The city of Porto came alive on the night of June 23rd, as locals and tourists alike took to the streets to celebrate the annual São João Festival. This vibrant and deeply rooted tradition, honoring Saint John the Baptist, filled the city with music, dancing, and a unique blend of ancient and modern customs.

The air was thick with the aroma of grilled sardines, a staple of the festival, as revelers strolled through the streets, their heads adorned with colorful plastic hammers. These iconic "martelinhos" are a playful symbol of the festival, used to gently tap friends and strangers on the head in a gesture of good luck and renewal.

As the sun set, the Douro River shimmered under the glow of a full moon, setting the stage for a spectacular fireworks display. While the location of the fireworks was slightly altered this year due to river conditions, the dazzling show still captivated the crowds gathered along the Ribeira.

The night sky was further illuminated by a cascade of glowing balloons, released into the air by people of all ages. This enchanting spectacle added a touch of magic to the already festive atmosphere.

Throughout the city, the rhythmic beat of traditional music filled the air, as impromptu street parties erupted in every corner. From the historic Ribeira district to the trendy bars and clubs, the city pulsed with energy and excitement.

The São João Festival is a testament to Porto's rich heritage and a vibrant display of Portuguese traditions. As the night drew to a close, the streets of Porto were left buzzing with the memories of a truly unforgettable São João.

The city came alive with music, grilled sardines, and the playful tapping of "martelinhos." A dazzling fireworks display and glowing balloons illuminated the night sky.

St. John's 2024: Tradition, Revelry, and Vibrant Celebration

Embracing this honor on behalf of the Municipality of Porto, the Councilwoman for Tourism and Internationalization, Catarina Santos Cunha, emphasized the city's ongoing commitment to elevating tourism standards in a sustainable and harmonious manner. She spoke of the Confiança Porto program, a steadfast effort supporting economic operators to attain and acknowledge levels of excellence, particularly in the realm of tourist accommodations.

Cunha passionately articulated Porto's dedication to maintaining its reputation as a warm and inviting city, tailored to meet the diverse demands of tourists. In line with this commitment, she unveiled the Tourist’s Manifest on World Tourism Day, celebrated on the 27th of September. The manifesto aims to engage and enlighten tourists about the commendable practices to uphold while exploring the vibrant city.

The esteemed World Travel Awards ceremony unfolded in Batumi, Georgia, uniting global leaders in the tourism sector for an evening of recognition and celebration. This initiative serves as a beacon, honoring and applauding outstanding contributions to the world of travel and tourism, adjudicated through the discerning votes of industry professionals, media, and discerning consumers.

In the 2022 edition of these distinguished awards, Porto triumphed, seizing the titles of Europe’s Leading City Destination and, on the global stage, World’s Leading City Destination. This triumph follows a previous accolade in 2020, when the city was hailed as Europe's Leading City Break Destination, cementing Porto's legacy as a prime destination for travelers seeking an enriching and captivating experience.

Porto's undeniable allure once again triumphs at the prestigious World Travel Awards. After securing the title of Europe’s Leading City Destination in 2022, the resilient city of Porto has yet again shined on the grand stage, earning the esteemed recognition of Europe’s Leading City Break Destination for 2023 in the renowned "Tourism Oscars."

Porto: Leading City Break Destination 2023 (Europe)

Porto's travel and gastronomy are once again on the lips of the world: it is the "City of the Year" in the awards decided by the readers of the British magazine Food and Travel.

“This is yet another award that recognizes the value of the Porto brand in the international context", comments, in a statement, Luís Pedro Martins, president of Turismo do Porto e Norte de Portugal.
"The city of Porto is once again to be congratulated", underlines the official, referring: "it reinforces our position in the world".

Food and Travel, based in London, has an international footprint and has a 25-year publishing history. Its aim is to take readers "on a gastronomic journey around the world". It is published by Green Pea Publishing, a "small independent publisher".

