Portugal · City Guide
Porto
Porto is Portugal's most characterful and surprising city, a UNESCO-listed riverside capital of port wine lodges, outstanding azulejo tile facades, magnificent Baroque churches, beautiful Douro River views from the Ribeira quayside, an exceptional contemporary restaurant scene and a creative energy that has made it one of Europe's most exciting destinations of the past decade. From the São Bento station's extraordinary tile panels and the Livraria Lello bookshop to the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia and the Douro Valley, Porto delivers on every level.
Elect's take
"Porto is the Portuguese city that I find most consistently surprising and rewarding. The combination of extraordinary beauty, outstanding food, world class wine and a creative energy that has transformed the city over the past decade creates something that feels both ancient and completely contemporary."
The São Bento railway station is one of the world's most beautiful stations, its entrance hall covered with over 20000 azulejo tiles depicting scenes from Portuguese history. The Livraria Lello is one of the world's most beautiful bookshops, a stunning Art Nouveau interior of carved wood and coloured glass. The port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro River provide outstanding cellar tours and tastings of Tawny and Vintage Port. The Douro Valley wine region, one of the world's oldest demarcated wine regions, provides beautiful vineyard scenery accessible by river cruise or road approximately one hour east. The contemporary restaurant scene in Porto, anchored by the Matosinhos seafood district and the increasingly celebrated chefs of the city, is outstanding.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
São Bento Station
One of the world's most beautiful railway stations with extraordinary azulejo tile panels.
Port Wine Cellars
Outstanding cellar tours and tastings in the historic lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia.
Ribeira Quayside
A UNESCO listed riverside district of wine cellars, cafés and beautiful bridges.
Livraria Lello
One of the world's most beautiful bookshops in a stunning Art Nouveau building.
Douro Valley
One of the world's oldest wine regions with stunning terraced vineyard scenery one hour east.
Porto Food Scene
Outstanding fresh seafood at Matosinhos and a rapidly evolving contemporary restaurant culture.
