Porto Travel Guide: Best Areas to Stay & Things to Do

The Seaside Charm of Porto: Western Europe’s Coastal Gem

Nestled on the northwest coast of Portugal, the city of Porto is a bourgeoning destination with it’s quintessential European charm and panoramic views. After spending a few days in Lisbon, we rented a car and in only 4 short hours were in this quaint, yet bustling, city by the sea. If hoping to fly in to porto, most travelers will likely find themselves connecting through Lisbon, though direct flights from some Western European hubs can be found. Regardless, we were glad to explore Portugal’s capital before venturing up the coast. Having lived up and down the East Coast of the States, I have seen my fair shore of gorgeous cities on the Atlantic. High standards in tow, Porto nonetheless amazed with it’s antique architecture and eclectic culture. One of the most beautiful seaside cities I have ever seen, this spot will no doubt be overrun in no time at all. Get in while it’s still good.

Where to Stay in Porto

Porto is an incredibly walkable city that will enable you to easily soak it all in, no matter where you choose to stay. The most popular neighborhood is the centrally located Baixa, which provides easy access to the rest of the town and is home to many of the most popular shops and restaurants. We stayed a few blocks east of the city center in Bonfim, which has stellar accommodations on nice, quiet streets for modest prices. Riberia and Vila Nova de Gaia, the two waterfront areas that are both picturesque and pricey, are well worth the cost for being right along the beautiful Douro River, the crucial waterway that gave rise to the settlement that became Porto.

Top 5 Sites to See in Porto

1. Mosteiro Santo Agostinho/Dom Luis Bridge

Located atop the banks of the Douro River that cuts through the heart of Porto, the Mosteiro Santo Agostinho da Serra do Pilar dates back to the 1500s and overlooks the prettiest parts of the city. Though the inside has been closed since 2024 for renovations, the outdoor grounds are an excellent place for a stroll while snapping spectacular photos of the Dom Luis Bridge and bright cityscapes. If itching for some Romanesque architecture, the Mosteiro de Leca do Balio, located on the same grounds, is a smaller yet equally beautiful monastery currently open to the public. The surrounding area has spacious, grassy lawns and pavilions. Each night street performers played live music while tourists and locals alike drank Port on the grass and watched the sun set over the City and the Atlantic. Even if you have no interest in monasteries, the immediate area is a must-see for Porto.

3. Torre dos Clerigos

3. Though I failed to get a pic of the outside structure, the Clerigos Tower located in the city center of Porto offers panoramic views of the town from it’s 76m (249ft) bell tower. A Baroque church dating from the mid-1700s, it’s impressive interiors and winding staircase make it an ideal afternoon activity for both art and architecture appreciation. The climb up is fairly intermediate, and as always a good pair of shoes is recommended for the old, slick stones that compromise the floors and steps. Situated a few blocks north of the river, this equally charming section of the city offers more great streets and shops to float in and out of. Spacious parks and outdoor eateries also dot the antique avenues that filter like a maze through the many nooks and crannies of Porto.

5. Livraria Lello (Harry Potter Bookstore)

Located n the same neighborhood as the Clerigos Tower, the Livraria Lello is a gothic-revival bookstore that showcases multiple levels of ornate architecture and world-renowned literature. Commonly referred to as the “Harry Potter Bookstore”, the establishment is most famous for (erroneously) being the inspiration for many of the aesthetics of the book series. Though J.K. Rowling herself has debunked this myth, she nonetheless did teach in porto while writing part of the first book, most notably at the Majestic Cafe across town. Regardless, it is a beautifully built and maintained bookstore. Be forewarned there is an entry fee of 10 Euro to enter, though it can be redeemed by purchasing a book in the shop. Even in the off-season, there was a 20 minute line to get into the store, which conversely allowed for a pleasant, uncrowded experience when browsing inside. I imagine summer seasons would have lengthier wait times, so be prepared.

