Porto travel guide

The city of Porto, nestled on Portugal's northwest coast, boasts a rich history that dates back to Roman times. It was in the Roman era when Porto, then known as Portus Cale, began to emerge as a place of significance. This ancient name is believed to be the origin of the country's name, Portugal.

In the Middle Ages, Porto gained prominence due to its strategic position at the mouth of the Douro River, which made it a vital trade hub. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the city played a crucial role in the Age of Discovery, serving as a departure point for explorers like Prince Henry the Navigator.

Porto's historic center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, thanks to its stunning array of medieval architecture, including the iconic Ribeira district and the impressive Porto Cathedral. Today, Porto is globally renowned for its port wine production, a legacy of its long-standing trade relations with England.

Exploring Porto's history serves as a fascinating journey through time, offering a uniquely Portuguese perspective on Europe's past.

On this page, you'll find all the top travel services in Porto, Portugal. Enjoy the convenience of planning and booking every detail of your trip to Porto, including flights, accommodations, activities, and more, in one place.

Discover the cheapest and most popular flights offered by a variety of airlines that fly to Portugal. Check out the best things to do in Porto by browsing over 1100 top-rated tours available to you in the city. Compare the rates and services of the stays and 15 car rental companies offering CDW insurance coverage.

Experience the best of Porto with an expertly curated and fully customizable itinerary. Get answers to questions about the routes and services offered in Porto from our free 24/7 customer support. We make it easy for you to find and book every detail of your trip to Porto with this travel guide.

Continue reading this Porto travel guide to learn how you can enjoy a stress-free and memorable vacation in the city of Porto!

The best time to explore Porto, Portugal is undoubtedly between April and October when the weather is warm and the skies are clear. This period offers optimal conditions for enjoying the city's beautiful beaches, picturesque vineyards, and outdoor events. April to June is particularly favorable with mild temperatures, less crowded tourist spots, and the chance to participate in the celebrated 'Festa de Sao Joao', a vibrant midsummer festival held in June. July to October still promises great weather, though it can get quite hot in August. The city is busier during these months, especially when the popular 'Porto Wine Fest' takes place in September. However, visiting during the off-peak season, November to March, can also be rewarding. The weather is cooler and there are fewer tourists, offering a more relaxed experience. Note, some attractions may have reduced hours or be closed during this time. Regardless of when you decide to visit, Porto offers a rich blend of culture, history, and gastronomy that can be enjoyed all year round.

When you find yourself in Porto, Portugal, the insider tip is to venture to the district of Foz. This charming neighborhood, located where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean, is often overlooked by tourists. Foz offers a more authentic, local experience away from the main tourist hubs. Here, you will find beautiful 19th-century architecture, quaint seaside cafes, and stunning sunset views over the Atlantic. You can take the historic tram 1 from the city center to the end of the line in Foz, enjoying a scenic ride along the river. Once there, be sure to visit the Pergola da Foz, a beautiful, romantic walkway along the sea, which is a favorite spot among locals. This insider tip will certainly add a unique, serene element to your Porto experience.

With destinations such as Porto, a trip to Portugal needs no further explanation. Spanning over 92,225 square kilometers, Portugal is an expansive playground of discovery, offering a wealth of diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating experiences awaiting exploration. From bustling metropolises to historic towns and modern urban hubs, Portugal has something to enchant every traveler.

In Porto alone, travelers are spoiled for choice with an array of experiences and world-famous attractions such as Luís I Bridge, Gardens of the Crystal Palace, and Porto Cathedral. Thus, a trip to Portugal becomes essential. Whether you're drawn to historical sites, natural wonders, or vibrant cultural experiences, Portugal offers an abundance of treasures waiting to be discovered.

There's so much to explore and uncover in Portugal. Click or tap the link below to discover more about Portugal and its offers.

Expect an exhilarating journey through Porto, a haven brimming with attractions to suit every traveler’s taste. From historical landmarks to natural wonders, and delectable cuisine, Porto offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be discovered. Dive into this ultimate Porto travel guide to uncover must-visit spots and get the scoop on what makes the city so special.

You've explored Porto's top attractions and marked them on your map. So now, it's time to delve deeper and discover the top things to do in Porto. These activities not only offer excitement and adventure but also provide unique insights into the city's culture and heritage. Take your experience to the next level by checking out the best sights with a knowledgeable guide, embarking on fun adventures unique to Porto, or learning more about the city's rich history and traditions.

Discover the most popular tours and experiences in the city below.

International travelers can fly to Porto by booking flights with TAP Portugal, Ryanair, Transavia, Wizz Air, and Transavia France, offering flights to Porto. From the arrival airport, travelers can choose from various public and private transfer options to Porto.

For those seeking the best flight ticket deals to Porto, knowing the cheapest travel times and which airlines offer the most affordable flights is helpful. Luckily, we provide this information to help you discover the cheapest and most popular flights to Porto. Go to this page to compare all flights to Porto.

To navigate Porto effortlessly, renting a car is an excellent choice. With your own wheels, you can explore every nook and cranny of the destination without relying on public transportation and even venture off the beaten path. On our website, you'll discover a selection of over 15 car rental companies in Porto, ready to provide you with the perfect vehicle for your travels.

Automatic cars for rent in Porto start at 9 EUR per day or 62 EUR per week. The cheapest automatic rental car is a Fiat 500. If you prefer driving a manual car, you'll find multiple options for rent in Porto, starting at 7 EUR per day or 52 EUR per week. The cheapest manual rental car is a Fiat 500.

Learn more about the different types of cars you can rent in Porto, Portugal below.

The city of Porto is just one of the many unique and scenic destinations you can visit in Portugal. So if you're itching for another cultural adventure, a relaxing road trip, an action-filled city break, or a memorable weekend getaway, know that Portugal has it all.

Each destination in Portugal offers something unique to experience! Take the opportunity to visit other captivating places in Portugal that are as magical as the city of Porto. The most popular travel destinations in Portugal are listed below. Click on the name of the place you want to explore next to learn more about it.

Experience the authentic charm of Portugal by expanding your travels beyond the boundaries of Porto. Explore other destinations around Portugal with a domestic flight. A domestic flight is typically a short-haul flight, with the longest duration not exceeding two hours. To find the best flights from Porto to other amazing locations in Portugal, add the required details below and select 'Search' to view the best domestic flights in Portugal for your chosen dates. You can also jump to the last section of this travel guide to find the most popular domestic flights from Porto.