Nestled along the picturesque Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto stands as a beacon of history, culture, and undeniable charm. Often overshadowed by its more renowned European counterparts, this vibrant city quietly boasts an allure that captivates those who choose to visit.
We recently returned from a week in Porto and truly believe this city is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets… for now! Its beautiful cobbled stone streets and world-renowned port wine make this city rich in heritage and culture.
If you’re planning a trip to Porto, this guide will help ensure you explore all the city has to offer!
How to Get There
Arrival in Porto
There are various ways you can get to Porto. If you are already travelling around Europe, arriving by plane will be the most convenient. However, we found that many travellers choose to also arrive via train especially when visiting other regions of Portugal.
Once you arrive at the airport in Porto, there are clear signs directing visitors to the metro. In our opinion, this is the best way to get into the city centre. Tickets cost roughly €2 per person and it will drop you directly in the centre of town.
Alternatively, you can spend a bit more and get a taxi or Uber to your destination!
Things to Do
There is plenty to see and do in Porto and the city truly has so much to offer. In our opinion, you will need at least three days to experience the city properly and if you’re planning a day trip to the Douro Valley, we’d suggest four.
Port Tasting Tours
Port Tasting Tours are a must when in Porto. Visitors can visit a number of different wineries along the water where they can indulge in an intimate and immersive journey into the world of fine Port wines. Each venue offers a unique opportunity to savour the distinct flavours and rich heritage of Portugal’s most celebrated fortified wines. We’ve listed two of our favourites below.
Graham’s Port Lodge
If you are looking to experience a guided tour and port wine tasting we couldn’t recommend Graham’s Lodge more! The tour was around one hour and our guide took us through the rich history behind the brand. We also learned about the craftsmanship behind each blend of port and its importance to the city of Porto. During the tour we had the opportunity to see the casks and taste some of their vintage port wines, pairing them with light bites. Graham’s is also the perfect place to soak in the charm of Porto’s riverside with sweeping views of the city from the hill.
Churchill’s Port Cellar
Consider a visit for an intimate port wine-tasting experience and enjoy in the sun at their outdoor tables.
Day Trip to the Douro Valley & Wine Tasting
Douro Valley
Take a day trip to this UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its scenic landscapes and wine production. If you have enough time on your visit to Porto, we highly suggest you take a day trip to visit the Douro Valley. Only a 2-hour car journey inland from Porto, the Douro Valley is home to terraced stone vineyards and some of the most famous port wines. The valley itself boasts stunning views, with the river flowing through it, it is a sight to behold! There are dozens of different tours to choose from online but we chose to do this one here. We opted for this particular tour because it had high reviews and was run by a local family rather than a tour company. We really enjoyed our experience and recommend it to you. Check them out here!
Historic Monuments & Locations
Ribeira
Wander through the narrow streets of this picturesque neighbourhood along the Douro River. There are plenty of small local shops and cafes in this area and it is a beautiful place to take a stroll.
Vila Nova de Gaia
Gaia is on the other side of the river. If you have time we suggest you cross the Ponte Luis Bridge and explore this little neighborhood on the other side. It is beautiful and it is where the majority of the port wine cellars are! Evenly, head to this site for some incredible riverside restaurants with their stunning ambience.
Ponte Luís Bridge
Cross this iconic double-deck metal arch bridge for stunning views of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia.
Largo da Pena Ventosa
This is a small yet charming square in Porto. Spend some time walking through the city and stopping off here for some photos!
Igreja do Carmo
Admire the exquisite exterior blue tiles of this 18th-century church.
Chapel of Souls
Another beautiful blue and white tiled church that is a must-see when in Porto.
São Bento Railway Station
Visit one of the world’s most beautiful train stations, famous for its tile panels depicting historical scenes.
Porto Cathedral
Visit one of the city’s oldest monuments, offering panoramic views of the city. We were really impressed by this cathedral and walked around for about an hour just taking in its beauty!
Livraria Lello
Step into one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, known for its stunning interior. You have to pre-book tickets to visit which you can do here.
Mercado do Bolhão
This famous outdoor market has a variety of vendors selling various produce and food. Visitors can walk around and select a cuisine of choice or pick up a souvenir to take home!
Places to Eat and Drink
Now listen, we don’t claim to be food experts but we did do some heavy research before this trip to find some of the best spots to eat. A mixture of fine dining and local options this list we’ve curated is guaranteed to leave
Local Spots
Aduela
A cosy spot for snacks and drinks, perfect for an evening out. This is a local hot spot and is generally busy most nights of the week. It’s first come first serve with dining but they serve delicious charcuterie boards and have a great beer and wine selection. We came here twice on our trip and enjoyed the vibe!
Café Santiago
You can’t visit Porto without trying the infamous Francesinha sandwich and Cafe Santiago is the place to get it! Francesinha is a hearty Portuguese sandwich that literally translates to “little Frenchie” in Portuguese. A typical francesinha consists of layers of various meats such as ham, cured sausage, and steak, sandwiched between slices of bread. The sandwich is then topped with melted cheese and often crowned with a fried egg but what sets francesinha apart is the rich and savoury sauce that covers it. This sauce, typically made from beer, tomato, and spices, adds a flavorful punch to every bite. Francesinha is often served with a side of crispy French fries too.
Gazela
This local spot is famous for late-night bites and snacks. Known for its cachorrinhos, a local hot dog specialty it’s a must-try if you’re up for tasting the local favourites!
