Discover Porto: One of Europe’s Oldest and Most Colorful Cities
Why Porto Is Worth Visiting
Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and is full of history, culture, a colorful riverfront – the Ribeira District – as well as the origin of Port wine.
With it location along the Douro River and its history in international trade and rich architectural diversity, travelers will appreciate the journey through time as they explore this dynamic city.
NERD ALERT: The Historic Center of Porto was named a UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996. And, the origin of Portugal is traced back to this part of the country!
Quick History of Porto
Porto dates back to the 8th century BC as a trading post for the Phoenicians (people from modern day Lebanon/Syria).
The city of Porto is named for the geographical “port” in which the city is located.
Many historians believe the name “Portugal” originates from when the cities of Porto and Gaia were part of the Roman Empire – then known as Portus Cale – which eventually became Portuscale.
The historic center of Porto roughly follows along the Fernandine Walls, built in the late 1300s under the reign of King Fernando.
How to Plan Your Trip to Porto
When is the best time to visit?
Porto is an amazing city to visit anytime of year due to its mild and temperate climate.
- In January, the average high temperature is 57 °F and the average low temperature is 42 °F.
- In August, the average high temperature is 78 °F and the average low temperature is 60 °F.
- November – January tend to be the months with the most rain.
June is considered the month of festivals in Portugal due to the number of Saint Days and corresponding celebrations.
- June 13th – St. Anthony’s Festival (Festa de Santo António) celebrates the patron saint of Portugal, lost things, love & marriage who was born in Lisbon in 1195.
- June 23rd – St. John’s Festival (Festa de São João) celebrates St. John the Baptist, who is the patron saint of Porto.
- June 29th – St. Peter’s Day (Dia de São Pedro) celebrates the first Catholic Pope and the patron saint of fishermen.
The Spring months (March to May) and Autumn months (September to November) will have fewer tourists.
Late November and December travelers can experience several Christmas Markets.
How to get to Porto?
You can fly directly into Porto (airport code – OPO) from several US cities – including Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Washington DC (IAD), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), Denver (DEN), Portland (PDX), and San Francisco (SFO).
From Lisbon, you can take a 3-hour train ride or car ride or a 1-hour nonstop flight.
How long to stay in Porto?
I recommend at least 4 days in Porto – 2 to explore the city, 1 for day trips, and 1 to explore the Duoro River Valley.
4 Day Itinerary
City of Porto (aka Oporto) – Day 1
I’ve organized this Porto itinerary like a walking tour of the city, starting at the Praça de Parada Leitão on the Porto side of the river and ending along the Ribeira District (Duoro River District).
All in all, it is an approximately 2 mile walk with varying levels of hills. Porto is a very hilly city if exploring on foot. I will note the varying levels of inclines, declines, and flat paths plus the nearest tram stops.
There are also a Tram City Tour you can take that will save time and allow you to bypass some of the hilly walks.
Also, there is a funicular you can take between the upper part of Porto, called Batalha, and the riverfront, called Riberia as well as a cable car on the Gaia side of the river that can help with accessing the Monastery.
Vitória neighborhood, just north of the Historic Center:
PRAÇA DE PARADA LEITÃO (Plaza of Parada Leitão) – closest tram stop is Carmo.
From this plaza, we can see the Fonte dos Leões (Fountain of Lions), a marble fountain with four winged lions.
Winged lions can mean several things, including divine protection, power, and courage as well as a symbol of the Apostle Mark. The wings are symbols of angels and lions are meant to project strength and valor.
In Portugal, the lion also represents the longest standing alliance in Europe, starting in the late 1300s, between the British and the Portuguese.
THE TWIN CHURCHES – IGREJA DOS CARMELITAS AND IGREJA DO CARMO
Across from the Fountain of Lions, you can see the structure known as the Twin Churches.
The Twin Chruches are the Igreja dos Carmelitas (Church of the Carmelites) and Igreja do Carmo (Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel)
The twin churches are connected by a tiny house meant to keep the nuns and monks physically separated.
It is one of the most narrow houses and is less than 7 feet wide. There were residents living in the house up until the 1980s.
IGREJA DOS CARMELITAS (Church of the Carmelites)
Facing the two churches, the one on the left is the Church of the Carmelites – the older of the two churches.
Construction started in the early 1600s as a convent for the Order of the Carmelites – a Roman Catholic Order started on Mount Carmel in Israel in the mid 1100s who follow the teachings of the Prophet Elijah.
Looking at the front of the Church of the Carmelites, you see three statues above the domed entrances.
On the left is Saint Joseph of Nazareth – the husband of the Virgin Mary and adoptive father of Jesus.
In the middle is the Virgin Mary, known in the Order as Our Lady of Mount Carmel.
On the right is Saint Theresa of Ávila, a Carmelite nun from the 1500s.
The architecture is considered NeoClassical, which can be seen with the smoother and less elaborate surfaces and the triangular pediment. The simple bell tower has the famous blue tiles of Portugal, known as azuelos, at the top and a bulb-shaped dome.
NERD ALERT: Azuelos are a symbol of Portugal and Portuguese artistry. With Portugal’s international trade, the blue and white designs of the azuelos are thought to be inspired by the porcelain seen during China’s Ming Dynasty, which ran from the mid 1300s to the mid 1600s.
The interior of the church has wood carvings covered in gold in the more ornate Baroque artistic tradition.
IGREJA DO CARMO (Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel)
The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is on the right and was started in the latter part of the 1700s to house the monks belonging to the Order of the Carmelites.
Saint Anne, mother to the Virgin Mary and the patron saint of the church, is depicted in a statue at the top of the main door. On either side of the main door, you will see statues of the Prophet Elijah and his disciple, the Prophet Elisha.
At the top of the church are four statues of the Four Apostles from the New Testament – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The front exterior of the church features the Rococo style of Baroque architecture with its more extravagant design and decorative columns.
The exterior wall of the church facing the Fountain of the Lions showcases more azuelos, illustrating the beginning of the Order of the Carmelites and scenes from Mount Carmel.
The interior of the church has golden wood carvings similar to the Church of the Carmelites and a depiction of the Passion of Christ.
The two churches, standing side-by-side, are an amazing example of Portuguese artistry with the large wall of azuelos and the varying architectural styles of NeoClassical and Rococo style of Baroque.
INFO: Entrance to both churches is free, but a small donation is accepted. The churches are closed during masses, rosaries, and any other services.
For €2 you can visit the tiny house.
For €3,5 you can visit more of the churches as well as the tiny house.
Plan to spend 30-60 minutes exploring the interior and exterior of the twin churches, more time if you want to visit the extra sacristy, catacombs, and tiny house.
LIVRARA LELLO
A short flat walk from the twin churches, you will find one of the most gorgeous bookstores in the world – the Livrara Lello.
The interior of the store has neo-Gothic design, including stained glass windows, intricate wood carvings, and a grand staircase, one of the most famous symbols of the store.
The bookstore is rumored to have inspired the different parts of the Harry Potter books, including the staircases in Hogwarts and the bookstore Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley, as its author, J.K. Rowling lived in Porto for a few years while writing early drafts of the first book.
Livraria Lello is a paradise for book nerds and architecture lovers alike. The store can get incredibly crowded during peak visiting hours.
There is a small entrance fee that is redeemable if you purchase a book.
Visit the website with more details.
It is best to visit early in the morning or during the mid-afternoon lunch break to avoid crowds.
The bookstore is open from 9:00AM to 7:30PM and is closed on December 25th, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st, and June 24th.
Plan to spend about 30-60 minutes in the bookstore.
Historic Center of Porto:
The Historic Center and Ribeira District (Riverfront) areas are the part of Porto designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites for their cultural and historical significance.
TORRES Y IGREJA DOS CLÉRIGOS (Tower and Church of the Clergymen) – closest tram stop is Clérigos
A short downhill walk from Livrara Lello, we find ourselves entering the northern part of the Historic Center of Porto and at the Torres y Igreja dos Clérigos.
The architectural style of the tower is Baroque, including features such as spires, domes, and decorative sculptures, including one of the Apostle Paul above the entrance.
It was completed in the mid 1700s by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, whose work also includes the Porto Cathedral.
There are 225 steps to climb to get to the top of the tower, but the reward for such a climb is a panoramic view of Porto and the surrounding Douro River Valley. With the tower staying open until 11:00PM, you can capture some beautiful night-time photos as well.
While the Tower is one of the most recognizable places in Porto and can be seen from most places in the city due to its height and location on a hill, you should consider spending some time in the church behind the Tower.
After a restoration in 2014, the church and the museum are another wonderful place to see Rococo style of Baroque architecture with its altarpiece and the trims around the pipe organs.
The church museum has various exhibitions on religious art spanning over 800 years – including sculptures and paintings that honor Porto’s Catholic heritage.
