Porto (Portugal) is located on the banks of the Douro River, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The city has a huge number of attractions, architectural masterpieces, ancient streets neighbor wide, spacious avenues, and ancient buildings peacefully coexist next to modern buildings. Many travelers note the amazing cleanliness of the streets, despite the large influx of tourists and vacationers.
General information
Porto is the administrative center of the region of the same name. After the capital of Portugal, the city is the second largest in the country and is an industrial center. The offices of the largest companies in the country are located in Porto. In addition, the settlement occupies a key place not only in the economy of Portugal, but also in the whole world – it is an entry in the list of alpha cities that play an important role in the culture, economy and politics of the entire planet. The population of Porto is 214 thousand people.
The city is surrounded by melodic music, which flows from the windows of numerous cafes and restaurants. The best place to get acquainted with the real Portuguese flavor and incredible atmosphere is the local market, where there is a lot of excitement. Another significant place for the residents of Porto is the Dragao stadium, where the Porto football club plays matches. It is safe to say that among the city’s population there is not a single person indifferent to football. During the match, chants and the never-ending roar of fans can be heard at the stadium.
Porto Features
Porto is one of the most ancient cities in Europe. The first inhabitants settled here in the 3rd century BC. In the past, the city was the capital of Portugal, and today it is called the capital of port wine.
Useful to know! The historical part of the city, where people have lived since the 4th century, is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city center is called granite and monumental.
In Portugal, you can often hear the phrase – Porto is a nation. However, travelers note that the city leaves a strange impression, as if it is separated from the rest of the country. At first glance, Porto may seem a little rough and mercantile, but a walk through the streets of the city will completely dispel this erroneous impression.
Important! Porto has a hilly landscape, so it is very difficult to see the sights on foot. The city has a metro, the lines of which conveniently connect remote areas, you can also use the bus or take a taxi.
Weather and climate, when is the best time to travel
The opinion of city visitors is unanimous – the best time to visit Porto is in spring or summer. The city looks its most colorful at the end of June, when locals celebrate St. Joao’s Day.
At the end of April the air temperature warms up to +25 degrees, there are not many tourists at this time and this is the best period for a quiet walk around the city and sightseeing.
In summer, the temperature rises to +28-30 degrees. Given the northern location of the city, the temperature here is an order of magnitude lower than in the southern part of the country. In the summer months, watermelons, melons, cherries and even strawberries are sold in Porto.
This is important! If you are going to Porto between December and March, carefully study the weather forecast, as the weather is too unpredictable – it often rains, the temperature does not exceed +15 degrees. The juiciest and most aromatic citrus fruits ripen in Porto in winter.
If you want to save as much as possible on your trip, buy a ticket in the fall. At this time, prices for accommodation and excursion tours are halved. However, in restaurants, parks and museums, prices remain at the summer level. The temperature in the fall drops to a comfortable +20-25 degrees. At this time, surfers come to the city to ride the big ocean waves.
In winter, the number of tourists gradually decreases and by the second half of November they disappear. Many locals say that the main thing is to survive the winter. At this time, storm winds rage and rain pours down, the storm can last for several days.
Where is the best place to stay?
Porto is a city that is understandable for visitors. Three districts make up its center, and four are on the outskirts. For guests, the most attractive is undoubtedly the central district – the Union of the districts of Cedofeita, San Ildefonso, Se, Miragaia, San Nicolau and Vitoria. Accommodation prices here are quite democratic, attractions are within walking distance, there is entertainment for every taste.
Useful information! The cheapest accommodation will cost 10 euros per day – this is how much you will have to pay for staying in a hostel and a campsite. In a hotel (2 and 3 stars) a room costs from 30 euros per day.
The outlying areas – Ramalde, Bonfim, Campanha and Paranhos – have almost no attractions, so from a tourist point of view it will not be so interesting.
Prices for entertainment, transportation and food
Porto has quite reasonable prices:
- excursions – from 10€;
- lunch in a cafe – from 6€ per person;
- lunch in an inexpensive restaurant – from 8€ per person;
- dinner in a mid-range restaurant – on average 30-35€ for two;
- a cup of cappuccino – 1.4€;
- 0.5 local beer – 1.8€;
- one-time trip on local transport 1.6-2€;
- A taxi ride will cost on average 12-15€.
Traveling will be cheaper if you go on a trip with a group, rent an apartment, and buy food in a supermarket. In this case, one day in Porto will cost 25-30€ per person.
Useful information! Don’t be afraid to rent a room in a hostel or an apartment. This will help you save money. If you know about the trip in advance, book a room, early booking is usually cheaper. Buy a ticket for travel on public transport and the metro for a day or 5 days, since travel in Porto is quite expensive.
Where to eat delicious food
In Porto you will never face a choice of a place where to eat hearty and tasty. There can be only one problem – a large selection of cafes and restaurants, the main and best of them are located in the central part. Here you will find a budget place where you can eat for 6 euros, as a rule, these are small, cozy cafes with a home-style menu. There are also elite establishments where a full lunch will cost up to 100 €.
For a true gourmet, Porto is a paradise, with about one and a half thousand places to eat.
Budget cafes and restaurants
The cheapest places are concentrated in the Ribeira area. Most of them are arranged in the same way, but everywhere you will be fed tasty, filling food and offered a quiet rest.
A selection of the best according to visitors’ reviews.
- A Sandeira. An atmospheric place, despite the fact that there are only six tables. People come here to eat delicious salads, sandwiches, drink craft beer and coffee with liqueur. Address: Rua dos Caldeireiros, 85.
