Porto, the soulful city along the Douro River, is Portugal’s second-largest city—but first in charm. With its cobbled streets, colorful riverside buildings, world-renowned wine, and laid-back vibe, Porto is a perfect blend of culture, food, and history—without the crowds of Lisbon.
Stroll the Ribeira District at Golden Hour
The Ribeira waterfront is Porto’s beating heart. Stroll along the colorful facades as the sun sets behind the Dom LuĂs I Bridge. Street musicians play Fado, locals sip wine, and the river glows with reflections of tiled buildings.
Taste Port Wine in a Historic Cellar
You can’t visit Porto without trying its namesake—Port wine. Cross the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and tour legendary cellars like Graham’s or Sandeman, where century-old barrels age the region’s famous fortified wines.
đź“Ś Learn more: Wine Regions Worth Traveling For
đź“Ś Before you go: Tipping & Etiquette in Portugal
Ride the Iconic Tram 1
Board the vintage Tram 1 from the city center to Foz do Douro, where the river meets the Atlantic. The clattering ride takes you past churches, tiled houses, and locals going about their day.
Porto’s charm lies in its everyday rhythm, something also deeply felt in historic cities such as Naples, where life unfolds loudly and honestly.
Climb Clérigos Tower for a Rooftop View
For the best panoramic view of Porto, ascend the Clérigos Tower. From the top, you’ll see red rooftops, the river’s curve, and the grandeur of Porto Cathedral just beyond.
Try a Francesinha (If You Dare)
Porto’s most iconic dish, the Francesinha, is a monster sandwich of steak, ham, sausage, cheese, and spicy beer sauce—topped with a fried egg. Head to Café Santiago for the best (and most gut-busting) version.
Discover Livraria Lello — The Harry Potter Bookstore
Perched along the gentle curves of the Douro River, Porto stands as Portugal’s second-largest city—but it handily claims the top spot when it comes to sheer charm. This soulful destination wraps visitors in its warmth from the moment they step onto its meandering cobbled streets, where vibrant hues of terracotta, blue, and yellow adorn riverside buildings, reflecting beautifully in the river’s glistening waters. Unlike the bustling crowds of Lisbon, Porto exudes a laid-back, unhurried rhythm that invites exploration, making every stroll feel like a quiet discovery rather than a hurried tour.
What elevates Porto beyond its scenic beauty is its seamless blend of culture, flavor, and history. Renowned worldwide for its robust, rich port wine—produced in the nearby Douro Valley and aged in the city’s historic cellars—it offers a taste of tradition in every sip. Beyond the vineyards, the city weaves together centuries of history in its architecture and local life, while its culinary scene, rooted in fresh seafood and hearty regional dishes, adds another layer of allure. For travelers seeking an authentic Portuguese experience without the chaos of major tourist hubs, Porto is the ideal destination.
