible Holidays
  • Cruises
  • CRUISES
    • Marella Cruises
      • View Marella Cruises Homepage
      • Cruise Deals
      • Cruise Ships
      • Cruise Types
        • Christmas Cruises
        • Cruise Only
        • Cruise and Stay
        • Themed Cruises
        • Repositional and Transatlantic
      • Destinations
        • Caribbean
        • Western Mediterranean
        • Canary Islands and Atlantic
        • Eastern Mediterranean
        • North Africa And Middle East
        • North America
        • Central America
        • View All Cruise Destinations
      • Useful Information
        • Cruise Calendar
        • Top Ports Of Call
        • On Board Experience
        • Why cruise with Marella Cruises?
    • TUI River Cruises
      • View TUI River Cruises Homepage
      • European River Cruise Deals
      • River Cruise Ships
      • River Cruise Only
      • Rivers
        • Danube
        • Dutch & Belgian Waterways
        • Main
        • Moselle
        • Rhine
      • Destinations
        • Austria
        • Belgium
        • Croatia
        • Germany
        • Hungary
        • Netherlands
        • Serbia
        • Slovakia
        • Switzerland
      • Useful Information
        • Why cruise with TUI River Cruises?
        • Onboard Experience
  • Flights
  • FLIGHTS
    • View Flights Homepage
    • Cheap Flights
    • Our Destinations
      • Where we fly
      • UK Airports
      • Popular routes
    • Flight Timetable
    • Arrivals and Departures
    • Useful Information
      • Flying with us
      • Before you fly
      • Our fleet
      • Frequently Asked Questions
  • hotel only
  • HOTEL ONLY
  • Deals
  • DEALS
    • View Deals Homepage
    • Summer Holiday Deals
      • Summer Holidays 2022
      • Summer Holidays 2023
      • School Holiday Deals
      • View All Summer Holiday Deals
    • Winter Holiday Deals
      • Winter Holidays 2022
      • Christmas Holiday Deals
      • Easter Holiday Deals
      • View All Winter Holiday Deals
    • Last Minute Deals
    • Free Kids Place Finder
    • Destination Deals
      • Spain Holiday Deals
      • Greece Holiday Deals
      • Mexico Holiday Deals
      • View All Destination Deals
    • Holiday Type Deals
      • All Inclusive Holiday Deals
      • Luxury Holiday Deals
      • Family Holiday Deals
      • View All Holiday Deals
    • Discount Codes
  • Destinations
  • DESTINATIONS
    • View Destinations Homepage
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Bulgaria
      • Croatia
      • Cyprus
      • Czech Republic
      • France
      • Germany
      • Gibraltar
      • Greece
      • Hungary
      • Iceland
      • Italy
      • Jersey
      • Lapland
      • Malta
      • Monaco
      • Montenegro
      • Netherlands
      • North Macedonia
      • Norway
      • Poland
      • Portugal
      • Slovenia
      • Spain
      • Switzerland
      • Turkey
      • View All Europe Destinations
    • Central America
      • Costa Rica
      • Mexico
      • View All Central America Destinations
    • Africa
      • Cape Verde
      • Egypt
      • Gambia
      • Kenya
      • Mauritius
      • Morocco
      • Senegal
      • Seychelles
      • South Africa
      • Tanzania
      • Tunisia
      • View All Africa Destinations
    • Caribbean
      • Antigua
      • Aruba
      • Barbados
      • Cuba
      • Dominican Republic
      • Grenada
      • Jamaica
      • St Lucia
      • Trinidad And Tobago
      • View All Caribbean Destinations
    • North America
      • Canada
      • United States Of America
      • View All North America Destinations
    • Asia
      • China
      • India
      • Indonesia
      • Israel
      • Japan
      • Jordan
      • Maldives
      • Sri Lanka
      • Thailand
      • United Arab Emirates
      • Vietnam
      • View All Asia Destinations
    • Where’s hot when?
    • Where Can I Go On Holiday?
    • Popular Destinations
      • Algarve
      • Benidorm
      • Cancun
      • Crete
      • Dubai
      • Florida
      • Fuertaventura
      • Gran Canaria
      • Lanzarote
      • Madeira
      • Majorca
      • Tenerife
  • Extras
  • EXTRAS
  • TravelInformation
  • Travel Information
  • AccountAndBooking
logo
Shortlisted holidays
  • Shortlist( )
  • Travel Information
  • Account & Booking
  • HOLIDAYS
  • CRUISES
  • FLIGHTS
  • HOTEL ONLY
  • DEALS
  • DESTINATIONS
  • EXTRAS

HOLIDAY SEARCH

Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. To find out more, please read our Cookie Notice. Close

List
    See all destinations
    See departure airports for
    See what dates we fly to this route
    see what dates this destination is available
    Flexible by +/-3 days
    7 nights
    Clear search
    Child ages (on return date) Edit ages
    • Home
    • Destinations
    • Portugal
    • Porto
    Share

    Porto Holidays

    from £ 236 pp

    View All Deals
    • Overview
    • Things To Do
    • Travel Advice
    • Show Gallery

    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.

