Is Porto Worth Visiting + Photo Diary
Is Porto worth visiting? A common question since Porto is often overlooked in favor of Lisbon and the Algarve. Get my take on the city and why I enjoyed it, plus plenty of photos!
I originally didn't plan to visit Porto on my first trip to Portugal. There wasn't much information on the city and I didn't know a single person who had been there. I wasn't sure if Porto was worth visiting or taking time away from other places like Lisbon.
In the end, Jake and I decided to do a last-minute day trip to Porto. We felt we had explored Lisbon and Sintra enough and wanted to check out Porto for ourselves.
After our quick day trip, we both felt we made a huge mistake by focusing our time in Lisbon and agreed that we liked Porto better.
Fast forward a few years and we decided to focus most of our time in Porto on a return trip to Portugal. Our second trip to Porto confirmed that not only is Porto worth visiting but you may even prefer it to other cities in Portugal. Or, if you're like me, it may end up being your favorite city in Portugal.
Not only is Porto absolutely worth visiting, it's a place you may want to consider focusing your time.
This post will discuss how Porto and Lisbon are different, why Harry Potter fans will appreciate Porto, Port tastings, the Douro Valley, things to do, safety, cost, and more!
Porto is very different from Lisbon and the coastal towns
Porto offers a very different vibe from the rest of Portugal.
Lisbon has a party reputation, is much bigger, and was extensively rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.
Porto, on the other hand, maintains many of its historic buildings and original layout, giving it old-world character and rustic charm.
Lisbon attracts visitors from around the world whereas Porto seems to be more popular with Europeans.
Porto feels a little more authentic. Yes, there are touristy areas, but it's just not as pronounced as other areas in Portugal.
The coastal areas of Portugal, like the Algarve, are another huge draw to Portugal. As with many coastal towns in Europe, these areas seem to be built on tourism and the promise of "fun in the sun".
Porto, being a river-based inland city, will obviously offer a different atmosphere. Porto is an actual working city that relies on more than just tourism.
Porto for Harry Potter fans
J.K. Rowling spent two years in Porto. It was here that Rowling wrote the first three chapters of Harry Potter, met and married her now ex-husband, and had her daughter.
It didn't take long to see what attracted Rowling to Porto. There were many times I was reminded of Edinburgh (where Rowling lives today) with the overall architecture and old-world vibe.
She frequently visited the bookstore, Livraria Lello, and says it served as inspiration for the Hogwarts library.
Though the bookstore is now crowded with tourists, it’s magical to visit.
Additional Porto posts:
HOW MANY DAYS IN PORTO DO YOU REALLY NEED?
BEST COFFEE SHOPS & CAFES IN PORTO | TOP 5
A DAY TRIP TO PORTO FROM LISBON | DETAILED ITINERARY
Porto tourist attractions
Porto offers plenty of tourist attractions and sights to keep a visitor busy for at least two days. Below are some of the top tours and sights.
- Igreja do Carmo - baroque-styled church
- Livraria Lello bookstore
- 3-Hour Food and Wine Tasting Tour
- Highlights & Hidden Gems of Porto: Private City Tour
- 3-Hour of Porto Highlights on an Electric Bike - Guided Tour
- Bolsa Palace
- Church of São Francisco
- Stroll Cais da Ribeira - riverside street with bars, shops, and tiny homes stacked on top of each other
- Luís I Bridge - two-level bridge (cross on the upper level for incredible views)
- Praça de Lisboa - park
- Clérigos Tower - climb the tower for views of the city
- Sao Bento station - train station with beautiful tile
- Rua das Flores - popular street
- Avenida dos Aliados - popular street
Is Porto safe? Yes!
Porto is a great city for any type of trip, including solo trips. I felt incredibly safe while exploring Porto. More so than in Lisbon.
The overall vibe I got from Porto was that it's a tourist AND working city boasting gorgeous river views and attracts visitors that appreciate wine/port, great food, shopping, and nature (Porto is the entrance to the Douro Valley).
Not once did I feel unsafe. And while the city may feel "gritty" in parts, it's not dirty. By gritty I mean graffiti and areas that just feel really old and haven't been restored to a shiny and new appearance.
Porto is easy on the wallet
Porto offers a bit more luxury at an affordable price when compared to other popular areas in Portugal (Lisbon and coastal towns).
I have a much easier time finding a fantastic hotel in a good location at a reasonable price in Porto than I do in Lisbon. Lisbon is not the ultra-cheap destination it's touted as.
There were plenty of 4-star hotels under $260 a night and several 5-star hotels that were under $400 a night.
We got a steal of a deal at Maison Albar Le Monumental, a 5-star hotel that exceeded all expectations, for $320 a night. This was pre-inflation, so it now runs around $450. To give some perspective, this hotel would easily go for $1,000 a night in the US.
Other hotels I considered were:
- ICON Duplo Ribeira
- InterContinental Porto
- Infante Sagres – Luxury Historic Hotel
- Pestana Porto - A Brasileira
- Vignette Collection Casa Da Companhia, an IHG Hotel
- Arts Hotel Porto, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
Because Jake and I travel so much, we rarely stay at luxury hotels or eat at Michelin-star restaurants. Our philosophy is we would rather travel for 3+ weeks than go all out at a fancy hotel for 5 days.
Porto was a city we were able to splurge and not spend a fortune.
Porto has an excellent dining scene
Maybe it's the fact that Porto is located in a wine region, but the food here is outstanding. Cities focused on wine always seem to appreciate good food.
From Michelin-star multi-course experiences to Portuguese sandwich stalls, there’s something to fit every preference and budget.
Porto is walkable
I love a compact, walkabout city and Porto is 100% walkable. Just get ready for some serious hills. Walking around the city is enjoyable and atmospheric. It makes visiting Porto a breeze as you don't have to plan around public transportation.
Uber is readily available if needed.
Port tastings
If you're a wine or Port lover, you'll want to include Porto on your itinerary. This is the birthplace or Port afterall. Even those that don't love Port will enjoy the tasting experience. The port lodges have a great atmosphere and many come with wonderful views.
The tastings are similar to wine tastings where you have several options to choose from and the different styles will be explained to you throughout the tasting. Some places are more casual while others offer a more in-depth experience.
Porto is the entrance to the Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is another reason why I 100% answer yes to "is Porto worth visiting?". This region is one of the most breathtaking places I have ever been and Porto is the entrance.
Most visitors spend a few days exploring Porto before moving on to the Douro Valley for luxury hotel stays, wine vineyards and tastings with dramatic views, and an escape to nature.
Porto photo diary
When I said Porto can be "gritty", this is about as gritty as it gets. There are some streets with graffiti that are very old. Streets like this never felt seedy or unsafe...which was sometimes the case in Lisbon.
In summary
Is Porto worth visiting? My answer is yes!
Including Porto on your itinerary will give you a diverse look at Portugal. You'll also have the opportunity for some amazing port tastings, sunset rooftop cocktails with incredible views, insane food, and the chance to see the Douro Valley since it's right next door!
The restaurant, shopping, and coffee shop scene in Porto is also on point. A visit to Porto will easily keep you busy for at least two days.
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Is Porto Worth Visiting + Photo Diary
