Porto’s historic centre sits on slopes overlooking the mouth of the Douro. The city’s character ranges from neo-Gothic architecture and Baroque buildings to gardens and riverside routes. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can first consider whether city history, art and wine or scenery and outdoor activities will shape your stay. Porto offers different ways to explore each of these interests.

Historic Buildings and City History

The historic centre is part of the World Heritage property “Historic Centre of Oporto, Luiz I Bridge and Monastery of Serra do Pilar”. The property is considered an outstanding urban landscape with a 2,000-year history. You can explore a range of architectural and historical highlights in the city: the Livraria Lello building is one of the most striking examples of the neo-Gothic style. The Torre dos Clérigos, by contrast, is a 75-metre-high Baroque tower. It is reached by climbing 225 steps and offers panoramic views over central Porto.

At Igreja do Carmo, a hand-painted tile panel covers the exterior façade; the church was built in the 18th century. Capela das Almas also has a hand-painted tiled façade dating from the 18th century. Its scenes depict the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine. Praça da Liberdade commemorates the victorious Liberal Revolution of 1820. Another historic landmark at the mouth of the Douro is the hexagonal Farolim de Felgueiras, a 19th-century lighthouse.

Museums, Art and Different Perspectives

The Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis traces its origins to a museum of paintings, prints and other art objects founded by D. Pedro IV of Portugal, the first Emperor of Brazil. The Museu do Carro Elétrico offers a different historical perspective, with an immersive experience featuring 19th-century trams and views of the river. World of Discoveries offers a historical experience centred on Portugal’s Age of Discovery.

Contemporary art and architecture also come together in Porto. Casa São Roque combines 18th-century architecture with a contemporary art centre and a labyrinthine garden. For a very different kind of visit, SEA LIFE Porto offers an underwater tunnel. These attractions focus on different themes: art history, tram history, Portuguese exploration, architecture or a view beneath the water.

Wine and Its Growing Regions

Centro Interpretativo Porto & Douro presents the wines of Porto and the Douro, along with their growing regions, through an interactive multimedia journey that begins in the vineyard and ends in the glass. Essência do Vinho includes wine tastings and a programme of masterclasses; individual programme details may change. The two experiences offer different ways to explore the subject: the interpretation centre connects wine with the landscapes where it is grown, while Essência do Vinho focuses on tastings and its programme.

Gardens, Scenery and Riverside Routes

Jardim Botânico do Porto brings together historic trees, plants from around the world and woodland trails. Parque da Cidade offers a different landscape, covering 83 hectares and extending to the sea through its landscaped areas. Praia do Homem do Leme is a beach in Porto, a short distance from the city centre. Nature lovers can choose from botanical diversity and woodland trails, a spacious parkland or a visit to the beach.

Cyclists can follow a cycle path along the river and seafront promenade from Ponte Luís I to Matosinhos. Cycling infrastructure may change due to construction or redevelopment. If your plans depend on this route, check the latest information.

Getting Around and Finding the Right Accommodation

Porto’s public transport network includes buses, the metro, trams, a funicular and trains. Its services may change as operations are updated; check the latest information if your plans depend on a particular connection. When choosing a holiday apartment, it can help to first prioritise the things that interest you most: historic buildings, museums, wine, garden and woodland trails or attractions by the water.

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Go to the main travel overview: Porto.