Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal. Located on the Douro River estuary in northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European centres, and its core was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. The western part of its urban area extends to the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. Settlement dates to the 2nd century BC, when it was an outpost of the Roman Empire.
Port wine, one of Portugal's most famous exports, is named after Porto, as the metropolitan area, and particularly the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, were responsible for the packaging, transport, and export of fortified wine. Porto is on the Portuguese Way path of the Camino de Santiago. In 2014 and 2017, Porto was elected the Best European Destination by the Best European Destinations Agency. In 2023, Porto was named City of the Year by Food and Travel magazine. In 2024, the city was named World's Leading Seaside Metropolitan Destination at the World Travel Awards.
Practical information
Currency
The Currency is euro €
Time Zone
Portugal is situated in the Central European Time zone (CET), which is GMT +1.
Visa Rules for Business Travelers | Schengen countries
As part of the Schengen Agreement, there are no passport controls when travelling between countries which have signed up to the agreement. Citizens of these countries may therefore enter Norway freely, without having to apply for a visa. The same applies to foreign nationals who have a residence permit for one of the Schengen countries. The 25 member states are Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.
PORTO’S CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS
Livraria Lello
Portugal believe this is the most beautiful bookshop in the world. Every month, thousands of visitors come to Livraria Lello to rejoice over its neogothic decor and the most adorable details that cover every single inch of the bookshop. So magical that we wouldn't be surprised if it inspired many writers.
Soares dos Reis National Museum
This might be Portugal’s oldest fine art museum, but it has surely kept up with times. Recently renovated, the space welcomes an alternative and modern view over a rich collection and programme of activities.
Biodiversity Gallery
Dive into the fun side of science and splash into the artistic installations displayed inside a magnificent townhouse, once owned by a famous writer.
Liberty Square
Liberty Square is a victorious symbol of the 1820 Liberal Revolution. Today, at the centre of this historic location, stands the statue of Dom Pedro IV, who personified and inspired the liberalist movement.
