AmaWaterways launches its newest ship this week, the AmaSintra. The launch takes place in Porto, the beautiful Portuguese city situated on the Douro River. In late March, we spent more than a week in Porto, discovering the treasures this remarkable city has to offer. We strongly recommend that anyone embarking on a Douro river cruise spend a few extra days before or after the cruise exploring Porto and its surroundings. Here what we learned during our time in Porto.

A Walkable City. Porto has a robust transportation system including trains, trams, a metro, and buses. But we found the best way to explore Porto is on foot. Be prepared for hills – Porto is as rolling as San Francisco.

Warm, Welcoming People. Generally speaking, the Portuguese are among the warmest and friendliest people we’ve ever met. You’ll feel this in cafés, restaurants, shops – and just about everywhere else.

English Spoken Widely. While Portuguese is the official language, many people in Porto speak English, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Even so, learning a few basic Portuguese phrases will be appreciated and can enrich your experience.

Beaches at Foz. Porto is not just about city sights. The beaches at Foz do Douro are easily accessible. Hop on Bus 500 – a double-decker – for a scenic ride along the Douro River. Sit on the driver’s side up top for the best views. Tickets are €2.50 and can be purchased from the driver. The trip takes 20 to 40 minutes depending on where you get on and off the bus – and traffic. You can also take the Tram (line 1) to Foz for €3–4.

Try a Francesinha. This beloved Porto specialty is a sandwich layered with several kinds of meat, topped with cheese, and smothered in a rich, beer-based sauce. Our favorite spot: Café Santiago on Rua de Passos Manuel 226, in the Bolhão neighborhood.

Visit Mercado do Bolhão. This historic market is known for fresh produce, traditional Portuguese foods, flowers, fish, and butcher stalls. It has served locals since 1850 and reopened in 2022 with modern upgrades that preserved its old-world charm.

Stroll the Ribeira. Lisbon has Alfama; Porto has the Ribeira. This soulful, timeworn neighborhood along the Douro River is perfect for a leisurely stroll. Colorful buildings, riverfront cafés, and cobbled lanes make it a must-see.

Ride the Funicular dos Guindais. Take this scenic lift from the Ribeira to the Batalha district above. Tickets are €2.50. If you’re up for a workout, walk up the winding pedestrian streets and staircases instead.

Porto Cathedral & Historic Churches. The Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) is a massive and historically significant structure in the UNESCO-listed city center. It is one of Porto’s oldest and most important structures. Also worth visiting: the Church of Cedofeita and Igreja de São Francisco.

Airbnbs Over Hotels. We found great value in local Airbnbs. Ours, located in the Bolhão neighborhood, had two balconies, a kitchen, air conditioning, fast WiFi, and cost just €80 a night (plus fees).

Uber is Ubiquitous. Uber is reliable and affordable in Porto. A ride from the airport to the city center costs around €13. For groups or extra luggage, choose UberXL. Make sure you have the Uber app on your phone.

Coffee and Custard Tarts. For a quick pick-me-up, try a “pingu” – a small espresso with a splash of milk. Pair it with a pastel de nata, the iconic Portuguese custard tart that’s crisp, creamy, and addictive.

Green Spaces Abound. Despite its urban layout, Porto has a surprising number of parks. Whether you need a break from sightseeing or a quiet moment, you’ll find leafy refuges scattered throughout the city. Take a seat on a bench and watch life pass.

Sangria Sunsets by the Sea. We shared sangria on the beach with American friends who now call Porto home. A beautiful way to end the day.

Taste the Port. Porto is the namesake of port wine, and tasting it is a must. While the aging cellars are across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, the experience is deeply tied to Porto.

Excellent Value. Porto is one of Europe’s best-value destinations. From accommodations to food and attractions, you get a lot for your money in this soulful city.

Until Next Time. Goodbye for now, Porto. From sangria sunsets to leisurely strolls and gracious people, you left a mark. We hope to return soon.

AmaSintra’s Douro: Roundtrip Porto

Rambling vineyards and charming native farms cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions and to Port country – the world’s oldest demarcated wine region. Sail roundtrip from Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges”; visit Regua, the ‘capital’ of the Douro Valley; and marvel at Salamanca, the UNESCO-designated “Golden City.” Taste wines from historic wineries and soak up the genuine beauty of one of Europe’s most unadulterated landscapes.

There’s still limited space for 2025 and 2026 on these 7-night Douro river cruises.

Porto at a Glance

• Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996
• Second-largest city in Portugal, with an metropolitan population of about 1.8 million
• A vertical city with dramatic hills, stairs, elevators, and a funicular
• Architecture spans medieval to modern, including the striking D. Luís I Bridge (opened in 1886)
• Sometimes called “Oporto” in English, from a misreading of “o Porto” (meaning “the port”)
• River cruise ships dock in Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the bridge from Porto

Excursions Beyond Porto

1. Arouca Geopark
   • Hike the Paiva Walkways and cross the 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge
   • Lunch locally
   • Visit the Industrial Tourism Heritage of São João da Madeira
2. Douro Valley
   • Visit Lamego and its Sanctuary of Our Lady of Remedies
   • Wine tasting at Quinta da Casa Amarela
   • Lunch and boat tour from Quinta do Bonfim in Pinhão
   • Visit the Côa Museum and UNESCO World Heritage rock art sites
3. Coastline Adventures
   • Visit the Pinhais Canned Fish Factory
   • Lunch in Matosinhos (Mauritânia restaurant)
   • Golf at Estela Golf Club in Vila do Conde
   • Visit Santa Luzia Sanctuary in Viana do Castelo
   • E-bike tour with Portugal Green Walks
4. Amarante & Peneda-Gerês National Park
   • Interpretive Center of the Romanesque Route
   • Historic center of Amarante and São Gonçalo Convent
   • Wine tasting and lunch at Quinta da Lixa
   • Jeep tour and picnic in Peneda-Gerês National Park
5. Braga & Guimarães
   • Braga: Visit Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary, explore the city center, and enjoy a gourmet lunch
   • Guimarães: See the birthplace of Portugal with visits to the castle, Palace of the Dukes, and historic streets