There are various ticket options depending on the time of day you visit and how much of the Church Complex you want to see.
You can attend a pipe organ concert at 12:00 PM local time with broadcasts on the church’s Facebook Page each Wednesday.
The hours for the Tower and Church Complex vary by season and the last entrance is 30 minutes before closing.
Plan to spend 15-60 minutes at the Tower and the Church, more if you want to climb the Tower, explore the Church complex and museums, and attend one of the 12:00PM pipe organ concerts.
ESTAÇÃO FERROVIARIA DE SÃO BENTO (Saint Benedict Train Station) – closet tram stop is São Bento
A walk downhill will have you arriving at the São Bento Train Station.
Even if you do not have a train to catch, the station has a gorgeous lobby has four full walls with over 20,000 azuelos, illustrating the history of the country
Originally known as the County of Portugal, the country that would become Portugal started back in 868 around the Douro River when Spain’s King Alfonso III gave the area known as “Portus Cale” to Vímara Peres (statue of him located opposite the Porto Cathedral) to serve as the area’s first Count.
The train station was built in the early 1900s on the site of a former Benedictine convent and was constructed in a French influenced architecture style known as Beaux-Arts , which incorporated traditional Baroque elements with modern steel and glass.
Here is more information about the train station and the lines it serves.
Plan to spend 15-30 minutes in the train station. There is no entry fee to view the azuelos in the lobby. If your plans involve transit through the train station, plan some additional time to admire the lobby.
NERD ALERT: The azuelos of Portugal are captivating! I loved all the designs and interconnection from one tile to another and continuing the visual story. I could have stared at and studied them for hours.
IGREJA DE SANTA CLARA (Church of Saint Claire)
Next on our walking tour, we have a slight uphill walk to the Church of Santa Clara.
The Church of Santa Clara is not on most people’s itinerary when visiting Porto, but I love this Catholic church for its various architectural designs that highlight the different renovations over the centuries.
Construction on the church started in the early 1400s to serve next to the convent for the Poor Claire Nuns.
Saint Claire was a student and colleague of Saint Francis of Assisi (whose teachings later inspired the Franciscan monks) and followed his principles of poverty, simplicity, charity, and prayer.
When the Church was finished in the mid 1400s, it had Gothic architecture with its pointed arches and stained glass as well as the corkscrew shaped columns, known as Solomonic columns.
During its renovations in the 1600s and 1700s, the more ornate Baroque architectural elements appeared in the interior of the church, including one of the largest collections in Portugal of the Rococo-style gold painted wood carvings.
The church is also a great place to see portions of the defensive Fernandine Walls line that outlines the historic center of the city.
The Church is open 7 days per week from 9:00AM to 1:00PM and then open again at 2:00PM. Closing hours vary with 6:00PM on most days and an earlier closing at 5:00PM on Wednesdays and Saturdays to accommodate mass services.
For more information, including hours and tickets, visit the Church’s website.
Plan to spend 20-30 minutes in the Church of Santa Clara.
SÉ DO PORTO (Porto Cathedral) – closest tram stop is Sé
Next on our walking tour, we have a mainly flat walk to the Porto Cathedral.
Named for the neighborhood of Sé in the Historic Center, the Porto Cathedral is another example of various architectural traditions due to the reconstructions and renovations across the centuries.
Started in the 1100s, this Catholic Cathedral has Romanesque architectural features, such as thick walls, large towers, and rounded arches.
In the 1300s, Gothic elements were added, like a stained glass rose window and a set of cloisters.
In the mid 1700s, azuelos depicting scenes from the book of Songs of Solomon from the Bible were added to the wall of the cloisters.
Also in the mid 1700s and prior to his work on the Torre Clérigos, Nicolau Nasoni updated the cathedral to add the covered walkway in the more embellished Baroque architectural tradition.
The Cathedral is open everyday at 9:00AM. Closing hours vary with 6:30PM as closing time from April – October and 5:30PM November – March. The Cathedral is closed on Christmas and Easter and has a mass each day at 11:00AM.
For more information, including hours, visit the Cathedral’s website (it is in Portuguese and will need to be translated to English).
Plan to spend 15-60 minutes at the cathedral, more time if you want to explore the interior of the cathedral. You can also climb to the terrace for another amazing view of the city.
STATUE OF VIMARA PERES
On the opposite side of the plaza with the Porto Cathedral is the statue of Vimara Peres.
