Is Porto too touristy?

Porto is very different from Lisbon and the coastal towns It offers a very old-world vibe. Lisbon attracts visitors from around the world whereas Porto seems to be more popular with Europeans. Porto feels a little more authentic. Yes, there are touristy areas, but it's just not as pronounced as other areas in Portugal.



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We recommend spending at least two days in Porto for a slightly more relaxed pace. You can take your time to explore the city's charming streets and neighbourhoods, visit some of the top museums and cultural attractions, and perhaps take a day trip to nearby towns or beaches.

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11 Most Beautiful Places in Portugal
  • Belém Tower, Lisbon.
  • Sete Cidades, Azores.
  • Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon.
  • Madeira Botanical Gardens, Funchal.
  • Peneda-Gerês National Park, Porto.
  • Monserrate Palace, near Sintra.
  • 25th April Bridge, Lisbon.
  • The Douro Valley, Porto.


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Porto's nightlife is perfect for everyone, with a wide range of bars and clubs catering to different tastes, styles, and vibes. Most of the nightlife hotspots are located downtown, making it easy to explore different venues.

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For your first trip to Porto, we think three days is ideal. You'll need two days to take in the city's main highlights, and an extra day to explore the nearby Douro Valley. Being a relatively small city, it's possible to pack all of Porto's main attractions into a day (here's our guide on how to do Porto in a day).

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With 5 days in Porto, you could absolutely create an itinerary customized to your own interests. You could take a deeper dive on art and architecture, visit all the churches of Porto, or even spend more time learning about Portuguese wine (beyond Porto) with a Douro Valley tour.

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Yes, Porto is generally safe at night. The city is well-lit and has a low crime rate, making it a safe place to explore after dark. The city center is especially safe, with plenty of police presence and a vibrant nightlife.

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Comfortable walking shoes:Porto is a very walkable city, with many cobblestone streets and steep hills. Comfortable shoes will be essential for exploring the city on foot. Light layers: The weather in Porto can be unpredictable, and it's always a good idea to bring clothing that can be layered.

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Évora, capital of the Alentejo region, was once the seat of the Kings of Portugal and today its rich cultural heritage is plain to see.

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The best time to visit Porto is from mid-spring in April until the end of October, when it is still warm and sunny. Nonetheless, the best months are undoubtedly May and September.

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Porto is generally a safe city, and the crime rate is low. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are the main concerns to keep in mind, especially when traveling on the trams and metro. Avoid moving around during the crowded peak times, and don't zone out on your phone wherever you are.

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Ribeira is at the heart of the Old Town, and while it's a wonderful place to see during the day, the busy crowds make it the top of our list of areas to avoid in Porto. If you're not big on nightlife, you'll also want to skip Baixa – it can get quite lively in the evening.

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While there are definitely far more beautiful places to see in Portugal, from Óbidos to the Berlengas Islands to Monsanto and beyond, there's no doubt that you can cover a bigger percentage of Portugal's top destinations in one trip than you can Spain's.

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Lisbon. With colorful buildings, beautiful architecture and plenty of history it comes as no surprise that so many go to Lisbon when seeking luxury in Portugal. Popular neighborhoods include Alfama and Mouraria. Alfama is favored among those seeking quaint cobblestone streets and stunning scenic viewpoints.

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