Porto, portugal
About Porto
With a population of 3.6 million, it is the most populated region in Portugal and has experienced the highest tourism growth in the country. Porto and the North of Portugal’s historical significance traces back to nine centuries ago in the city of Guimarães, in the North of Portugal, where the country’s foundation began, leading to the naming of Porto as “Portus Calle.”
Porto, a city steeped in history and tradition, offers a captivating journey through time and culture. As one of the oldest cities in Europe, Porto has a heritage that dates back centuries. Once a thriving port city with a rich historical legacy, today it stands as a dynamic European metropolis. Porto’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serves as a veritable treasure trove of art, historical landmarks, and architectural wonders. The cityscape weaves together diverse architectural styles, ranging from medieval marvels to contemporary masterpieces
Porto and the North are celebrated for their gastronomy, particularly wine, with the world-famous Port wine taking its name from the city of Porto. Those who come to Porto and the North of Portugal cannot leave without tasting the exceptional wines, the delicious cuisine, the unique regional products, and all the typical flavours that the region has to offer.
While Port wine enjoys worldwide fame, the DOC Douro, the unique Vinho Verde, the wines of Trás-os-Montes and the sparkling wines of Távora-Varosa are some of the best-kept secrets in the region. On a Portuguese table, the best of each locality’s convent sweets, regionally protected cheeses, and the exquisite flavours of award-winning restaurants are waiting to delight visitors.
About the Host
The Porto Convention Bureau reflects the strong network of partners who support the city regionally and nationally and meetings and events are seen as a strong investment for the future. Robust cooperation among stakeholders including Visit Portugal allow the region to attract congresses in various fields, including science, aeronautics, textiles, medicine, gastronomy and more. The PCB is proud to celebrate the ICCA Congress all year long, with a commitment to providing an unparalelled experience for all delegates and to showcase the best Porto has to offer.
Experience Porto: A City Unlike Any Other
With stunning views, rich cultural history, and a thriving culinary scene, this northern Portugese city offers an incredible melange of art, commerce, food, and modern amenities. The city features a rich tapestry of historical landmarks, architectural wonders, and contemporary infrastructure, making Porto a true modern metropolis — with an old-world feel.
Famed for its wine and gastronomy, Porto is world-famous for exquisite flavours and award-winning restaurants. Visitors can also experience some of the best confections and cheeses anywhere, with local producers offeriing a variety of time-honoured recipes passed down through generations.
In addition to being a wonderland of cuisine, art, and culture, Porto is committed to sustainability and the development of modern infrastructure. The city and surrounding region generate 70% of electric energy from renewable sources, and internationally recognised science, research, and technology companies call Porto home.
Everything You Need to Know About Porto
Welcome to Porto, a city unlike any other. With stunning views, rich cultural history, and a thriving culinary scene, this northern Portugese city offers an incredible melange of art, commerce, food, and modern amenities.
Here’s what you need to know about this captivating city:
1. Climate
Porto has a Mediterranean climate with oceanic influences. Winters are mild but rainy, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C to 14°C.
2. Currency
The official currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are readily available.
3. Language
The official language is Portuguese. but English is widely spoken and understood, especially in business and tourist areas.
5. Health and Safety
Portugal is considered one of the safest countries for tourists in the world. Emergency services are reliable, and the national emergency number is 112.
6. Eletricity
Portugal uses a voltage of 230V and type F sockets (two round pins). An adapter is recommended if you come from a country with a different standard.
7. Public Transport
Getting around Porto is convenient with a range of public transport options. The city boasts a reliable and affordable metro and bus network. Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt operate here.
Must-See Places in Porto
Torre dos Clérigos
The church has an exceptionally oval ground plan, and its interior is decorated with gilded woodwork in the Johannine style. The rococo altarpiece in the presbytery, made of four-coloured marble, is particularly noteworthy. The Torre dos Clérigos is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city of Porto. To enjoy the panoramic view over the city and the Douro River, which can be reached from the top of the Tower, it is necessary to climb 240 stairs.
Livraria Lello
The Livraria Lello, one of the oldest Portuguese bookshops, is an emblematic place in the city of Porto, a must for visitors, having been nominated as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world by the world press.
São Bento Train Station
Located in the city centre and built in the early 20th century, the São Bento train station has a glass and cast-iron roof designed by the architect Marques da Silva. The atrium is covered with 20,000 historic tiles by the painter Jorge Colaço.
Cathedral
Built in the 12th / 13th century in Romanesque style, it was enlarged and renovated over time until its final alteration in an idealised reconstruction of the medieval cathedral in the 20th century. Highlights include the Gothic style, the cloister and the chapel of St John the Evangelist.
Serralves Museum
The Serralves Museum is the most important contemporary art museum in Portugal, designed by the architect Siza Vieira and found in the unique spaces of the Serralves Foundation, which include a park and a villa.
Palácio de Bolsa
In the historic centre of Porto, a World Heritage Site, the Palácio da Bolsa is an ex-libris of the city and the region. Classified as a National Monument, it is the property and headquarters of the Porto Trade Association and was built in the second half of the 19th century and is covered in gilded wood carvings.
Must-See Activites in Porto
6 Bridges Cruise
The 6 Bridges Cruise takes place on the Rabelo boats, which were originally used to transport the barrels of Port wine from the Gaia/Porto region. In 50 minutes, you can enjoy a tour from the Historic Centre of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to Freixo, upstream, and Foz do Douro, downstream.
Port Wine Cellars
The Port wine cellars are in Vila Nova de Gaia, on the opposite bank of the Douro River from Porto, and are one of the region's main tourist attractions. These cellars are used to store and age the wine produced in the Douro Demarcated Region, benefiting from Gaia's ideal climate for preserving this type of wine. Visiting these cellars is an opportunity to learn about the region's wine culture while enjoying exclusive tastings.
Porto Bridge Climb
The Porto Bridge Climb offers a unique experience of climbing the arch of the Arrábida Bridge, one of Porto's most iconic landmarks and the only bridge in Europe open to the public for this type of visit. Built in 1963, the bridge was the largest concrete arch in the world and remained closed to the public for 53 years before opening for visits in 2016. It’s an unmissable opportunity to explore a historic landmark and gain a new perspective on the city.
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