Portugal
Porto
Portugal
Porto
Updated Jul 18, 2025
Overview
Portugal's second city captivates with its UNESCO-listed Ribeira district, stunning tile work, and legendary port wine cellars. Beyond tourist spots, locals gather at traditional tascas for petiscos, browse Rua Miguel Bombarda's indie shops, and swim at hidden Praia do Ourigo. The Douro River frames dramatic sunsets while authentic experiences await in every cobblestone alley.
Best time to visit. May through September offers warm weather and long days perfect for riverside walks and outdoor dining. Spring brings fewer crowds while summer buzzes with festivals and beach weather nearby.
City stats
Population
237,591
Land area
16 sq. mi.
Currency
Euro
Year founded
136 BCE
Official langauge
Portuguese
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Porto District
Timezone
Western European (UTC+0)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
Getting around
Where to stay
Day trips
Cities within 8 hours
Active pursuits
Leisure activities
Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
Dinner restaurants
Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F - 43°F | 57°F - 39°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:47 am | 5:32 pm | 13 days 6.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| February | 61°F - 45°F | 59°F - 41°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:28 am | 6:10 pm | 11 days 5.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| March | 64°F - 48°F | 63°F - 45°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:50 am | 6:54 pm | 11 days 3.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| April | 66°F - 50°F | 66°F - 48°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:08 am | 7:35 pm | 12 days 4.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| May | 70°F - 54°F | 70°F - 52°F | Sunny | 5:38 am | 8:11 pm | 9 days 2.7 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| June | 75°F - 59°F | 76°F - 58°F | Sunny | 5:21 am | 8:33 pm | 5 days 1.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| July | 79°F - 63°F | 81°F - 62°F | Sunny | 5:30 am | 8:28 pm | 3 days 0.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 79°F - 63°F | 82°F - 62°F | Sunny | 5:56 am | 7:53 pm | 4 days 0.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 77°F - 61°F | 78°F - 59°F | Sunny | 6:30 am | 7:03 pm | 7 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 72°F - 57°F | 72°F - 54°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:05 am | 6:14 pm | 11 days 5.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| November | 64°F - 50°F | 62°F - 46°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:43 am | 5:32 pm | 13 days 6.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| December | 59°F - 45°F | 57°F - 41°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:50 am | 5:14 pm | 14 days 7.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year with family gatherings, fireworks, and special meals. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Carnival | February or March (varies) | Festive celebration before Lent with parades, costumes, and street parties. | Fun atmosphere, but expect crowds. | ||
| Good Friday | March or April (varies) | Christian observance of Jesus' crucifixion with solemn processions and services. | Quiet day, limited services available. | ||
| Easter Sunday | March or April (varies) | Christian celebration of Jesus' resurrection with church services and family meals. | Festive atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| Freedom Day | April 25 | Commemoration of the 1974 Carnation Revolution that ended dictatorship in Portugal. | Interesting time to visit, some closures. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers' rights with rallies, demonstrations, and family gatherings. | Limited services, peaceful atmosphere. | ||
| Portugal Day | June 10 | National day celebrating Portuguese culture, history, and the poet Luís de Camões. | Patriotic events, some business closures. | ||
| Assumption Day | August 15 | Catholic observance of the Virgin Mary's ascension to heaven with religious services. | Religious events, some closures. | ||
| Republic Day | October 5 | Commemoration of the 1910 overthrow of monarchy and establishment of republic. | Historical significance, some closures. | ||
| All Saints' Day | November 1 | Catholic day honoring saints and deceased loved ones with cemetery visits and masses. | Solemn atmosphere, some closures. | ||
| Restoration of Independence Day | December 1 | Celebration of Portugal's 1640 independence from Spain with patriotic events. | Minimal impact on travel, some closures. | ||
| Immaculate Conception | December 8 | Catholic celebration of the Virgin Mary's conception with religious services and events. | Religious observances, some closures. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Christian celebration of Jesus' birth with family gatherings, special meals, and masses. | Festive but quiet, most places closed. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fantasporto | February - March | International fantasy, horror and science fiction film festival showcasing genre cinema from around the world. | Good time to visit for film enthusiasts. | ||
| São João Festival | June 23 - 24 | Porto's biggest celebration with street parties, grilled sardines, and plastic hammer fights throughout the city. | Crowded but exciting cultural experience. | ||
| NOS Primavera Sound | typically early June | Major international music festival featuring indie, rock, and electronic artists at Parque da Cidade. | Busy period, book accommodations early. | ||
| Festa de São Pedro | June 28 - 29 | Traditional celebration in Afurada fishing district with processions, folk music, and seafood festivities. | Authentic local experience in nearby area. | ||
| Marés Vivas | typically mid-July | Multi-day rock and pop music festival held at Vila Nova de Gaia beachfront near Porto. | Popular music event, expect crowds. | ||
| Queima das Fitas | typically early May | University of Porto student celebration marking end of academic year with parades and concerts. | Lively student atmosphere throughout city. | ||
| Porto Wine Festival | typically September | Celebration of port wine heritage with tastings, tours, and cultural events across the city. | Perfect for wine lovers and culture seekers. | ||
| Maus Hábitos Anniversary | typically November | Alternative culture celebration at iconic venue featuring experimental music, art, and performances. | Niche event for alternative culture fans. |
1 | Learn basic Portuguese phrases like 'obrigado' (thank you) and 'por favor' (please). Locals appreciate the effort, even if your pronunciation isn't perfect. |
2 | Dinner is typically served later in Portugal, around 8-10 PM. Don't be surprised if restaurants are empty before 8 PM, as locals usually eat later than in North America. |
3 | Tipping isn't as common in Portugal as in the US. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for exceptional service is sufficient. |
4 | Portuguese people are generally more reserved than North Americans. Avoid overly loud behavior in public spaces, as it may be seen as disrespectful. |
5 | When greeting, a handshake is common for first meetings. Friends often greet with two kisses on the cheek, starting with the right. Men usually only shake hands with other men. |
6 | Don't confuse Portugal with Spain. They have distinct cultures and languages. Avoid comparing them or assuming similarities, as it may offend locals. |
7 | Be patient with service. The pace of life is slower in Portugal, and this extends to restaurants and shops. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere rather than expecting rush service. |
8 | Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees out of respect. Some places may provide shawls for visitors if needed. |
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