Casa Expresso
We hear this place is on the list of favourites for the locals. We didn’t have time to try it ourselves, but according to those who actually live in Porto, this spot is where you can find the home-cooked traditional Portuguese dishes.
Best Pastel de Nata
Mantegairia
The pastel de nata at Mantegairia is some of the best in Portugal! These tiny custard tarts are best fresh out of the oven. With a flakey crust and a warm custard mix, it was our breakfast nearly every day and did not disappoint. Try with a bit of cinnamon on top too!
Restaurants
Brasão Aliados
Enjoy a dinner featuring Portuguese cuisine in a modern setting. Brasao is a restaurant group with a number of different venues in Porto, but you can’t go wrong at any of them! Try the prawn croquettes, they were divine.
Bota & Bira
This is a small yet intimate eatery that offers a variety of tapas and incredible steaks. We really enjoyed our meal here and suggest it if you want a quaint local place to eat.
Chama
Chama is one of the most highly-ranked restaurants in Porto. Reservations need to be made ahead and it is a dining experience! The concept of the restaurant works like this. Guests pay 42 euros/per person for a 7-8 course meal that changes every night based on what seasonal ingredients they have on hand. We had heard amazing things about this restaurant and opted to try it, and without a doubt can say it was one of our most memorable experiences. We sat for 3 hours which flew by due to the quality of food and service. The standout dish of our night was the fish stew that had been cooked for over 15 hours!
Cantina 32
This trendy Portuguese restaurant is located in the centre of the city. The interior is really cool and the menu has a variety of options for guests. Check them out here.
Mariscar
A must for seafood lovers! This small intimate restaurant serves up some of the freshest and most beautiful dishes. We kept walking past this place on our evenings and it was always busy.
CURB
If you are craving a juicy burger this spot is where you go. Curb is quite popular amongst locals and definitely has the best burgers in town.
Okra
Delicious wood-fired pizzas and a great place to have dinner if you are looking for Italian.
Empanadas Malvón
The perfect spot to grab a snack or mid-day lunch. Empanadas Malvon has a variety of empanada flavours and these treats are filled with everything from meat, cheese, veggies, you name it they have it!
Majestic Café
The cafe is connected to the history of Porto during the twenties and is known to be the venue for important discussions where writers, politicians, and intellectuals would meet and discuss ideas.
Queijaria Amaral
A very traditional wine and cheese shop in the city. They have delicious sandwiches packed with local cheese and meats or try a glass of green wine!
The Royal Cocktail Club
End your night with sophisticated cocktails in a stylish atmosphere.
Places to Stay
When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay in Porto, there are plenty of options to suit every traveller’s taste and budget.
Choosing the Right Area
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in Porto’s historic charm, consider staying in the Ribeira district, where you’ll find picturesque cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and stunning views of the Douro River. For those seeking a more modern vibe, Boavista is an excellent choice, with its upscale shops, trendy restaurants, and contemporary architecture.
Airbnb
For those seeking a unique local experience in Porto, Airbnb offers a plethora of accommodations that immerse you in the heart of this vibrant city. Opting for an Airbnb can provide you with a more personalized and intimate glimpse into Porto’s daily life, allowing you to live like a local, even if just for a few days.
We had the opportunity to stay in a great Airbnb located on the Rua Mouzinho da Silveira, right in the bustling heart of Porto, just two minutes away from the iconic São Bento metro station. This property boasts meticulously decorated apartments, combining luxury with a minimalistic charm. They are equipped with high-end appliances, air conditioning, fast Wi-Fi, and highly comfortable mattresses, ensuring restful nights after exploring the city. For us, this was perfect and reasonably priced for the length of stay.
Hotels
Casa da Companhia,Vignette Collection
Located in the heart of Porto, this luxury hotel is a wonderful place to stay if you want a bit of luxury close to all the action. Restored to preserve the 18th-century design, this hotel offers exquisite amenities like indoor and outdoor pools, a signature restaurant, a terrace, a spa, and a fitness centre. Everything you want in Porto you’ll find here.
Torel Avantgarde
With its panoramic views of the Douro River and Porto’s skyline, exquisite dining options, and unparalleled amenities, Torel Avantgarde offers discerning travellers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience in Portugal’s cultural capital. It is the ideal luxury stay if you are in Porto!
Torel 1884 Suites & Apartments
This is the perfect stay for design lovers. Nestled in the heart of Porto’s historic center, this hotel offers guests a retreat of charm and elegance. Housed within a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion, this boutique hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with timeless sophistication. Each suite and apartment exudes character and style, boasting elegant furnishings, contemporary amenities, and breathtaking views of the city or the Douro River.
Porto, with its vibrant street life, historic architecture, and culinary delights, promises a memorable adventure. From staying in a beautiful and convenient Airbnb that stands as a gateway to the city’s heart, to exploring luxurious hotels that offer a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm, every moment in Porto is an opportunity to discover something new.
But the true essence of Porto goes beyond any guide. It’s found in our spontaneous moments. Porto is a city that invites exploration, encouraging you to venture beyond the itinerary and make your discoveries. Whether it’s through its historic streets, along its picturesque riverbanks, or within its cozy cafes and amazing restaurants, Porto is a city that is ready to offer experiences that will linger long after you’ve returned home. Porto inspires you to explore, discover, and fall in love with the city’s unique charm and warmth.
For more travel blogs click here.
Leave a Reply