Perhaps not as instantly recognizable as its southern sister city, Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, with a greater metropolitan population of more than 2.3 million people. Situated on the country’s northwestern coast, Porto’s historical center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996 and is one of Europe’s oldest and most significant centers. Porto is well-known for its picturesque bridges and its most famous export, Port wine.
GETTING THERE
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, also known simply as Porto Airport, lies 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) from Porto’s city center. Most routes originating in the United States have at least one stop, usually in Lisbon (LIS). To get to the city center quickly and conveniently, catch the subway’s E Line, running every 20–30 minutes. A single subway trip will cost $1.20.
GETTING AROUND
Porto has a robust public transportation system. If you know your destination is a fair distance away, consider a taxi. Relatively affordable, taxis in Porto are perfect for longer and nighttime trips. Porto’s subway system consists of six lines and 81 stations. Local city buses are also useful for navigating the city.
9–5
ANTIGA LEITARIA BISTRÔ
Stop into this bistro for a memorable and fulfilling breakfast. Located just a short distance from the city center and easily accessible, it takes reservations and provides plenty of space for customers to stretch out, meet prospective clients and share a good meal. If you don’t have an early morning, this is the perfect place to get ahead of work with complimentary WiFi.
LAUREAR
Laurear offers an excellent survey of Porto cuisine. The unassuming façade gives way to a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The menu features everything from octopus to clams to specialty drinks. Soak up the ambiance while enjoying some true-to-the-region cuisine. The atmosphere is perfect for a small meeting or for a solitary lunch to enjoy the tastes of Porto.
PORTO PALÁCIO CONGRESS HOTEL AND SPA
For an easy-to-access meeting space in the heart of the city, go to Porto Palácio Congress Hotel and Spa. This chic hotel offers plenty of meeting space across 11 separate rooms. The hotel offers more than 17,000 square feet of space and a capacity of 600 people. Once the meetings wrap up, it’s a short walk to the rest of the city.
AFTER 5
DOP RESTAURANTE
An unforgettable gastronomic experience awaits for dinner at DOP Restaurante. Authentic Porto cuisine in the midst of the city’s historic center is the perfect informal setting to grab a fine dinner while soaking up local nightlife culture.
PORTO CRUZ
Porto Cruz is the perfect spot for an evening of learning and lounging. Porto Cruz offers tours of some of the famous Port wine cellars and offers insight into the famous beverage. The venue also offers music and authentic drinks to enjoy nightlife atmosphere.
CAPELA INCOMUM – WINE BAR
No matter the purpose of your visit to Porto, it is imperative you indulge in some local wine while in town. Once the final meetings for the day wrap up, go to this downtown staple. This well-kept secret serves delicious local wines in an unbeatable atmosphere. A wide selection of food complements the expansive wine list.
Read This Next
All Reads on This Topic
Read Them All
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedGlobal City Guidebook 2026
Jul 18, 2026“MICHELIN Guide” Expands to Northeast Florida
Florida’s Historic Coast makes history with four restaurants earning recognition in the MICHELIN Florida Guide 2026, putting Northeast Florida on the MICHELIN map for the first time ever.
Sponsored Content
An Adults-Only Resort for All the Milestone Moments
On Saturday, Feb.14, Devossion by Live Aqua celebrated its grand opening, marking a significant milestone for Grupo Posadas and the Live Aqua brand. This adults-only resort focuses on celebration, authentic Mexican experiences and elevated hospitality — perfectly situated in the heart of the Riviera Maya.
Daily
Jul 17, 2026Go from Lake to Lake in Lake Como, St. Moritz
This summer season, have a “Lake to Lake” experience with two of The Leading Hotels of the World’s loveliest properties: Il Sereno on the serene shores of Lake Como in Italy, and the elegant Kulm Hotel overlooking St. Moritz in Switzerland’s Engadin Valley.
Global City Guidebook 2026
Jul 17, 2026Global City Guidebook: Athens, Greece
One of the most mesmerizing destinations in the world, the capital of modern-day Greece sits at the heart of what was once Ancient Greece. Known as the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens boasts a recorded history spanning 3,400 years. Here, ancient archaeological ruins coexist with modern urban design and innovation, great culture and gastronomy, and vibrant daily life, all amid incredible natural beauty and legendary sunlight in a perfect Mediterranean climate. Add top-notch hotel accommodations and the warmth of the Athenian people, and you’ll see why Athens makes an ideal city destination.
Sponsored Content
Luxury Travel in Chilean Patagonia: Where Refinement Meets the Wild Edge
At the gateway to Chilean Patagonia, Los Lagos opens a landscape in constant motion. Volcanic peaks rise sharply above glacial lakes, mist moves through dense forests, and light shifts across every horizon. Here, luxury travel in Chilean Patagonia unfolds moment by moment, balancing raw energy with seamless comfort.
Daily
Jul 17, 2026Saint Lucia’s Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences Undergoes Renovations
Planning a trip to Saint Lucia this year? Windjammer Landing Resort & Residences, a member of Leading Hotels of the World on Saint Lucia’s Labrelotte Bay, recently underwent a $40 million renovation with refreshing guest experiences leading the transformation.
Daily
Jul 16, 2026New Tennessee Performing Arts Center Coming in 2030
Denmark-based architecture studio BIG released designs for new, riverside Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville, Tennessee, which will be covered with a swooping curtain of metal pipes.
Sponsored Content
Protected: The World Awaits with Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines enjoys the unique position as the airline flying to more countries than any other airline. Its unrivaled global reach is only the beginning of the experience that awaits passengers with Turkish Airlines.
Daily
Jul 15, 2026Stradom House Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection Launches Spa Collaboration with Alexandra Soveral
Stradom House Hotel & Spa, Autograph Collection recently launched a holistic wellness and spa treatment menu at its SÓL Spa in collaboration with London-based wellness practitioner Alexandra Soveral. The enhanced offering introduces an overall more immersive approach to wellbeing.
ShareThis