Oporto is not only the largest city of northern Portugal, but also of northwestern Iberia. It is therefore the gateway to several attractive Portuguese and Spanish cities such as Braga, Guimarães, Vigo, or the famous pilgrimage site of Santiago de Compostela.

You can easily reach most of these cities by bus or train, making it possible to visit them on a daytrip. Braga is especially worthy of a visit for its marvelous baroque monuments (its Bom Jesus Sanctuary is one of the country's most famous sights), while the medieval World Heritage city of Guimarães is also recommended for its beautifully preserved old center, its castle, and palace dating back to the foundation of Portugal in the 12th century (these two cities can be visited on an organized tour). Nearby, pretty Viana do Castelo is one of Portugal's most authentic and traditional cities, and further south, Mateus Palace outside Vila Real is worth going out of your way to see.

But the most spectacular attraction outside of Oporto is all of the Douro Valley. You're sure to become mesmerized by the beauty of this World Heritage Site, which is best appreciated on a river cruise (most cruises depart from Cais de Gaia).
For more information on these destinations, see the menu on the left.

Daytrips Transport Information

It is a good idea to rent a car to visit Oporto's surroundings, but there is also good public transportation connecting the city to the other major attractions and towns nearby. Whether you choose to use an express bus (departing from a terminal by Batalha Square) or the train (from São Bento Station), depends on the times of departure throughout the day. For bus schedules see www.rede-expressos.pt, and for the train departure times from Oporto, see www.cp.pt. For estimated journey times to the main towns outside Oporto, see the list on the right. From Oporto to Braga: Express bus: 1h10min Train: 1h10min From Oporto to Guimarães: Express Bus: 1h Train: 1h18min From Oporto to Viana do Castelo: Express Bus: Between 1h and 1h35min Train: 1h55min From Oporto to Vila real: Express Bus: 1h30min Train:2h55min