
Best Places
Welcome to Cooltour Oporto's blog – your guide to the heart and soul of Portugal! Embark on an exciting journey through the beauty, culture, and heritage of our country. Discover hidden gems, must-visit landmarks, and off-the-beaten-path experiences recommended by our expert guides. From Porto’s historic center to the Douro Valley, uncover the essence of Portuguese life, including local festivals, ancient tales, and authentic food. Learn insider tips to navigate like a local. All content is prepared with love by Cooltour Oporto, ensuring you experience Porto and Portugal like never before!

Porto Cathedral – Sé do Porto
A breathtaking side view of Porto Cathedral. Situated in the historical center of Porto and designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, Sé do Porto, or Porto Cathedral, serves as an excellent starting point to explore the city and delve into the history of the nation’s foundation. In 1120, D. Teresa donated the medieval…
November 8, 2023
Posted in:Places & Landmarks, Porto,

Ribeira: Porto’s riverside
Ribeira’s buildings and facades, Porto Fundamental to the formation of Portugal, Porto was populated long before the kingdom’s foundation. Urban development united the upper zone, Sé do Porto, to the lower one, Ribeira, on the bank of the river Douro. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage and Porto Historical Centre, Ribeira is an ancient place…
October 19, 2023
Posted in:Places & Landmarks, Porto,

Douro Valley: a unique wine region
A tour of the Douro Valley in northern Portugal is a truly memorable experience, even if you’re not a wine expert. The Douro Valley is a place worth remembering, capturing in photographs and filming. In the heart of the Douro Valley The deep blue waters of the magnificent Douro River, the myriad hues of vineyards…
October 10, 2023
Posted in:Tours & Experiences, Douro Valley,

Visit Braga
Discovering the best of northern Portugal involves visiting the beautiful bimillennial city of Braga, where the history of the distant past intersects with modern history and religion with tradition. Concerning infrastructure, Braga is the third city in Portugal, immediately after Lisbon and Porto. However, Braga is the oldest Portuguese city, with the most gardens and…
September 27, 2023
Posted in:Places & Landmarks, Braga,

Porto’s Historic Market: Mercado do Bolhão
Mercado do Bolhão Vendor Mercado do Bolhão in Porto, is a market which adds colours, smells, tastes, textures, and sounds to life, sharpens the senses and makes it the perfect place to build memories and socialise. Locals and visitors pass by the stalls, talk to sellers and go into shops and restaurants in a relentless…
September 13, 2023
Posted in:Food & Wine, Porto,

Visit Guimarães
Touring the North of Portugal will never be complete without visiting one of the most historic Portuguese cities, Guimarães, near Porto and Braga. Feel the fascination and absorb a millennium of history in the city’s path, whose roots stretch back to the Copper Age, between the Neolithic and the Bronze Age (c. 5000-c. 1000 BC)….
August 7, 2023
Posted in:Places & Landmarks, Guimarães,