Porto (Leixoes)
Country: Portugal · Region: Iberia and Atlantic · Currency: Euro
Porto is Portugal's second-largest city and capital of the Northern region, built on high ground overlooking the Douro River estuary with a UNESCO World Heritage historical centre. The port of Leixões in neighboring Matosinhos serves cruise ships with light rail connections to Porto.
Top sights
Ribeira district, Cathedral, Vila Nova de Gaia wine warehouses, Douro River scenic tours, Porto Metro system, São Bento Station
Things to do
- Ribeira
- Historic tourist district featuring narrow streets and traditional architecture in Porto's old town.
- Cathedral
- Historic cathedral built into a cliff face overlooking the Douro River, accessible via stone stairs.
- Vila Nova de Gaia
- Across the Douro from Porto, home to warehouses of notable port wine companies including Cálem, Ferreira, Fonseca, Sandeman, and Kopke.
- Douro River scenic tour boats
- Tour boats offering scenic riverine trips along the Douro based in Porto's ribeirinha zone and Vila Nova de Gaia wharf.
Where to eat
- Local tripe soup restaurants
- Establishments serving caldo de tripeiros, Porto's signature tripe soup dish with centuries of culinary tradition.
Forecast for Porto (Leixoes)
Loading the live forecast.
Getting around
From the cruise port at Leixões, take the light rail system to Porto; within the city, the modern Metro system is the most efficient transport, supplemented by STCP buses and walking despite steep hills.
What to eat
Porto is famous for tripe soup (caldo de tripeiros), a local gastronomical specialty with deep historical roots.
Tips
The city has extremely uneven, hilly terrain with narrow cobbled streets in tourist areas; wear comfortable shoes and allow extra time for walking despite the challenging geography.
Best for
Historic architecture, port wine, river scenery