Is Porto Worth it?
 

Is Porto worth it? Looks dingy and run down from the photos... and I have heard such divergent reviews... from amazing to not worth it and touristy. We are thinking of going there and doing some side trips (Douro river cruise one day, Medieval festival in Santa Maria de Feira another day, Porto for the 3rd).

We are traveling with small children (5 months and 4.5 years) and will be in the Algarve for the first half of our trip and a few days in Lisbon... We had originally bailed on the idea of Porto, but it seems like the heat is so insane in the South that we might want a break from it for the second half.

Any thoughts?

We were reluctant to go to Poto but friends convinced us to include it on our trip to Portugal .
It is one of the most under rated cities in Europe. We were so happy we went to Porto , the history, architecture and art . The riverfront areas and close to Duoro
River valley and Port houses.

Hi,

Porto for sure deserves a visit! You just have to take into consideration time of travel (from Lisbon it will be around 3 hours by car or train), and also the weather (it will be hot...); since you are travelling with kids, this link, will give some ideas of places to visit with them (Algarve, Lisbon, Porto...). Just have a look:

http://www.portugalforkids.com/

Enjoy your hollidays in Portugal!

There are dingy bits and unusually for a city these are right in the centre, but not unpleasant because of it. I'd visit for the musuems, the river, the port and there is good public transport. Kids not sure. It is very hilly

If you want an alternative in the north consider Coimbra, which has a charming older section on a hill (reachable by an elevator!) with a magnificent university library and worthwhile Roman ruins just outside at Conimbriga. I loved Porto the first time I went, but when I went back in 2004 I was a bit disappointed - I'd seen a lot more European cities by then. I did enjoy the port tasting, but your kids obviously wouldn't! A boat ride up the Duoro might be OK, and I enjoyed a day trip to Braga, but again, I'm not sure your kids would.

We liked Lisbon a whole lot more, but really enjoyed our 1 day to Porto, the museums, the river, the Port and the history kept us fully engaged for the day. As with any big city there are dingy areas, This is a very old city and it shows it age more in some places than others. The city is also pretty hilly and you'll get a workout if you walk to the various places.

I spent 5 days in Porto last year and really enjoyed it, though I have not visited anywhere else in Portugal to compare with it. I stayed in the city the whole time and was never bored. I agree it is one of the most underrated cities. Yes, there seems to be quite a few buildings that have been left in ruins, which is sad (but too expensive to rebuild), however the majority of the architecture is lovely. Sorry I do not have any recommendations for kids. If you are interested, my photos are here :

http://kellyee21.smugmug.com/Porto-P...19114427_8KSpi

Since I just booked our flights to Porto 2 minutes ago I am very interested in this thread. I was very undecided but just went for it!

Hi Micheline, if you click on my name you can see my trip report on the Douro Valley and Porto, and possibly some responses to other Porto threads. I have really enjoyed Port when I've visited there. The hop-on, hop-off bus tour is a great way to see the various parts of the city just by riding it around, and I think it's a bargain at 10 Euros. The blue tiles around the city are beautiful, the riverfront is a lovely park especially on the V.N. da Gaia side, and the port lodges are fascinating. Enjoy your trip!

Is Oporto worth it?..you ask. That is the million dollar question. It does depend on your likes and dislikes...I think it is worth it.

Hi K2DangerGirl - I just read your trip report and will definitely go for dinner at Tromba Rija where you "shot the walnut shell across the table" - lol!
I'm now trying to figure out where to stay. We will only be in Porto for two nights and then we are driving or training to San Sebastian.

kellye21 - your pictures are great.

K2DangerGirl,

I see your Food-oriented NYC Trip Report, Four Days in Paris Trip Report and Short Maastricht Trip Report but nothing for Douro Valley/Porto. Is it still up somewhere?

Bob

Hi Bob -

It is the fourth of my four trip reports, and if you click on the "See all your topics" link just under the other three, they will all be listed and you can have a look.

Hope this helps.

Just returned from Portugal. I personally really enjoyed Porto. Great sights and even better food & wine.