Vimara was a nobleman and warrior from the 800s who helped defeat the African Muslims, or Moors, and was the first Count of Portugal under the King of Asturias, in present day Spain.
According to linguistics, Vimara is closely associated with Guimar and likely the origin for the city Guimarães, considered the birthplace of modern Portugal.
Ribeira District (Duoro River District)
PALACIO DA BOLSA (Stock Exchange Palace) – closest tram stop is Ribeira (Infante)
Next on our walking tour, we will have a mainly flat and downhill walk to the Stock Exchange Palace located at the edge of the Jardim do Infante Dom Henriques (the square and garden honoring Prince Henry the Navigator).
Built in the mid-1800s in the NeoClassical architecture style with its symmetry and balance, including the arched entrances on the bottom floor and the square columns on the next level and triangular pediment (reminiscent of Classical architecture of Greek and Roman ruins) under the clock tower.
Inside the Stock Exchange Palace, the NeoClassical style continues with the stone and marble construction, representing stability and strength.
There are also more ornate areas, such as the Salão Árabe (Arab Room) built in the Moorish style of architecture, with its floral and geometric design elements and gold leaf decorations as well as the Arabic inscriptions.
Guided tours are required to view the inside rooms. They are 30 minutes in length and are in Portuguese, Spain, English, and French. Prices are € 14 for adults and €9,5 for students and seniors. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a parent.
The hours are 9:00AM-6:30PM and ticket information can be found online.
Plan to spend 15-60 minutes at the Stock Exchange Palace, longer if you plan to take a guided tour.
RIBEIRA SQUARE – closest tram stop is Ribeira (Infante)
At the bottom of the hill, you will find yourself at the riverfront (Ribeira Square) along the Duoro River. This area is known for its colorful houses and busy cafes, which are perfect for sitting and enjoying a delicious meal while watching all the people and boats traveling past you.
PONTE LUÍS I (DOM LUÍS I BRIDGE)
The bridge closest to Ribeira Square is the Dom Luís I, named after King (Dom) Luís I who ordered the building of the bridge to finally connect the cities of Porto and Gaia.
The idea for this bridge was conceived originally by Gustave Eiffel in the late 1800s, thus the name of the Avenida adjacent to the bridge, and was completed by Théophile Seyrig, one of Eiffel’s students.
When completed in 1886, this double deck metal arched bridge was the longest bridge of this kind in the world after its completion and is the 2nd oldest of the 6 bridges along the Duoro River.
Now, pedestrians can walk across the upper deck for amazing views of the city and the Duoro River or you can catch the metro line D to ride across the top of the bridge. Pedestrians can also walk along the lower level, but please be aware that cars also drive along this level.
To see all of the 6 bridges over the Duoro River in Porto (west to east – Arrábida, Luís I, Infante Dom Henrique, Dona Maria Pia, São João, and Freixo), consider taking a 50-minute river cruise.
Vila Nova de Gaia (aka Gaia) – Day 2
The Gaia side of the river is where you will find the Monastery da Serra do Pilar, the nearby Jardim do Morro (Garden of the Hill), cable cars for the bird’s eye view of the area, and many of the Port wine tasting rooms.
MOSTEIRO DA SERRA DO PILAR (Monastery of Serra do Pilar) – closest tram stop is Jardim do Morro Station
Construction on this Monastery for the Order of Saint Augustine, or the Augustinians who take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, began in the early 1500s and was completed towards the end of 1500s.
The unusually designed circular church was part of a renovation completed at the end of the 1600s.
The circular design of both the church and the cloisters, along with the simplicity of the decorations, are in the Renaissance architectural style and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site designation for the Gaia district.
Given its location on the hills in the Gaia district, the monastery is one of the places where you can see the entirety of the double decks of the Dom Luís I Bridge.
The hilltop location also created a strong defensive line of sight and was used by the military at various points in Porto’s history, as evidenced by the fortress type walls surrounding the monastery.
As of March 2024, the monastery is not open to visitors due to renovations. However, the views back into Porto as well as along the Duoro River from the monastery and the nearby Jardim do Morro (Garden of the Hill) make the trip worth it.
TELEFÉRICO DE GAIA CABLE CARS
For those with a more adventurous spirit and without a fear of heights, there is a cable car that follows the riverbank on the Gaia side to the Monastery of Serra do Pilar and the Jardim do Morro.
PORT WINE TASTING ROOMS
There are several options related to touring the Porto Wine tasting rooms in Gaia.
