Porto and Northern Portugal

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 gives the entire region deep importance, both in terms of Portuguese heritage and from a religious perspective.

Northern Portugal is a lush, rainy region with a distinctly more European feel. The Douro River, which cuts across the north of Portugal and meets the sea in Porto, is the region’s main artery and shapes much of its character. The vineyards that line its hillsides are world-famous, and they are the source of the port wine that captivated all of Europe 300 years ago.
The north is wonderfully green, peaceful, scenic, and inviting. It offers pristine corners and wide-open landscapes that can turn any trip into a remarkable experience.

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Everything you need to plan a trip to Porto and Northern Portugal

How much time should you spend in Porto and northern Portugal?

Porto is a small, beautiful city and in principle, a day and a half is enough to see most of the main sights. That said, it is very easy to stay longer, and almost everyone who visits ends up planning a return trip because the city is just that wonderful.

A trip through northern Portugal that includes Porto will usually take about a week.

What should you absolutely see and do in Porto and northern Portugal?

Sights in Porto: the famous Ribeira riverfront, the cathedral, Carmo Church with its blue tiles, the picturesque São Bento railway station, the historic Livraria Lello bookstore, and Clérigos Tower.

Things to do in Porto: have lunch on Rua das Flores, enjoy the city’s bakeries, sandwich shops, restaurants, and excellent food scene in general, catch an FC Porto match at Estádio do Dragão, ride the cable car in Gaia, take in the view of Porto from Jardim do Morro in Gaia, and sip fortified Port wine.

Must-see places in northern Portugal:

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

When is the best time to visit northern Portugal?

The season in northern Portugal runs from April through October. The region 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 wet.

How should you plan an itinerary for Porto and northern Portugal?

In Porto itself, people often say the best approach is simply to “get lost.” On every narrow street and steep climb, you are likely to come across a beautiful building, a lovely viewpoint, or a great restaurant. Porto is small, so it is easy to see a lot in a short time, but the hills are genuinely steep, so be sure to come prepared, especially with comfortable shoes…

A trip through northern Portugal will almost always begin 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 Douro cruise or train ride and return the same day. Still, renting a car is the better option and simply heading northwest. Beyond the cities and towns, be sure to focus on the charming vineyards, hills, and villages above the Douro River.

More information about Portugal you might find useful:

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