Porto and the North

Porto is the main city in northern Portugal and, in fact, the country’s second-largest metropolitan area. Historically, Porto and northern Portugal are where the kingdom was founded nearly a thousand years ago. That makes the whole region highly important both for Portuguese heritage and from a religious standpoint. Northern Portugal is a lush, rainy region with a more European feel. The Douro River, which crosses northern Portugal and meets the sea in Porto, is the main artery that shapes the character of the region. The vineyards on the hills along its banks are world-famous, and the Port wine that captivated all of Europe 300 years ago comes from them. The north is a very green, peaceful, nature-filled, and pleasant region. It has pristine corners and wide-open spaces that make any trip here a fascinating experience.

How much time should you spend in Porto and the north?
Porto is a small and stunning city where, in principle, a day and a half is enough to see most of the main sights. That said, you can easily stay longer in Porto, and almost everyone who visits plans to return, because it is simply that wonderful.

A trip through northern Portugal that includes Porto usually takes about a week.
What must you see and do in Porto and northern Portugal?
Sights in Porto: the famous Ribeira, the riverside promenade, the cathedral, Carmo Church with its blue tiles, the picturesque São Bento train station, the historic Livraria Lello bookstore, and Clérigos Tower.

Attractions in Porto: lunch on Rua das Flores, pastries, sandwiches, restaurants, and excellent food all over the city, an FC Porto soccer match at Estádio do Dragão, the cable car in Gaia, the viewpoint at Jardim do Morro in Gaia overlooking Porto, and drinking fortified Port wine.

Must-see places in northern Portugal:

Braga and Bom Jesus Church with its iconic staircase below
Aveiro on the lagoon, technically south of Porto but very close to it
the Peneda-Gerês National Park
a cruise or train ride up the Douro River
the vineyards and wineries along the upper Douro
Guimarães – the city where Portugal was founded
the old town of Amarante
the deep north – the town of Bragança and the Trás-os-Montes region

When should you visit northern Portugal?
The season in northern Portugal runs from April to October. Northern Portugal is very rainy, and the farther east you go into the mountains, the colder it gets in winter. That does not mean you cannot visit in winter, but it is worth knowing that it may be cold and rainy.
How should you plan your route in Porto and northern Portugal?
In Porto itself people say the best thing to do is simply to “get lost,” and on every narrow street and steep climb you will find a beautiful building, a great viewpoint, or a restaurant with excellent food. Porto is small, so you can see everything quickly, but there are some very steep hills, so be sure to come prepared, especially with comfortable shoes…

A trip through northern Portugal will almost always start and end in Porto, which sits at the mouth of the Douro River. In principle, you can take day trips to nearby Braga, Aveiro, and Guimarães, and even do a river cruise or a train ride up the Douro and back in a single day. But it is even better to rent a car and simply start driving northwest. Beyond the cities and towns, focus on the charming vineyards, hills, and villages above the Douro River.