A Fun-Filled Family Adventure in Enchanting Porto

Discover Porto's charm and create unforgettable family memories amidst its captivating blend of culture, history, and coastal beauty.

19 July 2023

Porto, Portugal offers a delightful and enriching family-friendly trip. From its picturesque streets to the iconic Douro River, the city has a myriad of attractions suitable for all ages. Explore historic landmarks like the Porto Cathedral, enjoy a peaceful boat cruise along the river, and indulge in the world-famous local cuisine for a memorable family adventure.

Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring the Enchanting Porto

  • Start your day with a mouthwatering breakfast at Café Majestic, a charming Art Nouveau café serving delectable pastries and strong coffee.
  • Take a leisurely stroll along the whimsical streets of Ribeira, Porto's historic district, and be captivated by the colorful buildings and lively atmosphere.
  • Embark on a breathtaking boat ride along the Douro River, where you can admire the city's stunning skyline and iconic Dom Luís I Bridge.
  • Stop by Livraria Lello, a magical bookstore that inspired J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. Get lost in a sea of books and let your imagination run wild.
  • Indulge in a traditional Portuguese lunch at Casa Guedes, a family-run eatery known for its mouthwatering pork sandwiches topped with melted cheese and savory sauce.
  • Discover the intriguing history of Porto with a visit to the Porto Cathedral, a majestic Romanesque masterpiece that offers panoramic views of the city from its hilltop location.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Porto, Portugal by plane is to fly into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) which is located about 11 kilometers northwest of the city center. Major airlines like TAP Portugal, Ryanair, and EasyJet operate direct flights to Porto from major cities in Europe and beyond.

Car

Driving is also a popular way to get to Porto with the A1 highway connecting Lisbon and Porto. The road trip takes about 3 hours and offers stunning views of the Portuguese countryside.

Train

Travelers can also reach Porto by train with its main train station being Campanhã Station, which is located about 5 kilometers east of the city. Trains from Lisbon to Porto are convenient and provide scenic views, but travel time can be up to 3 hours depending on the train you take.

Boat

While there are no direct boat routes to Porto, travelers can arrive at nearby towns such as Vila Nova de Gaia and Matosinhos by boat. These towns have marinas and are just a short distance from Porto via public transport. The closest international cruise port is in Lisbon and travelers can take a train, bus or car to Porto from there.

Bus

Travelers who want to reach Porto by bus can take the Rede Expressos bus service which operates throughout Portugal. The trip from Lisbon to Porto takes about 3.5 hours and buses from other major cities in Portugal also operate regular routes to Porto.

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