Is Porto worth visiting? Reasons You’ll Love It

Our first experience of Porto was standing on top of the Dom Luís I bridge at sunset, watching the golden light illuminate the colourful riverside buildings. At that moment, we already knew that it was worth visiting and exploring Porto.

Porto wasn’t just another European city to check off our list. We’ve been talking about coming here for years and have spent hours researching how many days to stay, the things to do, the best restaurants, and where to stay. We were prepared in theory, but reality exceeded our expectations.

So, if you’re asking yourself, “Is Porto worth visiting?” The short answer is absolutely yes, but not for the reasons most travel guides tell you. Let us show you why this Portuguese gem deserves a spot on your city break bucket list.

Is Porto Worth Visiting? The Quick Answer is YES

If you don’t want to read a long article, we’ve created a quick list for you below. It summarises what, in our opinion, makes Porto so special:

• Authentic Portuguese culture but without tourist crowds on every corner
• One of the best food scenes in the world at prices that won’t break your budget
• Architecture that tells 900 years of fascinating history
• Wine experiences that rival Tuscany at half the cost
• Walkable city center with genuine neighborhood vibes

Who should visit Porto? Well, this is the city for those who love culture, great food, and budget-conscious travelers, as well as anyone tired of over-touristy European destinations.

Who should SKIP Porto? Anyone who prefers beach destinations, uneven or hilly terrain. This city is also not for those who love modern cities, and it is more of a charming and historical destination.

If you would like to learn more or are still unsure if this is the city for you, please read on. This article will help you decide for yourself, and your answer will also be a yes.

The Instagram vs. Reality Test

What the Photos Don’t Show You

Before we dive into why Porto is worth visiting, let’s address something you won’t be able to see in those Instagram pictures. We bet you’ve seen many photos of colorful buildings and those striking blue tiles. They’re real, but they don’t tell you the whole story.

First, and most importantly, those cute cobblestone streets are really uneven and very steep. We’re talking San Francisco-level steep. So steep that you’ll be grateful for every leg day session in the gym you’ve ever done. The climb from the Ribeira district up to the city center is beautiful but brutal.

Second, the weather isn’t always picture-perfect. Porto sits on the Atlantic coast, which means it can be moody. We visited in March and were prepared for the worst. However, the weather cleared for that weekend and we got a bit of sun. We heard from a restaurant owner that it can change very quickly, and to always be prepared for rain. 

Third, popular spots like Livraria Lello (yes, that Harry Potter bookstore) do get crowded, and by that we mean packed. But here’s the thing: if you walk two blocks in any direction, you’ll find equally stunning architecture with not many other people around.

What Photos Can’t Capture

What no photograph can convey is the fantastic atmosphere here in the evening. The sound of Fado music flows from bars and restaurants. It creates this moody and romantic vibe that makes you understand why Portuguese culture values saudade. You can actually feel the sadness and longing for something indefinable.

The other thing pictures cannot convey is the intoxicating smell of fresh pastéis de nata wafting from bakeries. Honestly, we had them before, but the ones we tried in Porto completely spoiled us, and we are now unable to have them anywhere else. 

This is why Porto is worth visiting for those subtle, little moments and experiences that can’t be captured and must be experienced.

Is Porto Worth Visiting for foodies? 

There is more to food in Porto than the Francesinha

Everyone talks about the Francesinha, a famous Portuguese sandwich that originated in Porto. If you haven’t heard of it, it is a sandwich loaded with meat, cheese, and beer sauce. Yes, it’s delicious, but focusing only on this one dish is like visiting Paris and only eating croissants.

The real food magic happens in those hidden little traditional taverns (or tascas). That is where locals eat, and that’s where you want to be too. At A Grade, we had the best sardines ever (Karo doesn’t like sardines, and this place changed her mind completely) for €5! Compare that to almost double the price in Lisbon, and Porto wins hands down in terms of value for money.

A wine tour in Porto is a must.

The wine cellar experiences here are nothing like the touristy tastings in Tuscany. At Taylor’s Port Cellars, our guide wasn’t just pouring samples. He was telling us stories about families who’ve been making port wine for centuries, explaining why certain vintages taste different, and sharing local legends. The entire experience, including six port tastings, cost €15.

