Historic Porto...Gateway to Portugal's North

Are you seeking a great value city break destination oozing natural and architectural beauty, in one of Europe’s oldest cities? Look no further than Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, overflowing with atmosphere and culture.

Atmospheric Old town
Port Cellar Tastings
Gondola & Douro River Cruise
Perfect City Break

Its historical monuments, picturesque buildings and buzzing nightlife attract a diverse range of visitors. Its position on the Costa Verde makes it easily accessible to rocky headlands, sandy beaches and the rolling Atlantic Sea. Porto also serves as a gateway to those wanting a longer tour to explore medieval cities, hike up mountains or tour wineries in Portugal’s stunning northern region.

Book your city break to Porto, a perfect getaway. Or, take part in an escorted tour across Portugal to see all the amazing sights it offers.

Porto City Breaks. Historic Buildings

Why visit Porto?

1. Historic buildings

The historic centre is a world heritage site with lots of Baroque buildings, monuments and ancient houses in the Old Town. Check out the gold leaf used inside Sao Francisco church (supposedly 100kg) and climb the 240 steps of baroque Torre dos Clerigos for outstanding views of the city. The cobbled narrow streets are steep and narrow, so pack good walking shoes! You won’t miss the iconic tiled homes and buildings.

2. Museums, galleries & Lello bookshop

With an abundance of museums in the city, Serralves contemporary art museum and Soares do Reis national museum are noteworthy. The quaint Lello bookstore gets very busy. It supposedly inspired JK Rowling to write her Harry Potter books.

Porto City Breaks. Lello bookshop

3. Food, drink & nightlife

There are a full range of eateries in Porto. Try Francesinha, a bread, steak, sausage and bacon meal, popular here since the 1950’s. The local wines are renowned so make sure you try the unique green wine, Vinho Verde.

Take a tour around one of the famous port wine cellars on the banks of the River Douro, sampling some of the port. Soak up the atmosphere in the evening in the old district, Ribeira, with a glass of wine or port. For trendy bars and more nightlife head to the area by the university.

4. Cruise up river Douro or take a gondola ride.

Spot the iconic iron bridge, Ponte Luis 1st.

Porto Holidays. City and River

Why tour Northern Portugal? Our top 6 reasons...

1. Douro valley.

From Porto take a tour, catch public transport or hire a car to the Douro Valley, famous all over the world for its table wines and port. Look at the terraced vineyards, scenic landscape, picturesque villages and tasty wines at a winery tour.

2. Costa Verde.

The ‘Green coast’ popular with the Portuguese, surfers and windsurfers.

Douro River Cruises

3. Guimaraes.

Medieval city considered the birthplace of Portugal. The centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site which has masses of history and a ruined castle.

4. Braga.

Oldest town in Portugal known as ‘’Portuguese Rome’’ for the large number of churches, lots of bars, restaurants and boutiques too.

Braga Holidays

5. Head to the hiking trails of Peneda-Geres National Park, with its splendid mountains, rivers and beautiful villages.

6. Paiva walkway. A unique wooden 5 mile walkway in glorious natural setting.

Start your Northern Portugal holiday today.

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Top Tip

There can be long queues for Lello Bookshop (with its 'Harry Potter Stairs'. Make sure you go online for a voucher before you queue. At the time of writing it costs 5 Euros to go in, but this is refunded if you purchase something.

When To Go

Porto can be very busy in July and August and can rain a lot in the winter, but it stays open all year round for visitors and tourists. A perfect city break destination.

Flight Time

Around 2 hours & 10 minutes from the UK