Plan a CruiseLeixoes Cruise Port Guide
Cruise ships visiting Porto actually dock several miles north of the Douro River mouth in the commercial port of Leixoes, pronounced "Leh-shoys" (with a nasal tone). Leixoes serves as the gateway to the vibrant city of Porto, which is located about 8km away. Ships may dock at one of two terminals: the historic Dock 1 North, home to the Leixoes Passenger Terminal, an architectural landmark from the 1960s; or the newer South Terminal (also called the "Cruise Terminal"). From the South Terminal, continuous free shuttle buses are provided to the pier exit. While not directly in Porto, Leixoes offers convenient access to the city's attractions.
Getting Around from the Port
Getting from Leixoes to Porto city center (8km away) is straightforward, as walking is not a practical option.
- Hop-on-Hop-off (HOHO) Buses: Red, blue, or yellow HOHO buses are available directly from both cruise terminals. It's recommended to purchase tickets from the driver, as not all bus lines stop at the terminals. At around 10 Euro, these offer a similar price point to some cruise line shuttles but provide a full tour of Porto, making them a better value.
- Metro: A convenient option is the Metro tram. Walk approximately 250m from the terminal to the "Matosinhos Sul" Metro stop. If docked at Dock 1 North, cross the bridge to "Mercado Station." Purchase a round-trip ticket (around 2 Euro) and validate it by holding it to the circular sensor. The 30-minute ride into Porto runs approximately every 15 minutes. For the city center, disembark at "Bolhao" station. The Metro system is wheelchair accessible.
- Public Bus: If your cruise line doesn't offer a shuttle, public bus 500 can be caught at the shelter just outside the port entrance.
- Taxi: A taxi between the port and central Porto should cost around 20 Euro. If you don't find a taxi directly at the pier, walk across the bridge to Matosinhos, where more taxis are usually available.
Attractions and Activities
Porto, a city of hills and charm, offers a wealth of sights within easy reach of Leixoes.
- Ribeira District: Start your sightseeing in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ribeira, meaning "river bank." This oldest district of Porto is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets lined with colorful houses, many adorned with traditional "azulejos" (tiles). Strolling along the embankment provides an authentic feel for the city.
- Porto Cathedral (Sé): Located near Terreiro del Sé, this impressive 12th-century cathedral features a beautiful 14th-century cloister. From the high stone balcony at the front, you'll get fabulous panoramic views of the city and the Douro River.
- São Bento Railway Station: Inaugurated in 1916, this historical station is renowned for its magnificent azulejo panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history. It's a must-see, even if you're not taking a train.
- Dom Luis I Bridge: This iconic bridge provides the most direct link to the Ribeira district. You can walk across it (or take a bus) for stunning views of the city on both sides of the Douro River.
- Port Wine Cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia: Across the Dom Luis I bridge, on the opposite bank of the Douro (visible from Cais de Ribeira), lies Vila Nova de Gaia, the heart of Port wine production. Here, you can tour renowned cellars like Sandeman, Ferreira, Taylor, or Graham and sample the famous fortified wine.
- Exploring Porto's Hills: Porto is very hilly. If you're using a hop-on-hop-off tour, a pleasant strategy is to get off at São Bento Railway Station, enjoy a leisurely downhill stroll towards the river, and then hop back on when you're ready.
Dining
In the Cais de Ribeira area of Porto, you'll find numerous cafes and restaurants perfect for a meal or a drink. A traditional dish to try is "Porto Style Tripe" (Tripas à moda do Porto), a hearty dish of veal's tripe with sausages and butter beans. This dish is so famous that Porto's inhabitants are nicknamed "tripeiros" (tripe-eaters). Don't miss sampling Port wine, a sweet (though sometimes dry or semi-dry) fortified wine from the Douro Valley, often enjoyed as a dessert wine. *
Shopping
For souvenirs and local goods, explore Porto's streets. Rua das Flores is known for its silversmiths, while Rua 31 de Janeiro boasts excellent leather shops. Look for unique crafts made from cork as a local souvenir.
- Hours: General shopping hours are Monday-Friday 09:00-19:00 and Saturday 09:00-13:00. Larger shopping centers typically operate Monday-Sunday 10:00-00:00.
Safety
No specific safety concerns beyond standard travel precautions are noted for this port.
Currency and Language
Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted.