Porto is a great city and has a lot to do, whether you came alone, with friends or with the whole family. You can read about the great attractions of the city on the page The attractions in Porto, as well as suggestions for additional points of interest in Porto can be found also here. If you feel like spending a day or two on a trip outside the hustle and bustle of the city, breathe some air and be impressed by the currency, landscapes and generally a different kind of trip - the immediate surroundings of Porto offer quite a few interesting places where you can travel. Here are the best and recommended ones.
Douro Valley
This beautiful valley includes all the settlements east of Porto, along the river. This is the origin of port wine, and the vineyards are a main and significant feature of the landscape here. Many choose the valley as a destination for a complete vacation of relaxation, wine and views, but due to its proximity to Porto, it is also a perfect destination for a day trip.
The best way to travel in the valley is in a rented car. In this way you can travel at your own pace, stop where you want and see the views you like. In addition, since many of the sites and viewpoints are not accessible by public transportation, using a private vehicle will make the valley accessible for you in a much better way. However, keep in mind that you will not be able to drink wine if you decide to use a private vehicle.
Another and very popular option is to simply take a tour organized by one of the many tourist companies located in Porto, offering predetermined itineraries for a trip to the Douro Valley. In these trips, as in any organized trip, tourists from all over the world gather, and the schedule and the places you will visit are probably the busiest and most touristic of those offered in the valley.
And finally, for those for whom an organized tour is out of the budget, you can also travel the valley using public transportation from Porto. Buses and trains reach many of the towns in it, such as Regua, Pinhao, Borca d'Alva and more. After you visit them, you can take the ferry back down the river, back to Porto.
Aveiro
This picturesque town, known as the "Venice of Portugal" has become a real pilgrimage center for tourists in recent years, and not just for nothing. The network of narrow canals that gave it its nickname, the old buildings and their colorful facades, the cruise on the gondola-like boats (Moliceiros) between the alleys and more, all these made Aveiro a real gem.
In order to get to Aveiro, you can take a train from the famous Sao Bento station in Porto, which leaves every hour. The train also goes through the Companha train station, which could be more convenient for you if you are staying in the area. A one-way ticket costs 3 euros. For those interested, there are quite a few companies that offer shuttle services and day trips to Aveiro.
In addition, if you are already on the way from Porto to Lisbon, you will be happy to know that Aveiro is halfway between the two, so that it can be combined on the way as a day trip.
Braga
It is the oldest city in Portugal, and the third largest in the country. Despite its age, it has not become a bustling metropolis like its sisters Porto and Lisbon, and has retained much of the European atmosphere that prevailed in previous centuries. It is full of palaces, baroque churches, narrow alleys and magnificent architecture. One of the main sites in the city is the reserve of the Bom Jesus do Monte church, which was recognized in 2019 as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
To get from Porto to Brega you can use the train between the cities (7 Euros per ticket for an adult), or alternatively go on an organized day trip. Due to the proximity between the two, many of the organized tours combine a trip to Braga together with a trip to Guimarães. Guimarães is considered the cradle of Portuguese culture, as it was where the first King of Portugal (Afonso) was born, and in the vicinity of which the Battle of Sao Mameda was held in 1128, which is of great importance in Portuguese history. The city center of Guimarães is also recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
