Porto travel guide
Porto rises in tiers above the Douro River, with tiled churches, the Ribeira waterfront and the Dom Luís I bridge leading to the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Best time to visit Porto
May to September is warm and dry; June brings the São João festival on the night of 23 June.
Winters are mild but rainy. September and October are harvest time in the Douro Valley.
Getting to Porto
Porto Airport (OPO) is linked to the centre by metro line E in about 30 minutes. There are some direct flights from the US, and frequent connections via Lisbon. Trains from Lisbon take about 3 hours.
Recent round-trip fares Aviasales travellers found recently. Tap a route to see that trip and today's price on Aviasales.
Getting around
Metro and trams
The metro covers the city and airport; historic tram lines run along the river and through the centre.
On foot
The centre is walkable but steep; the Guindais funicular helps between the river and upper town.
Top things to do in Porto
1. Ribeira and Dom Luís I Bridge
The colourful riverfront district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the double-deck iron bridge with views from its upper level.
See tours & prices ›2. Port wine cellars in Gaia
Tours and tastings at the historic port lodges across the river.
See tours & prices ›3. Douro Valley day trip
Terraced vineyards along the river, by tour, train or river cruise.
See tours & prices ›4. Livraria Lello and São Bento station
A neo-Gothic bookshop (timed tickets) and a railway station hall covered in blue-and-white azulejo tiles.
See tours & prices ›Practical tips
- Wear comfortable shoes for steep, cobbled streets.
- Book Livraria Lello tickets online to avoid long queues.
- Try the francesinha, Porto's famous layered sandwich.
Porto travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Porto?
Two to three days covers the city and wine cellars, plus a day for the Douro Valley.
How do you get from Lisbon to Porto?
Trains take about 3 hours; flights take under an hour.
When is the best time to visit Porto?
May to October for dry weather; September for the Douro grape harvest.