Local markets

For market adventures, skip the touristy Mercado do Bolhão renovation and head to Mercado Bom Sucesso. Here’s what to buy: fresh cheese from Serra da Estrela, local honey, and those tiny Portuguese sardines that taste nothing like what you get in cans. You should definitely skip anything labeled “traditional Portuguese” in English.

What is worth seeing when visiting Porto, and what is not?

Places worth visiting in Porto

In a city like Porto, there are many things to do and see. We listed below the top 7 places that, in our opinion, should be on everyone’s list:

1. Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas)

This 18th-century chapel captivates visitors with its extraordinary exterior covered in 15,947 traditional blue and white azulejo tiles.

2. Ribeira District

This area is filled with colorful houses and bustling squares that are the heart of Porto. You will also find the best viewpoint over the famous Dom Luis I Bridge here.

3. Dom Luís I Bridge

This iconic double-deck bridge is one of the most photographed places in Porto. The top level is the best for watching the sunset, whereas the lower deck is perfect for detailed shots of Cais da Ribeira.

4. São Bento Station

This station is a sight worth seeing in its own right. Decorated with those iconic hand-painted blue and white tiles, a visit to this place is a must on the list of places to see in Porto.

5. Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)

Perched on the city’s highest hill, this 12th-century Romanesque fortress-church showcases centuries of architectural evolution. Even if you’re not interested in visiting religious sites, we recommend going inside to see beautifully decorated cloister. 

6. Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace)

This 19th-century neoclassical masterpiece showcases Porto’s golden age of commerce and prosperity. You must book a tour to enter, as this is still a functioning government building. We recommend going only to see the incredibly decorated Arabian Room.

7. Igreja de Santo Ildefonso

This magnificent 18th-century Baroque church features over 11,000 blue and white azulejo tiles that cover its entire façade. 

Places in Porto that are NOT worth visiting

Majestic Café

This is another overhyped and overpriced place that we’ve seen on almost all lists of must-visit places in Porto, and we couldn’t disagree more. We went out of curiosity and got ok-ish coffee for over €6. The interior is pretty, but the prices and cramped tables are not worth it.

Miradouro da Vitória

This viewpoint consistently appears on “best views” lists but offers limited perspectives and is often crowded with tour buses. There are better locations in Porto with panoramic views, no crowds, and better photo opportunities.

Livraria Lello

Despite its fame as “the world’s most beautiful bookstore” and its supposed inspiration for the Harry Potter series, Livraria Lello has become a tourist trap. Yes, we said it, and we’re not sorry.

With entrance fees ranging from €10 for a basic slot to €50 for a Priority ticket, we no longer think it is worth it. The charm that it had is lost, and all you experience is chaos and crowds.

Port Wine Tastings in shops

There is nothing worse than having a port wine tasting in a shop. Many people are unaware that these shops often use subpar wine. If you want to experience a real port wine, go across the river to the wine cellars there.

Sunset at Foz do Douro

We read that this is the best place to watch the sunset. However, given the temperamental weather in Porto, we wouldn’t recommend venturing that far out (a 32-minute journey on public transport) just to watch the sunset. We got a better alternative for you in Jardins do Palácio de Cristal. Exact location is here

When is Porto Worth Visiting for the Best Experience?

Winner – shoulder season 

We almost always travel in the shoulder season, as it is, in most cases, the best time to explore. Unless you’re after a particular event or circumstance that only occurs during high season and you’re flexible with your holidays, this is also your best time.

Spring (March -May) is Porto’s secret weapon. From mid-April through May, the weather is perfect. It’s warm but not hot, with minimal rain. Tourist crowds haven’t arrived yet, so you’ll have restaurants and attractions mostly to yourself. The city blooms with spring flowers, making those Instagram photos even more stunning. Flights and hotel prices are reasonable, and everything is open.

Fall (September-November) offers harvest season magic. This is when port wine producers are most active, meaning cellar tours include fresh insights into the wine-making process. Days are warm, and evenings are cool, making them perfect for outdoor dining. The summer crowds have departed, but the weather remains beautiful.

