A city trip to the Portuguese city of Porto is highly recommended. It is a city full of unique sights. You also have the opportunity to engage in many different cool activities.
The city is lively and vibrant, with plenty to see, experience, do, and enjoy. This city is perfect for a city trip because you can make it as short or as long as you want. Do you want to go for a long weekend or make it a full week? You certainly won’t get bored during your city trip to Porto.
Porto is also known as Oporto by the local Portuguese population. It is a Portuguese municipality in the northwest of Portugal. Porto is also an important port city in Portugal. The city of Porto is located on the Douro River and has a population of nearly 250,000.
The city is also great to explore by bike. You can easily cycle past the main Porto attractions, but more on that later.
What is there to see during your city trip to Porto?
- Ponte de Dom Luis
- Igreja de São Francisco
- Torre dos Clérigos
- Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
- Igreja do Carmo and Igreja do Carmelitas
- Palácio da Bolsa
- Cais da Ribeira
- Funicular dos Guindas
A city trip to Porto: a colorful Portuguese city
Porto is not a very large city. As a visitor, this is pleasant because it means that many things are within walking distance of each other. And even better to explore the city by bike.
This way, you can see even more in a shorter time. It is a very colorful city with many charming alleys and streets. In every alley or street, you will discover something new.
From unique architecture to one of the many churches that Porto has. From the special blue-painted tiles to hidden cafes with the most delicious Portuguese specialties. It is a very special city where everyone can enjoy. Whether you have a passion for history, art, or culture, Porto is a very diverse city. And that makes Porto a perfect city trip destination.
The flight there takes only 2 hours and 40 minutes from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. Within just under 3 hours of flying, you can enjoy the warm Portuguese sunrays.
The weather in Porto
Porto is also a nice city trip destination due to the pleasant weather. Throughout the year, you can enjoy favorable temperatures. While we in the Netherlands know very hot summers and cold, rainy winters, Porto is more balanced.
Throughout the year, you can enjoy nice weather. In the summer months, it averages around 25 degrees. In the winter months, it will almost never be colder than 7 degrees.
UNESCO World Heritage List
Did you know that Porto is on the UNESCO World Heritage List?
This unique old Portuguese city was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1996. The old city center is particularly popular. The city has many churches, chapels, and monuments.
You can also visit many interesting museums, each with its own subjects. Museums that focus on the history of Porto, highlight Porto as a port city, or provide a platform for Portuguese artists.
There is even a special wine museum where you can learn everything about Portuguese Port. Of course, a wine tasting is also included.
Discover Porto by bike
Did you know that Baja Bikes organizes bike tours daily through many European cities, including Porto?
You can book a tour on an electric bike with Dutch guidance. During this tour, you will cycle past various unique Porto attractions.
See a lot in a short time and visit places where the bus doesn’t go!
The bike tour lasts 3 hours and there is plenty of time for several stops so you can take the most beautiful photos.
Booking a bike tour is always fun, but I would recommend it on one of your first days. This way, you get a good first impression of the city in a short time. You will also know what you would like to visit again or where you want to linger a bit longer.
Porto is very safe for cycling. So you can cross that worry off your list. During your bike tour, you will visit at least 10 attractions.
Big favorites are: The Cathedral of Porto, the Dom Luis I bridge, the Lello bookstore, and Jardim da Cordoaria.
Did you know this about Porto?
The name of the city Porto originates from the Celtic empire where it was called ‘Portus Cale’. The name of the port city Cale Portus was later shortened to Porto. The name that the country Portugal eventually received also originates from Portus Cale. That’s how influential Porto has been on the development of the country.
Invicta
The city is affectionately called “Invicta” and the local population “Tripeiros”.
The people of Porto are called Tripeiros because they are known for a dish known as “Tripas à Moda do Porto”. That’s how the name Tripeiros came about.
The city is called Invicta as a sign of respect. The city had to endure a siege of more than a year in the 19th century. This happened during the Portuguese Civil War. Because they won this civil war, the name Invicta was given. Invicta means victory.
What do Porto and the Eiffel Tower have in common?
There is a connection between Porto and the Eiffel Tower. The Eiffel Tower was designed by Gustave Eiffel. A student of Gustave Eiffel built Porto’s most famous bridge between 1881 and 1885: The Dom Luis I bridge. This bridge spans the Douro River. In addition, designer Gustave Eiffel himself designed the Maria Pia bridge. It was built between 1876 and 1877.
Budget-friendly city trip to Porto
Oporto is a very budget-friendly destination. There are many accommodations in the city center where you can stay for under €50.
Also, food and drink are absolutely not expensive if you avoid the tourist spots. Walk through the colorful streets and you will discover many local restaurants. Here you can enjoy a delicious meal with an ice-cold drink for about €10 per person.
Porto has the most beautiful train station in the world. The Sao Bento train station is considered the most beautiful train station in the world due to its unique murals, wall tiles, and frescoes. The building consists of 3 floors and is built in the Beaux-Arts style.