The Best Porto Travel Guide You’ll Find!

22 November 2022   •    4 min read

The Best Porto Travel Guide You’ll Find!

Are you planning a trip to Porto and need some guidance? You’re in the right place. Nido Portugal has created a complete guide packed with unique and fun activities for you to enjoy in this incredible city!

Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, with 1.7 million people in its metropolitan area. This is a city you can explore on foot, letting you fully experience its bustling streets filled with locals and tourists, as well as its charming, typical buildings. Public transport is also easily accessible no matter where you are.

Wondering where to start your adventure? We’ve got you covered with a list of must-visit spots!

Popular Areas in Porto

Ribeira District Stroll through the cobblestone streets of Ribeira and discover cafés, bars, and restaurants serving authentic Portuguese cuisine. By the Douro River, you’ll find Praça da Ribeira—a historic spot that’s worth the visit!

Dom Luís I Bridge The Dom Luís I Bridge offers breathtaking views of the city. Stretching over the Douro River, it connects Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Walk across the bridge and snap amazing photos with friends or family! This picturesque spot is equally stunning during the day and at night.

Rua de Santa Catarina No trip to Porto is complete without a visit to Rua de Santa Catarina! As the city’s main shopping street, it’s pedestrian-only, allowing you to explore its stores and cafés freely. Keep reading for great food recommendations in this area!

Praça da Liberdade Praça da Liberdade is Porto’s most iconic square. It connects the old and modern parts of the city and is often referred to as "the heart of the city." Don’t forget to stop by Avenida dos Aliados for a memorable photo!

Affordable and Interesting Places to Visit in Porto

We know student life can be full of expenses, so we’ve rounded up some budget-friendly things to do and places to visit in Porto!

Clérigos Tower You’ve probably heard of the famous Clérigos Tower! Featured on many city postcards, this Baroque masterpiece is a symbol of Porto. You can visit the tower for just €6! Find more information here.

Lello Bookstore One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Lello is a magical space where books come alive, and imagination knows no bounds! Entry costs €5, which is deducted from your total if you purchase a book. Learn more here.

Serralves Foundation Art and culture enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the Serralves Foundation. Here, you can explore the Contemporary Art Museum, Serralves Park, and even a TreeTop Walk. Entry costs about €12 per person. For details, visit their website here.

Jardim da Cordoaria (João Chagas Garden) This historic garden, honoring writer and politician João Chagas, offers a serene space full of greenery and history. You can visit it for free!

Crystal Palace Gardens Located in the Massarelos parish, these lush gardens surround the Crystal Palace and are home to peacocks, ducks, a serene pond, and stunning views of Porto. Entry is free, and the gardens are open from 8 a.m.

Must-Visit Cafés and Restaurants

Food is an essential part of any trip, right? Here’s a list of spots to enjoy with your friends and family.

  • Café Majestic – Delicious Croissants Located on Rua de Santa Catarina, this historic café exudes 20th-century charm. Try their croissants (€6) or a pastel de nata (€3).
  • Diplomata – Fluffy Pancakes Love pancakes? Diplomata is the place for you! Enjoy their delicious pancakes for around €4.
  • Leitaria da Quinta do Paço – Unique Éclairs For mouthwatering éclairs at affordable prices (€1.10-€1.50), visit Leitaria da Quinta do Paço.
  • Café Santiago – Famous Francesinha No trip to Porto is complete without tasting the iconic Francesinha. Café Santiago serves it for just €9.75.
  • Maus Hábitos – Vegetarian Options With wood-fired pizzas, salads, lasagna, and more, Maus Hábitos is perfect for vegetarians. Enjoy delicious food paired with music and art. Find out more here.

Looking for Accommodation? Nido Portugal Can Help!

At Nido Portugal, we offer fantastic student accommodation in Porto. Our goal is to provide a safe and comfortable space where you can relax and connect with fellow students, sharing the experience of living in a new city.

We offer:

  • Wi-Fi spots.
  • A spacious lounge for movie nights with friends.
  • A yoga and wellness room to unwind after a busy day.

Check out our Porto accommodations here.

Have questions? Contact us here.

We’re always available to help and ensure your experience is unique and unforgettable.

Ready for a new adventure?

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