Porto – A Perfect Holiday Destination for All Ages & Budgets

Where is Porto Located?

Porto is located along the Atlantic coast in the northern part of Portugal. What are the top things to do in Porto with many attractions and activities? It might suffice to take a stroll through Porto’s streets to appreciate its beauty and travel to Porto, rather than Lisbon, the capital of Portugal. Like other Portuguese cities, Porto is safe, and the weather in Porto is excellent.
Porto, home to more than 200.000 people, is the second-largest city in Portugal. The city’s medieval heart, modern buzz, beautiful churches with gold-plated bells, and pleasant drinks make it worth a visit whenever you visit Portugal. Porto offers many attractions that are suitable for all ages. There are many things to do in Porto, including boat trips on the Douro River, breathtaking views, and wine tastings. What are the top things to do in Porto?

Ribeira

It is a historic area and one of the oldest areas in the city. It lies on the Douro River banks and boasts a boardwalk with many bars and restaurants. Ribeira is a must-see. It is not only one of the most beautiful parts of Porto but also offers a great place to stay with a stunning view of the river or the bridge.

Luis I Bridge

The Luis I Bridge, which connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. It was built in 1888. The bridge is made of a metallic structure and measures 385m in length. It can reach a maximum height of 45m. There are two platforms. Traffic on the lower platform is cars and pedestrians. On the upper platform, trains and pedestrians pass.

Douro River

The Douro River, which originates in Spain, crosses the entire north of Portugal and gives life to Douro Valley. It has traveled almost 900 km before reaching Porto. This allows for a navigable riverbed, making it an excellent spot to see. The Douro, a few kilometers from the city, meets the ocean, which is also beautiful.

Clerigos Tower

The Historic Center of Porto is home to some of the city’s most iconic buildings and tourist attractions. It also houses the Torre dos Clerigos. This landmark is located next to the Church of the Same Name. It was Portugal’s tallest building at the time it opened in 1763. It offers one of Porto’s most spectacular views and is easy to visit.

Sao Bento Station

By its beautiful architecture, you will be drawn to the Sao Bento Railway Station Building in Porto’s Historic Center. The cultural riches are even more evident inside: the lobby features hand-painted tile murals that tell the story of Portugal’s history. The station was built in 1916 and is still fully operational. Even if you don’t need to travel by train, the visit is well worth it. You can learn more about the building by joining a cultural tour that takes you to the most critical places in the city.

Gardens of the Crystal Palace

This is a must-see place for anyone who enjoys parks, breathtaking views, and landscaping. The Gardens of the Crystal Palace was built in the 1860s and featured attractions like the Quinta da Macieirinha Romantic Museum (Almeida Garrett Municipal Library) and the Rosa Mota Pavilion. The gardens have different themes such as Jardim dos Sentimentos and Jardim do Roseiral.

Porto is not the only place you must see.

Porto is not the only place you should visit. There are many other places worth visiting that aren’t near Lisbon. Vila Nova De Gaia, a nearby town, is one of the most popular tourist spots. You could also cross the Luis I Bridge to get there. The famous Port Wine Cellars is located right on the Douro River banks.
Nearly all offer guided tours and the opportunity to taste different wines, including whites and ports. Wine tours come at an additional price. A basic tasting is available for an average cost of 14 euros. The Teleferico de Gaia, another attraction in Porto, is also located in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Where can you live in Porto?

Although the city is beautiful, it’s not ideal for tourists. I suggest you stay in Downtown, Ribeira or Cedofeita if you plan to visit the area. The Center (or Downtown) is the best location for those visiting Porto, especially if they are new to the site. Here 90% of Porto’s attractions are located and can be reached by foot. Ribeira is also close to the center.
Even if you don’t want to climb any slopes, Ribeira can be a great choice. Cedofeita, the newer area of the city, is where Casa da Musica (and Mercardo Gourmet de Bonsucesso) are located. You will need to use the subway or another transport mode to visit other attractions. It isn’t easy to walk everywhere. You can save some money by choosing to travel to this area.

Is it safe for me to travel to Porto?

Porto, like other European cities, is very safe to visit. It is safe, has friendly people, and has low crime rates. However, it is essential to be cautious and not take any dangerous steps while on your trip.

What is the weather like in Porto?

Porto isn’t a beach town. Porto is a great place to visit. Porto experiences moderate temperatures throughout the year but can rain a lot in winter. Porto’s weather is unpredictable. It can be sunny today but foggy tomorrow.
Temperatures can drop rapidly overnight, which is not uncommon. No matter when you travel to Porto for business or pleasure, I recommend that you always take a waterproof jacket. Because Porto is very windy, a waterproof coat will be much more helpful than an umbrella. This jacket is essential for Porto. You should consider the autumn months if you are still unsure when you will be going to Porto. Porto is great because of the high temperatures and a low number of tourists.