Did you know that the entire nation of Portugal gets its name from the seaside city of Porto? That’s how impactful this Mediterranean gem is. And that’s just the beginning, as there’s so much to discover about Invicta (a very cook nickname, might I add).
Porto, also known as Oporto by the locals, is Portugal’s second-largest city and is a blend of medieval and baroque architecture, including bell towers and churches, set amidst narrow streets. Its historic center, the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracts millions with its vintage charm, village-like squares and ancient Roman ruins.
Are you looking to be one of those millions? Perhaps you’d like to hire a Porto tour guide and take on the city with ease. Maybe you need some weather and travel facts before your voyage. We’ve got you covered. So let’s go over why it’s such a major tourist destination in Europe!
Visitor Demographics: Who's Exploring Porto?
Tourism statistics for Porto may not be frequently updated, but the available data vividly illustrates the region's appeal. So how many tourists are in Porto per year? In 2019, the number of tourists in Porto reached a remarkable 3.7 million. Fast-forward to 2023, and the city recorded an impressive 5.9 million overnight stays, a significant increase from 4.8 million in 2022.
August emerged as the peak month for overnight stays in 2023, with over 656,000 nights spent, closely followed by September and October, which saw 626,000 and 595,000 overnight stays, respectively.
Porto's demographic landscape is equally fascinating. In 2024, the metropolitan population is estimated at about 1,329,301, with the inner city housing approximately 237,559 residents. According to the 2021 census, the inner city's population is predominantly female (54.2%), with a significant portion (62.6%) aged between 15 and 64 years. The city also has a considerable elderly population, making up 26% of its residents. The majority of Porto's inhabitants hold Portuguese citizenship, accounting for 93.7% of the population.
But is Porto truly worth visiting? Absolutely! In 2022, Porto was given the title of the World's Leading City Destination by the World Travel Awards, a testament to its charm and global appeal.
The Future of Tourism in Porto
Porto is making great strides in tourism recovery and innovation. While 2019 saw record tourist numbers, the city has bounced back impressively by 2022, investing heavily in digitalization to enhance the visitor experience. The mobile-friendly Visit Porto website is a key tool, offering comprehensive information on attractions and activities for easy trip planning.
A major boost to tourism is the ‘Porto Free Wi-Fi’ network, boasting over 300 access points and growing. This network means you have continuous internet access across the city, including high-traffic tourist areas, parks, gardens, beaches and even urban buses since 2016.
To manage tourism sustainably, Porto is promoting the dispersion of tourist flow through new routes and accommodations. The city encourages the use of electric vehicles by regulating parking, routes and operator registrations, reducing traffic and emissions. Most public transport is now hybrid, electric or natural gas-powered, complemented by a growing soft mobility network with 55km of cycle paths and 210 bicycle and scooter-sharing points.
Porto's commitment to sustainability is shown in its Municipal Master Plan, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2030 through increased energy efficiency and climate change initiatives!
Porto Tourism Quick Facts
- 3.7 million - The number of tourists that touched down in Porto in 2019.
- 5.9 million - Porto’s overnight stays for 2023. A significant jump from 2022’s 4.8 million.
- 2022 - The year Porto won the World Travel Award for World’s Leading City Destination.
- 618/700 - Porto's English proficiency score (very high)
Popular Porto: The City’s Must-See Destinations
So, what are the top tourist destinations in Porto? Keep reading! Porto is known for its historic architecture, cultural heritage and riverside views, so we’ve made sure to cover a range of attractions from these categories so that you can fill your itinerary with locations that will allow you to see Porto in all its glory. Let’s go over them!
Historical and Cultural Highlights: Exploring Porto's Rich Heritage
- Mercado do Bolhão: Porto's iconic market, established in 1839, moved to its current neoclassical building on Rua Formosa in 1914. It was renovated in 2022 while preserving its original design, including traders with over 50 years of history.
- Soares dos Reis National Museum: Reopened in 2023 after four years, featuring 1,300+ pieces from the 16th to 20th centuries, including works by iconic Portuguese artists.
- Claus Porto: A prestigious brand's century-old store offering classic products on the first floor and a gallery of hand-drawn designs upstairs, with monthly workshops.
- Livraria Lello: Famous bookshop since 1906, renowned for its magical atmosphere, winding staircase, and literary history, which many believe was the inspiration for the Flourish and Blotts bookstore in the Harry Potter series.
- Douro's Ribeira: Picturesque area with narrow streets, riverside views and traditional boats, bustling with restaurants, bars and shops.
- Cais da Ribeira: Harbor district along the Douro River with scenic views and local eateries.
Architectural Marvels: Porto's Stunning Landmarks and Structures
- Clérigos Tower: Porto's landmark tower, offering spectacular views after climbing 225 steps.
- Fundação de Serralves: A vital cultural institution with a museum designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, adjacent to Casa de Serralves, showcasing temporary and permanent exhibits alongside the stunning Serralves Park and Treetop Walk
- Jardins do Palácio de Cristal: Iconic gardens with panoramic views, peacocks and cultural attractions.
- Dom Luís I Bridge: Essential for its stunning views of Porto's cityscape and the Douro River.
