The coastal city of Porto is sometimes overlooked in favour of more popular Lisbon, yet it is everything but a second-rate metropolis. It has a rich history, modern attractions, and a thriving nightlife. It’s important because it’s the source of the name for the country and the drink for which it’s famous.
Located in the country’s northwest, at the Atlantic’s mouth, is the city of Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s only a 2.5-hour flight from London, so it’s easy to fit into a quick vacation.
Here are some of the best places to visit and things to eat/do/experience.
See the sights
There are numerous opportunities to get a bird’s-eye view of Porto from above. Cross the river Douro on the grandiose steel-arched Ponte Dom Luiz bridge. It is one of six bridges across Porto’s waterway and was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel. If you want to have a good first view of the Douro River and its banks, you should go to the upper level of the bridge and walk alongside the clattering yolk-yellow trams.
On the other side, you’ll find the charming palm tree-lined public park of Jardim do Morro, which provides yet another breathtaking vantage point from which to admire Ribeiro. From the tranquil green area of Jardim do Morro, this old district’s charmingly crooked merchant’s houses, colourful terraces, and historic skyline are especially striking. Take a look around and see the sights, like the baroque Clerigos Tower that sticks out like a needle above the surrounding landscape.
Take a five-minute cable car journey from the Jardim do Morro’s entrance and land in the Vila Nova de Gaia neighbourhood, which is characterised by its uneven terracotta-tiled rooftops.
Enjoy Porto
The fortified wine that gives the city of Vila Nova de Gaia its name can’t be avoided if you go more than a few steps along the Douro riverbank. Numerous port wine cellars in Porto offer tours and tastings, dominating the riverbank and surrounding area. It’s imperative that you try a few and educate yourself on them.
Sandeman is a fantastic place to begin if all of the available choices are making your head spin. Here, you may learn the history of alcohol marketing on a tour of the museum and cellars led by the mysterious masked guy from the Sandeman logo. Your sombrero-clad tour guide will tell you that Sandeman wine was among the first to be marketed and labelled.
Although port is a classic drink, the mixologists at the trendy converted shipping container bar up front add a contemporary twist to the classic with an intriguing selection of cocktails. Enjoy a Sandeman Sangria or Sandeman Fizz, a port and ice cream concoction.
The nearby Porto Cruz port house is an interesting sight. An outdoor bar sits atop the building’s eye-catching blue-patterned tiled exterior. On a sunny day, you can sip more of the renowned beverage while taking in breathtaking vistas of the Douro and its towering bridges to the sounds of a resident DJ.
Food places
When hunger strikes, head to the ancient Mercado Beira-Rio, where you’ll discover a sampling of Porto’s thriving culinary scene. From fresh prawns to pastries, cod cakes to vinho verde, cheese platters to gelato, the vendors in this 1800s-era food hall have something for every taste. Set yourself up at a table, either inside or out, and let your senses guide you to what you end up enjoying.
Get yourself to Miss Opo for supper. In addition to serving as a guesthouse and minimalist clothing boutique, this laid-back restaurant is known for its inventive Portuguese dishes. The menu is written in scrapbook format and is updated periodically, so each visit will be different. In a funky, eclectic setting with concrete walls and mismatched furniture, savour the season’s freshest foods like spicy risottos and luscious Portuguese sausage.
Praia Da Luz bar and restaurant, with its multi-level terrace and private beach, is ideal for idling away the hours in Porot. While watching the Atlantic swells, relax with a glass of sharp green wine and a plate of the local speciality, fresh sardines in a zippy tomato sauce.
Enjoy the Douro river
In Porto, the Douro must be consumed daily; wake up early to watch the sun rise over the river. Start your day off right with a jog or stroll down Avenue Gustave Eiffel towards Mr. Eiffel’s own masterwork, the Maria Pia bridge.
Here, you may see the canal come to life while passing fisherman instead of tourists. Stretch your neck and take in the stunning morning light illuminating the whitewashed walls of the old monastery Serra Do Pilar, complete with a circular church and cloister.
Navigate the Douro River by boat. To get to Ribeira quickly, you can take one of the Douro river taxis, which are based on the wooden freight Rabelos that once carried port from the Douro Valley to the cellars of the city.
Ribeira riverbank
Ribeira’s riverbank may be bustling with souvenir shops and sightseers, but the city’s allure is undeniable. Stroll the pubs and restaurants of Praça da Ribeira and pause for a cup of coffee while people watching boats make their way up the river to the Atlantic or down to the Douro Valley.
The steep, cobbled, labyrinthine streets and steps are made for thigh burning, so it’s best to ascend from the water’s edge at a leisurely pace with many rests.
São Bento train station
Even though Porto isn’t high on your list of places you want to depart quickly from, you should definitely check out its railway station because it is often considered to be one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. Check out the captivating tiled entrance walls of Sao Bento and forget about the departure boards. Blue and white glaze covers thousands of hand-painted ceramics depicting scenes from Portuguese history and everyday life.
Take the tram
Take the line one rickety tram from Ribeira to Foz for a change of pace. The rough trip, which takes around thirty minutes, follows the river all the way to the coastal town. Foz is known for its serenity thanks to its extensive promenade and lush tropical plants.
Where to stay
Porto’s União de Freguesias do Centro district is home to the stylish and modern One Shot hotel, providing a perfect base for exploring the city. With its convenient location just a short stroll from City Market Bolhao and Ferreira Borges Market, guests can easily immerse themselves in the vibrant local culture. The hotel’s contemporary design and chic décor create a welcoming atmosphere, and excellent amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a bar and restaurant, and 24-hour front desk service ensure a comfortable stay. Whether visiting for business or leisure, One Shot is an ideal choice for discerning travelers seeking convenience, comfort, and style.