Portugal's second city
Portugal‘s second city is one of Europe’s most charming. Built on a steep riverbank, a jumble of colourful medieval houses hug the calm waters of the Douro River where wooden boats bob on the surface and people spill out of its cafes and bars, more often than not with a glass of the wine that gave the city its name.
Wind your way through the cobbled streets of the ancient Baixa district, lined with baroque churches and 19th-century palaces. Porto is a hilly city, meaning there are plenty of vantage points from which to gaze out across the sea of terracotta roofs, through which bell towers and church spires poke their heads.
Arching over the river is the impressive double-decked metal Dom Luis I bridge, linking the medieval city with Vila Nova de Gaia. Here you’ll find centuries old port firms that were founded by British merchant families and are still owned by their successors to this day. For three centuries these warehouses have been producing world-famous port, and no trip to the city is complete without enjoying a tipple or two in one of its many bars.
Highlights
Dip your toes in the Atlantic during a visit to Porto’s beaches
Explore the riverside area of Cais da Ribeira
Walk across Dom Luis I Bridge to the Vila Nova de Gaia district
Wander the scenic and historic Baixa district
Immerse yourself in the city’s nightlife
James Wakelin
Travel Designer
Porto is a city like no other. I recommend the district of Baixa for a true historical immersion, while a boat ride down the Douro River with a glass of port wine in hand makes for a brilliant way to end the day.
James Wakelin
Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Porto
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
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Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
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Trip inspiration
Where else to visit in Portugal
Alentejo
Alentejo is a vast region of cork plantation, wheat fields, vineyards and clusters of historic hilltop towns.
Discover moreAlgarve
Striking rock formations extend skywards from azure waters as the sun warms the sandy coastline. The southernmost part of Portugal, Algarve is most known for these Mediterranean beaches, quaint coves, fishing villages and luxurious hotels and eateries.
Discover moreDouro Valley
The Douro River winds its way from the north of Spain, along the Portuguese border and eastward to Porto where it meets the sea. It is most famous for its port, a sweet brandy fortified wine that must originate in this valley to be considered the genuine article.
Discover moreLisbon
Europe’s second oldest capital, Lisbon is an effortlessly elegant city, full of old-world charm. Lisbon has plenty to offer, with a plethora of museums and galleries as well as beautiful buildings covered in iconic azelujo tiles.
Discover moreMeet your Europe team
When to visit
Two of the best times to visit Porto are late spring and early autumn, a time when temperatures aren’t too high and there are far fewer tourist crowds than during the high season of July and August.
Beach Break
June - September
City Sightseeing
Year Round
Outdoor Activities
April - September
Plan your trip to Porto
Whatever you want from your adventure in Porto, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
It was truly wonderful. This was one of the best trips we have ever taken. Further, working with Jacada made all the difference in the world! Every detail was carefully considered based on our “wishes and wants” for our trip to Spain and Portugal! Melania and Alice were amazing and we can’t tell you how grateful we are for their…
Jacada was very helpful in every aspect of planning our trip to Portugal. Kate Herz and Rita Pinto were so receptive to our thoughts and needs and made wonderful itinerary suggestions. All of our tour guides and drivers were experienced and informative and always punctual. The hotels (all fabulous) and activities which were recommended were fun and interesting and not…
Dan Rhodes, my travel agent was, was extremely smart and perceptive. He put together the perfect itinerary. The local agency, Made for Spain and Portugal was also terrific. I can’t praise Dan enough. I have seldom met anyone so amazing at listening and then working with your guidance to put together the trip of a lifetime. I have a lot…
Truly well thought out and personalized experience. Maximized appreciation of culture, excellent food choices and fantastic tours. Really well organized and made the trip so Memorable. Also provided excellent troubleshooting and hands on experience. Top notch overall experience on all levels.
We contracted with Jacada Travel on short notice (6 weeks advance) to plan a 9/10 day Food & Wine tour of Portugal. Our Travel Designer did an outstanding job of conferring with us identifying our preferences for this trip. She assembled an itinerary that encapsulated our desires and was perfect. Hotel accommodations were selected based on our preference to stay…
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