    Show more Show less

    At a glance

    • Sip wine in a Cais de Gaia cellar
    • Climb to the top of the Sé Catedral tower
    • Cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge

    Top things to See and Do in Porto

    • BEACHES
    • SHOPPING
    • NIGHTLIFE
    • FOOD & DRINK
    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    SIMILAR DESTINATIONS

    • Costa Dorada

    • Thassos

    • Seville

    • Costa Brava

    Where we go in  Porto

    • Aliados

      OOOOO Plus
    • Axis Porto Business & SPA Hotel

      OOOOO Plus
    • Belver Beta Porto

      OOOOO Plus
    • BessaHotel Boavista

      OOOOO Plus
    • bnapartments Trindade

      OOOOO Plus
    • Casual Inca Porto

      OOOOO Plus
    • Catalonia Porto

      OOOOO Plus
    • bnapartments Rio

      OOOOO Plus
    • HF Ipanema Park

      OOOOO Plus
    • HF Ipanema Porto

      OOOOO Plus
    • Torel Avantgarde

      OOOOO Plus
    • Yotel Porto

      OOOOO Plus
    • Portus Cale Hotel

      OOOOO Plus
    • Star Inn Porto

      OOOOO Plus

    Popular holidays

    • Family holidays in Porto
    • Luxury holidays in Porto
    • All inclusive holidays in Porto
    • Last minute holidays in Porto
     
     
    To top

    Our top deals tailored to you, straight to your inbox Sign up for offers

    Shop Finder Ask a question? Contact us

    We're part of TUI Group - one of the world's leading travel companies. And all of our holidays are designed to help you Discover Your Smile.

    Registered address: Wigmore House, Wigmore Lane, Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, LU2 9TN

    . .
    • Holiday Types
    • Popular Destinations
    • Mid/Long haul
    • Short haul
    • Flights To
    • Cruise
    • Hotels

    Holiday Types

    Summer Holidays 2022 Summer Holidays 2023 Winter Holidays 2022 Winter Sun Holidays Cheap Holidays Luxury Holidays Family Holidays All inclusive holidays Package Holidays Beach holidays Discount Codes City Breaks Last minute Holidays Villa Holidays Short Breaks Multi-Destination Holidays Escorted Tours Accessible Holidays

    Popular Destinations

    Algarve holidays Benidorm holidays Canary Islands holidays Crete holidays Cyprus holidays Gran Canaria holidays Ibiza holidays Lanzarote holidays Las Vegas Holidays Majorca holidays Menorca holidays Mexico Holidays New York Holidays Tenerife holidays

    Mid/Long haul

    Aruba holidays Bali Holidays Vietnam holidays Cape Verde holidays Caribbean Holidays Costa Rica Holidays Cuba Holidays Dubai Holidays Egypt holidays Florida holidays Jamaica Holidays Mauritius holidays Sri Lanka Holidays Thailand holidays Sharm El Sheikh Holidays

    Short Haul

    Benidorm Holidays Portugal holidays Spain holidays Turkey Holidays Zante holidays Morocco holidays Croatia holidays Greece holidays Malta holidays Bulgaria holidays Italy holidays Lapland holidays

    Flights To

    Cheap Flights Tenerife Flights Montego Bay Flights Mauritius Flights Thailand Flights Alicante Flights Lanzarote Flights Ibiza Flights Florida Flights Orlando Flights Spain Flights Cyprus Flights Malta Flights Portugal Flights Turkey Flights Goa Flights Cancun Flights Barbados Flights Popular Flight Routes

    Cruise

    Puerto Limon Caribbean Cruises Italian Cruises Mediterranean Cruises Canary Islands and Atlantic Central America Dubrovnik Barcelona All Inclusive Family Cruises Last Minute Cruises Cruises Cruise Deals Summer Cruises River Cruise Deals

    Hotels

    Hotels in Tenerife Hotels in Gran Canaria Hotels in Lanzarote Hotels in Fuerteventura Hotels in Majorca Hotels in Menorca Hotels in Ibiza Hotels in Cancun Hotels in Riviera Maya Hotels in Playacar Hotels in Playa Del Carmen Hotels in Paphos Hotels in Protaras Hotels in Marmaris Hotels in Bodrum Hotels in Alanya Hotels in Kusadasi

    More from TUI

    About TUI MyTUI app Cookies Notice Manage Cookie Preferences Privacy Notice Terms & conditions Ways to Pay Media Centre Travel Jobs Affiliates Discover Google Play Store App Store for Ios Travel Money Holiday Budget Calculator TUI Group First Choice Holiday Brochures Holiday Weather

    Travel Aware
    Travel Aware - Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad

    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.

    See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel - for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.

    See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice - for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.

    Sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts, so you automatically receive the latest travel advice updates and travel requirements for the destinations you want to know about.

    See Travel Aware page - for travel advice from TUI.

    See travelhealthpro.org.uk - for current travel health news.

    The advice can change so check regularly for updates.

    All the flight-inclusive holidays on this website are financially protected by the ATOL scheme. When you pay you will be supplied with an ATOL Certificate. Please ask for it and check to ensure that everything you booked (flights, hotels and other services) is listed on it. If you do receive an ATOL Certificate but all the parts of your trip are not listed on it, those parts will not be ATOL protected. Some of the flights on this website are also financially protected by the ATOL scheme, but ATOL protection does not apply to all flights. This website will provide you with information on the protection that applies in the case of each flight before you make your booking. If you do not receive an ATOL Certificate then the booking will not be ATOL protected. Please see our booking conditions for information, or for more information about financial protection and the ATOL Certificate go to: www.caa.co.uk. ATOL protection does not apply to the other holiday and travel services listed on this website.

    DESTINATIONS IN Portoy