Porto Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 8.7/10
- Best time to visit
- May, June, and September for warm, dry weather without the peak summer crowds.
- Population
- 0.2M
Overview
Portugal's atmospheric second city tumbles down to the Douro River in a maze of tiled facades, baroque churches, and steep lanes. Across the water in Gaia, historic cellars age the port wine that made the city famous.
Getting around
A modern metro, vintage trams, buses, and a walkable (if hilly) center make getting around easy.
Local etiquette
Locals are warm and unhurried; a polite 'bom dia' and patience over long meals are appreciated.
Safety
Porto is very safe; watch belongings on crowded trams and around the riverside Ribeira district.