Uncover Porto’s hidden gems through our blog as we dive into its captivating history, savor delectable culinary delights, and unravel the city’s vibrant soul, offering an unforgettable adventure that will leave you spellbound and yearning for more.
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Welcome to our blog! We’re thrilled to share our exciting adventure in Portugal with you. In February 2023, we embarked on a two-week journey, starting our voyage in the vibrant city of Porto. As the first stop on our itinerary, Porto captivated us with its rich history, stunning architecture, and quaint neighborhoods. Throughout our travels, we hope to provide you with valuable insights and tips to enhance your own travel plans. So, join us as we unravel the wonders of Portugal and offer nuggets of wisdom to make your trip even more memorable. Let the journey begin!
How many days should I spend in Porto?
We stayed in Porto for 3 days and felt that it was enough to cover the most basic attractions. However, if you want to go and visit the attractions in greater depth, you would probably need 4 to 5 days.
What to do in Porto?
You could start by checking out some activities from GetYourGuide, we have specific ones to recommend later on in the blog:
When visiting Porto, there are plenty of things to do and explore. Here are some recommendations:
- Take a walking tour: Explore the city’s charming streets and landmarks on a guided walking tour. This will give you a chance to learn about Porto’s history and culture while taking in the beautiful architecture.
- Cross Ponte de Dom Luís I: This double-deck iron bridge is an architectural masterpiece and offers panoramic views of Porto and the river. Walk across the top level to enjoy the scenery or take the lower level for a unique perspective.
- Tour the Port Wine Cellars: Porto is famous for its port wine, and you can visit the cellars of the renowned Port wine brands in Vila Nova de Gaia. Learn about the wine-making process and indulge in a tasting session.
- Visit the São Bento Train Station: Known for its beautiful azulejo (ceramic tile) artwork, São Bento Train Station is a must-visit for its stunning interior. Admire the intricate tile panels that depict scenes from Portuguese history.
- Explore the Foz do Douro: Head to the Foz do Douro neighborhood for a relaxing day by the sea. Enjoy the sandy beaches, walk along the promenade, and indulge in delicious seafood at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
- Visit the Porto Cathedral: The Sé do Porto is the oldest surviving structure in the city and offers breathtaking views from its terrace. Explore its interior and admire the mix of architectural styles.
- Take a day trip to the Douro Valley: If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the stunning Douro Valley. Known for its vineyards and scenic landscapes, this region is a treat for wine lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Remember, these are just a few suggestions, and Porto has much more to offer. Soak in the vibrant atmosphere, try local cuisine, and explore the hidden gems of this beautiful city. Continue reading to find out our detailed 3 days itinerary in Porto.
You can skip and start reading here:
Where to eat in Porto?
Restaurants that have a queue require you to go find the waiter to join the queue. Please do not forget about this and just stand outside.
- Pedro dos Frangos: Roast chicken
- Taberna d’Avo: Bacalhau
- Nata Lisboa: Pastel de Nata
- Manteigaria: Pastel de Nata
- Fabrica de Nata: Pastel de Nata
- Cafe Santiago: Francesinha
Where to stay in Porto?
Porto is a compact city, so even if you stay outside the city center, you can easily reach most places by public transportation or a short walk.
If you are only staying in Porto for a short period of time, it is best to stay in the city center, as you can save time on travel.
We stayed in Bolhao for our 3 days in Porto.
As our hotel was located within the city center, we did not need to take public transport when visiting the city’s attractions.
Day 1
Porto Charming Hotel, Bolhao
We stayed at the Porto Charming Hotel in Bolhao. It was a great choice, as the location was very central. We were within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions, as well as restaurants and bars.
Pedro dos Frangos
We originally wanted to go to Conga, but it was closed. We ended up going to Pedro dos Frangos instead, which is famous for its roasted chicken.
We got roast chicken and pork ribs, and they were both delicious.
This chicken restaurant is popular in Porto, so I would definitely recommend trying it if you have the chance.
Porto Walking Tour
We took a 3-hour walking tour with TheOtherSide, which is a company that offers tours of the “hidden side” of Porto.
The tour was brief, but it covered almost all of the city’s main attractions, including Sao Bento Station, Clerigos Tower, and Miradouro da Vitoria.
This is how Joe found out that Miraduoro means viewpoint. There will be so many visits to Miraduoros later on in our Madeira blog.
You could book a trustable tour from GetYourGuide here: Porto: Historic City Center Walking Tour
Mercado do Bolhao (Market Hall)
The walking tour ended at the Mercado do Bolhao.
Mercado do Bolhao is a large indoor market that sells a variety of fresh produce, meat, seafood, and prepared foods.
The market was recently renovated, and it is now a great place to sample some of Porto’s local cuisine.
We had a quick snack of Pastel de Nata from Manteigaria, which is a popular chain for these Portuguese custard tarts. The Pastel de Nata were delicious, and they are a must-try for any visitor to Porto
Taberna d’Avó
Taberna d’Avó is a traditional Portuguese restaurant that specializes in Bacalhau (cod) dishes.
The restaurant is very popular with locals, and it is known for its affordable prices and generous portions.
We tried Vinho Verde (green wine) for the first time at Taberna d’Avó, and it was delicious.
We also ordered Polvo Com Molho Verde (Octopus with green sauce), Bacalhau À Zé Do Pipo (Cod Gratin with Mashed Potato), and Arroz De Bacalhau Com Bolinhos Bacalhau (Fish Croquette with Codfish Rice).
