Holiday rentals in Porto

Portugal’s second city Porto is just as popular with visitors as the capital, Lisbon, thanks to its history, culture and easy on the eye architecture. Famous for vintage trams and for being the home of the popular after dinner tipple, port, which was named after the city, apartments in Porto are getting snapped up quickly by holidaymakers. With a warm summer guaranteed and close access to beaches, Porto is a popular spot with locals and visitors wanting to experience a scenic city full of old and new sights.

Experience Porto like a local

When your name is the Portuguese word for port, it’s not surprising that you are a city with rich maritime history, stunning waterfront views and walks, like the Cais da Ribeira which is a popular spot with locals at weekends or on a sunny evening. To get a different view of the water take the Metro or stroll across the Dom Luis I Bridge which takes you high enough that you can almost spot where the famous Douro River meets the sea to the west. For more panoramic views of this picturesque city, there’s the Funicular dos Guindais, which dates back to the 1890s when it used to transport port and other freight up the steep hillside. Now it’s more likely to take tourists to the top of hill, which watches over Porto. There are a number of places to appreciate elaborate interior design in Porto including the Livraria Lello & Irmão bookshop, the blue and white china tiles at São Bento train station and the grandeur of the Majestic Café, where the coffee is pretty good too. Bursting with good Portuguese and international restaurants in addition to many beautiful bars selling port, it’s worth trying the Francesinha, a local take on the French croque monsieur that will fill you up for a few days. Wash this down with vinho verde (green wine) or more confusingly with the vinho verde tinto (red green wine).

Renting holiday accommodation in Porto

Self-catering accommodation in Porto is easy to find and book with HouseTrip. Our holiday apartments in Porto range from stunningly refurbished waterfront properties to charming townhouses and studios in Porto’s suburbs, all of which boast excellent shopping, transport links and the excellent restaurants that Porto is fast becoming famous for. Search HouseTrip now to find the perfect place for you to enjoy a holiday in Porto.

Written by Travel expert: Simon Dance