Porto is the place for you! This buzzing coastal city offers everything from historical gems to stunning river views and mouth-watering cuisine.


Good to Know

  • ☀️ Expect warm summers (25-28°C) and mild winters (10-15°C), with over 300 days of sunshine a year

  • 💶 Great value for a city break – pints from €2-3, meals out around €10-15, and you can grab a cracking bottle of wine for under €20

  • 🍷 Porto is the birthplace of Port wine – the historic cellars along the Douro River have been producing the good stuff for centuries


Destination Highlights

  • Breathtaking Views - take in Porto's stunning vistas from the Dom Luís I Bridge or the Ribeira District.

  • Historical Architecture - Porto’s rich history shines through with its iconic blue-tiled churches like the Igreja do Carmo, and its UNESCO-listed Old Town.

  • Wine Lovers' Paradise - Porto is the birthplace of Port wine. Explore centuries-old wine cellars along the Douro River.

  • Beautiful Beaches - Porto has some cracking beaches nearby, including Praia de Matosinhos and Praia da Foz, perfect for a bit of sunbathing and surfing.


Top Porto Hotels

Looking for the perfect place to stay on your Porto holiday? Whether you're after rooftop views, boutique charm or a splash of 5-star luxury, Porto's hotel scene has something for every kind of traveller.

For Couples

  • The Editory House Ribeira Hotel sits right in the heart of the old town, big on charm and even bigger on location. Ideal for foodies and anyone who wants to explore on foot.

  • PortoBay Teatro is housed in a former theatre and blends dramatic design with city-centre convenience. A great pick for culture lovers who like their stays with a side of flair.

  • Grande Hotel do Porto merges old-world charm with swish, modern vibes right in Porto's pedestrian hub. There's a cosy bar, posh restaurant and relaxing massage services.

For Groups

  • HF Ipanema Park is a sleek city stay with a rooftop pool and bar – perfect for mixing sightseeing with sunset cocktails. Just a short drive from both the beach and the city centre.

  • Crowne Plaza Porto offers top-notch amenities including a 24-hour fitness centre, terrace and lush garden. Bang on in the bustling Boavista area and super handy for city explorers.

  • Legendary Porto Hotel is perched on Batalha Square with 113 stylish rooms, a gym and loads of nearby restaurants and bars – proper good for a group getaway.

For Value

  • Mercure Porto Centro Aliados is modern, comfortable and right by the action. It puts you close to all the must-sees with everything you need for a brilliant city break.

  • Casual Inca Porto is your go-to spot for a comfy city break with modern perks. Ideally located near Clerigos Tower and the famous Lello Bookshop.

  • ibis Porto Centro is all about hassle-free city exploring with 77 snazzy rooms and proper good transport links – the bus and train station is just 250 metres away.

For Luxury


Porto holidays travel guide for 2026 & 2027

Things to do for families in Porto

Porto offers plenty of fun for the whole family. Take them on a boat cruise down the Douro River, where they can spot colourful buildings lining the shores and sail under Porto’s six bridges. For an educational yet entertaining stop, visit World of Discoveries, an interactive museum showcasing Portugal's history of exploration - think pirates, ship adventures, and hidden treasures. Fancy a beach day? Head to Praia de Matosinhos, a sandy stretch where the kids can build castles or try surfing, with lessons available for beginners. And let’s not forget the Serralves Park, where families can explore beautiful gardens, sculptures, and modern art in a peaceful setting.

Things to do for couples in Porto

Couples looking for a romantic city break will find Porto to be a top-tier destination for dreamy vibes. Start with a walk hand-in-hand through the Ribeira District, with its cobbled streets, riverside cafés, and vibrant atmosphere. Wine-tasting in the Port cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia is a must for any couple, offering a delicious and relaxing experience overlooking the Douro River. For a truly memorable sunset, head to the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, where you can catch panoramic views of the city while enjoying a peaceful stroll. To round off the day, dine in one of Porto’s many candle-lit restaurants, serving delish seafood and local specialities like francesinha (a hearty Portuguese sandwich).

Things to do for groups in Porto

Porto is proper good fun for group holidays, whether it’s a hen or stag do, a birthday celebration, or just mates having a laugh. Start the day with a group tour of the city's iconic Lello Bookstore, often hailed as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world - ideal for snapping that insta-worthy pic! For some thrills, take a surfing lesson at Praia de Matosinhos; it's an exhilarating way to bond and enjoy Porto’s fab coastline. If you’re after something a bit more laid back, hop on a wine tour through the Douro Valley. You’ll visit some banging wineries, sample top-notch Port, and maybe even treat yourself to a boujee lunch with river views. And for a cracking night out, head to Galeria de Paris Street in the heart of Porto's nightlife district, where the bars and clubs are popping off.

