Portugal
Porto
Our notebook to help you plan your trip to Porto: the right season, where to stay and our ideas to make the most of it.
Colourful houses on the banks of the Douro, azulejos, the Vila Nova de Gaia quays and iron bridges: a lively, UNESCO-listed city.
Best weatherIn late spring and summer: sunshine and terraces. Winter is mild but rainy.
A question?
Wéa answers about this destination: neighbourhoods, seasons, ideas.
When to go
Every season has its charm. Here's how to choose yours, depending on what you want to experience.
Mild spring
Lovely days on the Ribeira quays and the first Douro river cruises.
São João
On the night of 23 to 24 June, the whole city parties for São João, and the Foz beaches are just around the corner.
Douro harvest
The terraced vineyards change colour: the best time for the Douro Valley.
Cosy winter
Azulejos, historic cafés and low-priced hotels. The rain comes back, but the city is still great to visit.
Where to stay
The right neighbourhood depends on what you're after. Here are our favourite places to stay.
Ribeira
The historic district on the Douro, UNESCO-listed and very lively in the evening.
Baixa
The centre, around Avenida dos Aliados: handy, with metro, restaurants and shopping.
Vila Nova de Gaia
On the other bank: lively quays and the best view of the city.
Foz do Douro
Where the river meets the ocean: beaches, a promenade and a peaceful vibe.
Our favourites
What we love there: its history, its landscapes, its flavours and its festivals. Take your time, it's all there to enjoy.
Ribeira
Colourful houses, sloping lanes and terraces along the Douro: Porto's historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Magical at sunset.
Ideal for strolling
The azulejos of São Bento
In the hall of São Bento station, thousands of blue tiles tell the history of Portugal. A station that looks like a museum.
Ideal for great photos
The Dom Luís I Bridge
This great iron bridge, designed by a former partner of Gustave Eiffel, links Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. Cross it on the upper deck for a spectacular view.
Ideal for great views
Francesinha and São João
Francesinha, a toasted sandwich covered in a spicy sauce, is the city's speciality. And on the night of 23 June, the São João festival fills the streets until morning.
Ideal for food lovers