Porto Crowned Europe’s Leading City Destination 2025: Best Ways to Explore It

Not familiar with Porto? It’s a coastal city in northern Portugal, known for its historic charm, riverside views, and world-famous port wine.

If you’re planning a visit, here’s how to explore Porto on land—whether you’re walking the cobbled streets, hopping in a tuk-tuk, or cruising past landmarks on a hop-on hop-off bus. Let’s dive into the best ways to get around and soak up the city’s magic.

An Award-Winning Destination!

Porto just snagged the title of Europe’s Leading City Destination 2025—and after exploring it myself, I can confirm it’s a well-deserved win. From riverside strolls to tiled alleyways and golden sunsets, this city is full of charm, color, and surprises. The World Travel Awards just made it official—Porto is the place to be.

Tuk-Tuk Experience

Let’s kick things off with the tuk-tuk ride. I gave it a go—fun, zippy, and definitely a unique way to see the city. But truthfully? It felt a little rushed. I booked a combo that included both the tuk-tuk tour and the 6-bridges cruise, and while it was efficient, I’d recommend splitting them up. The cruise deserves its own moment—slower pace, better views, and way more time for those postcard-perfect photos.

Explore Porto at Your Own Pace with an Audio Tour

If you’re like me and love lingering at landmarks and snapping those Instagram-worthy shots, an audio tour might be your perfect match. I tried one and absolutely loved the flexibility—wandering through Porto’s historic sites at my own pace, no schedule stress. Just a heads-up though: Porto’s got hills. Like, real ones. So if you’re cool with a bit of uphill cardio, the audio tour is a win. I didn’t finish mine, but honestly? Still one of my favorite ways to explore a city.

Explore Porto Stress-Free with the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus

Now for my personal favorite: the hop-on and hop-off bus. I grabbed a ticket for the Red Line, and surprise! It also gave me access to the Blue Line.

If you’re looking for a stress-free way to get the lay of the land, this is it. You can hop off wherever you like, explore at your own pace, and circle back to those must-see spots for your “I was here” photo ops. It’s like having a personal chauffeur… only it’s a double-decker bus with panoramic views.

Before I dive into my taxi tips, I’m dropping links to a few top-rated hop-on hop-off tours—especially the bus options—that’ll seriously level up your Porto experience.

Taxis

Taxis in Porto can be a bit pricey if you’re using them to bounce between sightseeing spots. But when it comes to dinner—especially if the restaurant’s a bit out of the way—they’re clutch. After a long day of walking hills and chasing views, your feet will thank you. Save the taxi splurge for those end-of-day meals when comfort wins.

Plan Your Perfect Porto Trip: What to Do & Where to Stay

Now that you’ve got the lay of the land, let’s talk about what to actually do in Porto—and where to crash after a day of exploring. I’ve rounded up the best things to do, from iconic sights to hidden gems, plus a guide to where to stay. Tap below to plan your perfect Porto itinerary:

Whether you’re here for the wine, the tiles, or the sunsets, these guides will help you make every moment count.

However you choose to explore Porto—by foot, bus, or boat—this city will leave you inspired, camera roll full, and already planning your next trip.

Got a favorite way to explore Porto? Tried the tuk-tuk, cruise, or audio tour? Drop your tips, stories, or questions in the comments—I’d love to hear how you experienced Europe’s Leading City Destination!

By Arina JVR – Connecting across 30+ countries.

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