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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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.
The best time to go to Portugal, specifically in Lisbon is again during the shoulder season. Similar to Porto, the sweet spot for visiting Lisbon is during the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-October.
Big sister Lisbon is twice the size, more cosmopolitan, faster paced and 200 miles further south, so in summer it can be sweltering. Compact, walkable Porto has a more traditional feel and is cooled by Atlantic breezes through summer, though fog and rain can roll in via the same route during the winter.
The average journey time by train between Lisbon and Porto is 4 hours and 8 minutes, with around 17 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
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.
Porto is surprisingly famous for a lot, perhaps most notable is the production of Port wine. Beyond that, there's the historic center of the old town that is incredibly charming. Wandering aimlessly through the winding streets is the best way to discover those Porto secret places.
Travel by Train: The railway offers regular and direct services from Porto to Lisbon, and is the recommended means of travel. The fastest train (the Alfa Pendular service) takes 2h50minutes, while seats on the slightly slower Intercidades (intercity) service only cost €25.10 for an adult single.
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and is located in the north of the country. It's a historic city with plenty to see and do, as well as being a great place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. The food is fantastic, and the people are known for being extremely friendly.
Both countries are absolutely gorgeous but if you MUST pick one go as per your travel tastes. Italy for food and culture but go to Portugal for beaches and weather.
Like many places in Europe, July and August are the peak tourist season in Portugal. August, in particular, is very busy due to the fact that it's Portugal's holiday month, so Portuguese travelers join the throngs of international tourists.