In the "race" for City of the Year, the most famous cities were nominated, which may have played in favor of Porto: certainly many votes were shared by Barcelona, Edinburgh, London, Melbourne, New York, Paris, Vancouver and Vienna, but Porto achieved primacy.

In the awards of the magazine dedicated to gastronomy, wines and travel, Porto beat the candidates Barcelona, London, New York or Paris. “The city of Porto is once again to be congratulated”.

Porto: City of the Year, by Food and Travel

On January 10th, the Batalha Centro de Cinema in Porto will host a unique film screening curated by renowned Portuguese filmmaker Salomé Lamas. This event is part of the Contemporânea Film(e) project, an initiative celebrating contemporary art through cinema and video.

Salomé Lamas is a prominent figure in the Portuguese artistic scene, recognized as a filmmaker, visual artist, and educator. With a career spanning over fifteen years, Lamas has produced more than thirty projects, exploring the boundaries between cinema and visual arts. Her work, which often challenges narrative conventions, has been exhibited internationally at film festivals, galleries, and museums.

Scheduled for 7:15 PM, the session will present a carefully curated selection of films addressing crucial contemporary themes:

This curation aims to stimulate deep reflection on the interconnections between humanity, nature, and the global impacts of human actions. Through this selection, Lamas proposes new perspectives on our relationship with ecosystems and marginalized communities.

Lamas's selection includes works by influential and innovative filmmakers:

: Pioneer of American experimental and queer cinema.

: German artist and theorist known for her video installations and essays.

: Lebanese artist exploring political and social issues through video and performance.

: Swiss artist whose work addresses themes such as migration and ecology.

: Central figure in the 'No Wave' avant-garde scene, with works linked to the underground punk scene.

: Free, with tickets available on the day of the event

This screening represents a unique opportunity for lovers of cinema and contemporary art to explore innovative visual narratives and reflect on urgent issues of our time.

A celebrated Portuguese filmmaker Salomé Lamas curates a free film screening at Batalha Centro de Cinema in Porto on January 10th. The event showcases works exploring ecofeminism, ecological crises, and political resistance, featuring films by renowned international artists.

Avant-Garde Cinema: A night of art and reflection at Batalha

Porto is gearing up to welcome 2025 with a grand celebration set to illuminate the "Invicta" city. The New Year's Eve party, organized by the City Council, will stretch from the iconic Aliados Avenue to the romantic Crystal Palace gardens, offering a diverse experience for all tastes.

On Aliados Avenue, the main stage will host Nuno Ribeiro at 10 PM, warming up the crowd for the countdown. At midnight, the sky will explode with colors in the traditional fireworks display, launched from the City Hall building. The new year will be greeted with the unmistakable voice of Rui Veloso, followed by a DJ set from Carolina Torres, promising to keep the energy high until dawn.

Meanwhile, in the Crystal Palace gardens, rapper Julinho KSD will welcome revelers from 10 PM. At midnight, a multimedia show will transform the gardens into an immersive experience of light and sound. Branko and DJ Sónia Trópicos will keep the party rhythm going throughout the night.

To ensure everyone's safety, the City Council has implemented a comprehensive mobility plan. Traffic will be cut off in central areas from 8:30 PM on the 31st, with restrictions extending until 7 AM on January 1st. Authorities strongly advise the use of public transport, although it's worth noting that the Aliados metro station will be closed.

However, a word of caution: the Machinists' Union has announced a possible strike that could affect metro services during the festivities. Despite this setback, the city is prepared to offer alternative pedestrian routes and police guidance to ensure everyone can participate in the celebrations.

Porto thus bids farewell to 2024 and welcomes 2025 with an explosion of music, light, and joy, reaffirming its status as one of the most vibrant New Year's Eve destinations in Portugal.

Porto prepares a spectacular New Year's celebration, featuring concerts, fireworks, and multimedia shows spread between Aliados and Crystal Palace. The city implements safety and mobility measures while facing the possibility of a metro strike during the festivities.

