Porto is at the mouth of the Douro River, where it joins the Atlantic. It is the historic and economic centre of the port wine trade. It is also a great place to visit!
Porto, or Oporto, is the perfect starting point for a trip to the Douro Valley wine region. But before heading off to visit the wineries and the vineyards (or after) you should take the opportunity to explore for a day or two Porto.
It has a beautiful historic city centre, plenty of restaurants, cafés and wine bars, and much else to see and do.
Just across the river, just a short walk across the famous Dom Luis I Bridge, you have Vila Nova de Gaia. Gaia is where all the port lodges are located. That is where you can go and visit these huge cellars. Definitely worth a few hours too!
Here are a few glimpses, photos and videos, from Porto and some of the sights that you can enjoy in the city.
Take a look in our wine tour schedule, Our Tours > Scheduled Wine Tours, to see if we currently have one of the schedule. Or take a look at our sample of how a wine tour trip to the Douro Valley might look. We can also plan a custom made wine tour to the Douro for you.
Vila Nova de Gaia is the sister city to Porto. Along the river-side walk you have all the old port lodges. From Porto it takes only a few minutes to walk across the bridge and then you can explore the Vila Nova town. Along the Douro there are plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars, with a view over Porto.
The Dom Luis I Bridge in Porto, across the river Douro, is a fantastic construction. It is in the style of the Eiffel constructions and links Porto with the sister city Vila Nova de Gaia. At night it is beautifully lit up. An excellent view from Porto key side walk.
Take the Porto tram to the end point, Matosinhos, and you arrive at the Porto fish market. There are plenty of fish restaurants, simple to luxurious, on the street along the water towards the city centre. One of the most delicious things you can eat are the grille sardines. With some juicy and savoury vegetables. Great place to eat lunch or dinner.
The port lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river from Porto. There are millions of bottles of port wine resting in their cellars. Sandeman, Calem, Ferreira, Cockburns etc.