Why do these months beat summer? In July and August, Porto becomes crowded and expensive. Temperatures can hit uncomfortable levels, and the city loses some of its intimate charm to crowds and tour groups.

Summer (June-August)

Yes, it’s warm, and everything is open, but you’ll have to compete with cruise ship passengers and European vacation crowds. Restaurants require reservations, attractions have lines, and prices increase by around 30-40%. However, if you enjoy lively festivals and are happy with crowds, then summer offers the most events, and you also get the longest daylight hours to enjoy them.

Winter (December-February)

This is when Porto shows its cozy side. Fewer tourists mean more authentic interactions with locals, lower prices, and an intimate atmosphere in restaurants and bars. However, it rains frequently, some attractions have reduced hours, and you’ll need to pack layers. If you enjoy moody, atmospheric travel and don’t mind unpredictable weather, winter Porto has romantic appeal.

Monthly Breakdown

March: Mild weather, occasional rain, fewer crowds, reasonable prices. Perfect for museum-hopping and indoor wine tastings.

April: Ideal weather begins, spring blooms, moderate crowds, reasonable prices. It is the best month for walking tours and photography.

May: Perfect weather, manageable crowds, reasonable prices. May is the best month for outdoor activities and port cellar visits.

June: Warm weather, increasing crowds, rising prices. A good time if you want to enjoy festivals and outdoor dining.

July-August: Hot weather, peak crowds, highest prices. Best for beach access and maximum daylight for sightseeing.

September: Warm days, cool evenings, harvest season. This is an excellent time to visit for wine experiences and exploring the city on foot. The temperatures are really pleasant and there are fewer crowds.

October: Mild weather, fewer crowds, harvest season continues. Perfect for food tours and cultural activities.

November: Cool weather, minimal crowds, lower prices, shorter days. Perfect for cozy indoor experiences and authentic local interaction.

December-February: Cool and rainy, with very few crowds and the lowest prices, as well as reduced hours for some attractions. Best for budget travelers and those seeking an authentic local atmosphere.

Special events worth planning around: São João Festival (June 24) is Porto’s biggest celebration, but expect crowds and higher prices. Port Wine Day (September 10) offers special tastings and events at cellars.

Is Porto Worth Visiting? What might disappoint you?

If you’re visiting Porto and expecting another Lisbon, prepare for disappointment. Porto is different, grittier, less polished, and more working-class than Portugal’s capital. Some people (including us) find this authentic character charming, whereas others might prefer Lisbon’s cosmopolitan atmosphere. It all depends on what you enjoy and like, so be honest with yourself when planning your visit.

If you have mobility issues or use a wheelchair, Porto presents significant accessibility barriers. Many historic buildings lack elevators, cobblestone streets are uneven, and steep inclines are unavoidable in the city center.

Weather can be unpredictable even in summer. I experienced rain three out of four days in July. Porto is situated on the Atlantic coast, which means that weather systems change rapidly. Pack layers and a good rain jacket regardless of the season.

Tourist season crowds, particularly at Livraria Lello, can be overwhelming. The bookstore now charges admission and limits visitors, which diminishes its magical atmosphere. Popular riverside restaurants fill up during peak hours, so it’s best to make reservations.

Who Should Skip Porto?

There are a few types of travellers who should skip Porto as they might not enjoy it. The first one is beach lovers. Even though there are some beaches nearby, they are not the main attraction here. If you want to enjoy a holiday on Portuguese beaches, consider the Algarve instead.

Another group would be luxury holiday travellers. Porto offers superb boutique accommodations and excellent restaurants. However, as we mentioned before, it’s not a luxury destination. The charm of this city lies in its authenticity and vibe.

If you require wheelchair access or have reduced mobility, the historic centre of Porto presents a real challenge and significant barriers. For those travellers, we recommend skipping Porto and considering other Portuguese destinations with better modern infrastructure.

Who will enjoy Porto?

