Porto (Oporto), Portugal

Porto, Portugal is a coastal gem known for its historic charm, colorful riverside scenes, and the rich flavor of world-famous port wine.

Historic cityscape of Porto, Portugal, along the Douro River at dusk.

View Cruises

Deals on Porto (Oporto), Portugal Cruises

Save up to $2,500 on 2025 & 2026 Sailings*

The AmaWaterways AmaMagna luxury river cruise ship sailing the Danube River with the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest, Hungary, in the background.

Save up to $3,000 on 2026 Europe Cruises*

Avalon Waterways river cruise ship on the Danube River at twilight in Budapest, Hungary, with illuminated buildings and reflections.

Save $100 & More with Loyalty Benefits*

AmaWaterways' Amamagdalena cruise ship sailing in Columbia.

FREE Excursions, Specialty Dining, Wi-Fi & More*

The AmaWaterways AmaBella river cruise ship sailing past the historic Golubac Fortress on the Danube River in Serbia, a medieval castle built into a cliffside.

Save up to $7,000 on 2027 Cruises*

A panoramic view of the historic town of Dürnstein, Austria, and the Kuenringer Castle ruins overlooking the Danube River, a popular stop on an AmaWaterways cruise through the Wachau Valley.

Up to FREE Airfare for 2026 Europe Cruises*

A scenic view of an Avalon Waterways ship cruising along the Rhine River in Germany, with lush green vineyards on the hillsides.

FREE Guided Tours, Drinks, Fine Dining, Wi-Fi & More*

FREE 1-Night Hotel Stay on 2025 European River Cruises*

Avalon Waterways cruise extension to London, United Kingdom, with a view of the illuminated Houses of Parliament and the iconic Big Ben clock tower at night from the River Thames.

Save up to $5,000 on 2027 Europe River Cruises*

Avalon Waterways river cruise ship sailing on the Danube River past the Esztergom Basilica under a blue sky with white clouds in Esztergom, Hungary.

Exclusive Events, Savings & More with River Heritage Club*

Butler serving guests champagne during an exclusive welcome party on the SS Catherine.

FREE Beverages, Shore Excursions, Gratuities, & More*

Uniworld's River Princess cruise ship docked on the Danube River in Regensburg, Germany, with the historic St. Peter's Cathedral illuminated against the night sky.

Book Early & Save up to 20%*

Uniworld's S.S. Maria Theresa river cruise ship sails on the Danube River with the Hungarian Parliament Building in Budapest, Hungary, under a dramatic pink and purple sky.

View All Porto (Oporto), Portugal Deals

Porto (Oporto) Destinations

Overview

Porto (Oporto), Portugal Cruise Port

Perched on the banks of the Douro River, Porto, also known as Oporto, is a city that immediately captivates with its tile-covered buildings, medieval alleys, and old-world ambiance. The Ribeira district—its historic heart—is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can stroll under laundry-strung balconies, dine at riverside cafés, and admire the Dom Luís I Bridge spanning the water in graceful iron arcs.

Porto’s soul is deeply tied to its namesake wine. Just across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, centuries-old wine cellars offer tastings and tours that showcase the process behind this fortified treasure. But there’s more than wine: from the opulent Livraria Lello bookstore to São Bento Station’s hand-painted azulejos, the city blends tradition and creativity with effortless style.

Beyond its historic sites, Porto has a thriving cultural scene and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can take a river cruise through the Douro Valley, sample fresh seafood, or catch local music in intimate venues. With its mix of heritage, flavor, and a touch of the unexpected, Porto delivers a distinct and memorable Portuguese experience.

Top Things to Do When Visiting Porto

Start Your Day at the Livraria Lello

Begin your exploration with a visit to Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. This architectural masterpiece is renowned for its intricate wooden staircase, stained glass, and stunning design. It’s not just a bookstore, but an experience in itself, often drawing book lovers and tourists alike.

Tip: Arrive early, as the bookstore can get crowded. If you are a fan of Harry Potter, this is a must-see, as its design inspired J.K. Rowling’s depiction of Hogwarts.

Walk Through the Historic Ribeira District

Next, head to the Ribeira district, Porto’s oldest neighborhood and a UNESCO World Heritage site. With its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and vibrant atmosphere, it’s a place full of history and charm. Stroll along the Douro River, take in the beautiful views, and explore the many cafés and restaurants that line the waterfront.

Tip: Take a moment to snap photos of the iconic colorful buildings and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge—Porto's most famous landmark.

Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge

To get a panoramic view of Porto, cross the famous Dom Luís I Bridge. The bridge connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, and its elevated walkway offers one of the best views of the city, the Douro River, and the surrounding hills.

Tip: Walk across the top of the bridge for stunning views, or take the lower deck to visit the port wine cellars in Gaia.

Visit the Porto Cathedral (Se do Porto)

After your bridge walk, head to the Porto Cathedral, one of the city's most important landmarks. This Romanesque cathedral, dating back to the 12th century, offers stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. From its terrace, you will also enjoy magnificent views over the city and the Douro River.

Tip: Don’t miss the beautiful cloisters inside the cathedral, adorned with azulejos (traditional Portuguese blue-and-white tiles).

Tour a Port Wine Cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia

A visit to Porto wouldn’t be complete without experiencing its famous port wine. Head over to the port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, located just across the river from the city. Here, you can take a guided tour to learn about the history and production of port wine, followed by a tasting session.

Tip: If you are short on time, many of the cellars offer quick 30-minute tours that give you a taste of Porto’s best wines without taking up too much of your day.

Enjoy a Traditional Portuguese Lunch

Head back to Porto and savor a traditional Portuguese meal. Look for local dishes such as francesinha (a hearty sandwich filled with meats and covered in cheese and sauce), bacalhau (salted cod), or caldo verde (green soup). For dessert, try a classic Portuguese custard tart (pastel de nata).

Tip: Choose a restaurant with views of the Douro River to enjoy your meal while taking in the beautiful surroundings.

Relax in the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

After lunch, take a relaxing stroll through the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal (Crystal Palace Gardens). These beautifully landscaped gardens offer sweeping views over the river and the city. It’s a peaceful place to unwind and take in the greenery and stunning vistas.

Tip: Visit the viewpoints in the garden for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding hills.

Visit the São Bento Railway Station

One of Porto’s hidden gems, the São Bento Railway Station is famous for its stunning azulejos. The station's walls are covered with over 20,000 hand-painted blue-and-white tiles that depict scenes from Portuguese history. It’s a quick stop, but definitely worth it for the beautiful tilework.

Tip: While inside, take a moment to admire the detailed artwork that decorates the walls—don’t forget your camera!

Explore the Palácio da Bolsa

A short walk from the São Bento station will bring you to the Palácio da Bolsa, Porto’s neoclassical stock exchange building. The palace is known for its opulent rooms, including the stunning Arab Room, decorated in the style of Moorish Spain. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and significance.

Tip: Be sure to check the schedule before your visit, as tours are often available in multiple languages.

End Your Day with a Sunset at the Foz do Douro

Wrap up your day by taking a short taxi ride to the Foz do Douro district, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. This is the perfect spot to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the ocean, with several cafés and bars offering stunning views.

Tip: If you are in the mood for a snack or drink, grab a seat at one of the seaside cafés and relax as the sun sets over the water.

The reviews are in.

Our expert consultants and customer service teams are standing by to help with all of your cruising needs.

I was having some trouble finding the right cruise for the right price as a single traveler, but thanks to [our Cruise Expert] I was able to find it with Cruise Web. Thank you very much [our Cruise Expert]!

Camille G.

Porto (Oporto), Portugal

Deals on Porto (Oporto), Portugal Cruises

Porto (Oporto) Cruise Lines

Porto (Oporto) Destinations

Douro River

Europe

European River

Destinations

Departure Ports

Cruise Lines

Deals

Land Vacations

All About Cruising

Porto (Oporto), Portugal Cruise Port

Top Things to Do When Visiting Porto

Start Your Day at the Livraria Lello

Walk Through the Historic Ribeira District

Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge

Visit the Porto Cathedral (Se do Porto)

Tour a Port Wine Cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia

Enjoy a Traditional Portuguese Lunch

Relax in the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

Visit the São Bento Railway Station

Explore the Palácio da Bolsa

End Your Day with a Sunset at the Foz do Douro

Deals on Porto (Oporto), Portugal Cruises

Porto (Oporto) Destinations

Douro River

Europe

European River

The reviews are in.

Porto (Oporto), Portugal Cruise Port

Top Things to Do When Visiting Porto

Start Your Day at the Livraria Lello

Walk Through the Historic Ribeira District

Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge

Visit the Porto Cathedral (Se do Porto)

Tour a Port Wine Cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia

Enjoy a Traditional Portuguese Lunch

Relax in the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

Visit the São Bento Railway Station

Explore the Palácio da Bolsa

End Your Day with a Sunset at the Foz do Douro