- Arvore do Mundo. The restaurant is vegan-oriented, but judging by the reviews, even meat-eaters will like it here. Prices are noticeably lower than average, a 3-course dinner with a bottle of wine will cost 20 euros. The menu also offers 3-course sets + a drink for 10 euros. Address: Rua Duque Loule N 228, Porto 4000-324 Portugal.
- Taberna Santo Antonia. A small tavern owned by a Portuguese family. It is pleasant to relax here, because you are always greeted with a smile and a good mood. The food is simple and very tasty, there is both fish and meat. Address: Rua das Virtudes, 32.
Mid-range restaurants
Most of the restaurants in Porto, Portugal are mid-priced. A meal here will cost you €25-40 for two. Here are the most popular ones.
- Pedro Lemos. A place where you can relax in comfort after a walk along the embankment. Surely, you will be impressed not only by the taste and variety of dishes, but also by their presentation. The wine list will satisfy the tastes of the most demanding customers. Address: Rua do Padre Luís Cabral, 974.
- Essencia Restaurante. The restaurant offers mostly vegetarian dishes, but not all. Here you will be fed tasty, filling and inexpensive. The establishment is located a little in the depths of the streets, but the walk is worth the time spent. Even if you prefer meat, be sure to visit this restaurant. Where to find: Rua de Pedro Hispano, 1196.
Premium restaurants
Most of the expensive restaurants are located on the waterfront, offering a wide selection of dishes and wines. Lunch costs an average of 70-100 euros for 2 people.
- O Paparico. A great place, where it is almost impossible to get in without a reservation. They serve delicious dishes, if you are not sure about the choice, just rely on the waiters’ choice. They will offer you a suitable wine for each dish. Address: Rua de Costa Cabral, 2343.
- MUU Steakhouse. You can safely order any dish here – steaks, salads, fish are cooked superbly. The service is also top-notch. Many call this place the best not only in Porto, but in all of Portugal. It is better to book a table for dinner in advance. Location: Rua do Almada 149A.
- Ode Porto Wine House. The restaurant is located on the old embankment. There is a wide selection of wines, the waiter will help you choose the best, based on your preferences. The presentation of the dishes deserves special attention. Address: Largo do Terreiro, 7 Zona Histórica da Ribeira.
Beaches of Porto
Matosinhos
In addition to the beaches scattered along the coast and sheltered by rocks, this port is called the northern culinary capital of the entire region. Here is an original sculpture called “Fisherman”. Outwardly, it resembles fishing nets.
Getting to the beach is easy. From Porto Central Station, take the metro to Matosinhos Sul. From there, the journey to the beach takes seven minutes.
It is very windy here, but if you can’t swim, you can always eat in a cozy restaurant and enjoy nature. If you are interested in the sights of Portugal, take a walk to the castle with the strange name “Cheese”.
Interesting fact! The best time to visit Matuzinhos Beach is July. During this period, there is a fish festival. During the festival, barbecues are set up right on the beach.
Espinho
A fairly young beach in Porto (Portugal), which has transformed from a small village into a comfortable resort. The coastline has beautiful beaches, where surfers often relax, as it is quite windy. You can also find shallow beaches, comfortable for family holidays. The coastline is diverse, so after a beach holiday you can take a walk in the forest or climb a picturesque hill.
You can get to the beach by metro. The journey from the center of Porto takes about half an hour. People come here to enjoy the silence, calm, peace and amazing ocean views.
Villa Conde Porto
The beach is 18 km long and is located 20 km from the central areas of Porto. A romantic place where people come to admire the beautiful sunset. The coastline is divided into several small beaches. You can get here by metro or bus.
Marimar Port
This is another romantic place, where you can admire the beautiful nature and the ancient chapel of Senhor da Pedra. People come here not only to swim, but also to take beautiful photos on the rocks. There are many cafes, you can fish and even play golf. Minibuses go to the beach, it is located 10 km from the city.
Interesting facts
If you are planning a trip to Porto, be sure to get to know this amazing city better.
- In 1996, the central part of the city was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- The city is the recognized capital of winemaking in Portugal. People come here to taste the most delicious wine in the world. Port wine of Portuguese production is the best souvenir.
- In Porto, there is a bookstore called Lello & Irmão Bookshop, recognized as the best in the world. It was built at the beginning of the last century and is decorated in the Art Nouveau style – decorated with a twisted wooden, carved staircase and exquisite bridges that connect the bookshelves. The assortment includes several tens of thousands of books.
- In Porto, you can often see people handing out free lunches to passersby. The tradition is long-standing and arose when Portugal was in a difficult economic situation.
- The most popular street among tourists is Santa Catarina. There are many souvenir shops where you can buy many bright, original souvenirs – painted and embroidered pictures, jewelry, leather shoes.
- The first name of the settlement was Portus Cale – this is what the Romans called the city.
- The city’s current status is the northern capital of Portugal.
- The most original way to move around Porto is the cable car. It connects the area near the bridge with the Douro bank with wine cellars.
- The oldest district of the city is Bairro de Sé. This part of Porto has preserved its originality and special color.
- If you want to see the city of Porto from above, climb the tower of the Clérigos Church. The bell tower of this church is the highest in all of Portugal. In the past, it was used as a landmark for sailors who sailed to the shores of Porto. To climb the bell tower, you need to overcome 225 steps.
- Porto has a surprising combination of poor streets and modern architecture. This original neighborhood is called – vanished magnificence. Despite the fact that the city is recognized as a working city, there are many attractions here.
Traveling around Portugal and not paying attention to Porto, according to tourists, means not seeing the country and not getting to know its history, architecture and culture.
Porto (Portugal) is the second largest and most important city in the country, where hundreds of thousands of travelers come every year. Everyone will find their own beauty and splendor here.
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