Porto, Portugal
The city of bridges
Our Porto Bestsellers:
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from 30£ -
{"list":"city-bestsellers","name":"Porto Full Day City Tour with River Cruise and Port Wine Tasting","id":"4747_17980","price":"51.04","category":"tour"}
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{"list":"city-bestsellers","name":"Braga \u0026 Guimaraes Tour from Porto","id":"4751_18031","price":"51.92","category":"tour"}
from 51£ -
{"list":"city-bestsellers","name":"Douro Valley Wine Tour from Porto","id":"4752_18040","price":"87.12","category":"tour"}
from 87£ -
{"list":"city-bestsellers","name":"Aveiro \u0026 Costa Nova Tour from Porto","id":"4750_18029","price":"40.48","category":"tour"}
from 40£ -
{"list":"city-bestsellers","name":"Transfer from Porto Airport to Porto","id":"215_5123","price":"30.80","category":"transfer"}
from 30£
Check other Porto Tours:
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{"list":"city-tours","name":"Porto Full Day City Tour with River Cruise and Port Wine Tasting","id":"4747_17980","price":"51.04","category":"tour"}
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{"list":"city-tours","name":"Douro Valley Wine Tour from Porto","id":"4752_18040","price":"87.12","category":"tour"}from 87£
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{"list":"city-tours","name":"Fatima \u0026 Coimbra Tour from Porto","id":"4754_18050","price":"60.72","category":"tour"}
from 60£ -
{"list":"city-tours","name":"Braga \u0026 Guimaraes Tour from Porto","id":"4751_18031","price":"51.92","category":"tour"}from 51£
Popular airport & city transfers:
Porto
Lisbon Airport
Fatima
Santiago de Compostela
Porto: The Soul of Portugal on the Banks of the Douro
Porto is Portugal’s northern gem — a city of steep hills, golden light, and the timeless rhythm of the Douro River. From the moment you set foot in its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll feel the city’s mix of elegance and authenticity. Porto tours reveal tiled churches, colourful houses stacked on the riverside, and the scent of freshly baked pastéis de nata floating through narrow streets.
Whether you’re joining a Port wine tasting, a Douro Valley cruise, or simply wandering through the cobbled alleys of Ribeira, Porto blends history, culture, and flavour into an unforgettable journey. It’s the perfect base for day trips across northern Portugal — and the ideal starting point for your own Portuguese adventure.
A City Steeped in Portuguese History
The story of Porto stretches back more than 2,000 years. Once known as Portus Cale, it gave its name to an entire country — Portugal. During Roman times, it was a thriving port, and by the Middle Ages, it had grown into one of Europe’s most active trade centres.
In the 14th century, Porto’s merchants began exporting wine down the Douro River — a tradition that led to the creation of the world-famous Port wine. Across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, vast cellars still age these sweet, fortified wines in oak barrels, preserving centuries of craftsmanship.
Porto’s resilience is legendary. Its people are called “Tripeiros”, a nickname born during the 15th-century Ceuta campaign, when locals gave their best meat to soldiers and survived on tripe. That generous spirit still defines the city today — proud, hardworking, and always ready to share a meal or a story.
Today, Porto thrives as a cultural and culinary capital. Its skyline of bell towers, bridges, and terracotta roofs has inspired artists and travellers for generations, while new cafes, galleries, and riverfront terraces give the old city a modern sparkle.
Top Places to Visit in Porto
Porto is compact, walkable, and full of discoveries at every turn. Here are a few essential stops:
- Ribeira District – Wander through the colourful old quarter, where narrow streets lead to lively riverside cafés and stunning views of the Dom Luís I Bridge.
- Clérigos Tower – Climb 240 steps to see the city spread out beneath you.
- Livraria Lello – Step into one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops, said to have inspired J.K. Rowling.
- São Bento Station – Admire over 20,000 hand-painted azulejos depicting Portugal’s history.
- Vila Nova de Gaia – Cross the river to visit traditional Port wine cellars and enjoy panoramic views of Porto.
- Foz do Douro – Where the river meets the Atlantic, ideal for sunset walks and seaside dining.
