Destination guidePortugal
FROMLON
ABOUT 3 HRS ✈️
TOOPO

Holidays in Porto

Riverside boats, a bookshop like Hogwarts and custard tarts for breakfast. Here's what Porto is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

BEST FOR🏙️ City break, 🍷 Food & drink, 🏛️ Culture & history
NIGHTS AWAY3 to 5
BUDGET££
BEST MONTHSApr–Jun, Sep
Add Porto to your ideasFree. One email per family.

Porto at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 3 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
SAME TIME AS THE UK
CURRENCY
EURO (€)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR SHORT STAYS
PLUGS
TYPE C / F · 230V

The EU is bringing in new entry checks, so check the rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANRainy, quieter
  2. FEBRainy, quieter
  3. MARMild, a good time to go
  4. APRSpring, best time to go
  5. MAYWarm, best time to go
  6. JUNSão João festival, best time to go
  7. JULWarm, busy, a good time to go
  8. AUGWarm, busy, a good time to go
  9. SEPWarm, best time to go
  10. OCTMild, a good time to go
  11. NOVRainy, quieter
  12. DECFestive, quieter

April to June and September are warm and sunny without the summer crowds. July and August are busy but pleasant, and the Atlantic stays chilly for swimming. Winter is mild but wet. On the night of 23 June the São João festival fills the city with fireworks and squeaky hammers.

Things to do with the family

TICKETED

Six bridges boat trip

A short cruise on the Douro under all six of Porto's bridges.

TICKETED

Livraria Lello

A beautiful bookshop with a twisting red staircase. Book a timed ticket.

FREE

Crystal Palace Gardens

Peacocks, fountains and the best view over the river.

INDOORS

World of Discoveries

An interactive museum with a boat ride through the age of exploration.

TICKETED

Tram 1 to Foz

A vintage tram along the river to the beaches and rock pools.

TICKETED

Gaia cable car

A short ride over the riverside port cellars with views back to the old town.

Porto: common questions

Is Porto good for a family holiday?

Yes, for families who don't mind hills. It's compact, friendly and good value, and there's no time difference to deal with. Pushchairs struggle on the steep cobbles, so bring a sling for little ones.

How many nights do you need?

Three to five nights covers the city and a beach afternoon. A day in the Douro Valley is worth adding for older children.

Do UK families need a visa?

No, British passport holders can visit for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. New EU entry checks are being brought in, so check GOV.UK before you travel.

Can you swim in the sea at Porto?

Yes, at the beaches in Foz and Matosinhos, but the Atlantic is cold even in August. Lifeguards watch the main beaches in summer.

If you like Porto

Can't agree where to go next?

Put Porto on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.

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