Experience the beauty of the Portuguese coastline with Porto holidays. Situated on the Douro River, Porto combines vibrant city life with relaxation on some of Portugal’s most beautiful beaches. With its peaceful riverbanks, impressive architecture and elegant eateries, Porto Portugal is a city of delights. And as the iconic home of Port wine, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a tipple or two during your getaway.
Although popular with tourists, Porto is certainly not as crowded as other European cities. Whether you want to unwind on idyllic sandy beaches, soak up some culture or dance the night away, Porto is the perfect place for families, couples and groups of friends alike.
Food and drink
Porto is adorned with restaurants to relax and sample exquisite cuisine. One of the city’s most well-loved local dishes is francesinha, a ham and steak sandwich topped with mouth-watering melted cheese. This dish was created in the 1950s and quickly became a favourite weekend lunch among locals. Other popular food includes bacalhau (dried salt-cod) and Polvo com Molho Verde (boiled octopus).
And of course, a trip to Porto wouldn’t be complete without a spot of wine tasting. Port wine is a red wine produced in the Douro Valley and traditionally enjoyed with dessert due to its sweet flavour. Wine tours are a popular attraction in Porto, allowing tourists to sample the delicious beverage for themselves and find out how it’s produced.
Must-see attractions
Porto is steeped in fascinating history. Wander through Ribeira, Porto Old Town, and discover all sorts of architectural treasures. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historical centre, Ribeira boasts many extraordinary landmarks.
Head over to the Church of São Francisco, the most famous Gothic monument across the city, and witness the awe-inspiring Baroque design. Or take a look at the fascinating statue of King Pedro IV located in Liberdade Square. For something extra special, visit A Pérola do Bolhão, a historic grocery shop which was built in the early 1900s. This is an excellent place to purchase wines, cheeses and olives.
Nightlife
Porto holidays promise exciting nights out with plenty to see and do. The Ribeira District is one of the liveliest spots across the city, complete with traditional restaurants and buzzing bars. Whether you fancy a few drinks by the river or want to sample Porto’s party atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
With its colourful architecture and stunning waterfront location, Ribeira is the perfect dinner spot. Choose a table facing the river at one of the many restaurants and enjoy picturesque views of the Dom Luís I Bridge, an iconic arch bridge that spans the River Douro. Popular bars in Ribeira include Breyner 85, which hosts live music events, and Hotfive Blues & Jazz Blues Club, where you can enjoy delicious Portuguese wine.
Shopping
Fancy a spot of shopping during your holiday? In that case, Santa Catarina Street is the place to visit. This stretch of pedestrian walkway features Catarina Shopping Centre and Bolhão Market, which are great places for a few hours of retail therapy.
Here you’ll find international stores such as Zara and H&M, as well as a range of restaurants where you can stop for a break. If you continue walking along Santa Catarina Street, you’ll also come across the Chapel of Souls, an 18th-century shrine. Stop and take in the beautiful blue Portuguese tiles on this unique building.
Another must-visit shopping location is Boavista Avenue, the longest avenue in Porto. Here you can explore a number of prestige brand shops, such as Versace, Dolce & Gabbana and Hugo Boss.
