Porto – A First Exploration of the Atlantic City

Sunday, 18 May 2025 00:00
Written by Portal Editor

Off to Porto – The expansion of the alaturka.info portal to Portugal has been in the planning stages for some time, and with an initial 3-day exploration of Porto, the time had finally come.

In addition to exploring the city, Porto was also to serve as the starting point for a 14-day hike along the Camino de Santiago, which would take us all the way to Santiago de Compostela, with the focus always following the Atlantic coast. But more on that later. It was therefore clear that this tour would not be undertaken by caravan, but rather, exceptionally, by plane, to allow some flexibility for the approximately 300-kilometer hike along the Camino de Santiago and avoid having to return to the base.

Porto – a beautiful city with a rich history and architecture

We had already done some research beforehand, which made us look forward to this first exploration with great interest. People have settled near Porto along the Douro River since the Castro culture. For example, the Greeks established a small trading post here and called it Kalos, which means "beautiful" in Greek. This name, slightly modified, was also adopted by the Romans as Portus Cale for a Celtic settlement located there, just before the Douro River flows into the Atlantic.

Since the time of Roman occupation, Porto has been primarily a commercial port city, developing into one of the most important European trading centres during the age of European expansion. While this importance diminished with the decline of the Portuguese colonial empire (more on this later), Porto remains the economic and industrial centre of Portugal to this day. Porto is eponymous and is known worldwide for its port wine, which is transported from its production area to Porto, stored in neighbouring Vila Nova de Gaia, and exported from Porto to the world.

By subway, or rather, the Metro do Porto, from the airport to Porto city centre

From Berlin, there was a very attractive offer for a flight to Porto, which also made my partner's return flight three days later so attractive that it didn't make sense to compare it with the car. Of course, we're aware that flying doesn't really have a meaningful ecological footprint. This time, it had to be that way.

Once we arrived at Porto Airport, we took public transport, in this case the E subway, into Porto. A roughly half-hour journey took us to Trindade in the centre of Porto, not far from our accommodation. It should be noted that we should also take the E subway for the return journey to avoid the seemingly endless number of stops on Line B.

After a short walk towards the Bolhão district, we reached our accommodation, leaving us plenty of time for some initial exploration, which took us to the iconic market, the Mercado do Bolhão, which remains one of the city's most important sights.

The Bolhão district offers a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. With its historic architecture, imposing tiled cathedral, long pedestrian street lined with restaurants, and lively atmosphere, Bolhão is extremely attractive. The Mercado do Bolhão, opened in 1914, is a must-see.

This covered market is a bustling commercial centre offering a variety of fresh produce, from fruit and vegetables to fish and meat, all sold at stalls run by local vendors. The market is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Porto, buying and enjoying local products, even on the spot.

Numerous visitors enjoyed a glass of wine on the steps with interesting snacks such as cozido à Portuguesa, bacalhau, ameijoas à bulhão pato, or alheiras for snacking in small portions at the end of the day.

Winding Alleys, Sometimes Very Steep Streets in the Old Town

Early the next morning, we set off for the old town, as a city like Porto is often best explored on foot.

Narrow, winding alleys with densely built buildings form the terraced structure of the Ribeira Old Town, which extends from the banks of the Douro River on a hillside and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

Due to the bustling shops, the hilly old town appears very lively during the day.

Please excuse the sometimes-dark pictures, dear readers, but the weather contributed to this, as there were daily heavy rains and, once, even a storm, the likes of which the Porto region hadn't seen in a long time.

Foz Velha, Porto's historic district right on the waterfront, with its characteristic narrow, winding alleys, was even listed as a historical monument by the Portuguese Institute for Architectural Heritage in 2002. Rua Santa Catarina, Porto's main shopping street, is located in the upper part of the city. The pedestrian zone stretches for approximately 1.5 kilometres between Praça da Batalha and Praça Marquês de Pombal.

Porto is also known as the "Baroque City" because of its numerous Baroque churches. Nicolau Nasoni, an architect of Italian origin, is credited with the city's important Baroque buildings. The image of the historic old town is characterized less by individual buildings than by the overall structure of a preserved city centre. The numerous granite buildings are characteristic.

Bridges over the Douro

The Luís I Bridge is probably the best known and most photographed bridge over the Douro. It is essentially a truss arch bridge between Porto and the town of Vila Nova de Gaia. The considerably more stable upper level is supported and extended on both banks by a girder bridge, each with a central pillar.

The light rail tracks run across it, with two tracks with overhead lines and a pedestrian and cycle path on either side. The lower level, approximately 45 meters lower, is less stable and consists "only" of a girder structure with a concrete and asphalt roadway, the same length as the arch span.

This girder structure is suspended four times from the arch, forming a suspension bridge. Since the view of Porto can only be described as fantastic, the upper section of the bridge is a must-see for every traveler to Porto.

The Arrábida Bridge, or Ponte de Arrábida in Portuguese, is one of the key links in Porto, connecting the banks of the Douro River and is known for both its architectural beauty and its engineering prowess. This impressive structure also spans the Douro River between the historic centre of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. The bridge, however, serves as an important traffic artery. The Arrábida Bridge was built between 1957 and 1963 according to the plans of the renowned Portuguese engineer Edgar Cardoso. At its completion, it was considered the bridge with the largest concrete arch in the world and remains a significant example of 20th-century engineering in Portugal.

The Ponte Infante Dom Henrique, or Infante Bridge for short, is an important traffic artery in the city of Porto, swinging elegantly over the Douro River. It was named after Prince Henry the Navigator (Infante Dom Henrique), a central figure in Portuguese history of discovery. This modern bridge also connects the central district of Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia and spans the Douro River extensively. It blends harmoniously into the cityscape alongside the city's historic bridges and is clearly visible from numerous vantage points.

