Porto and Beyond: Explore Portugal During ETC 2026

Attending the European Transport Conference 2026, Europe's leading multidisciplinary transport conference, is also an ideal opportunity to discover the beautiful city of Porto and explore more of Portugal.

Porto – historic and modern, global and friendly – is waiting for you...

Situated on the River Douro, Porto has a history stretching back to pre-Roman times as part of the Callaeci tribal complex. Under Roman rule as Portus Cale, it developed into a commercial and trading hub, serving as the port for the Douro Valley and the inland city of Braga. The city was central to the establishment of an independent Portuguese nation-state during the 12th century.

Today, with a population of around 273,000 within a metropolitan area of approximately 1.3 million, Porto has a vibrant economy with strengths in transport, shipping and logistics, wine production, textiles and fashion, and technology and innovation. It is also one of Europe's leading city-break destinations, having been named by Time Out as one of its best city breaks for its culture, food and atmosphere.

Notable attractions include São Bento Station, whose grand entrance hall is lined with beautiful azulejo tiles, and the Cathedral, whose precinct offers spectacular views over the River Douro and the medieval streets leading down to Ribeira. You can also take the historic tram from the riverside to Foz, where the Douro meets the Atlantic Ocean, or enjoy one of the many river cruises beneath Porto's famous bridges. For more information, see Visit Portugal, the official tourism guide.

The Douro Valley, within easy reach of Porto by train or river cruise, is where Port wines are produced and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Peso da Régua, the Douro Museum provides a fascinating perspective on the region, while on the south bank, Lamego is one of the most beautiful cities in northern Portugal, located at the base of an immense blue and white tiled flight of steps leading to the Shrine of Nossa Senhora dos Remédios. For more information, see Visit Portugal – Porto and the North.

So why not stay for a few more nights after the conference, or arrive a little earlier, to explore the city, enjoy the excellent local food and wine, soak up the atmosphere of the historic Ribeira UNESCO World Heritage quarter, visit a Port wine cellar, or take in the spectacular scenery of the Douro Valley? Hotels and apartments are plentiful and competitively priced when booked in advance, and a more flexible travel plan could also prove great value when looking for flights.

Lisbon – Portugal's Historic Capital and Home to its Iconic Trams

...and less than three hours by train from Porto, or just a little longer by express bus.

Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world and the second-oldest capital city in Europe (after Athens). Influenced by many different cultures over time, each of its historic neighbourhoods has its own distinctive character and welcoming atmosphere. Stroll through the elegant Pombaline grid of streets in the Baixa district, which opens onto the River Tagus at Praça do Comércio, then follow the river to discover some of the city's most beautiful areas: Belém, with its UNESCO World Heritage monuments; the medieval quarters; and contemporary leisure spaces such as Parque das Nações. For more information, see Visit Portugal – Lisbon Region.

Lisbon is also home to some of the world's most famous tram rides. Its iconic yellow trams thread their way through narrow streets, delighting visitors while continuing to perform a vital transport role alongside the city's modern metro system and bus network. For more information, visit Tram 28 Lisbon.

Flying into Lisbon extends your flight options and gives you the opportunity to combine both Lisbon and Porto in one memorable trip.

Wherever your journey begins, and whatever route you take, AET and FEUP – the University of Porto – welcome you and encourage you to make the most of your time in the city and experience Portugal to the full.

Welcome to ETC 2026, to Porto and to Portugal!

Also see: Travelling to Porto by Train for ETC 2026