Porto, the beautiful Portuguese city on the banks of the Douro River, is a perfect destination to enjoy with the family. With its rich history, delicious gastronomy, and stunning landscapes, Porto offers a unique experience that will captivate both children and adults alike. Travelling to Porto with the family is a delight, it is an opportunity to make unforgettable memories.
About the City
Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is a destination that captivates travelers with its historical charm, delicious gastronomy, and picturesque urban landscape. From its narrow cobbled streets to its majestic bridges over the Douro River, Porto offers a unique experience that should not be missed.
Porto’s history is rich and fascinating, marked by centuries of development, trade, and culture. Here is an overview of the main milestones in the history of this Portuguese city:
The earliest human settlements in the Porto region date back to antiquity. During the Roman era, the city was known as Portus Cale and became an important commercial and military port in the region.
With the fall of the Roman Empire, the region of Oporto was successively occupied by the Visigoths and the Muslims. However, it was during the Christian reconquest that Oporto began to gain greater importance.
From 1580 to 1640, the history of Oporto and all of Portugal was linked to that of Spain to form the largest empire ever known.
In 1580, Oporto sided with the Prior of Crato against King Philip II of Spain, who was contesting the Portuguese throne. It also supported the Lisbon revolt of 1640, which ended the union of the two countries.
The two united countries were the envy of the world.
In 1756, Oporto became the center of the insurrection against the Marquis of Pombal. The marquis intended to create a British monopoly with the wines of Oporto.
In recent years, Porto has undergone a remarkable transformation in various aspects, which has contributed to revitalizing the city and increasing its appeal for both residents and visitors.
In 1919, an attempt at independence from Lisbon made Porto the capital of Northern Portugal.
In 2001, Porto was, along with Rotterdam, the European Capital of Culture, and for this event, the striking Casa da Música auditorium was built in Boavista, symbolizing this capital status.
Porto has carried out significant urban renewal projects in key areas of the city, revitalizing old neighborhoods and improving the quality of life for residents. This includes the restoration of historical buildings, the rehabilitation of public spaces, and the creation of new pedestrian zones and green areas.
Significant Changes
The city has experienced a significant increase in tourism in recent years, becoming one of the most popular destinations in Europe. The rise in tourism has led to the opening of new hotels, restaurants, and shops throughout the city, as well as increased investment in tourism infrastructure and services.
The cultural and entertainment scene has flourished in recent years, with the opening of new museums, art galleries, theaters, and live music venues. The city offers a wide range of cultural activities and events throughout the year, attracting residents and visitors alike.
Cultural tourism has increased over the years. This has contributed to the flourishing cultural scene in Porto. Visitors come to the city in search of authentic and enriching experiences, driving demand for cultural activities, from concerts and exhibitions to tours of the city’s historical architecture.
The city has invested in improving its cultural infrastructure and building new museums, concert halls, and event spaces. Highlights include the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Sacred Art, and the newly opened Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art in Porto.
The city is home to a variety of museums that offer a unique insight into the history, art, and culture of the region. Among the most prominent are the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, the National Soares dos Reis Museum, the Mercy Museum, the Porto Wine Museum, and the Romantic Museum. Each offers a different and fascinating cultural experience.
Strolling through the streets of Porto is like immersing yourself in an open-air museum. The city is full of impressive architecture, from baroque churches to modernist buildings. Don’t miss the Porto Cathedral, the Church of San Francisco, São Bento Station, and Casa da Música, among other iconic places.
Porto boasts a vibrant cultural scene that includes theaters, concert halls, and spaces for live performances. You can enjoy opera, theater, dance, classical music, jazz, and more at venues like the National São João Theater, Casa da Música, and Coliseu do Porto.
Porto hosts a variety of festivals and cultural events throughout the year celebrating music, dance, film, gastronomy, and more. Some of the highlights include the Porto International Film Festival, the Serralves Music Festival, and the Muro Public Art Festival.
Undoubtedly, it has become a renowned culinary destination, with a vibrant gastronomic scene that combines traditional Portuguese cuisine with international influences. The city boasts numerous award-winning restaurants, as well as food markets and gastronomic festivals celebrating the rich culinary diversity of the region.
Evidently, Porto has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, becoming a vibrant and dynamic city that combines its rich history and cultural heritage with a modern and cosmopolitan spirit. These changes have helped position Porto as one of the most exciting destinations in Europe, with much to offer to residents and visitors alike.
