From historic landmarks to its amazing port wine district, delicious food, nearby beaches and the Douro Vally only a day trip away, Porto has everything to make it your next destination to visit.

Are you planning your next trip and wonder where to go?

Porto, in the northwestern part of Portugal is an amazing destination to visit. While it is clearly no longer a hidden gem or overlooked travel destination, the city has managed to keep its authenticity, traditions and charm.

Now, if you are anything like me, you will fall in love with this place head over heels. Repeat visits over recent years have only cemented my excitement for Portugal’s second largest city. Despite its small size (translation: fully walkable!), there is always something new and exciting to explore.

Read on to discover way you should make Porto your next travel destination.

A walkable charming historic core full of stunning landmarks, bars, cafés, restaurants, shops and art

The beating heart of Porto, the historic Ribeira quarter nestled along the shores of the Douro River and the adjacent old town district boast a labyrinth of narrow, steep and winding cobble-stoned streets lined by colourful townhouses. Every now and then opening into small or slightly larger squares.

Small enough in size to be explored entirely by foot (though you need to be prepared to walk up and down quite a bit), Porto’s historic core is full of amazing monuments, churches, and palaces build in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and neoclassical styles. Landmarks such as the Porto Cathedral, Clerigos Church and Tower, Almas de Santa Catarina Chapel, Palácio da Bolsa, and last but not least Dom Luis I steel bridge.

One of the standout features of Porto are the beautiful azulejos. Though not unique to the city – you can admire these beautiful tiles nearly everywhere in Portugal – the city is home to many stunning azulejos façades. That said, nothing beats São Bento Railway Station fully adorned with azulejo tiles.

Ribeira waterfront (Cais de Ribeira) is a beautiful spot to have a cocktail and watch the sunset. During the summer months, various street artists and bands are performing here each day.

For shopping head to pedestrian Rua de Santa Catarina where you will find many shops from international brands to concept stores and traditional shops. Meanwhile, the city is full of small bars, cafés and restaurants for a quick snack in between sightseeing and other activities.

The historic port wine cellar district of Vila Nova de Gaia, wine museums & wine tasting

You don’t need to be a wine geek to love the Vila Nova de Gaia district at the other side of the Douro River. The area is (was) home to the historic wine cellars of Porto’s iconic port wine houses such as Sandeman, Taylor’s, Fonseca, Graham’s and Calém.

The area remains the nucleus of Porto’s wine industry albeit over the past decade it has transformed tremendously. Following a change in regulations which allowed the port wine houses to make their wine directly in the Douro Valley, where their vineyards are located, many of the historic Vila Nova cellars were no longer needed for operational purposes.

Thankfully, it did not take long before the idea of transforming the area into an intriguing cultural wine destination took shape. Today, large parts of the historic port wine district now form part of Porto’s amazing World of Wine (WOW) area.

A total of six museums (all more or less connected to wine topics, i.e. the wine experience museum, a cork museum, and a chocolate museum), wine and food masterclasses, restaurants, bars, cafés, and shops distributed over 55,000 sqm along with those remaining historic port houses running their own tasting rooms will keep you busy for an entire day or more if you like.

The UNESCO-listed Douro Valley is only a boat trip away

Serious wine lovers will likely look to have a couple of days exploring this UNESCO listed wine region, ideally staying in one of the amazing wine hotels set within the steep vineyards lining the Douro River.

That said, it is absolutely possible to explore the Douro Valley on a day trip from Porto. Boats will depart from Porto in the morning, cruising down the river all the way to Pinhao or Regua. Along the way, you can admire the stunning landscape.

Trips usually include visits to one or two of the Douro Valley wineries, exploring the beautiful small villages of Pinhao or Regua, lunch and often additional wine tastings on board.

Porto’s nearby stunning beaches

That’s right, Porto is also a beach destination! A short ride on the tram to the south of Porto, and you will arrive at the Silver Coast with its beautiful white sandy beaches of São Martinho do Porto, Foz do Arelho, and Praia do Norte. Here you can surf, relax on the beach, and have lunch or dinner at the seaside restaurants. Including stunning scenic views.

Porto is a culinary heaven catering for all tastes

One of my favourite reasons I keep returning to Porto? The city boasts an amazing food scene. From street food to casual bistros and Michelin-starred dining experiences, there is something for every taste.

If you are anything like me, you will want to start at Mercado do Bolhão, Porto’s largest food market. Located in the Bolhão area and open daily (except Sundays) the market boasts over 80 stalls selling fresh seasonal produce, seafood, meat and cold cuts, bread and pastries along with artisanal crafts on the ground floor, and several restaurants on the upper floor.

Next are the small cafés and bakeries selling the delicious Pasteis de Nata, Portugal’s iconic pastry.

Otherwise, the last few years have seen a constant opening of new and exiting restaurants. So, it’s tricky to stay on top of the latest must-try restaurants. However, if you are looking for something special for dinner, my recommendation would be to go for the 11-course sensory menu at 1638 Restaurant & Wine Bar (opened in 2025 at the new Tivoli Kopke Hotel with stunning views over historic Porto and the Douro River) or enjoy one of the excellent tasting menus created by chef Ricardo Costa at The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant (offering the same stunning views over Porto and the river).

So, whether you are looking for a city break, a destination with access to the sea or a wine and/or culinary adventure Porto is a destination that will deliver. Add to this easy access from most other European cities through the city’s international airport and eight to nine months (March through October) of pleasant weather conditions and you have more than enough exciting reasons to make Porto your next destination to visit.