 Porto's New Year's Eve Celebration Plan Unveiled

The Serralves Foundation concludes 2024 with a record of 1.24 million visitors, surpassing the 1.1 million recorded the previous year. During the presentation of the 2025 activity plan, Ana Pinho, Chair of the Board of Directors, reflected on her nine years in office, emphasizing the institution's remarkable growth. From 2016 to 2024, Serralves welcomed 7.3 million visitors, nearly double the 3.9 million registered between 2007 and 2015, despite the challenges posed by the covid-19 pandemic.

During this period, the foundation held 185 exhibitions, surpassing the 126 organized in the preceding term. Additionally, Serralves’ collection grew in value to €130 million, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the institution with plans for further expansion. “The collection was a strategic priority for us, with impressive results, and we intend to continue attracting new collections and archives,” stated Ana Pinho, who will soon take on the role of President of the Serralves Board of Founders.

Ana Pinho also highlighted the foundation’s dynamism and its strong connection with the public, expressing gratitude to the team for their efforts. She concluded by affirming that Serralves is now a solid, vibrant institution, ready to embrace future challenges while maintaining its commitment to innovation and serving the cultural and tourist community.

The Serralves Foundation attracted a record 1.24 million visitors in 2024, nearly doubling attendance from previous years under Ana Pinho’s nine-year leadership. With a collection now valued at €130 million and 185 exhibitions held, Serralves solidifies its role as a cultural and tourist landmark.

Serralves with over 1.2 Million Visitors in 2024

Seventy-one years after its inauguration, the University Stadium of Porto, located in the Quinta do Campo Alegre, has been reborn with a fresh new look. This iconic sports venue underwent an extensive rehabilitation led by the University of Porto, aimed at modernizing facilities and revitalizing the site to serve both the academic community and the metropolitan area's residents.

The recovery project, launched in 2018, was carried out in two key phases. The first phase, completed in 2019, focused on the installation of new playing fields and essential infrastructure. The second phase, finalized in November 2023, involved a €3.4 million investment that included the renovation of the main stands, the remodeling of locker rooms, and the construction of two modern buildings, including the new headquarters for CDUP-UP.

According to António de Sousa Pereira, Rector of the University of Porto, this transformation not only restores a historic venue but also establishes a state-of-the-art facility designed to serve the entire community. Once in a state of near-abandonment, the stadium is now a vibrant, accessible, and forward-looking space.

With pristine fields, modern infrastructure, and renovated amenities, the “new” University Stadium promises to be a hub of sporting achievements and community engagement.

The University Stadium of Porto has been fully renovated, transforming it into a modern facility for sports and community use. With upgraded infrastructure and new buildings, it now serves both the academic community and the wider metropolitan area.

University Stadium: A revitalized icon for Sports and Community

F. C. Porto will make their highly anticipated debut in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on June 15, facing Brazilian side Palmeiras, managed by Abel Ferreira. The match will take place at the MetLife Stadium, located in New York/New Jersey, marking the start of the Portuguese club’s campaign in the prestigious tournament. The 2025 edition of the Club World Cup will be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13, with Porto being one of the two major Portuguese clubs participating, alongside Benfica.

Porto is placed in Group A for the tournament, and their first encounter, scheduled for June 15, will be a crucial test against Palmeiras, one of Brazil’s most successful football clubs. Following this, the "Dragões" will travel to Atlanta, where they will face Inter Miami on June 19. The American team, led by football legend Lionel Messi, will present another significant challenge for Porto as they aim to progress from the group stage. The group stage will conclude for Porto on June 23, as they return to the MetLife Stadium to face Al Ahly, the Egyptian powerhouse that has a rich history in international competitions.