Plans with the Family
In Porto, there are a variety of fun and educational activities you can enjoy with children. And it’s worth noting this because, for some strange reason, it seems like Porto isn’t a city that offers interesting activities for families. I must say this is false!
Let’s start by saying that most monuments, museums, and places of interest to see in Porto offer discounts for children’s admission-
So, traveling to the city for a few days of family vacation is a good alternative (and more economical than other European cities).
** Gaia Cable Car: Riding the cable car is a good plan to do with the little ones, who will be excited to ride this means of transportation to see the city from above.
The Gaia Cable Car is located on the banks of the Douro River, very close to the center of Porto, on the side of Vila Nova de Gaia. From up there, you can admire the river as it flows towards the sea, the Dom Luis Bridge, the beautiful Ribeira of Porto, and the red roofs of the Port wine cellars.
** Boat Ride on the Douro River: Children will enjoy a boat ride on the Douro River, where they can admire the city’s iconic bridges and colorful riverside houses. Some of these cruises offer commentary in several languages, which can be interesting and educational for children.
** Take a walk through all of Ribeira, to show the children the traditional boats of Porto, the ravelos, which are always moored on one side, have an ice cream sitting on the banks of the Douro if the weather is good, and take the Guindais Funicular to cross the famous Dom Luis I Bridge.
** Exploration in Serralves Park: Serralves Park is the perfect place for children to run, play, and explore nature. With spacious gardens, walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground, there is plenty of space for children to have fun outdoors.
** Discovery at the Children’s Museum: This interactive museum is specifically designed for children and offers a variety of hands-on activities and educational experiences. Children can learn about science, technology, art, and culture in a fun and participatory way.
** Ride on the historic tram: Children will love taking a ride on Porto’s historic tram, which travels through the city’s narrow and steep streets. It’s an excellent way to see Porto’s sights uniquely and excitingly.
** Crystal Palace Gardens: These gardens are one of Porto’s most beautiful green lungs: they have several spaces dedicated to medicinal and aromatic plants, swings and children’s play areas, and peacocks roaming the park (chasing them is children’s favorite pastime). In addition, it offers very good views of the Douro River and its bridges.
** City Park (Parque da Cidade de Porto). This is the largest park in Porto and one of the largest in Portugal, with almost 83 hectares spread over green areas, ponds, swings, all kinds of species of trees and plants, restaurants and kiosks, and the famous Water Pavilion, a building installed for Expo 98 that seems to be floating on the water. It is open to the public and often organizes activities and workshops for children.
Amusement Parks
Visiting amusement parks in Porto offers an exciting and fun experience for the whole family. Here are some reasons to consider this option.
Amusement parks in Porto offer a variety of attractions and activities designed for people of all ages. From thrilling roller coasters and mechanical rides to children’s play areas and live shows, there is something for everyone, from the little ones to adventurous adults.
They offer unique experiences that are not found elsewhere. From the thrill of riding a roller coaster to the opportunity to interact with marine animals in an aquarium, these parks offer a variety of exciting and educational activities that make the visit memorable.
As we all know, they are places where families can spend time together and create lasting memories. With picnic areas, restaurants, and shops, these parks offer a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere where families can enjoy a full day of fun and entertainment together.
Furthermore, amusement parks in Porto are located in beautiful natural settings, offering the opportunity to relax and enjoy the outdoors. With spacious gardens, walking trails, and picturesque lakes, these parks offer a welcome break from urban life and the opportunity to connect with nature.
World of Discoveries is a theme park and interactive museum dedicated to the Age of Discoveries, it is one of the best places to visit with children in Porto. Those who visit it can feel like explorers, travel through the 16th-century world, and relive the conquest of the seas that the ancient Portuguese launched.
Sea Life Porto is a popular attraction for families with children. It is an underwater aquarium that offers an educational experience where visitors can explore local and international marine life. With interactive displays, underwater tunnels, and hands-on activities, Sea Life Porto is an exciting option for marine life enthusiasts and an excellent choice for a family day out.
Magikland is a very fun theme park. It is located about 40 minutes from the city (in the town of Penafiel) with classic attractions: merry-go-round, bumper cars, roller coaster, and a replica of the Eiffel Tower. Several areas include a medieval village, an enchanted forest, the Wild West, or a pirate island.
Travelling to Porto with family is doable when you have the right support.
Iconic Places
This Portuguese city has many iconic places.