The Basics to Know Before You Go

How to get to Porto

In an attempt to see more of the countryside, and hopefully stop off in some tiny towns along the way, we rented a car and headed out on the highway after mapping out an easy route. Flights will run you around $50-100 from Lisbon depending on the time of year, and travel time from gate-to-gate is roughly an hour. Trains run regularly from Lisbon’s Central Rossio station with prices at around $25 and travel times averaging 3 hours. Regardless of how you get there, you will feel at ease once arrived. A modest city overwhelming only in terms of it’s beauty, the laid-back crowds and quiet cafes simmer with hot drinks and wayward travelers.

Our Laid Back Neighborhood

Our accommodations in Bonfim at the Lunar Hotel were ideal with it’s clean, spacious rooms and quiet location on an old, broad street a few blocks from the hustle and bustle of central and touristy Baixa. The Ponte Luis Bridge that spans the Douro River was a short 2 blocks from our hotel, and has some of the the most instagram-worthy vantage points, both of the bridge and on the bridge, in all of Porto. Though late at night our hotel’s street was pleasantly dead with no places open, a short walk to the main square for a light-night snack or decaf cappuccino was always an ideal outing in the coastal night air. We opened our big windows each evening and let the breeze waft in while we plotted out or next day’s adventures. Though we checked out a few other beautiful hotels in the more bustling city centers, and most likely would have enjoyed our stay there just as much, we were very happy to be in our quiet little room overlooking our quiet little street.

What to do in Porto; A Short Guide

Though many European cities often offer countless museums and sites that tourists flock to, one of the most appealing aspects of Porto was the pure splendor felt in just walking around town. The situating of the city on the two banks of the Douro River gives you fantastic viewpoints from most places in the main tourist areas of town. One can easily walk the length of Ribeira along the water, across the Ponte Luis, and back down Vila Nova de Gaia in the span of an hour. Numerous cafes and restaurants line each of the banks of the river, allowing for spectacular water views while sipping on an espresso or Aperol Spritz. If scared of heights and/or bridges, a wide-windowed trolley car, part of the city’s public transit system, runs the span of the bridge, and allows one to soak in the beautiful vista of Porto from the comfort and safety of a cushioned train seat. Though we did not ride, I imagine the cost of a metro ticket is rather cheap, as is the case in most of Europe.

2. Gaia Cable Car

Located on the south bank of the river, Porto’s Gaia Cable Car departs from the tiny village located down the hill from the monasteries and bridge. One-way and roundtrip tickets are available, though I found the walk down along the river pleasant with the ride back up being more than sufficient for picture-taking purposes. Though I bought a ticket at the window the day of, peak seasons may require reservations in advance. The ride is a quick 10 minutes, just enough time to enjoy the city from a unique perspective. The village around the lower station has cute shops and cafes, while the upper station drops you off right near the Dom Luis Bridge and monasteries, the park-like area that is filled with performers and sightseers all day long.

4. Douro River Cruise

Along the banks of Ribeira, numerous booths and kiosks will offer various river tours at most hours of the day and night, from the historical and informative to the happy hour “booze cruises”. Times and prices will vary, but if you’re a fan of the basic packages (as we are), an hour long ride will run you around 25 Euros or so depending on the company and the type of cruise. As with most tours we go on, it is always nice to get a “lay of the land” in any new city. Without an informed guide, it is near impossible to decipher which sites are important, why they are important, and most importantly, why one should care. Learning where to go, and what’s cool, is one of the most pivotal reasons for booking an educating tour in each new city visited. It makes choosing whre to wander and what to look for that much more exciting, when you have been given an agenda by a friendly and informed local.

Why Porto is Northwest Europe’s Newest Hotspot

Ever-increasing in popularity, Porto in Portugal is a vibrant city that encapsulates the charm of old-world Europe with the energy of the 21st century, from street musicians covering American hits to Catholic monks wandering to and fro at the markets and coffee shops just outside their monastery’s walls. Even in the off-season, the pleasant climate and bustling port town made it a fun and worthwhile excursion that would become one of our favorites in all of the country. Whether planning a whole new trip, or trying to squeeze in a few destinations in an already packed itinerary, Porto on the northwest tip of Europe is as memorable a destination as any other on the continent.