Things to do for foodies in Porto

Foodies, brace yourselves! Porto is a culinary paradise that’ll have you licking your lips from the first bite. Start by exploring Bolhão Market, where local traders sell fresh produce, cheeses, and traditional cured meats. It’s the perfect spot to grab ingredients for a DIY picnic. If street food is more your style, don’t miss Mercado Bom Sucesso, a buzzing food hall offering everything from Portuguese classics to international bites. Of course, no visit to Porto is complete without trying the city's signature dish, the francesinha - a whopping sandwich loaded with meats, cheese, and smothered in a spicy beer sauce. It’s proper indulgent, but totally worth it. For a more refined meal, book a table at one of Porto’s Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Pedro Lemos or The Yeatman, where you can experience innovative Portuguese cuisine paired with wine that’ll leave you speechless.


Getting around on your holidays to Porto

Porto’s transport network makes getting around a doddle. You’ve got everything from trams, buses, and metro systems to water taxis and funiculars. The metro connects the airport to the city centre in about 30 minutes, while the charming vintage trams take you through the historic areas. Want to go full local? Rent a bike or take a stroll—everything in the city centre is pretty close-knit. Plus, you can explore the whole city by foot if you fancy a wander! For day trips, there are trains connecting you to nearby gems like the Douro Valley or Braga.


Nearby Destinations

Fancy exploring other bits of Portugal? Check out these hotspots...

  • 🏙️ Lisbon – Portugal's vibrant capital is around 3 hours by train or a short flight. Mix city exploring with nearby beaches in Cascais.

  • 🏖️ Algarve – Head south for golden beaches, dramatic cliffs and the famous nightlife of Albufeira. Around 5 hours by car or train.

Popular Porto hotels

More Porto hotels

Weather in Porto

JAN

13°C

FEB

14°C

MAR

16°C

APR

17°C

MAY

19°C

JUN

22°C

JUL

24°C

AUG

25°C

SEP

24°C

OCT

21°C

NOV

16°C

DEC

13°C

Porto’s weather is like a chilled glass of vinho verde – light, refreshing, and best enjoyed outdoors. Summers (June to September) are warm and sunny, with average highs around 25–28°C – perfect for riverside strolls, al fresco dining, and a cheeky beach day or two. Spring and autumn are mild, sitting comfortably in the 17–22°C range, making them ideal for sightseeing without the crowds.

Winter’s a little cooler (think 10–15°C), with the odd rainy day, but it’s still a fab time to explore the city’s cosy wine cellars and candlelit cafés. So whether you’re chasing the sun or just fancy a stylish city break, Porto’s got year-round charm in the bag.

View destination on a map

FAQs

How long is the flight to Porto from the UK & Ireland?

Direct flights from the UK & Ireland take around 2-2.5 hours to Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport. It's one of the quickest European city breaks you can do.

Do I need a visa to visit Porto?

Nope! UK & Ireland passport holders can visit Portugal for up to 90 days without a visa. Just make sure your passport is valid for your trip.

What currency do they use in Porto?

Porto uses the Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted, but it's handy to carry some cash for smaller cafés and markets.

What's the time difference between Porto and the UK?

Porto is the same time as the UK in winter. During British Summer Time (late March to late October), Portugal is also on summer time, so there's no difference year-round.

Is Porto good for families?

Absolutely! Between the interactive World of Discoveries museum, boat cruises on the Douro, nearby beaches at Matosinhos and the beautiful Serralves Park, there's loads to keep kids entertained.

When's the best time to visit Porto?

May-June and September offer the sweet spot – warm weather (20-25°C), fewer crowds than peak summer, and pleasant conditions for sightseeing. June also brings the legendary São João festival.

Is Porto expensive?

Porto is brilliant value compared to other European cities. Expect to pay around €2-3 for a pint, €10-15 for a meal out, and under €20 for a decent bottle of wine in a restaurant.

Is Porto safe for tourists?

Very safe! Porto is one of Europe's friendliest cities with low crime rates. As with any city, keep an eye on your belongings in busy tourist areas and you'll be grand.