Travel guide · Portugal
Porto: what to see and when to go
Porto climbs the steep banks of the Douro in a jumble of granite churches, tiled façades and port wine cellars across the river in Gaia. It is compact, walkable and good value, and the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley make an easy day trip.
What to see and do in Porto
Ribeira
The riverside quarter, a UNESCO site, best seen from the top deck of the Dom Luís I bridge.
Port cellars in Gaia
Cross the bridge to taste port in the lodges where it has aged for centuries.
São Bento station
A station hall lined with some 20,000 blue-and-white tiles telling Portugal's history.
Livraria Lello and Clérigos
The neo-Gothic bookshop and the baroque tower with views over the whole city.
Douro Valley
Vineyards terraced down to the river: go by train to Pinhão or on a river cruise.
Best time to go
The most pleasant months: May – Sep.
Getting there
| From | Flight time | Return flight |
|---|---|---|
| London | 2 hr, 15 min | ≈ €140 · See flights |
| New York | 7 hr, 30 min | ≈ €440 · See flights |
| Los Angeles | 12 hr | ≈ €580 · See flights |
| Dubai | 8 hr, 15 min | ≈ €490 · See flights |
| Singapore | 15 hr, 45 min | ≈ €660 · See flights |
| Sydney | 23 hr, 45 min | ≈ €850 · See flights |
3 nights from London: ≈ €330 per person, flight and stay included.
Per person. Estimates from distance and local prices; real fares depend on your dates.
Essentials
- Country
- Portugal
- Currency
- Euro
- Good for
- food · city · culture · calm
- How long to stay
- 2–3 days
- Where to stay
- Ribeira or Baixa to walk everywhere; Cedofeita and Bonfim are calmer and cheaper.Find a place to stay in Porto
Plan your trip
Flights, a place to stay and what else you need for Porto, one tap each.
- FlightsFrom London · about €140 (opens in a new tab)
- StayHotels and apartments in Porto (opens in a new tab)
- Things to doTours, tickets and experiences (opens in a new tab)
Links open a sample search (Fri, May 7 – Sun, May 9, 2 people): change it on each site. If you book through these links we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It helps us keep improving diceando. Legal notice
Frequently asked questions
What's the weather like in Porto and when should you go?
The most pleasant months: May – Sep. Average highs range from 14° in January to 25° in July.
How many days do you need in Porto?
2 to 3 days is enough to see the essentials without rushing.
What does a few days in Porto cost?
Accommodation runs at around €60 per person per night. 3 nights from London: ≈ €330 per person, flight and stay included. The flight from London takes about 2 hr, 15 min.
Where should you stay in Porto?
Ribeira or Baixa to walk everywhere; Cedofeita and Bonfim are calmer and cheaper.