- Sé do Porto: Romanesque cathedral dating back to the 12th century.
- Palácio da Bolsa: 19th-century neoclassical building showcasing lavish rooms, including the Arab Room.
- São Bento Railway Station in Porto: Historical railway station adorned with traditional Portuguese tile art and modern amenities.
Festivals and Events: Celebrating Life in Porto
- Burning of the Ribbons: A week-long event in May with concerts, parades and serenades, marking the end of the academic year.
- Serralves Festival: A 40-hour non-stop celebration of dance, music, and theater at the Serralves Foundation, drawing Portuguese and international performers.
- St. John Festival: Known for wild celebrations, street parties, and the tradition of hitting people on the head with plastic hammers on June 23rd, culminating in fireworks.
- NOS Primavera Sound: A 3-day music festival in June at Parque da Cidade do Porto, featuring international artists like Caetano Veloso and The National.
- Porto Wine Fest: The largest port wine festival on the Gaia river bank, featuring tastings and gastronomic events.
Travel Q&A: How many days do you need in Porto? For most visitors, 3 days is enough to see Porto's major highlights. With 3 days, you can explore lesser-known spots and visit the beach. If you use Porto as a base to explore Northern Portugal, 5–7 days are ideal. This allows for leisurely exploration of the city and day trips to Braga, Guimarães, the Douro Valley, Peneda-Geres National Park and nearby beaches and seaside towns.
Culinary Delights: Gastronomic Adventures in Porto
The air in Porto is thick with the scent of the Atlantic, mingling with the rich aromas wafting from its vibrant markets and cozy taverns. As you wander through the cobblestone streets, your senses are serenaded by the sizzle of fresh seafood on the grill and the earthy fragrance of aged port wine.
Here are the best foods to try when you visit this culinary paradise.
The Main Course
- Tripas à Moda do Porto: A hearty stew with veal tripe, smoked sausage, white beans and veggies, born from Porto's history of generosity.
- Francesinha: If you want to know, ‘What is Porto famous for,’ then this is one. A decadent sandwich layered with chorizo, ham or steak, smothered in melted cheese and a savory tomato-based sauce.
- Bolinhos de Bacalhau: Golden-fried potato and codfish balls, crispy outside, soft inside, a perfect snack or starter.
- Caldo Verde: A comforting soup with potatoes, kale or cabbage and sausage, traditionally enjoyed during the Festival of St. John.
- Serra da Estrela Cheese: Creamy sheep cheese from the mountainous region, best paired with honey or fruit for a vegetarian option.
- Bacalhau com Natas: Baked salt cod with layers of onion, potato and cream, flavored with nutmeg and garlic.
- Cachorrinho: Crusty bread filled with spicy sausage and tangy sauce, perfect for a meaty snack.
- Bifana Sandwich: Marinated pork in wine and spices, topped with caramelized onions in a soft sub.
- Alheira: Non-pork sausage, often served with olives, cheese, and bread for a satisfying meal.
Broa de Avintes: Hearty bread made with cornmeal, wheat flour and lard, perfect with soups or as a snack with butter or honey.
Dessert
- Aletria: A sweet dessert of pasta, milk, egg yolks, sugar, lemon and cinnamon, a holiday favorite.
- Tarte de Amêndoa: Buttery almond tart topped with caramelized almonds, a delightful treat any time of day.
- Pastéis de Chaves: Savory dessert with flaky crust and egg custard, a taste of traditional Portuguese cuisine.
- Jesúistas: Unique pastries with flaky crusts and creamy fillings, a rare treasure of Porto.
- Toucinho do Céu: Rich dessert made with egg yolks, sugar and almond, served for a sweet finish.
- Port Wine: Porto is the birthplace of luscious Port wine, known for its sweet taste and rich flavors in ruby-red, tawny and white varieties. Explore Vila Nova da Gaia's wine caves and savor Portugal's cuisine in charming cafés and tapas bars.
Seasonal Variations: Highs and Lows of Tourism and Weather Flow
Porto enjoys a maritime climate characterized by warm summers and cool, rainy winters. Situated in the north on the Douro River estuary, Porto's location shields it from extreme heat, making it ideal for those who prefer milder temperatures. It has four distinct seasons, ranging from dry and warm to cool and humid with regular rainfall.
Spring
Spring in Porto brings warm but unpredictable weather, with temperatures ranging from 16°C in March to 19°C in May and occasional rainfall. The Atlantic Ocean remains cool at around 15°C, making swimming less inviting during this season.
Summer
Summer extends from June to September, offering warm temperatures averaging between 22°C and 24°C, with occasional highs of 30°C. Expect plenty of sunshine, up to 11 hours a day in August, and cool nights with temperatures around 14°C. September is the best month for swimming, with sea temperatures exceeding 18°C.
Travel Q&A: Is Porto or Lisbon more touristy? Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, so it’s the first city tourists usually flock to, making it more touristy, but these days, Porto is gaining traction. Hopefully the question of, ‘Why is Porto so popular?’ has been answered for you, but if you’re not convinced, we’ve got more to show.
