WHY VISIT THE PORTO AREA?

Visit the Porto area for the views – both sides of the river offer spectacular vistas. The city is smaller, less touristy and easier to navigate than Lisbon, so you can cover everything in a day by foot. And once in Porto, you’re a stone’s throw away from the Douro Valley, a mountainous and spectacular wine region.

Check out the Travel Honey PORTO PHOTO GALLERY.

View the PORTUGAL COUNTRY OVERVIEW for everything else.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE PORTO AREA?

If you’re staying Porto, choose something close to the city center near the river so everything is in walking distance.

Porto-Portugal-Maps-Visit-Porto-Area
Maps of Porto, Portugal

*Get the key to $, $$, $$$ and $$$$ in the Travel Honey Pricing Guide.

The Yeatman ($$$$) If you seek luxury, stay across the river and splurge on the elegant rooms and fantastic views of Porto from the infinity pool.

1872 River House  Enjoy scenic river views near central Porto from classically decorated rooms, many with charming stone walls. The staff is awesome.

Flores Village Hotel and Spa ($$$) Stay in modern, chic rooms that retain their 18th century origins and enjoy the hotel’s great service and spa facilities in Porto’s center.

Mercador Guesthouse ($$) A small, charming hotel with a lovely breakfast that’s a short walk from Porto’s center.

Casa dos Loios ($$) Marvel at the high-ceilings in this elegant mansion in central Porto dating back to the 16th century.  Try to get the deluxe family room.

Patio Guest House ($$) Near the river, this lovely mix of stone walls and modern furniture makes this affordable boutique hotel a great option.

WHERE TO EAT IN PORTO?

*Get the key to $, $$, $$$ and $$$$ in the Travel Honey Pricing Guide.

O Paparico ($$$$) Take a short Uber trip to tasty restaurant and splurge on the tasting menu with wine pairings.

Restaurante DOP ($$$) Experience the stylish decor, great service and cutting-edge menu from a Michelin starred chef. Take advantage of the prix fix lunch menu at only 20 euros.

De Castro Gaia ($$) A tasty menu with great views of Porto from its lovely terrace.

Tapabento ($$) Locals and tourist alike are keen on these excellent tapas that are mix of modern and traditional Portuguese flavors.

Casa Dos Pregos Venham ($) Famous sandwiches, great for a quick lunch.

A Sandeira ($) A hole in the wall sandwich, soup and salad shop with a cool vibe. Makes for a delish lunch.

Porto-Portugal-View-From-Dom-Luis-Bridge-and-Praca-de-Carlos-Visit-Porto-Area
In Porto, Portugal: View from Dom Luis Bridge and Praca de Carlos Alberto

WHERE TO GO AT NIGHT IN PORTO?

At least one evening, try to have drinks on the river and watch the sunset.  If you want experience Porto’s active nightlife, head to Igreja do Carmo.  There are a number of bar lined streets where patrons pour onto the street on the weekend.

Yeatman Hotel Bar ($$$) Enjoy drinks on the terrace and take in the spectacular view of Porto. Go to see the sunset or for an after dinner drink.

Base ($$) Enjoy the awesome outdoor seating, great vibe and affordable drinks. Near Igreja do Carmo and great any time of the day.

Gin House ($$)  A more sophisticated option near Igreja do Carmo. Order a creative cocktail from their 150 varieties of gin and go after 12am on a weekend if you want the full scene.

Prova Wine Food & Pleasure ($) A cozy wine bar in the heart of Porto with a selection of delish light appetizers. Great for pre or post-dinner drinks.

Aduela Taberna Bar ($) Good for a drink and light snacks before dinner or for a drink after dinner.  Near Igreja do Carmo.

DAY TRIPS IN THE PORTO AREA – DOURO VALLEY

If you’re up for a day-long or overnight trip in the Porto area, visit the Douro Valley. Even if you don’t like wine, you don’t want to miss the steep, grape covered hills that frame the Douro River.  If you’re going for the day, you can take a train from Porto or ride by boat.  Renting a car is also an easy option, which gives you more flexibility, especially if you’re staying overnight.

Six Senses ($$$) Everything you want out of a country wine retreat. Fabulous pool surrounded by vineyards.

Vintage House  ($$$) A charming hotel with a pool overlooking the Douro River.  Right in Pinhão, so easy if you’re taking the train or want to be within walking distance to boat tours and restaurants.

Quinta do Vallado ($$$) A modern boutique hotel in Peso da Régua built with a beautiful pool, great view, and a restaurant and wine tasting onsite. Book early and stay in the new wing.

Castas e Pratos ($$$) A hip, stylish spot in a converted railway building in Peso da Régua with innovative dishes and a huge selection of wines.

Quinta do Bosque ($$) A boutique hotel with 4 exceptionally decorated rooms, a pool and spectacular views of the Douro Valley.

Qualifier ($) An awesome butcher shop where you can get meats, cheeses, jams and homemade breads and do a picnic at viewpoint if it’s nice outside. There’s no website but it’s located at R. António Manuel Saraiva 45, 5085-037 Pinhão, Portugal.

Douro-Valley-Portugal-Quinto-do-Bosque-Porto-Visit-Porto-Area
In the Douro Valley, Portugal: Wine tasting at Quinta do Seixto; Douro River; Quinto do Bosque

BEST INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS FOR THE PORTO AREA?

Artsy shots of Porto @porto.portugal 

City views from posh digs @theyeatman 

HOW TO GET TO PORTO?

It’s easy to take the train between Lisbon and Porto, check out this itinerary for more details. But consider renting a car and stopping in Sintra and Obidos, check out this itinerary for more details.  You can also take a less than an hour flight.  If you’re also visiting Lisbon, consider flying into Lisbon and out of Porto or vice versa to cut down on travel time.

HOW TO GET AROUND THE PORTO AREA?

Porto is very walkable. There are also trams and Ubers and taxi drivers but be careful for traffic around rush hour.