Porto walking tour & city guide
Riverside houses, port wine cellars and blue tiles.
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Porto, Portugal's second city, tumbles down steep hillsides to the Douro River, where colorful houses crowd the waterfront and port wine lodges line the opposite bank. It is a city with a strong character, proud of its working-class roots and its world-famous wine.
The Ribeira and the Douro
The Ribeira, Porto's riverside district, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of narrow alleys and tall, brightly painted houses. Its waterfront is lined with cafés and restaurants, and traditional rabelo boats, once used to carry wine barrels downriver, now offer cruises under the city's bridges.
The two-level Dom LuĂs I Bridge, completed in 1886, crosses the Douro to Vila Nova de Gaia. Walk across the upper deck for one of the best views in Portugal, then visit the port wine cellars on the other side for a tour and tasting.
Tiles, towers and books
Porto is famous for its azulejos, painted blue and white tiles. SĂŁo Bento railway station has a hall covered with around 20,000 tiles depicting Portuguese history, and the facades of churches like Igreja do Carmo and Capela das Almas are stunning.
Climb the Clérigos Tower for a view over the rooftops, and visit the Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, with its carved wooden staircase. Rua de Santa Catarina is the main shopping street and home to the elegant Majestic Café.
Visiting tips
Porto is very hilly, but the funicular dos Guindais and city trams help with the climbs. Book Livraria Lello in advance. The Douro Valley wine region makes an excellent day trip, and the Atlantic beaches of Foz are a short tram or bus ride away.
Top sights in Porto
- 1
Ribeira
The colorful riverside heart of the city.
- 2
Dom LuĂs I Bridge
A two-level iron bridge with spectacular views.
- 3
SĂŁo Bento Station
A railway hall decorated with thousands of tiles.
- 4
Livraria Lello
A fairytale bookshop with a famous staircase.
- 5
Clérigos Tower
A baroque bell tower with panoramic views.
- 6
Port wine cellars of Gaia
Historic lodges offering tours and tastings.
Food markets & where to eat in Porto
Mercado do BolhĂŁo
Porto's historic market, reopened after restoration.
Rua de Santa Catarina cafés
Historic cafés on the main shopping street.
BolhĂŁo area tascas
Traditional taverns around the market serving pork sandwiches.
Ribeira riverside restaurants
Grilled fish and petiscos by the Douro.
Food to try in Porto
Francesinha
A huge sandwich of meats covered in cheese and beer sauce.
Port wine
Taste tawny, ruby and white port in the Gaia cellars.
Tripas Ă moda do Porto
A tripe and bean stew that gave locals the nickname 'tripeiros'.
Bolinhos de bacalhau
Crispy salt cod fritters.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Porto
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in PortoCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Porto.
- eSIM for PortugalStay online from the moment you land.
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