The city is a treasure trove of historical architecture, with impressive buildings dating back centuries. From the majestic Porto Cathedral to the colorful tiles adorning its churches and train stations, the city offers a journey through Portugal’s history.
The Cathedral is the episcopal seat of the Diocese of Porto, in Portugal. It is located in the heart of the historic city center and is one of its main and oldest monuments. Its construction began in the first half of the 12th century and extended until the beginning of the 13th century.
One of Porto’s most iconic monuments, the Clérigos Tower rises majestically above the city and offers breathtaking panoramic views from its top. Built in the 18th century, this baroque tower is an impressive example of Portuguese architecture and is an iconic landmark on the city’s skyline.
The picturesque Ribeira neighborhood, located on the banks of the Douro River, is one of Porto’s most charming places. Its narrow cobbled streets, colorful houses, and lively restaurants and bars create a vibrant and picturesque atmosphere that invites you to explore and enjoy local life. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a stroll along the riverfront promenade and admire the stunning views of the boats sailing on the water.
The Stock Exchange Palace is another highlight of Porto that you cannot miss. This magnificent neoclassical building houses the Porto Stock Exchange and is famous for its luxurious Arab Room, a masterpiece of Arab architecture and decoration. Take a guided tour to explore the palace and discover its fascinating history and architecture.
The Dom Luis I Bridge is one of Porto’s most recognizable symbols and offers stunning views of the Douro River and the city. Built in the 19th century by engineer Gustave Eiffel, this impressive iron bridge is an architectural marvel that connects Porto with the neighboring city of Vila Nova de Gaia. Cross the bridge on foot or by tram and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the river.
One fascinating place I found was Livraira Lello. This historic bookstore considered one of the most beautiful in the world, is known for its stunning interior architecture, with an impressive spiral staircase, ornate ceilings, and shelves filled with old and rare books.
São Bento Station is another place not to be missed. This train station, built in the early 20th century, is famous for its stunning azulejos that depict the history of Portugal. Take a break to admire the intricate designs and beautiful scenes before continuing to explore the city.
The food
Food lovers will find in Porto a culinary paradise. The city is famous for its port wine, produced in the vineyards of the Douro Valley, which can be tasted in the numerous wine cellars along the river.
Here the senses delight in a variety of authentic and tempting flavors. From traditional dishes to exquisite local wines, Porto’s gastronomy is an experience that no visitor should miss.
The Francesinha is considered the city’s most emblematic dish. This decadent sandwich is filled with layers of meat, sausages, and melted cheese, all covered with a spicy sauce and served with French fries. Don’t miss the chance to try this delicacy in one of the many restaurants and cafes in the city.
Cod is a fundamental ingredient in Portuguese cuisine, and Bacalhau à Brás is one of the most popular dishes you must try in Porto. This dish consists of shredded cod cooked with onions, French fries, and scrambled eggs, creating a delicious and comforting combination that will make your mouth water.
Pasteis de nata are some of the most famous sweets in Portugal, and Porto is no exception. These small puff pastry cakes filled with egg custard and cinnamon are an irresistible delight that you can enjoy in the numerous pastry shops and cafes in the city. Pair them with an espresso for a truly authentic experience.
On the other hand, the city is famous for its wine. It is a fortified and sweet wine produced in the vineyards of the Douro Valley.
There is a wide variety of styles of port wine to choose from, from sweet and fruity to drier and aged. Take a visit to one of the wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia for a wine tasting and learn about the winemaking process.
In summary, Porto’s gastronomy is a culinary experience that you cannot miss during your visit to this charming Portuguese city. From traditional dishes to exquisite local wines, there is something for every taste and palate in Porto. So don’t miss the opportunity to explore the authentic flavors of this gastronomic gem on your next trip.
Ending for now
Porto is a city that has something for everyone’s tastes and preferences. From its impressive architecture and delicious gastronomy to its welcoming atmosphere and rich history, there are many reasons to visit this Portuguese gem. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to be captivated by Porto’s treasures and embark on an unforgettable experience in this charming city.
Accordingly, the inhabitants of Porto are known for their warm hospitality and welcoming spirit. Walking through the city streets allows you to interact with the locals, try their traditional coffee in a local tavern, or simply enjoy a friendly conversation in one of the city’s numerous cafes.
The city is full of charming corners to discover, so don’t hesitate to explore and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere. Unlike other more touristy European cities, Porto retains its authenticity and unique character.
