The city was formerly called Cale and later Portucale, from which the name Portugal was derived.

Between the 13th and 15th century, the maritime and commercial activities underwent great development, and the links with important European ports were strengthened, such as Barcelona, Valencia, La Rochelle, Rouen, London, Ypres, Antwerp, etc. In this period, the shipyards of Oporto and Vila Nova de Gaia were the most important ones in the country.

One of the negotiators of 1352 treaty between England and Portugal was born in Oporto. His name was Afonso Martins Alho, and his surname ('alho' is Portuguese for 'garlic') has been perpetuated in a popular expression used to refer to someone cleve : "fino que nem um Alho".

In 1394, the Infante D. Henrique was born in this city. He was the "navigator" prince, who launched the era of the Portuguese discoveries overseas

The inhabitants of Oporto are known as tripeiros (literally, "tripe eaters"), due to their sacrifice in order to help the army that conquered Ceuta in 1415. It is said that they offered all the good meat to the expeditionary forces and only kept the tripe for themselves. That is why one of the city's most traditional dishes is "tripas à moda do Porto".

The Spanish occupation (1580-1640) was a period of great urban and administrative development. Significant artistic changes began in this period and reached their peak in the 18th century. Another important change was the urban reform carried out by João de Almada e Melo (1757-1786) and the beautiful Neo-classic buildings influenced by the English colony in the city. It was also the golden age for the Port wine.

The victory of the liberal cause was partly due to the sacrifice of the people, who fought to support the Constitutional Chart. As a result of this heroic action, King Pedro IV described it as the "very noble, undefeated and ever loyal" city of Oporto.

After the establishment of the Republic, the city underwent a new renovation process, among which it is to be noted the construction of the Aliados Avenue. The project was begun in 1915 by the English Barry Parker and contined under the influence of the French school, due to architect Marques da Silva, who had studied in Paris. This harmonious and beautiful avenue is the northern limit to the protection area of the historic centre.