Explore

Porto & The North

We moved our family from Washington DC to a village outside Porto in 2023. Three years in, I still find new reasons to love this region.


This is where American families planning a Portugal trip get the real story on Porto and northern Portugal. Expect tested advice on where to stay, what to do with kids, and easy day trips to Guimarães and Braga, not another generic must-see list.

A street musician plays an acoustic guitar at the Jardim do Morro with a scenic view of Porto in the background. The picturesque Douro River flows nearby, adding to the charm. An open guitar case and an amplifier are placed on the ground beside him.

Porto, 2023

Close-up view of the stone cathedral facade of the Sanctuary of Santa Luiz in Viana do Castelo, featuring a detailed arch and rose window under a blue sky.

Viana Do Castelo, 2023

Popular Destinations

● Ribeira District, Porto
● Douro Valley
● Braga
● Guimarães
● Gerês National Park

Local Cuisine to Try

● Francesinha – an iconic Porto sandwich
● Tripas à Moda do Porto – traditional tripe stew
● Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá – salt cod casserole
● Caldo Verde – traditional soup
● Vinho Verde – green wine

Weather

● Spring (Mar to May) – mild and pleasant with temperatures from 50°-68°F
● Summer (Jun to Aug) – warm and dry with temperatures from 59°-86°F
● Fall (Sept to Nov) – mild and gradually cooling with temperatures from 50°-77°F
● Winter (Dec to Feb) – cool and rainy with temperatures from 41°-59°F

A person sits near the water with boats docked nearby, overlooking the riverside town of Porto with many buildings and a hill in the background along the Douro River.
At a glance

My experience in Porto and the North

Porto was the first Portuguese city we visited in May 2022 and we fell in love as soon as we touched ground. Even though Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city, there’s a certain quaintness wherever you go.

  • Transportation Tip – in Porto, take the double-decker Bus #500 that takes you from the seaside town of Matosinhos to city center and get a panoramic view of the Atlantic coastline!

Porto Posts