car hire porto
Pick up your hire car at Porto airport and head for the home of Portugal's favourite tipple.Book car hire oporto airport now
the 60-second guide to Porto
in its own head
"We're the purveyor of Portugal's most famous export, Port, as well as a stylish, scenic city that hustles, bustles and distills its wares along the banks of the river Douro."
but more realistically
The riverside setting and old-style industrial backdrop lend the city a unique Dickensian charm.
the vibe
Tourists go to Lisbon to party and Porto to relax. A glass of port or four enjoyed in a riverside bar as the sun sets is the perfect way to end a relaxing day.
the natives
Not having to suffer hordes of tourists means you're also not likely to hear much English. But the people are friendly, so it's nothing a bit of smiling and pointing won't fix.
the weather
As with all European countries, the further north you venture the more layers you'll need. Add to that a nippy Atlantic breeze and you'll be reaching for your scarf and gloves outside of summer. Britons will feel at home.
the local speciality
Porto's speciality is tripe. And that's no insult - the city's most popular cuisine is cow intestines cooked every which way. For the faint hearted there's the 'Frenchy', a cheese-covered meat sandwich.
the celebrity
Porto is the birthplace of various Portuguese personalities from prime ministers to Olympic athletes. It is also the place JK Rowling once called home.
did you know?
"Porto works, Braga Prays, Coimbra studies, and Lisbon gets the money" - A famous local saying.
they say
The city's medieval centre recently became recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, with historical references dating back as far as the 4th century.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Torre dos Clerigos
- 2. Igreja de Sao Francisco
- 3. Jardim do Palacio de Cristal
- 4. Palacio da Bolsa
- 5. Vila Nova da Gaia
This 18th-century baroque tower is one of the oldest of its type in the country. Climb its 225 steps for a good workout and a breathtaking view of the city.
where to park?
There's street parking next to the tower at the junction of Rua Sao Felipe de Neri and Rua Dr Ferreira da Silva. You can also park at Praca Carlos Alberto, a square a few streets away.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Torre dos Clerigos
- 2. Igreja de Sao Francisco
- 3. Jardim do Palacio de Cristal
- 4. Palacio da Bolsa
- 5. Vila Nova da Gaia
This grandiose Gothic structure was built by the Fransiscan monks in the 1300s. The historic brotherhood was founded in Porto and their place of worship remains pretty much untouched.
where to park?
There's an underground car park at Praca do Infante called Estacionamento do Infante.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Torre dos Clerigos
- 2. Igreja de Sao Francisco
- 3. Jardim do Palacio de Cristal
- 4. Palacio da Bolsa
- 5. Vila Nova da Gaia
Porto's Crystal Palace is surrounded by fountains and roaming peacocks. You're more likely to catch a concert in the glass pavilion than witness any botany but the park boasts some of the best views of the city.
where to park?
Use the Crystal Palace car park on Rua Dom Manuel II.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Torre dos Clerigos
- 2. Igreja de Sao Francisco
- 3. Jardim do Palacio de Cristal
- 4. Palacio da Bolsa
- 5. Vila Nova da Gaia
Inside this rambling 19th-century stock exchange building there's a wealth of paintings, sculptures and furnishings well worth a peek. But the piece de resistance is the Arabian Room - a regal reception hall used for state visits.
where to park?
You can leave your car at the Parque da Alfandega car park on Rua Alfandega.
5 to see in town...
- 1. Torre dos Clerigos
- 2. Igreja de Sao Francisco
- 3. Jardim do Palacio de Cristal
- 4. Palacio da Bolsa
- 5. Vila Nova da Gaia
Home to the caves used to age the legendary port wine, the bustling suburb of Vila Nova da Gaia is on the outskirts of the city, just a short hop over the river.
where to park?
You can park your car on Avenida Republica, in the centre of Vila Nova de Gaia, for around 1 euro.
and 4 to drive to...
Just under an hour's drive from Porto, on the estuary of the River Vouga, is the quaint town of Aveiro. With its canals, bridges, coffee shops and cheerful whitewashed houses, it is dubbed the Venice of Portugal.
how to get there?
Head south on the A1 then take the IP5 west to Aveiro. It's just under 50 miles.
and 4 to drive to...
A short drive north of Portugal is the lovely seaside town of Vila do Conde. Check out the old town with its lively Friday market, atmospheric medieval quarter and active fishing port, then head for the nearby golden beaches of Guia and Forno.
how to get there?
It's a half hour trip north of Porto on the IC1.
and 4 to drive to...
If you've sated your penchant for Port, drive 40 miles east of Porto to Amarante, home to some of the country's best vineyards. Enjoy a quaffable glass of red at any of the riverside eateries in this pretty town on the banks of the river Tamega.
how to get there?
Head east on the A4 for 37 miles.
and 4 to drive to...
With its high concentration of churches and sanctuaries, the ancient city of Braga, a 40-minute drive north of Porto, is considered the most religious city in Portugal. Once one of the most important Catholic cities in Europe, it is still home to the Portuguese Archbishop.
how to get there?
It's a 35-mile drive north on the A3.
ask a Porto cabbie!
Local taxi driver Jose Felipe on car hire in Porto: "There are many different villages, resorts and towns in the immediate vicinity of Porto, so driving is the perfect way to get about and see the sights. Avoid the city centre, as you'll end up getting stuck in traffic. The best thing to do is park you car at Casa da Musica metro station and go by train to the center. You can buy one ticket that covers both your parking and your travel on the train."