If Porto successfully advances from the group stage, they could face some of the top clubs in world football in the knockout rounds. Potential opponents include Paris Saint-Germain, Atlético Madrid, and Botafogo, managed by Artur Jorge, as well as the Seattle Sounders from the United States. The road to the knockout stages promises tough competition, with the best teams from around the globe vying for the prestigious title.

The tournament will officially kick off on June 14 with the opening match between Inter Miami and Al Ahly in Florida, a day before Porto's first match. This early start to the competition highlights the global appeal and excitement surrounding the 2025 edition of the Club World Cup, which will showcase some of the best footballing talent across continents. For Porto, this marks an important milestone in their history, as they aim to make a strong impression on the world stage.

F. C. Porto will face Palmeiras in their opening match on June 15 in New York. The tournament will be held in the United States from June 14 to July 13.

Porto to Be Represented in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Starting December 1, Porto’s tourist accommodations will apply a new rate for the Municipal Tourist Tax, raising it from €2 to €3 per person per night. This adjustment reflects the city’s efforts to address the growing demands of tourism while investing in urban infrastructure and public services. The tax is capped at seven consecutive nights and applies to guests aged 13 and older.

The Municipal Tourist Tax contributes to Porto’s sustainability as a destination, funding activities and investments that mitigate the pressure on public spaces, transport, and city services. It also supports initiatives to improve urban cleanliness, mobility, and safety, benefiting both residents and visitors.

Certain exemptions apply, including stays for medical reasons, eviction or displacement, disabled individuals, pilgrims in hostels, temporary housing by public social organizations, and refugees or displaced persons due to conflicts.

Tourism sector businesses can address questions about the new tax rate via the Municipal Tourist Tax platform, ensuring a smooth implementation of this updated measure.

Overnight stays in the city now incur a €3 tax per person. The measure aims to support urban infrastructure and promote sustainability.

Porto’s New Tourist Tax Rate Starting December 1

The Palácio de Cristal Gardens, one of Porto's most iconic settings, has come alive with the start of the highly anticipated Porto Book Fair. Running for 17 days, this event is a vibrant celebration of literature and culture, offering a rich experience for both locals and visitors.


The Avenida das Tílias, nestled within the stunning Palácio de Cristal Gardens, is now home to 130 stands featuring 115 national and international publishers, booksellers, and antiquarians. This diverse selection provides an opportunity for attendees to discover new authors, rare books, and special editions. Beyond the extensive literary offerings, the fair hosts hundreds of activities, including talks, debates, book signings, and workshops designed to engage and educate visitors of all ages.


During our visit today, we experienced firsthand one of the many highlights the fair has to offer: a talk with esteemed guests, coinciding with the launch of the book “A urgência da cidade: o Porto e 100 anos de Fernando Távora.” This underscored the significant impact of architect Fernando Távora on Porto's urban development, showcasing the level of insightful discussions and cultural content that visitors can expect throughout the fair.


The Porto Book Fair operates with flexible hours to ensure everyone can make the most of their visit: from Monday to Friday, it opens at 12:00, and on weekends, it starts at 11:00. The fair remains open until 21:00 from Sunday to Thursday, extending to 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.


More than just a marketplace for books, the Porto Book Fair is a unique opportunity to engage with renowned and emerging authors, participate in literary discussions, and explore the rich cultural diversity that literature brings. The presence of international publishers and booksellers also offers a rare chance to discover works and literary trends from around the world.


Additionally, the fair is an excellent way to connect with the local community and fellow literature enthusiasts. It’s the perfect occasion to find that special book that could become an unforgettable souvenir of your visit to Porto.


Don’t miss out on this remarkable literary event. Visit the Porto Book Fair, discover new worlds through reading, and enjoy the beauty of the Palácio de Cristal Gardens as you explore the vibrant universe of books.

The Porto Book Fair at the Palácio de Cristal Gardens offers a range of books and activities, and talks. Visitors can explore literary works and participate in discussions with authors. It's an opportunity to connect with the local culture and enjoy the setting of the gardens.