These are our first impressions of Porto. When preparing to hike the Way of St. James, it's important to note the official starting point of the Camino Portugues, which begins in Porto at the beautiful Porto Cathedral, which is also absolutely worth seeing.

The entrance fee includes access to the cathedral itself and the cloister.

You can also enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the rooftop. In front of the cathedral is the signpost marking the official starting point of the Way of St. James from Porto.

Theoretically, however, you can now also start your hike directly from the airport, as there are now arrows there to guide you to the route to Santiago de Compostela.

All You Must Know Before You Go - more details

Porto is more than just Portugal’s second-largest city — it’s a magical place where old-world charm meets vibrant modernity. Located in northern Portugal along the Douro River, Porto is famous for its historic center, port wine, stunning architecture, and laid-back vibe. Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, or casual wanderer, Porto offers something for every kind of traveler.

Where Is Porto and How to Get There?

Closest Airports and Transport Options

Porto is serviced by Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO), which connects to major European and international cities. From the airport, you can reach the city center in about 25 minutes by metro or taxi.

Getting Around the City

Porto’s public transport system includes metros, buses, and iconic yellow trams. Walking, however, is one of the best ways to explore the compact historic center.

Best Time to Visit Porto

April to June and September to early November are the ideal times to visit Porto and September to early November are the ideal times to visit Porto. You’ll avoid the summer crowds and enjoy pleasant weather. If you're looking for lower prices and fewer tourists, try visiting in March or late autumn.

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Must-See Attractions in Porto

Ribeira District

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a postcard-perfect waterfront area filled with colorful buildings, cobblestone alleys, and riverside cafes.

Dom Luís I Bridge

Livraria Lello

One of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, Livraria Lello inspired parts of Harry Potter and features a majestic wooden staircase.

São Bento Station

Known for its stunning blue-and-white tile murals, this railway station is a masterpiece of Portuguese azulejo art.

Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)

A grand Romanesque cathedral offering sweeping views over the city, it’s a must-visit for architecture and history buffs.

Unique Experiences

Cruise the Douro River

Take a six bridges cruise or a longer tour into the Douro Valley to experience the region’s beauty from the water.

Ride the Historic Trams

Tram 1 takes you from the city center to the seaside in Foz do Douro, passing by charming neighborhoods and scenic viewpoints.

Explore the World of Wine (WOW) District

This cultural hub in Vila Nova de Gaia features museums, restaurants, and wine experiences all in one place.

Porto’s Culinary Scene

What to Eat

Try the legendary Francesinha sandwich, bacalhau à Brás (salted cod), grilled sardines, and sweet pastéis de nata.

Where to Eat

Check out Café Santiago for Francesinha, Adega São Nicolau for traditional dishes, or try local bites at Mercado do Bolhão.

Port Wine Culture – A Timeless Tradition

Best Wine Cellars to Visit in Vila Nova de Gaia

Don’t miss Sandeman, Taylor’s, Graham’s, and Fonseca — iconic cellars offering tastings and tours.

Wine Tastings and Tours

Book a guided port wine tour to learn about the fermentation process and sample ruby, tawny, and vintage ports.

Shopping in Porto – Markets and Boutiques

Porto is great for local crafts, ceramics, and textiles. Visit Rua de Santa Catarina for fashion and Lello & Irmão for books. Bolhão Market offers local products and artisanal foods.

Day Trips You Shouldn’t Miss

Douro Valley

A UNESCO-listed wine region just two hours away. Enjoy vineyard tours and scenic train or boat rides.

Braga and Guimarães

Historic cities rich in religious and medieval architecture, easily reachable by train or bus.

Where to Stay in Porto

Best Neighborhoods for Tourists

Baixa (Downtown) – Perfect for first-timers.
Ribeira – For riverside views and atmosphere.
Cedofeita – Great for art lovers and young travelers.
Vila Nova de Gaia – Close to wine cellars and quieter.

Travel Tips for Visiting Porto in 2025

Book early for spring and summer.
Use contactless cards for public transport.
Carry cash for small cafes and markets.
Wear comfy shoes – the city is hilly!

Is Porto Budget-Friendly?

Yes! Porto is one of Europe’s most affordable destinations. Meals, public transport, and even accommodation are reasonably priced, especially outside peak season.

Why Porto Should Be on Your 2025 Travel List

Porto perfectly combines old-world elegance with youthful energy. Whether it’s sipping port wine in a centuries-old cellar, watching the sunset from a river cruise, or getting lost in the artistic backstreets, Porto is unforgettable. In 2025, it’s set to be one of the top trending European destinations — and for good reason.

Conclusion

Porto is a magical destination that rewards curious travelers with a rich blend of culture, cuisine, and charm. In 2025, this riverside jewel promises an even more unforgettable experience, thanks to improved infrastructure, rising popularity, and an ever-growing love for authentic travel.

FAQs About the town

1. How many days do I need in Porto?
At least 3 days are recommended to explore the highlights without rushing.

2. Is Porto better than Lisbon?
It depends on your taste. Porto is quieter and more traditional, while Lisbon is larger and more cosmopolitan.

3. Can I visit Douro Valley on a day trip?
Yes, many travelers do day tours from Porto, though staying overnight offers more relaxed experiences.

4. Is it safe to travel to Porto in 2025?
Yes, Porto is generally safe, even for solo travelers. Just follow basic precautions.

5. Do people speak English in Porto?
Yes, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels. Still, a few Portuguese phrases go a long way!

Please read as well:

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