The Port of Porto
This guide is tailored for cruise passenger visiting Porto.
The city of Porto (Oporto) is located in the northern part of Portugal on the Atlantic coast. The Duoro river runs right through the heart of the city. Perhaps the thing Porto is most famous for is Vinho de Porto, or Port wine.
Cruise ships dock about 15 minutes (car/bus ride) outside the city in Leixioes. This is an industrial zone with lots of cargo facilities. Do not let this fool you however as a trip to the city will be well worth it. The old part of the city is stunning to see. Together with a stroll along the river will give you a day to remember. You can stop at various port wine production facilities to get a guided tour. There are boat tours available to enjoy a nice tour of the river and see the so-called seven bridges.
We do recommend to take good walking shoes if you decide to go for a stroll. The streets are far from level making a simpel walk seem quite a challenge.
Things to Do
Porto is a stunningly beautiful city on the Atlantic coast in the northern part of Portugal. After Lisbon, this is the second largest city in Portugal. Back in 2001, Porto was the European Cultural Capital. The city offers an abundance of cultural and historical sights ranging from old buildings to museums. Beautiful arcitecture in combination with the typical Portugese streets makes the city a joy to walk through.
Fancy a typical dish from Porto, we would recommend a dish called Francesinha. This is a sandwich with layers of various meat types covered with cheese and melted in the oven. Then covered with a special beer based sauce and served with french fries.
Vinho de Porto - a typical sweet wine (red or white) that comes from the Duoro region. There are various types of port but most commonly it is divided into tawny and ruby port. Tawny ports are stored mainly in wooden barrels exposing them to a little oxygen giving it a distinct flavor. Ruby port is the cheapest and most extensively produced port and is stored primarily in stainless steel tanks. The more special types of port wines include the Colheita (single vintage tawny port) or the LBV - Late bottled vintage and Vintage port. These port wines are distinctly produced from grapes from a single year after being declared a 'vintage' year.
Facts & Figures
City: Porto
Continent: Europe
Country: Portugal
Region: Duoro
Area: 42 sq. km (16 sq. mi.)
Population: 250,000 (2012)
Currency: EURO (€)
Language: Portugese
Average temperature: approx. 25 Celsius in summer and about 8-12 in winter.
Country code: +35
Country URL extension: .pt
Electricity: 220V (standard European connectors)
Opening hours stores: Most shops are open from 10Am-6PM. Most malls until midnight.
Timezone: Central European Time (CET) - UTC +0
Welcome to the port of Porto
This AI-generated guide, courtesy of ChatGPT, is tailored for cruise passengers arriving in Porto for the first time.
General Port Facts
Porto, a picturesque port city, greets you with a blend of historic charm and vibrant energy. As a cruise passenger, savor the limited hours with a taste of Portugal's cultural richness.
Touristic Information
Enjoy Porto's cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and the Douro River. Experience the heart of the city with its historic landmarks, lively markets, and delectable cuisine.
Transportation Options
Discover nearby gems with these transportation options:
- Porto City Center - 8 km (5 miles), approximately 20 minutes by taxi
- Livraria Lello - Iconic bookstore, 2 km (1.2 miles), approximately 10 minutes by bus
- Ribeira District - Riverside district, 10 km (6.2 miles), approximately 30 minutes by train
- Matosinhos Beach - Coastal area, 12 km (7.5 miles), approximately 40 minutes by bus
- Foz do Douro - Beach and promenade, 10 km (6.2 miles), approximately 30 minutes by taxi
Local Foods
Savor the flavors of Portuguese cuisine. Try the famous Francesinha sandwich, bacalhau (salted cod), and indulge in the sweet taste of pastel de nata.
Top 5 Attractions
- Livraria Lello - Entrance fee: €5 (redeemable on book purchases)
- Ribeira District - Free to explore
- Porto Cathedral - Entrance fee: €3
- Clerigos Tower - Entrance fee: €5
- Douro River Cruise - Prices vary, starting from €15
Nice to Know Facts
- Porto is renowned for its production of port wine, with numerous cellars offering tastings along the Douro River.
- The city's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing its rich architectural and cultural heritage.
- The Dom Luis I Bridge, an iconic double-deck iron bridge, offers stunning views of the city and river.
Local Customs
Portuguese people are warm and friendly. Greet locals with a polite "Bom dia" (Good morning) or "Boa tarde" (Good afternoon) and embrace the relaxed pace of life.
Fun Things for Children
- Up to 6 years old: Visit the Sea Life Porto for an underwater adventure.
- 7-12 years old: Explore the World of Discoveries museum for interactive exhibits.
- 13-18 years old: Enjoy an adrenaline-filled day at the Adventure Park for zip-lining and treetop adventures.
Google Maps
Explore the location near the Leixoes cruise port on Google Maps.
Main Tourism Office Website
For additional information, visit the official Visit Porto website: Visit Porto.
Notice: Content and travel advice presented is created by a port moderator and/or AI, courtesy of ChatGPT. It is specifically designed for cruise passengers visiting this port of call. A port moderator could be a local individual, destination expert, port authority, or a tourism agency. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we recommend that you verify critical information like visas, health and safety, customs, and transportation with official sources before departure.