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Travel advice for Portugal
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written by Amanda Tomlin
updated 7.12.2022
Wondering where to stay in Porto? Not only is the city home to number 3 in our list of 9 of the best pousadas in Portugal, it has some of the country's finest hotels.
The information in this article is inspired by The Pocket Rough Guide Porto, your essential guide for visiting Porto.
Portugal was a new addition to the most beautiful countries in the world – voted by you in 2022 and its atmospheric second city, which sits on the Rio Douro, is well worth a few days or more to explore Vila Nova de Gaia wine lodges and wander the narrow streets and alleys.
Porto's centre is all about broad squares, neoclassical buildings and Baroque churches, but not all about history. You'll find hip cafés and restaurants and a thriving art scene. Much of the city has been restored so you can take your pick of good hotels in Porto.
But if you're wondering Porto versus Lisbon: which city to see first? Take a look at the best area to stay in Lisbon guide too.
Iberian Blend - Porto and Galicia
Neighbour countries - Portugal and Spain, different and similar at the same time, will surprise you with hospitality and loveliness. This itinerary includes the route of the Northwest part of Iberian Peninsula and offers you to meet beautiful Porto and stunning Vigo in Galicia/Spain.
customize ⤍The Real Algarvian Experience
Experience and discover the real Algarve – taste local produce, drinks and traditional dishes, visit heritage sites and participate in culinary activities. If you are passionate about the people’s culture and gastronomy and want to learn more, this itinerary is for you.
customize ⤍A self drive to Portugal's North and Center
Starting in fascinating Lisbon, this trip allows you to discover Portugal both on your own as well as with guided tours. Driving further up north you'll explore Coimbra and Porto before heading to the Douro Valley and Alentejo.
customize ⤍Porto and the North of Portugal: off the beaten track
From Porto, you'll discover the most fascinating parts of Northern Portugal: go on a hike through unique biodiversity around the Paiva river, take a jeep tour through the slopes of the Serra da Arada and taste the wonderful wines of the Douro valley.
customize ⤍The best of Portugal: Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve
Portugal offers many highlights but when you're short on time, this trip is ideal to cover all the highlights: the capital city of Lisbon, historic Porto, lush Douro Valley and the stunning beaches of the Algarve are all part of this trip.
customize ⤍Azores Wild Nature
Get ready to discover what the largest island of the Azores, São Miguel, has to offer in this short adventure-packed 6-day trip. You will get to swim with wild dolphins, abseil or jump down waterfalls, ride a mountain bike through the Sete Cidades and relax in a natural spa. Adventure awaits!
customize ⤍Madeira and São Miguel - guided island adventures
Visit two of Portugal's autonomous regions: Madeira, the island of eternal spring as they call it, as well as São Miguel, nicknamed the green island. Guided excursions will take you to the highlights of both islands and there's plenty of time to discover on your own or simply relax.
customize ⤍Lisbon and the South of Portugal: exploration and relaxation
Take your rental car and discover Lisbon, Sintra & Cascais before heading to Alentejo. This fascinating region features many historic gems to discover, as well as a unique cuisine to taste. Finish your trip with some beach days in Tavira on Portugal's Algarve coast.
customize ⤍The Wines of Portugal
This unforgettable trip will take you to Portugal's finest wine-producing regions, including the Douro Valley. Sample the finest local labels, and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complemented by guided tours of their historical old towns.
customize ⤍Discovering the coast of Portugal
Explore the beautiful cities along the coast of Portugal. Start your journey discovering historic sites and wineries in Porto, from there you will head South to Lisbon. Along the way, you will get a chance to visit charming coastal towns, dramatic cliffs and national parks.
customize ⤍With our tailor-made tour to Porto and the North of Portugal you have a chance to discover the most fascinating parts of Northern Portugal: go on a hike through unique biodiversity around the Paiva river, take a jeep tour through the slopes of the Serra da Arada and taste the wonderful wines of the Douro valley.
If you're looking for iconic photo opps head to double-decker Ponte Dom Luís I. The lower level is reserved for traffic, the Metro runs 60m above the River Douro on the upper level and pedestrians can walk either level to Vila Nova de Gaia.
If you are interested in culinary travel our tailor-made culinary trip to Portugal – cuisine and culture offers exceptional Portuguese cultural experiences. Taste port in a prestigious winery, savour exquisite codfish and picnic in the world's oldest wine region. Hilltop palaces, medieval old towns and glamorous beach resorts complete an unforgettable trip.
Baixa is also the district for legendary Livraria Lello. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds at this now world famous bookshop, and if you want more useful advice take a look at our 20 essential Portugal travel tips for year round trips.
Tours of the smaller lodges tend to be more personal, but they're all informative without exception so expect to know your Tawny from Ruby by the end of any one of them. Plus the lodges are lovely and another reason why Porto is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal to visit.
The riverfront faces Ribeira and its long docks lined with cafés and restaurants. Cruise boats moor on the esplanade and historic Barcos Rabelos still ply their trade on the water, transporting wine casks downriver from Douro estates as they've done for centuries.
Get to know the creative heart of the city like a local on an easy-going guided walking tour of Porto with wine tasting and snacks.
Although you wont find it on our 10 best beaches in Portugal list, Matosinhos Beach is fun and where locals go for seafood and clubbing and you'll find even more beaches an easy walk away at Leça da Palmeira.
Find more accommodation options to stay in Foz do Douro
Our unforgettable tailor-made tour to the wines of Portugal will take you to Portugal's finest wine-producing regions, including the Douro Valley. Sample the finest local labels, and explore the exciting and stunningly beautiful cities of Lisbon and Porto, complemented by guided tours of their historical old towns.
If you prefer to plan and book your trip to Porto without any effort and hassle, use the expertise of our local travel experts to make sure your trip will be just like you dream it to be.
Ready for a trip to Porto in Portugal? Check out the snapshot Pocket Rough Guide Porto or Pocket Rough Guide Lisbon. If you travel further in Portugal, read more about the best time to go, the best places to visit and best things to do in Portugal. For inspiration use the itineraries from The Rough Guide to Portugal and our local travel experts. A bit more hands on, learn about getting there, getting around the country and where to stay once you are there.
We may earn commission when you click on links in this article, but this does not influence our editorial standards - we only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.
written by Amanda Tomlin
updated 7.12.2022
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