Autumn
Autumn brings milder temperatures around 16°C in October and November, but also increased rainfall. Nights can get chilly, and swimming becomes challenging as the weather cools.
Winter
Winter, lasting from December to February, is cool and wet with around 4 hours of sunshine per day. December sees the most rainfall, reaching up to 180mm. Temperatures average around 14°C, dropping to single digits at night, but snow is rare in Porto. Porto isn't too cold in winter, but it does get rainy. It's a great time to enjoy cozy restaurants and wine while watching the rain, but there's more to do in the summer, like visiting beaches and parks.
Travel Q&A: When is the best time to visit Porto? Late Spring (May), early Summer (June & July) is the ideal time to visit Porto. The weather is perfect for exploring the city, and you'll avoid the heavy crowds of August. Late September is also ideal for low tourist traffic, and pleasant weather.
Transportation Insights: How Tourists Navigate Porto
So, once in the city, how do you get around? Thankfully, getting around Porto is convenient and straightforward, with various transportation options to suit your needs. From the metro, the extensive bus network, buses and even taxis, Porto’s transport system allows you to navigate the bustling city as well as head out into the scenic outskirts. The compact city center is ideal for walking, though, allowing you to explore its historic charm on foot.
Let’s go over the options!
- Walking: Porto is perfect for exploring on foot, with most sights within walking distance in the compact 40-square-kilometer (16-square-mile) historic center.
- Metro: The metro is the best and easiest way to get around Porto when needed. It covers the city and suburbs, running from 6am to 1am. You can buy and recharge an Andante card at vending machines but remember to validate it each time you board.
- Buses: The STCP bus service operates from 6am to 9am, with reduced service after 9am and minimal service after 1am. You can buy tickets from the driver and validate them on board. Buses display their number and destination.
- Trams: Porto has three tram routes (1, 18, 22), with route 1 offering a scenic riverfront ride to Foz beaches. Tickets are bought from the driver.
- Taxis: Taxis are inexpensive and readily available at main squares. Most are beige, with some older black and green ones.
- Porto.CARD: This card provides unlimited free access to most public transport, except historic trams. It covers STCP buses and all six metro lines. You can also buy it online to save time and avoid hassle when you arrive in the city.
Insider Tips: Making the Most of Your Time in Porto
To make the most of your visit to this magnificent city, a few insider tips can go a long way. From navigating the city's winding streets to enjoying its renowned wine cellars, being prepared will ensure you have an unforgettable and stress-free adventure in Porto.
Dos:
- Make Restaurant Reservations: Porto boasts over a dozen Michelin-listed dining rooms. For top spots like Pedro Lemos or Antiqvvm, reserve several weeks in advance, or at least a month ahead during the high season (May to September).
- Get an Andante Card: Porto's efficient public transportation includes six metro lines, buses, trams and a funicular. Purchase an Andante Card (€0.60) for use on the metro and buses, or consider a tourist Porto.CARD for added convenience.
- Pack Smartly: Porto’s hills and uneven pavements require good walking shoes. Locals dress smart-casual, with shorts for the beach only. Dress up for nicer restaurants and bring a raincoat and scarf for the changeable weather and breezy conditions.
- Brush Up on Portuguese: English and French are more common than Spanish in Porto and Portugal as a whole, so learn some Portuguese phrases before you arrive.
Don’ts:
- Forgetting About Petty Thievery: Porto is safe with a low crime rate, but watch out for pickpocketing, especially on trams and the metro. Avoid crowded peak times and stay alert. At night, take a taxi instead of walking in dark areas like Ribeira and near São Bento train station.
- Don’t Use Hop On Hop Off Buses: As for what not to do in Porto, don’t take one of these buses as they’re generally a waste of money and time. At around €18 a day, they are often stuck in traffic and cover areas easily explored on foot within 5 to 15 minutes.
- Don't Skip the Wine Cellars: Porto's wine cellars are a must-visit, so book a wine tasting through your host or a local guide. Tours last 2–3 hours and include 3–8 wine samples, plus snacks.
- Don’t Rent A Car For Self Driving: Traffic and narrow streets make driving difficult for travelers, and Porto's excellent public transportation and walkable distances make renting a car unnecessary. If you’re traveling outside the city center, you can use a private guide and driver for a two for one deal!
Staying Safe: The Porto Edition
Porto is generally safe, especially during the day, and it has a relatively low crime index of 31.32 and a safety index of 68.68.
Be cautious of pickpockets and scammers, particularly near metro stations and if you’re approached by strangers, keep walking and ignore them. At night, safety varies by area, so avoid isolated spots and stay aware of your surroundings. Like in all countries, use common sense: secure your belongings and stay alert when taking photos or admiring views.
What about a specific area to avoid in Porto? You might want to bypass the downtown nightlife districts, Sao Joao Novo and Miragaia, but it’s more important to trust your instincts. These days, Porto is quite a safe city to traverse, especially in touristy areas.
Despite these precautions, you'll enjoy visiting Porto!
Conclusion
As you can see, there’s so much on offer when you visit Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal. So, why not check out GoWithGuide’s range of local Porto tour guides, or private Porto travel tours for your trip? They’ll help your trip planning run just a little more smoothly! Boas viagens