Begin Your Portuguese Adventure: One-Day Tours from Porto
Porto isn’t just a city — it’s the perfect starting point for exploring the heart of northern Portugal. From rolling vineyards and historic towns to sacred sanctuaries and river cruises, each day trip from Porto reveals a new side of the country’s soul. Here are our most popular experiences:
Porto Full Day City Tour with River Cruise and Port Wine Tasting
Discover Porto in a single unforgettable day. Visit its UNESCO-listed historic centre, admire blue-tiled churches, and explore the Ribeira riverside. Enjoy a scenic Six Bridges Cruise along the Douro and finish with a tasting at one of the city’s legendary Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Douro Valley Wine Tour
Journey through the breathtaking Douro Valley, the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Visit panoramic viewpoints, tour a traditional wine estate, and taste award-winning Douro and Port wines. Cruise the river aboard a classic Rabelo boat and savour a traditional regional lunch surrounded by terraced vineyards.
Braga & Guimarães Tour
Step back in time to Portugal’s origins. Explore Braga, known as the “Portuguese Rome,” with its grand sanctuaries and centuries-old cathedrals. Continue to Guimarães, the birthplace of Portugal, where medieval streets, castles, and noble palaces tell the story of the nation’s foundation.
Fátima & Coimbra Tour
Combine spirituality and heritage on this full-day experience. Visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, one of the world’s most important pilgrimage sites, and explore Coimbra, a city of scholars and ancient traditions. Wander through the historic University of Coimbra, admire its Romanesque cathedral, and feel the enduring student spirit that defines this remarkable city.
Each tour is guided by local experts, offering comfortable transport, engaging storytelling, and the perfect balance of culture, scenery, and relaxation. Wherever you go, you’ll find history, flavour, and warm Portuguese hospitality waiting for you.
Travel Made Easy: MrShuttle’s Porto Airport Transfers
Make your journey to and from Porto completely effortless with our private Porto Airport transfers. Whether you’re landing at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) or heading out to catch your next flight, we’ll get you there safely, on time, and in style.
Our private transfer service is the perfect choice for travellers who value comfort and reliability. Your professional, English-speaking driver will meet you at the arrivals area, assist with luggage, and take you directly to your destination — no waiting, no sharing, no stress.
We offer convenient, direct transfers to Porto city centre and Vila Nova de Gaia, as well as longer routes to Esposende, Fátima, or even Lisbon Airport if you’re connecting from another city. Start your stay in Porto the easy way — with a safe, punctual, and fully private transfer that turns your arrival into part of the experience.
👉 Book your Private Porto Airport Transfer here and enjoy complete peace of mind from the moment you land.
Fun Facts About Porto
- Porto’s historic centre became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
- The Dom Luís I Bridge was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel.
- Portugal’s national drink, Port wine, has been produced here for over 300 years.
- The city’s name gave Portugal its name — Portus Cale evolved into “Portugal.”
- Local people call themselves Tripeiros, proudly remembering their selfless history.
Visiting Porto: Helpful Insights for Travellers
Porto is a city best explored slowly. The streets may be steep, but every climb rewards you with a new view or a hidden café. Comfortable shoes are essential, and early mornings or late afternoons are perfect for wandering the Ribeira.
Don’t rush through meals — food is part of Porto’s rhythm. Try a francesinha, the city’s iconic sandwich layered with meat and melted cheese, or sip Port by the river as the sunset reflects off the Douro.
Public transport is reliable, but much of Porto’s charm lies in walking. Take time to get lost — that’s how you’ll find its real heart.
Why Choose Porto as Your Next Travel Destination?
Because this is where Portugal’s story began. Porto invites you to discover a city that balances authenticity with energy — where history breathes through ancient stones and the future sparkles in every new wine bar and gallery. Whether you’re gliding down the Douro River, climbing bell towers, or tasting centuries of tradition in a single glass of Port, Porto tours promise beauty, culture, and warmth in equal measure. From riverbanks to rooftops, Porto is more than a destination — it’s an experience to savour.
What people are saying about us:
Bustling airport, very modern and spacious. Everywhere looks clean and well kept.
Excellent value for money, the drivers were very polite and always on or before time needed.
I highly recommend this company. The car for 6 people was waiting for us even before the scheduled time. The drivers were super nice and the car ( minibus) clean and comfortable. Good price too and you can pay in cash or credit card if you order via website.
Easy to book, drivers arrived on time, well priced, glad we used them, made the transfers hassle free.
Excellent service....on time for everything.. would use again.
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