One of Oporto's Shopping Streets

Oporto, Portugal Port Information
Tom Ogg

Entry Requirements
Language and Currency
What is Oporto Like?
What is the Weather Like?
Where Does the Ship Dock?
Where is the Shopping?
What is There to Buy?
What is There To Do?
Is There Anything of a “Don’t Miss Quality?
Are There Any Great Restaurants or Bars?

Oporto, Portugal Port Reviews

Entry Requirements

A current passport is necessary, but no visa is required for stays less than 90 days.

Language and Currency

The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, however some English is spoken in the tourist areas. Spanish is widely spoken for those that speak some Spanish. The currency  in Portugal is the euro and dollars are rarely accepted.

What is Oporto like?

Oporto, or Porto as it is known, is famous for its port wines (which were named for the city of Oporto) It is a large city consisting of many different areas including a UNESCO historic city center with narrow winding and cobbled pedestrian streets dating back many centuries. It is located on the Douro River that plays an important role in the development of the region.

What is the weather like?

Oporto enjoys a perfect Mediterranean climate with the temperature staying in the mid 70s to low 80s during the summer months.

Where does the ship dock?

The ship docks in the deep-water harbor along the Douro River known as Leixoes in the town of Matosinhos. The port is approximately 20 minutes driving time from the old city area of Oporto, which is served by local bus and taxicabs. Either the #44 or the #76 bus (about 2 euro one way) will take you to Oporto, but I would strongly suggest taking a taxi (about 10 to 12 euro one way) instead to maximize your time in Oporto and to make sure you find the entrance to the historic old town area.

Where is the shopping?

Oporto Shopping

There are many boutiques, department stores, specialty shops and street markets within the historic old town section of Oporto, as well as along some of the more modern shopping streets in Oporto itself.

What is there to buy?

Port wine may be purchased in numerous wine stores at incredible values. There are also many tourist boutiques selling ceramics, lace work, local jewelry, furniture, men’s and women’s fashions and other collectibles.

What is there to do?

Exploring Oporto’s historic old quarters is a “don’t miss” event. There is also an excellent cathedral dating back to the 12^th century and a tall (246 feet) granite structure, the Torre dos Clerigos, which is quite interesting. I also enjoyed the back streets outside the tourist areas in Oporto with their small shops serving the local communities and residential areas made of of 2 and 3 story walk-up apartments with a very colorful community of residents.

Is there anything of “Don’t Miss” quality?

Yes, I would say that you should visit the historic old quarters of Oporto. If for no other reason, just to enjoy the culture.

Are there any great restaurants or bars?

Not that I am aware of. Do you know of any?

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