Located approximately 300 km north of Lisbon, Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and a must-visit destination. With its charming historic center, vibrant riverfront along the Douro River, and renowned Port wine cellars, Porto offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Just the right size to explore on foot, it’s perfect for wandering its cobbled streets, admiring stunning architecture, and enjoying the local atmosphere. A minimum of two to three days is recommended to fully experience Porto’s sights and vibrant culture. The scenic train ride or drive from Lisbon takes about 3 hours, making it an ideal addition to your Portuguese adventure.
How to Travel from Lisbon to Porto
If you’re planning to travel from Lisbon to Porto, there are several convenient options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best one.
Traveling from Lisbon to Porto offers several convenient options. The most popular is by train, with frequent departures from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations. The high-speed Alfa Pendular takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, offering comfort and scenic views.
Buses are another affordable choice, with multiple daily services from Lisbon’s Sete Rios station, taking about 3.5 to 4 hours.
If you prefer driving, the journey along the A1 highway takes roughly 3 hours, offering flexibility to stop along the way.
For a quicker option, domestic flights are available and take just 1 hour, but account for airport time.
Alternatively, you can book a guided tour for a more curated and hassle-free experience, often including stops at key attractions between the two cities.
Best Things to Do and See in Porto
Explore the ancient splendour of Porto's Sé Cathedral
Perched on a hilltop, Porto’s Sé Cathedral is the city’s most important religious monument, built between the 12th and 13th centuries. Its imposing, fortress-like exterior blends Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque architectural styles, while the interior is adorned with beautiful stained glass and centuries-old sculptures. Don’t miss the 14th-century cloister, decorated with stunning blue and white tiles featuring biblical scenes. From the square outside, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Porto, the Douro River and the iconic wine cellars below. It is a must see for first-time visitors.
Discover the beating heart of Porto at Mercado do Bolhão
Mercado do Bolhão is one of Porto’s most iconic open-air markets, located in the heart of the city. First opened in 1914, it’s a lively place where locals sell fresh produce, meat, fish, flowers and traditional products over several floors. The market’s historic Beaux-Arts architecture adds to its charm, and its bustling atmosphere offers a glimpse into everyday life in Porto. Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or simply absorbing the authentic atmosphere, a visit to Bolhão is a must for anyone wanting to experience the true essence of Porto.
Buy a book in the world's most beautiful bookstore
Livraria Lello is known as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. Housed in a stunning neo-Gothic building from 1906, its elegant wooden and red velvet staircase and ornate stained glass windows create a fairytale atmosphere. With two floors filled with over 300,000 books, this architectural gem not only captivates book lovers, but is also said to have inspired JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series. You’ll need a timed ticket to enter, but the €8 fee will be deducted from your book purchase. Make sure you visit at the end of the day to avoid the crowds!
Stroll around Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
The Crystal Palace Gardens in Porto are a must for nature lovers and those seeking breathtaking views. Designed in the 19th century, these magnificent gardens offer stunning panoramic views of the Douro River, the city and even the Atlantic Ocean. Walk through themed areas such as the aromatic, medicinal and rose gardens, and spot the peacocks that roam the grounds. Don’t miss the panoramic viewpoints or the nearby Romantic Museum. It’s the perfect place to relax and take in Porto’s natural beauty.
Enjoy Porto's iconic Francesinha at Café Santiago
At Café Santiago in Porto, you’ll find one of the city’s best versions of the iconic francesinha sandwich. This hearty dish is filled with layers of steak, ham and sausage, covered in melted cheese, a fried egg and drenched in a rich, spicy beer sauce. Served with hand-cut chips, it’s a must for anyone wanting to experience Porto’s local flavours. Although it may seem intimidating, it’s a delicious meal loved by the locals. Avoid peak times to skip the queues and leave time for a well-deserved post-francesinha nap!
Experience the majestic views from Porto's Clérigos Tower
The Clérigos Tower, standing at 75 meters tall, is one of Porto’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 18th century in a Baroque style by architect Nicolau Nasoni, this bell tower offers one of the best panoramic views of the city and the Douro River. To reach the top, you’ll need to climb 225 steps, but the stunning views make the effort worthwhile. Along the way, you’ll pass the tower’s 49 bells, which form an impressive carillon. A visit to the Clérigos Tower is a must for anyone exploring Porto’s historic center.
Discover the vibrant charm of Porto's Ribeira district
Ribeira is one of Porto’s oldest and most vibrant areas, nestled along the banks of the Douro River. With its colourful façades and narrow, winding streets, this charming area invites exploration at every turn. Don’t miss the stunning views of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and the traditional rabelos on the water. By day, wander through quaint shops and savour delicious Portuguese cuisine at lively waterfront restaurants. As night falls, Ribeira comes alive with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for enjoying local dishes while admiring the illuminated scenery.
Taste the history of Port Wine at the Sandeman Wine Cellar
Founded in 1790, Sandeman Cellars is a must-visit attraction in Porto, renowned for its quality Port Wines and fascinating history. The iconic logo features ‘The Sandeman Man’, a mysterious figure in a black cape and sombrero, symbolising the brand’s unique charm. Guided tours, often led by a sommelier dressed as the Sandeman Don, explore the secrets of the cellar and conclude with a tasting of two exquisite wines. Don’t miss the cellar museum, which tells the fascinating story of this legendary brand.
Where to Stay in Porto
We have curated a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to every budget and preference, from charming hotels to cozy apartments and enchanting guest houses. Our selection process involved considering the location of the accommodations, reliable reviews from our partner Booking.com, and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, which has 40 thousand enthusiastic members. These options have been selected carefully to make sure that your stay in Porto is truly memorable.
Recomended Hotels:
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Transportation in Porto
Porto’s transportation system is well-connected, making it easy to explore the city and beyond. The São Bento Station, with its stunning azulejo tiles, offers regional trains to cities like Braga and Guimarães. The Campanhã Station is the main hub for long-distance travel, including trains to Lisbon. Porto’s metro network covers much of the city and nearby areas, with lines reaching Matosinhos and Vila Nova de Gaia. Trams are a charming way to explore the historic areas, while buses provide extensive coverage throughout Porto. The Funicular dos Guindais also offers quick access between the riverside and upper parts of the city.
Best Restaurants in Porto
We have curated a list of the best restaurants in Porto, inspired by the region’s rich culinary and cultural traditions. To create this list, we used trusted TripAdvisor reviews and insider tips from our amazing Lisbon Friends Facebook group, where over 40,000 members share their favourite recommendations.
Brasão Antas
Bar, Mediterranean, $$ – $$$
Restaurante Abadia do Porto
Mediterranean, Portuguese, $$ – $$$
MUU Steakhouse
Steakhouse, European, $$$$
Culto Ao Bacalhau
Bar, European, $$$$
Best Tours in Porto
We have selected a diverse range of tour options to suit all budgets and preferences. Our selection was based on the reliable reviews of our partner GetYourGuide and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, with 40,000 passionate members. These options have been carefully selected to ensure that your stay in Porto is truly memorable.
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