One place to start is the interactive World of Wine (or WOW), located in buildings that were previously used as wine cellars. This complex has 6 museums and 10 restaurants as well as events and shopping.
WOW allows you to get an overview of the history of port wine, rose wine, cork trees, and a bit about chocolate. This is a great place to have an interactive experience, especially if traveling with children.
For more of a singular tasting room experience, I recommend taking tours at Sandeman, Graham’s, and/or Taylor’s. Each of these cellars, dating back to the 1600s, allows you to learn about the the history of the wine’s production, tour the cellars, and then enjoy tastings.
I would advise you to buy your tickets in advance. Each cellar has different tour offerings (guided/unguided) at a variety of prices and as well as the number of port wines that can be tasted.
NERD ALERT: Port wine originated in the Duoro River Valley in the 1600s during a time when England and France were at war and British merchants were looking for alternatives to French wine.
The merchants added brandy to the Portuguese wine to help preserve the beverage for the journey back to England, which could take up to 3 weeks in unfavorable seas.
BEYOND PORTO – Day 3 & 4
DUORO RIVER WINE REGION
For those who want to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Duoro Wine Region, a full day boat tour is the perfect way to spend the day.
With this small and guided tour, you can experience two of the terraced vineyards, float along the river, and enjoy some lunch, and see the area that has been producing wine for over 2,000 years
HEAD TO THE BEACH
Matosinhos Beach is located along the Atlantic Ocean and is a great place to spend a day at the beach.
From the São Bento Train Station, trip is takes just over 20 minutes on the Yellow Line (500 Matosinhos Mercado) and follows the Duoro River.
Also, the Porto Metro Lines A & F go out to Senhor de Matosinhos.
You can take surfing lessons, play at the beach, or hike along the shore line.
DAY TRIPS
For those who want to explore more of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites near Porto, the historic center of Guimarães and Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary outside of Braga are amazing places for day trips from Porto.
Given all the sites in both cities and if traveling independently via train, I would recommend doing them on two separate days.
Trains to both cities are available from the São Bento Train Station.
The train to Braga takes approximately an hour and tickets will need to be purchased at the train station with each leg of the trip being its own fare.
The train to Guimarães takes just over an hour and tickets will need to be purchased at the train station with each leg of the trip being its own fare.
Make sure to validate your tickets prior to boarding the trains. Without proper validation, you can face a fine of over €100 depending on the type of train.
You could also opt for a guided tours of the cities if you want to see both in a day. There are tours with lunch included and with an optional lunch.
What to Eat in Porto
Porto has some amazing dining options. Seafood is a wonderful option, given its proximity to the ocean. Some of its more famous dishes also have elements of history to them as well.
Signature dishes of Porto
- Francesinha, or “Little Frenchie” is a sandwich created in Porto in the 1950s by Daniel da Silva, a Portuguese immigrant who had lived in France. He wanted to create Portuguese version of the French croque-monsieur.
This incredibly hearty sandwich consists of thick slices of bread, various meats – cured ham, linguiça (smoked sausage), steak, roast beef – melted cheese and a sauce of tomatoes, beer (sometimes whisky or port wine) and then a fried egg on top.
Each restaurant in Porto has its own recipe for the sauce and there are variations including seafood and even a vegetarian option.
Some of the best options for a Francesinha in Porto are Café Santiago, Cufra, and O Afonso (Facebook Page). Café Santiago is the one located closest to the Historic Center of Porto, about 1/2 a mile northeast of the Sao Bento Train Station. - Bacalhau à Brás is a salted cod dish made with shredded potatoes, onions, and scrambled eggs. Bacalhau is Portuguese for cod, which is a very common fish in Portugal given its location, and Brás is the name of a tavern owner in Lisbon who is credited with the creation of the dish.
Some of the best options for Bacalhau à Brás in Porto is at the Culto ao Bacalhau, located at the Mercado do Bolhão, and Cantina 32, located between the Sao Bento Train Station and the Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace). - Sardines are another very popular seafood dish in Portugal and incredibly common during the month of June and the various religious festivals.
The catching, preserving, and serving of sardines go along with the history of the country given how plentiful the fish is along the coast of Portugal. Salting and canning sardines are a major industry in Portugal.
The freshest sardines are during the summer months. Anything sold outside of those months was most likely frozen. - Pastel de nata is the iconic custard dessert of Portugal founded by the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, Lisbon in the 1700s. At the time, there was a surplus of egg yolks since egg whites were used in the starching process for the habits worn by the monks and nuns.
