Make your Porto family travel memorable with these splendid to-do ideas but its best to know about the city's past first. Porto, or Oporto as it is known in English, is the capital city of the Norte region in Portugal. It is one of Portugal’s two global cities, the other being Lisbon. Because it is the largest city in northern Portugal, Porto speaks volumes in terms of history, economy and culture. As such, it is a favorite among tourists vacationing with their families. This city was built right on the shores of the Duoro river and this is how it got its name Porto, or the port. Its features are reminiscent of the city’s rich history as well as its embracing of modernity.

Take a Cruise

Guided tours and cruises are available in Porto. Have a relaxing day on the Duoro River by taking your family on an upriver cruise. These cruises can take you as far as Pinhao, where you can witness exhilarating landscape and breathtaking scenery. It can get extremely warm during the summer, so if you are vacationing during this season, slather lots of sun screen.

Get Lost in the City’s Winding Streets

If the kids are old enough to walk, there’s absolutely nothing better than a self-guided tour of the city by foot. This way, you can appreciate sights and sounds and take your own sweet time taking pictures and admiring the city’s evolving culture, economy and rich history.

The best place to get started is Ribeira, where you can also visit the World Heritage area. From there, make your way up to the São Francisco church and the Stock Exchange palace, home of the most exquisite Arab room in all of Portugal.

Witness Museums and Cellars

Museums are where they house the city’s finest artifacts and works of prominent artists. The world renowned Modern Arts museums and the Casa da Musica are both educational places to visit. Other must-see museums include Museu de David (featuring origins of the many Davids in history) and Fundacao de Serralves, a modern day museum housing the works of the prominent architect Alvaro Siza. 

Enjoy the Marketplaces

Finally, marketplaces tell you a great deal about the city’s economy. Be sure to walk along Mercado do Bolhão, a traditional market where the fruit, vegetables, fish and meat are sold at bargain prices. Cook up your own Portugese dishes with herbs and spices widely sold in this area too.