
Explore Porto & Portugal with Cooltour Oporto
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!

New Year’s Eve in Porto 2024: Sparkling Celebrations
New Year’s Eve in Porto is an exhilarating and vibrant spectacle, illuminating the city with festive energy and the anticipation of a fresh start. The banks of the River Douro and the charming streets of the historic city center come alive with dazzling light shows, fireworks, and a celebratory atmosphere drawing revelers to both sides…
December 26, 2023
Posted in:Events & Festivals, Porto,

Portuguese Christmas: A Feast of Tradition and Flavor
Christmas is surely one of the most eagerly awaited times of the year, due to its typical dishes and festive traditions, some of which are centuries old. When it comes to traditional Christmas food, Portugal celebrates it with a gastronomic tradition of authentic flavors. The combination of savory dishes with a variety of delicious sweet…
December 23, 2023
Posted in:Events & Festivals, People & Tradition, Portugal,

Unmissable Christmas Events in Porto
The joy of Christmas lies in the beauty of a season that inspires generosity, compassion, and joy. This is when people’s hearts warm, family ties strengthen, and solidarity grows. Among the twinkling lights, festive melodies, and comforting aromas, we find a unique atmosphere that transcends cultural barriers. Christmas is a time for sharing smiles, creating…
December 21, 2023
Posted in:Events & Festivals, Porto,

Porto’s Best Shops for Unique Christmas Gifts
The city of Porto, renowned for its tradition and history, is home to several old stores that have become a testament to the passage of time while preserving their authenticity. As you wander through its charming streets, you’ll come across these traditional stores, each one telling a unique story. A Taste of Tradition: Exploring Porto’s…
December 18, 2023
Posted in:Local Shops & Shopping, Porto,

Christmas Markets in Porto
Christmas markets worldwide embody the essence of this magical and festive season, creating charming streets and squares filled with twinkling lights, Christmas decorations, and a joyful atmosphere of excitement. More than just shopping venues, Christmas markets provide an opportunity for the community to meet, where people of all ages gather to share the Christmas spirit…
December 13, 2023
Posted in:Events & Festivals, Local Shops & Shopping, Porto,

Clérigos Tower: Porto ex-libris
Clerigos Tower stands tall, showcasing stunning architectural beauty in the heart of Porto The Torre dos Clérigos, constructed of granite and towering from the western apex of the church, is hailed as one of the city’s landmarks and measures a total of 75m (245 feet) in height. Its construction began in 1732 and was completed…
December 7, 2023
Posted in:Places & Landmarks, Porto,

WOW – World of Wine
In the old warehouses of Croft and Taylor in Vila Nova de Gaia, an avant-garde, innovative, and museum-like space was created, giving birth to the World of Wine, more commonly known as WOW. Angel’s Share Wine Bar Located in the buildings of the old cellars originally used for storing and bottling Port wine, the panoramic…
December 1, 2023
Posted in:Places & Landmarks, Food & Wine, Porto,

Livraria Lello: one of the most beautiful libraries in the world
Livraria Lello, Porto’s iconic bookstore Livraria Lello traces its roots back to the 20th century when it was originally inaugurated in 1906 on Rua das Carmelitas by the brothers José and António Lello. Today, it stands as one of the most iconic and frequently visited landmarks in the city of Porto, renowned for its status…
November 23, 2023
Posted in:Places & Landmarks, Porto,

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,

Fado in Lisbon, Coimbra and Porto
“Fado” is a word that derives from the Latin “fatum,” which means destiny. However, the origin of this distinctive musical style, highly cherished in Portugal, remains unknown. It is widely accepted that it emerged spontaneously in Lisbon during the 19th century as an expression among the most underprivileged classes in an urban setting. Maria Severa…
October 27, 2023
Posted in:People & Tradition, Portugal,