After perfecting a recipe for yummy pastry crusts, the monks created the custard filling with the extra egg yolks and baked them in a wood fired oven.
Where to Eat
- The Riverfront District on both the Porto and Gaia sides of the Duoro River offer amazing restaurants with a wonderful view.
- The Mercado do Bolhão (or Bolhão Market) is a wonderful two-story outdoor food market with a variety of dining options. The Market is located north of the Historic Center, about 1/2 a mile north of the Sao Bento Train Station. There is also a metro stop for Bolhão.
- The Café Majestic is a beautiful cafe that transports the diner back to the 1920s Parisian glitz with its Belle Époque design of carved wood, chandeliers, and plush leather seating.
The café is located approximately 1/3 of a mile north of the Sao Bento Train Station.
Best known for its pastries (including pastel de nata) and famous hot chocolate still served on silver platters, it will be a bit more expensive than a traditional café, but well worth it for the grandeur and experience.
NERD ALERT: The Café Majestic was once a favorite gathering spot for intellectuals and artists to discuss politics and other current affairs, making it an important cultural hub in Porto. - Food tours encompassing the Historic Center and Mercado do Bolhão as well as 3-hour food tour are wonderful ways to experience local dishes in a small group with a guide.
Where to Stay in Porto
Luxury Hotels (5 star)
- Gaia District – The Yeatman Hotel
- Ribeira District – Pestana Vintage Porto
- Historic Center – InterContinental Porto
Mid-Range Hotel (4 star)
- Gaia – Vincci Ponte de Ferro
- Ribeira District – Porto River Infante
- Historic Center – Torrel 1884 Suites and Apartments
Budget-Friendly Hotels (3 star)
- Historic Center (near Sao Bento Train Station) – D’Alma Boutique Hotel
- Ribeira District – Oca Riberia do Porto
- North of Historic Center (near Mercado do Bolhão) – ibis Porto Centro
Insider Tip – The hotels near the Ribiera may be quite a bit louder, especially during the month of June. Hotels in the historic center and Gaia neighborhood will likely be a bit more quiet.
Tips for Getting Around Porto
- Porto has a very easy to use train system, metro system, and bus system. They are all very reliable. Make sure to validate tickets at the train stations. I recommend using the funicular to navigate some of the hillier areas in the Historic Center.
- The Historic Center, Riverfront District, and Gaia are very easy to navigate without a car.
Local Customs and Traveler FAQs
- Tipping Etiquette: It is not customary to tip more than 10% or a few euros in Portugal.
For higher end restaurants, 5-10% is adequate.
In hotels, plan to tip €2-5/night for housekeeping and €1-2/bag for luggage porters or for storage.
For tours, plan to tip €5/person for any guided tour. - Language Basics: Portuguese is very similar to Spanish. Hello/Good Day is “Bom Dia” and Goodbye is “Tchau” (very similar to Ciao in Italian by with a TCH) or “Adeus” (very similar to Adios but with a lispy sound on the S).
Thank you is “Obrigado” if you are a man and “Obrigada” is you are a woman. Many of the Latin based languages have gender variances on some words and “Obrigada” translates to “I am obliged”.
Please is “por favor” and Excuse Me is “com licença”.
I recommend going to YouTube and searching for pronunciation for other key phrases in Portuguese. You can always utilize Google Translate app on your smartphone that has an audio feature as well. - Cultural Dos and Don’ts: Keep a low voice in and dress modestly when visiting places of worship. Portugal is a warm and welcoming country with a strong Catholic faith.
I would advise to not be too loud in restaurants or while taking public transportation, too.
Lunch time is generally 1:00PM-3:00PM and most dinners do not start before 8:00PM. In restaurants, the servers will not bring you the check unless you request it. You can say “A conta, por favor” to get your check.
Many places will take credit cards, but I always recommend having some Euros on hand in case you are in an establishment that does not take credit cards.
Conclusion: Ready to Pack Your Bags?
I simply adored Porto. It was such an amazing and vibrant city full of gorgeous architecture, stunning views, deep history, and delicious meals. I would recommend Porto to everyone and advise all to take their time, savor the city and the views. Porto should be savored and not rushed.
And definitely pack sturdy shoes for those hills and the cobblestones.
If the winding streets of Porto along with its Port wine and rich history have captured your imagination, I am more than happy to help you plan your dream trip!
Please complete this form and I will gladly assist you with each step of the planning and travel process.