Renowned for its port wine, Porto stands as Portugal’s second-largest city, serving as the commercial and industrial hub for the region north of the Mondego River. It pleasantly caught us off guard with its rich culture and affordability. Despite not being the largest city in Europe, Porto captivates visitors with its stunning mosaics and vibrant atmosphere. The city’s remarkable architecture, culinary delights, and, of course, its wine, drew me in. For a more immersive glimpse into Porto, visit my YouTube channel before delving into this blog.
Getting There
- Arriving at Porto airport, Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, we suggest taking a taxi to the city center or your accommodation for convenience. While there are public buses available, the route from the airport to the city center is not direct, which can be confusing. To simplify your journey, it’s worth the extra cost to opt for a taxi.
- In my view, the ideal time to visit Portugal is during the spring season (March-May). During this time, you can enjoy pleasant weather and avoid the crowds of tourists. When I visited in March, despite a day of rain, we were able to wear short sleeves and shorts for the remainder of our trip.
Where to Stay
- When in Porto, accommodation options include hotels, hostels, Airbnb, and more. Opting for an Airbnb allowed us to enjoy a unique setup with a balcony and an impressive ceiling, which we found to be a perfect fit for our Porto experience due to its affordability.
- There are various neighborhoods in Porto where you can find accommodation. During our stay, we chose the city center for its proximity to train stations and numerous attractions. For a picturesque view, consider lodging near the river, or opt for a more tranquil and luxurious experience across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. Porto is ideal for a weekend getaway or a 3-day trip. While I spent 3 days exploring the city, many visitors reserve their last day for wine tastings in the Douro Valley. Although I missed out on this experience, it comes highly recommended by others.
What to See and Do
Porto Cathedral (Se Catedral)
Porto is famed for its blue mosaic tiles (azulejos) and this Cathedral exemplifies them perfectly. Among all the cathedrals I’ve seen in Europe, this one stands out as one of the most unique, offering a breathtaking view of Porto. At just 4 Euros, visiting this place should definitely be a priority when exploring Porto.
Livraria Lello Bookstore
This bookstore in Porto is a must-visit attraction, drawing in crowds with its stunning staircase. It attracts hundreds of visitors daily, promoting reading and book purchases. For $8, you can explore the bookstore, and that amount can be redeemed towards any book purchase. To capture photos, it’s advisable to arrive early due to the high footfall. I suggest booking in advance to secure your spot!
Sao Bento station
Another noteworthy spot to admire the blue mosaic tiles is at this operational train station. It’s a free attraction, especially if you arrive or depart by train. I highly recommend visiting this place due to its rich historical significance.
Half Rabbit (Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal)
For art and photography enthusiasts, this distinct art sculpture in Porto is a must-see. I suggest visiting it if you find yourself on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river.
Fado show
Fado, the traditional music genre originating from the rustic neighborhoods of Lisbon, features sorrowful yet captivating ballads that narrate stories of lost sailors, heartbreak, and tender romance. The word “Fado” translates to “fate,” and we had the opportunity to attend a show that lasted approximately an hour, accompanied by complimentary port wine. Our reservation group was fully booked, offering a delightful and immersive experience to delve deeper into the local culture.
Where to Eat
Brasão Aliados
A well-known establishment serving both traditional and contemporary Portuguese cuisine, this restaurant is a favorite among both tourists and locals. With several branches, visitors often choose their signature dish, francesinha, available in both meat and vegetarian variations. Due to its popularity, it is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance.
Manteigaria
The traditional Portuguese pastry, pasteis de nata, is absolutely irresistible and a must-try. Manteigaria, with multiple outlets across Portugal, is renowned for these delectable custard treats. I still reminisce about these pastries even today!
Epoca
Epoca is a cozy café with a small team dedicated to preparing simple, authentic meals for lunch. Their goal is to bring joy to their customers through their creative culinary offerings. This spot has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that locals love. To skip long wait times and because they don’t accept reservations, it’s best to visit when they first open.
Casa Portuguesa do pastel de bacalhau
The classic Portuguese delicacy, codfish cake with Serra da Estrela PDO cheese filling, is a must-try for seafood enthusiasts. With several establishments in Porto and across Portugal, we enjoyed our bacalhau paired with Port wine at one of their locations.
Mercado Beira-Rio
Situated in Vila Nova de Gaia, near Porto, this spot is an ideal lunch destination in Gaia. Explore a vibrant market offering a mix of traditional and contemporary food and wine options. Indulge in everything from fresh fruits to delectable desserts, sandwiches, and a variety of wines.
Majestic Cafe
This cafe is renowned for its sophisticated and elaborate interior adorned with carved wood, mirrors, and chandeliers. A fascinating fact: J. K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter, frequented this cafe extensively while working on her iconic book series.
Where to Drink
Quevedo
Exploring wine tasting in Porto is essential due to its renowned port wine. Visit this charming wine bar that provides budget-friendly wine tastings or by-the-glass options. It is run by a local family who will share their knowledge about the wine and the rich history of port wine with you.
Adega Wine Bar station
On the day we encountered rain, the wine bar we visited was an ideal refuge. Offering a glass wall, it provided a stunning view of the Dom Luís I Bridge, a fantastic photo opportunity. Situated within a hotel, this cozy spot is relatively small, making it a challenge to secure a window seat.
O Carniceiro – Big Bad Bank
If you’re seeking a spot for evening drinks, this is the place to be. The interior boasts a distinct ambiance with couches for seating, neon lights, and a money room – ideal for capturing photos for your Instagram story.
Other Tips
- The most cost-effective mode of transportation around the destination is Uber. While we attempted to walk to various places, navigating the steep hills made it quite challenging.
- Remember to show kindness to the locals when exploring their city and support small business owners and street artists as a way of giving back.
- When it comes to dressing for most cities, comfortable shoes will be essential as you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking. Consider bringing a light jacket even in warmer months, as evenings can get cooler near the water. Apart from that, feel free to showcase your style!
My time in Porto was amazing; everyone was incredibly kind and helpful, which made my experience complete. I now understand why this city and country are held in such high regard.
Thank you for visiting my blog. Stay tuned for more Idalis Worldwide, where I provide insider tips on making the most of your travels to various cities. In the meantime, check out my YouTube video in Porto.
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