There are so many things to do and see in Porto that make it a city worth visiting for many different reasons. First and foremost, this city will capture the hearts of anyone who loves authentic, delicious food and enjoys trying new dishes. 

Wine enthusiasts will undoubtedly appreciate the world-class tasting experiences and the diverse range of brands available. All of them in one place, and full of stories and interesting information.

Any culture or architecture enthusiast will find Porto an absolute dream. There is so much history and incredible buildings in almost every neighbourhood in the central part of the city.

For a money-conscious traveller, coming to Porto won’t break their bank, and actually, they’ll find it cheaper than Lisbon or some other European cities. The best time for a budget-friendly trip is in the shoulder season, when you will save even more money.  Aim for April or May, or September and October for the best accommodation and flight prices.

For those seeking an authentic experience, this is still the city that hasn’t lost its soul to tourism. There aren’t many of them left in Europe. However, Porto and Kotor (which we visited in April this year) both gave us that real energy and vibe.

Is Porto Worth Visiting? Your Decision quiz

If you’re still unsure whether to visit Porto or not, we’ve created this mini-quiz for you. Answer these 6 questions honestly, and you will know for sure.

Quiz Time

1. Do you enjoy walking on uneven surfaces and climbing hills?
2. Does unpredictable weather add adventure to your travels?
3. Are you comfortable in cities that feel lived-in rather than polished?
4. Do you prefer discovering local favorites over famous tourist attractions?
5. Is trying authentic food more important than Instagram-perfect presentations?
6. Do you enjoy learning history through architecture and local stories?

If you answered YES to most questions, Porto is definitely worth visiting for your travel style. If you answered NO more times, Porto might not be your city break destination.

Planning Your Porto Trip – Cheat Sheet

How many days do you need

• 2-3 days to see highlights and get the taste of the fantastic food
• 5 days to cover all highlights and properly explore the city 
• 6-7 days to leisurely explore the city and its hidden gems

Best times to visit (different priorities):

• Weather lovers: April-May and September-October
• Budget travelers: November-March (except holiday season)
• Culture enthusiasts: Any time, but shoulder seasons offer better access to attractions
• Foodies: September-October, during harvest season

Seasonal experiences only at certain times:

• Port wine harvest activities (September-October)
• São João Festival celebrations (June)
• Cozy indoor wine tastings (winter months)
• Perfect outdoor dining weather (April-May, September-October)

Essential experiences:

• Port wine cellar visit
• Sunrise from Dom Luís I Bridge
• Sunset at Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
• Meal at an authentic, family-run tasca
• Exploring the Ribeira district

Where to stay when visiting Porto?

The main areas to explore in Porto are not far apart, so we have included the four main ones here, along with a few places for every budget in each one.

Ribeira

Ribeira is the atmospheric, yet also the most touristy and noisy, part of Porto. This is the best area to stay for first-time visitors who want to be in the heart of historic Porto or those who want to be close to bars and restaurants. 

Baxia (City Center)

For those who want to have the attractions at their fingertips. Best for first-time visitors or those who are staying for a day or two, as everything is within walking distance. There are also many excellent restaurants to explore in the area. 

It can get quite noisy at night, so if you prefer a quieter area, we recommend Vila Nova de Gaia.

Cedofeita

This is the most trendy and artistic area in Porto. Filled with independent boutiques and shops, this hip neighbourhood is perfect for art enthusiasts and those seeking authentic culture away from crowds.

A perfect alternative to central areas, as it is much cheaper yet still offers excellent restaurants and vibrant nightlife.

Vila Nova de Gaia

Located across the Douro River from Porto’s city center, this area is renowned for its port wine cellars, riverside restaurants, and incredible views back to Porto’s historic center. It is ideal for wine enthusiasts and couples seeking a relaxing city break in a quieter part of town.

Summary

The days we spent here went really fast! What we want to go back for is the atmosphere, delicious food, and its slow and beautiful way of life.

Ready to experience Porto? Start planning your trip during shoulder season, pack comfortable walking shoes and a rain jacket, choose the best neighborhood for you, and prepare for a Portuguese adventure that’s completely different from anything you expect. Trust us, this city has so much to offer.