Porto is a city that rewards prolongation. Its hilly streets are lined with colorful tiled churches, and the cafe offers powerful espresso and hot Fasstel de Nataand along the River Duro, the adjacent Villa Nova de Gaia warehouse first ages the port wine that mapped the area. For travelers looking for alternatives to the bustle of Lisbon, Porto has become one of Portugal’s most atmospheric escapes.
Starting from summer 2026, it will be easier than ever for our visitors to arrive in cities along Portugal’s northwest coast. Delta Airlines recently announced that it will launch seasonal, daily non-stop services between John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Porto Airport (OPO) in New York.
The flights will begin on May 21, 2026 and will take place in late October. They operate on Boeing 767-300 aircraft and have 26 Lie-Flat Delta One Suites, 18 Delta Premium Select Reclers, 21 League Room Delta Comfort seats and 151 seats in the main cabin.
With the new service, Porto will become one of seven European destinations with the addition of Delta in the summer of 2026, along with newly announced routes to Sardinia and Malta, two destinations voted by customers and employees in August 2025, the carrier will also debut a new flight from Seattle to Rome and Barcelona in May, and plans to launch a new non-stop service from a new non-stop service in 2026.
Here’s what you need to know about visiting Porto:
What to do with Porto?
Explore Ribeira and Riverfront
The Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of Porto. Here, a narrow cobblestone street leads to the Duro. There, the cafe terraces play with waterfront and street musicians passing the crowd. Here, the city with its pastel-colored houses facing the river and the iconic Dom Luis I Bridge across the river is where you find the most photogenic city. A short Douro cruise on a Rabello boat (a traditional wooden ship once used to transport barrels of wine) takes away a completely different perspective on the city.
Taste the wine of the same name from Porto
Across the river at Vila Nova de Gaia is the historic Port Wine Lodge, which made the city famous. Names such as Kopke, Graham’s, Taylor’s, Sandeman and others have been here for centuries. Many lodges offer guided tours that explain the production process and end with generous tasting. In recent years, some have added rooftop terraces and contemporary restaurants. Wow (World of Wine) is a cultural centre that brings together several wine-focused museums, bars and eateries within a sophisticated modern complex offering invincible views back to Porto.
See Architecture Highlights
Architectural enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them busy. Often considered one of the world’s most beautiful transit hubs, Sanvent Station features walls decorated with thousands of blue and white tiles depicting historic scenes. The Clerigos Tower offers one of the best panoramas in the city after climbing over 200 steps. For book lovers, Livlaria Rello is an iconic bookstore known for its carved wooden stairs and stunning stained glass ceilings.
Eat the way you can go through the city
Porto’s food culture is heartfelt and innovative. Starting with Franchenja, a local invention of stacking steak, ham and sausages in sandwiches, it’s covered in melted cheese and choked in a tomato-based sauce. Recently renovated, Mercado do Borhao is a great place to browse the food stalls selling fresh produce, salted cod (local specialty), and pastries. On the upscale front, Michelin-star restaurants such as Pedro Lemos and anti-QVVM showcases include modern Portuguese cuisine, which has been pulled from local traditions but with tasting menus with a refined, contemporary twist.
Day Trip to Douro Valley
If you have time for one field trip outside of Porto, make sure to go to Douro Valley, listed on UNESCO. The gradually growing vineyards cascade to the river, and the area has been producing wine for hundreds of years. You can rent a car or take a train from Porto’s San Bento station to enjoy the views of the valley. Stop by when you get there Quintas (Wine Estate) Tastings and vineyard tours of Quinta do Seixo and Quinta da Pacheca. Some properties also offer boutique accommodation, so it can easily remain overnight. A river cruise is another way to look at the valley, from a short half-day trip to a multi-day trip that combines wine tasting and village visits.
Where to stay in Porto
Hotel Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia
Set in a refurbished cellar in Cocke (the oldest port house in Porto, founded in 1638), the newly opened Tivoli Cocke Porto Gaia has a history of wine over the course of centuries and modern design. The 149-room facility overlooks the Duro and Porto skylines and features interiors that nod to the city’s port heritage (think wine colour details and historic winemaking photos). The dining room is also a highlight. Chef Nacho Manzano led the restaurant and wine bar in 1638. Here, the tasting menu course is called “experience” and is based on the “sensation” combined with douro wine and cocqueport. Skybarcocke, meanwhile, serves port-based cocktails while taking in the view. Guests can also enjoy the spa, a heated outdoor pool and gardens that lead directly to the Gaia riverwalk.
Company house, Vignette collection
Porto’s pedestrian Lua das Flores, the famous shopping streets, Casa da Compania and the Vignette Collection occupies an 18th-century building that has been reimagined as a 40-room boutique hotel. Premium rooms usually have balconies with views of the Porto Cathedral, and suites offer additional living space and, in some cases, freestanding tubs. Expect smart TVs, rain showers and soft bathrobes across all categories. Guests can also relax at L’Occitane’s spa in the rooftop pool or spa. It features an indoor pool, sauna and hammam. Its central locations include San Bento Station, Crerigo Tower and the riverside.
