Of all our stops in Portugal, Porto was our biggest surprise. This small but vibrant city, with its terracotta rooftops cascading down to the winding Douro River, delivered big-time. While the crowds are headed to Lisbon, you’ll find a delightful mix of historic architecture and modern amenities within a very walkable footprint in Porto. If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, don’t skip this charming city. 

Porto is about three hours north of Lisbon, near the entrance to the stunning Douro Valley wine region. As a result, it’s typically recommended as a day trip from Lisbon or as a base for Douro Valley wine tours. People often overlook Porto as a destination itself. 

Compared to other European cities, Porto punches well above its weight in culture, food, and atmosphere. After spending a week here, I would prefer to spend more time in Porto than Lisbon on our next trip. Here are a few reasons why Porto is my pick: 

Pretty Porto

If you arrive in Porto at the São Bento train station, you know you’ve arrived in a city that celebrates beauty. Not just a transportation hub, this work of art is the perfect introduction to a city that blends old-world charm with a vibrant energy. 

Refined and endearing, Porto feels less gritty than Lisbon. Perhaps this is because Porto didn’t suffer damage in the 1755 earthquake to the same extent as Lisbon. Much of its thriving historic centre is still intact, and it feels as though it hasn’t changed significantly for centuries. Known for its azulejos (Portuguese painted tin-glazed ceramic tilework found on churches, monuments, or even houses), the city is steeped in beauty.

Azulejo (blue and white ceramic tiles)

The medieval Ribeira (riverside) district is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Although the hilly streets can be a workout, you’re guaranteed incredible architecture and beautiful views around every corner. We wandered up and down these delightfully narrow cobbled streets, peeking into tiny cafes and welcoming stores. 

With the city ideally located on the western coast along the Atlantic Ocean, sunset watching is a group activity in Porto. On clear nights, you’ll see people gathering in parks, along the waterfront, or heading to lookouts to catch a glimpse. Porto feels like the quintessential European city, full of historic charm while being remarkably clean, friendly, and safe. It’s a destination that lends itself perfectly to a romantic getaway or girls’ trip.  

The Goldilocks of Cities

With a quarter of a million people, Porto has a small footprint. It’s just the right size – small enough to easily get around, while big enough to hold your attention for several days. The city feels accessible instead of overwhelming. You don’t need a car to get around, and walking, biking, or riding the metro feels safe and manageable. 

The Douro River divides Porto from the town of Vila Nova de Gaia. If you’ve booked a tasting at a port wine cellar (which I highly recommend), it’s an easy walk across the bustling, double-decker Dom Luís I Bridge to get to Gaia, where the port houses are. Take your time to enjoy the views from the bridge, and then stroll down the Gaia side of the riverfront to admire stunning views of Porto. 

Bang for Buck

Portugal has a reputation for being a European destination that is more affordable than its neighbours (looking at you, Spain and France). As Lisbon continues to gain in popularity, prices have been creeping up. The affordability of Porto, as compared to other destinations, was certainly noted on our trip.

Porto boasts high-quality restaurants, shopping, and hotels. You’ll find everything from Michelin-star restaurants to quality market stands, and it feels like your euro goes just a little further here. A glass of wine (my go-to staple for comparing the impact of inflation and price fluctuations, lol) is about €3-5 in Lisbon. It’s generally €2-4 in Porto. Not a huge difference, but it adds up. Porto felt like a luxe location on a mid-range budget.   

Colourful tuk-tuks

Fit for Foodies

Porto’s food scene is legendary, boasting a huge array of hearty, traditional Portuguese flavors as well as international favorites. Beyond the famed Port wine, the city is heaven for those on a hunt for delicious dishes. 

Hungry visitors (or those who have overindulged in the port wine) will want to try the Francesinha, a hearty layered sandwich stuffed with meats, cheese, and often topped with a fried egg. The classic Portuguese bifana, a traditional pulled-pork-like sandwich, is always a favourite. I enjoy a glass of Vinho Verde with the ubiquitous and delicious Bolinhos de Bacalhau, crispy codfish cakes. There are an astonishing seven Michelin-star restaurants in the Porto vicinity, so you can be sure that culinary expectations are high here.  

My favourite market in Portugal is Mercado do Bolhão. The two-story structure, built in 1839, surrounds an open-air atrium designed to maximize natural light and offers a mix of fresh fish and seafood, fruits and vegetables, cheese, ham, and wine shops, as well as artisan crafts, flower stalls, cafés, and eateries. It’s both a local favorite and a cultural landmark. There’s nothing better than wandering through the stalls, enjoying a bite of this and a taste of that. 

Is Porto in Your Plan?

Porto truly has a way of captivating its visitors. Beyond the stunning architecture and delicious food, the warmth of its people left us with amazing memories. We left feeling like we would be coming back to this incredible city, ready to discover more. I’ll share some of our favourite Porto spots in an upcoming post. I’d love to hear YOUR thoughts about Porto. Would you consider visiting? If you’ve been, what is your favourite Porto memory?