Tips for Porto mini-bus and coach tourism

Useful tips for Porto bus groups with ‘what to see’ and ‘what to do’ items and  ‘bus- friendly’ or must see tourist sites in Porto. Check our list of attractions before planning your bus tour with a stop or departure in Porto. Let us know if your favourite attraction or ‘bus-stop’ is not there and you think we should add it to our list of Porto highlights.

City Tours in Porto

You can rent a bus in Porto for tours in the city or in Porto District.Porto is a fascinating city and enjoying the best of it means taking your time. This is not a place where life is rushed. So enjoy the sights, explore, and make sure you leave plenty of time for sitting on a cafe terrace besides the ocean. So what are the main sights? This little guide should get you excited about what you can find.

Riberia and Vila Nova de Gaia

The historic centre of Porto is by Riberia and is a world heritage site. It"s been permanently inhabited for some 1600 years, and as you explore there are plenty of signs of this rich history. The UNESCO area is relatively small, and the main section of Riberia has become populated by a thriving mix of cafes and restaurants. There are few better places to spend a lazy afternoon. Head across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, a delightful village that"s retained a charming atmosphere. It"s a throwback to yesteryear and ambling along the steep streets is an enchanting experience.

Jardim do Morro, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Jardim do Morro, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal credit: Diego Delso CC BY-SA 3.0

The Must See Sights

Porto might not have the same quantity of sights as Lisbon or destinations in Spain. But each of its attractions offers something different. For fascinatingly luxurious buildings check out the Sao Francisco church and the Stock Exchange palace. In the suburb of Boavista you can marvel at what"s on show at the Modern Art museum at Serralves. If you"re lucky, check out a performance at the Casa de Musica, the nation"s number one concert hall. Now let"s go traditional. Join the old ladies as they wander through the Mercado do Bolhao, a traditional market of fruits, fish, and vegetables.

The Arab room of the Palácio da Bolsa, Porto

The Arab room of the Palácio da Bolsa, Porto credit: Simon Blackley CC BY-ND 2.0

Take Your Time!

Porto"s mysterious edge will slowly reveal itself if you"re patient. The labyrinth of old streets hosts a variety of treasures, from second-hand shops to boutique hotels and bohemian cafes. Most importantly of all, Porto is on the coast. Watching a beautiful sunset over a glass of local port wine is an essential experience. As is slowly exploring the life that revolves around the Douro River.

Tours in Porto District

On one hand Porto Province is a gem for the history buffs. On the other hand, it"s a district that"s famed for its views, scenery, and gentle relaxation.

Tour with a private driver

With so much to explore you don"t want to waste time on public transport. A tour with private transport in a rented coach with driver around Porto is the best way to visit Porto District"s must see attractions, as well as slowly winding your way through the forgotten landscapes of old Porto.

Ribeira and Vila Nova de Gaia

The district"s must see attraction is the historic part of Porto city that"s been designated as a UNESCO world heritage site. Permanently inhabited for 1600 years, it"s a place of cute narrow streets, lazy cafe terraces, remarkable old architecture, and spending half the day getting drunk on the local port wine. Across the river is another charming village, Vila Nova de Gaia. Connecting them is a stunning bridge and road that winds alongside the waterways. Porto runs on a relaxed timetable, so don"t expect to be running around with a ticklist of attractions to see. Savour the atmosphere, lose three hours drinking beer on a sunny terrace, and then wander the streets some more.

Ribeira à meia noite

Ribeira à meia noite credit: Edgar Jiménez CC BY-SA 2.0

Douro Valley and Rolling Countryside

Rolling green hills, endless vineyards, cute villages; the Douro Valley is enough to lull anyone into a dreamy hibernation. Famous for its sweet wine and port, it"s also unforgettable for its scenic drives and undulating landscapes. Explore it by road, or take a Douro River Cruise into the heart of the wine region. Either way you"ll have somebody else driving, which means you can indulge in the local specialities. In the nearby Minho region they produce a low alcohol wine that"s good for those who don"t want to spend the evening in a drunken stupor.

Stunning Coastline

Porto Province benefits from its Atlantic Coastline location. From the city of Porto you can savour unreal views over red rooftops and blue water. Then head south and admire a soporific loop of beach perfection, including Espinho, Miramar, Aguda, and Granja. Some are busy and full of nightlife. Others are near deserted and perfect for a romantic stroll. With a private driver you can make up a day as you go along. Stop for lunch at a fishing village, float in the gentle waves, and then visit a casino at Povoa de Varzim.

Póvoa de Varzim

Póvoa de Varzim credit: Turismo En Portugal CC BY 2.0
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More about Porto

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