Travel Tips in Porto Portugal
Porto, Portugal is a charming city known for its historic sites, beautiful architecture, and delicious food and wine. Here are some tips to make the most of your visit to Porto:
- Wear comfortable shoes as Porto is a hilly city with many cobblestone streets.
- Try the local cuisine, such as Francesinha, a hearty sandwich, and Port wine.
- Visit the Livraria Lello bookstore, known for its stunning architecture and as an inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series.
- Take a boat tour on the Douro River to see the city from a different perspective.
- Don’t forget to visit the Clerigos Tower for panoramic views of the city.
Things to do in Porto / Top 20 sites and monuments to visit in Porto Portugal
- Livraria Lello – A beautiful bookstore with a stunning interior.
- Clerigos Tower – An iconic landmark with panoramic views of the city.
- Ribeira – The historic riverside district with colorful buildings and cafes.
- Dom Luis I Bridge – A double-decker metal bridge offering great views of the city.
- Porto Cathedral – A Romanesque church dating back to the 12th century.
- Palacio da Bolsa – A neoclassical building with impressive interiors.
- Sao Bento Railway Station – Known for its azulejo tile panels depicting Portuguese history.
- Palacio de Cristal – A park with stunning views of the Douro River.
- Casa da Musica – A modern concert hall known for its unique architecture.
- Serralves Foundation – A contemporary art museum with beautiful gardens.
- Clevois Church – A baroque church with ornate decorations.
- Church of Saint Francis – Known for its Gothic and Baroque architecture.
- Ponte D. Maria Pia – A historic railway bridge designed by Gustave Eiffel.
- Jardim do Morro – A park offering panoramic views of Porto.
- Foz do Douro – A beach area with restaurants and bars.
- Mercado do Bolhao – A traditional market selling local produce and souvenirs.
- Estadio do Dragao – Home stadium of FC Porto for football fans.
- Museu do Vinho do Porto – A museum dedicated to Port wine.
- Capela das Almas – A chapel covered in blue and white azulejo tiles.
- Pergola da Foz – A wooden structure overlooking the beach with stunning views.
Don’t forget to get Travel Insurance Before You Travel
If you’re looking for travel insurance, we recommend the following travel insurance provider:
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| World Nomads Travel Insurance | Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip with Travelex | Cancel for any reason with Travel Guard |
Our Top Travel Gear and Equipment Recommendations: Best Camera, Photo and Video Equipment for Your Travels
If you’re interested in our recommended travel gear and photo/video equipment:
- Best and Most Useful Travel Gear:
- Best photo / video cameras and equipment for Travel:
- Best Action Cameras and Portable Cameras
- Best Full-Frame DSLR Cameras and DSLR Cameras for Amateur and Professional Photographers
- Best Drones and Aerial Photography Cameras
- Best Tripods, Monopods and Selfie Sticks for Photography and Videography
- Best Mobile Phones and Cell Phones, Best Laptops and Computers for Travel:
3 Days in Porto / Day by Day Itinerary to Visit Porto:
Day 1:
- Visit Livraria Lello in the morning
- Explore Clerigos Tower and Porto Cathedral
- Have lunch in Ribeira and walk along the river
- Cross Dom Luis I Bridge for views of the city
- Dinner at a local restaurant in the evening
Day 2:
- Take a boat tour on the Douro River
- Visit Palacio da Bolsa and Sao Bento Railway Station
- Relax at Palacio de Cristal and Serralves Foundation
- Dinner in the city center
Day 3:
- Explore Clevois Church and Church of Saint Francis
- Walk along Ponte D. Maria Pia and Jardim do Morro
- Relax at Foz do Douro beach
- Shop at Mercado do Bolhao for souvenirs
- Farewell dinner at a traditional Portuguese restaurant
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Where to Stay in Porto / Top Rated Hotels in Porto Portugal
Top Rated Porto Hotels Over $200 per night:
- Casa da Companhia Hotel, Vignette Collection
- Torel Palace Porto
- Hotel das Virtudes
- GA Palace Hotel & Spa, a XIXth-Century Villa
- Boavista Eco-Luxury House
Best Reviewed Porto Hotels Between $100 to $200 per night:
Recommended Hotels in Porto Between $50 to $100 per night:
- Quiet View Rooms
- Republica 157 Guest House
- Porto Suites do Marquês
- Porto Deluxe Suites
- Uma Formosa Apartments
Top Porto Hotels Between $20 to $50 per night:
Best Porto Budget Hotels and Hostels Below $20 per night:
- Best Guest Porto Hostel
- PILOT Design Hostel & Bar
- Selina Porto
- The Central House Porto Ribeira
- Easy Host Porto
Please note that ratings and prices may vary depending on the season and availability. Make sure to check the current rates and availability through the provided links.
For more about Portugal, Lisbon, Porto and other travel destinations in Portugal, read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.
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