What Travelers Say About Porto
Porto is Portugal's atmospheric second city, tumbling down steep hillsides to the Douro River in a jumble of pastel houses, baroque churches and blue-and-white azulejo tiles. The riverside Ribeira district is the postcard heart, while across the water in Vila Nova de Gaia the historic port wine lodges line the bank, offering tastings of the fortified wine the city gave its name to.
It is a very safe, welcoming and relaxed city, noticeably cheaper than Lisbon and most of Western Europe. The only real cautions are pickpockets in the busiest tourist spots and the genuinely punishing hills — Porto is steep, and a lot of walking is uphill, so comfortable shoes are essential. The friendly locals, low prices and unpretentious charm make it an easy and rewarding place to visit.
Spring and autumn are ideal, with warm days and manageable crowds; summer is hot and busy but lively, while winter is mild, wet and quiet. Beyond the city, the Douro Valley wine region is a stunning day trip by train or boat. Don't miss the local specialities: a francesinha sandwich, fresh seafood, and of course a glass of tawny or vintage port watching the sunset over the river.