Ribeira
Ideal for: first visit, couples
The historic quays by the Douro: Porto's postcard view. Steep, busy lanes.
Porto
Colourful quays, azulejos and port wine cellars along the Douro.
Plan your stay in Porto
Best areas to stay in Porto
Baixa (Aliados)
Ideal for: first visit, short trips
The city centre, convenient and well connected, within walking distance of the main sights.
Cedofeita
Ideal for: solo, local life
Shopping streets, art galleries and cafés, a little away from the crowds.
Vila Nova de Gaia
Ideal for: couples, city views
On the south bank, the port wine cellar district, with a great view of the city.
Practical info about Porto
Porto is hilly: streets climb steeply from the quays. The centre is walkable, and the metro links the airport to the city centre.
The Douro Valley, with its vineyards and villages, makes a great day trip by train, boat or car.
What to see in Porto
- The Ribeira, its colourful quays on the Douro;
- the Dom Luís I Bridge, best crossed on foot on the upper deck for the view;
- the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river;
- São Bento station and its azulejos, the Clérigos Tower;
- Livraria Lello (ticket with a time slot);
- day trip: the Douro Valley, its vineyards and villages.
Arriving in Porto
Metro line E (violet) links the airport to the centre in about 25 to 30 minutes. Lisbon is about 2h45 away on the Alfa Pendular train.
All our tips for the country in Travel in Portugal.