Porto in the Winter

Porto is one of those European cities which you will enjoy visiting regardless of the season.  Featuring the Mediterranean climate, with an annual average temperature of 14.5 °C and 0 snow days, Porto offers perfect conditions for a getaway all year round.  

Here is a table with some more details about Porto’s climate

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June
Average high in °C	14	14	16	18	20	23
Average low in °C	5	6	7	8	11	14
Av. precipitation - mm	171	169	112	112	89	53
Days with precip.	14	13	11	10	9	6
Hours of sunshine	130	135	190	218	257	267

	July	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average high in °C	25	25	24	21	17	14
Average low in °C	15	15	14	11	8	6
Av. precipitation - mm	16	22	64	131	152	176
Days with precip.	2	3	6	10	12	13
Hours of sunshine	303	294	227	178	138	126

We might have to put up with some rain, but compared to the freezing cold in most European cities, Porto will be a breath of spring in the heart of the winter season.

Here is a list of things you wouldn’t want to miss when in Porto in the winter time. And please make sure you take along your raincoat/umbrella/hat and, most importantly, your positive attitude:

1.       Bridges

•  Ponte D. Luis I - Most certainly one of the landmarks of Porto. This impressive bridge connects Porto and Gaia and is roughly about 120 years old. Magnificent views along the bank of Douro River. A moonlight stroll over the illuminated bridge will give you a new perspective of the city, however, it might be quite windy in the winter.

•          Ponte Infante Dom Henrique – less crowded than Ponte D. Luis I, it is worth visiting for uninterrupted views over Porto.

•          Ponte da Arrabida – this one is closest to the mouth of Douro River and the sea. It carries road vehicles only.

2.       River Douro – you can either walk along the banks, cross it over one of the bridges or take a boat trip. But you don’t want to miss it.

3.       Churches and Cathedrals

·         Igreja de Sao Francisco – Gothic exterior, combined with breathtaking gilt interior. More of a museum than a functioning church.

·         Igreja de Santa Clara – a beautifully hidden small church with a unique atmosphere. A glorious Baroque jewel reminding of the glorious past of Portugal.

·         Se Catedral – wonderful views from the terrace and beautiful interior.

·         Igreja do Carmo – stunning external tiles typical for Portugal.

4.       Cais da Ribeira – the old town of Porto, facing Douro. Multicolor medieval houses, narrow streets and traditional cafes and restaurants. The quarter is under UNESCO National Heritage protection and is worth a stroll.

5.       Palacio da Bolsa – the former stock market palace. Astonishing exterior and even more magnificent interior. Each one of the rooms is worth seeing, however, the Arabic one seems to be the gem in the crown. A tour around the palace will cost around 5-6 Euro.

6.       Museums

·         Museu Nacional de Soares dos Reis – wonderful museum featuring Portugal’s most famous paintings and sculptures.

·         Museo Serralves – contemporary art which might not be everyone’s cup of tea, however the garden is astonishing and the building is dramatic.

·         Casa de Musica – an iconic piece of architecture, this concert hall gives a modern taste of the city. The acoustic engineering is remarkable.

·         Palacio de Cristal – unexpected architecture with heavenly gardens.

7.       Porto City Hall – one of the most dominant buildings in Porto, a classical building from the 20^th century, majestically overlooking the old part of the town.

8.       Livraria Lello – one of the most beautiful book shops in the world, with an impressive staircase. Beautiful example of art nouveau architecture and decoration.

9.       Clerigos Tower – remarkable Baroque landmark, a great place to overlook the city.

10.   Caves de Vinho do Porto – a tour through Porto wine cellars featuring wine tasting is a must.

These were my ten suggestions of things to do and see in Porto in the winter time.

Enjoy!

Diyana