porto

Porto, also known as Oporto in English, is Portugal’s second-largest city and a major urban center in the northern part of the country. It lies along the Douro River and serves as the capital of the Norte Region and of the municipality of Porto. The historic center, including the Ribeira district, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its urban structure, architectural variety, and riverside landscape.

Porto sits at the Douro estuary near the Atlantic coast. The city has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and warm summers. The city proper has around 200,000–230,000 residents, while the greater metropolitan area is home to roughly 1.5–1.7 million people.

With roots in the Roman era, Porto grew as a medieval and early modern trade center. It is globally known for Port wine, produced in the Douro Valley and shipped from nearby Vila Nova de Gaia. The economy today includes services, education, industry, and tourism, with the University of Porto as a leading research institution.

Key sights include the Dom Luís I Bridge, the Ribeira waterfront, São Bento Railway Station with azulejo tiles, the Clerigos Church and Tower, and the Porto Cathedral. The Lello Bookstore and the rich stock of baroque churches contribute to the city’s cultural reputation. The city hosts festivals, music, and a prominent culinary scene featuring regional dishes.

Porto is served by Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) and by an integrated metro and railway network. The Port wine lodges along Vila Nova de Gaia attract visitors, and the city serves as a gateway to the Douro Valley, a separate cultural landscape and wine region. FC Porto is the city’s leading football club.