Porto Book Fair at Palácio de Cristal Gardens

The Catacomb Cemetery began construction in 1746, following a fire that destroyed a poor brother’s hostel. The Venerable Third Order of São Francisco decided to create a cemetery and, above it, a house for Dispatch and Secretariat. Initially, the first 12 tombs were designated for the administrative body of the Order.

The first phase of the cemetery featured ground-level tombs with walls above and small urn vaults, as well as an altar for funeral rites. In 1795, with the construction of the current Church of the Third Order of São Francisco, the Order began building a new cemetery beneath the church’s pavement. The third phase, in 1802, expanded the space with a new extension beneath the pavement of the Chapel of Santo António, linking the new and old cemeteries.

The last burial in the Catacomb Cemetery took place in 1866, after which the Order began using the Agramonte Cemetery. The exact number of bodies interred in the Catacomb Cemetery has never been counted, but today the site attracts around 1,500 visitors daily, making it a popular part of the museum's tour.

The Catacomb Cemetery is particularly intriguing to international visitors. The museum director notes that while Brazilians initially find the space uncomfortable, they are often pleasantly surprised to discover familiar names. In contrast, French, Spanish, and Mexican visitors, due to their cultural and religious perspectives on death, tend to exhibit a more natural curiosity about the cemetery. 

In addition to the tombs, the museum displays interesting items such as old alms boxes and processional litters. Analdina Rocha assures that the experience of the Catacomb Cemetery is both enriching and satisfying, leaving visitors intrigued by the rich history of this remarkable location.

The Museum of the Order of São Francisco, which includes the church of the former convent, the Church of the Third Order of São Francisco, and the House of Dispatch, harbors a true hidden gem beneath the ground: the Catacomb Cemetery. This subterranean space, which has recently piqued the interest of visitors, is managed by Analdina Rocha, the museum's technical director who has dedicated 25 years to this unique site.

Discover a Hidden Treasure: The Catacomb Cemetery

This summer, visitors to Porto have a new must-visit destination: the recently opened Time Out Market in the southern wing of São Bento Station. The market features 12 diverse restaurants, two bars, and the unique A Vida Portuguesa store, all set within a beautifully restored historic space.

Designed by renowned architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, the market occupies 2,000 square meters of indoor space and an equal area outdoors, offering seating for 690 guests between the interior and the terrace. The transformation of the old warehouses, originally designed by Marques da Silva between 1896 and 1916, includes a striking new iron and glass tower standing 21 meters tall, inspired by traditional water reservoirs.

The Time Out Market Porto promises a gastronomic adventure with 12 restaurants, including three led by Michelin-starred chefs: Rui Paula, Ricardo Costa, and Vasco Coelho Santos. Other highlights include the traditional Portuguese fare of Casa Inês, vegetarian dishes from Fava Tonka, and innovative luso-Brazilian cuisine from Rafaela Louzada. Seafood lovers will enjoy Meia-Nau, while those craving baked goods can visit Padaria Ribeiro. The market also features Okra for pizza, Brusco Burger for gourmet hamburgers, and Tábua Rasa for a selection of Portuguese cheeses and cured meats.

Adding to the unique experience, the market's tower houses A Vida Portuguesa store, offering a curated selection of traditional Portuguese products. The tower also includes a wine tasting room, providing an exceptional opportunity to sample local wines while enjoying breathtaking views of the iconic Torre dos Clérigos.

The Time Out Market at São Bento Station is set to become a vibrant hub for both locals and tourists. Whether you're a foodie looking to explore high-quality cuisine or a visitor wanting to soak in the local culture and history, this market offers an unforgettable experience. Make sure to include this culinary hotspot in your Porto itinerary this summer.

Porto welcomes visitors to its newest attraction: the Time Out Market at São Bento Station. The market features 12 diverse restaurants, including establishments led by Michelin-starred chefs, two bars, and the charming A Vida Portuguesa store.