All of the food was delicious, and it was very reasonably priced.
Day 2
Nata Lisboa
We started our day at Nata Lisboa, where we indulged in the traditional Portuguese delicacy, pastel de nata. Alongside that, we also savored other delicious pastries like Leek and Mushroom Puff.
Fabrica de Nata
We were still craving some more snacks and headed to Fabrica de Nata for some cheeky pastel de nata.
Surprisingly, Fabrica de Nata topped our list among the three popular chains (Manteigaria and Nata Lisboa).
Despite the long queue, it was worth the wait, especially with their refreshing, fresh orange juice.
Stroll along Rua de Santa Catarina
Rua de Santa Catarina is Porto’s main shopping street. It is lined with a variety of shops, from high-end boutiques to chain stores. We enjoyed strolling down the street and window shopping.
Cafe Santiago
For lunch, we went to Cafe Santiago, a restaurant that is famous for its Francesinha.
Francesinha is a traditional Porto sandwich that is made with bread, ham, sausage, steak, melted cheese, and a thick tomato and beer sauce.
It is a hearty and delicious sandwich, and it is a must-try for any visitor to Porto.
We also ordered Alheira sausage with rice, which is another traditional Portuguese dish.
Luís I Bridge
After lunch, we crossed the Luís I Bridge to Gaia, a city on the opposite side of the Douro River from Porto.
Gaia is home to many of Porto’s port wine lodges.
We took the lower deck of the bridge after following the guidance of Google Maps. However, if you take the top, you can get better views of the river and the city.
Half Rabbit Street Art
On our way to Graham’s Port Lodge, we stopped to take a photo at Half Rabbit Street Art.
The Half Rabbit is a giant sculpture of a rabbit that is made from recycled materials. It is a popular tourist attraction, and it is a great place to take a photo.
Port Wine Tasting at Graham’s Port Lodge
We had a Premium wine tasting with pairings at Graham’s Port Lodge via GetYourGuide.
The tour was very informative, and we learned a lot about the history of port wine and the process of making it. We also tasted a variety of port wines, and we were able to pair them with different snacks.
You can book your tour here: Graham’s Port Lodge Tour & Premium Tasting with Pairings
Taberna dos Mercados
For dinner, we went to Taberna dos Mercados, a hidden gem, where we had a delightful meal.
Despite not making a reservation, we were fortunate to find the place relatively empty.
We had amazing clams, salt-crusted seabass, and octopus with rice.
This place is HIGHLY recommended, be sure to book so that you can secure your spot to a great meal.
Night view at Luís I Bridge
After dinner, we went to the top of the Luís I Bridge to have a night view of Porto and Gaia.
The view from the bridge is breathtaking, and it is a great place to capture the city lights.
We also waited to see a train pass the bridge, which was a very cool experience.
Day 3
Duoro Valley Tour
On our third day in Porto, we took a day trip to the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is known for its stunning scenery and its production of port wine. We booked the tour through GetYourGuide, and we were picked up from our hotel in the morning.
This was the GetYourGuide tour that we booked: From Porto: Douro Valley w/ Boat Tour, Wine Tasting & Lunch
Wine Stop 1: Quinta do Tedo
Our first stop on the Duoro Valley Tour was Quinta do Tedo, a family-owned winery that has been producing port wine for over 100 years.
We took a tour of the winery and learned about their unique winemaking process.
We then tasted a variety of their port wines.
It was also here that we learned about how “vintage” is classified.
Duoro Valley River Cruise
After the winery tour, we took a river cruise down the Douro Valley. The views from the boat were breathtaking. We saw vineyards, wineries, and picturesque villages perched on the hillsides.
Residencial Ponto Grande
For lunch, we went to Residencial Ponto Grande, a family-style restaurant that is known for its delicious homestyle Portuguese food.
We started with homemade port wine and a sausage appetizer. Then we had pork ribs braised in red wine with cabbage, rice, and goat stew.
The food was hearty and tasty, and the portions were generous.
Wine Stop 2: Quinta do Beijo
Our second wine stop of the day was Quinta do Beijo, a family-owned winery that has been producing port wine for over 400 years.
We took a tour of the winery and learned about their unique winemaking process.
At this winery, they allowed us to climb into the huge wooden barrels to get a look inside.
Orpheu
For dinner, we went to Orpheu, a popular restaurant in Porto that is known for its tapas.
We ordered the Orpheu Pot, which is a tomato-based stew with chicken, sausage, and vegetables.
It was hearty and flavorful, and it was perfect for a cold weather.
The Door
After dinner, we went to The Door, another popular restaurant in Porto that is known for its tapas and cocktails.
We ordered a variety of tapas, such as camembert, empanadas, and chorizo with chimichurri.
All of the food was delicious.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our adventure in Porto has been nothing short of amazing. From exploring the charming streets and landmarks on a walking tour to indulging in delicious Portuguese cuisine and tasting the renowned Port wine, Porto has captured our hearts.
Throughout our three days in Porto, we had the opportunity to visit iconic attractions such as São Bento Train Station, Luís I Bridge, and the vibrant Mercado do Bolhao. We also embarked on a memorable day trip to the enchanting Douro Valley, where we marveled at the stunning landscapes and savored the flavors of the region.
We highly recommend trying the local specialties, such as the famous Francesinha at Cafe Santiago, the delightful pastel de nata at Nata Lisboa and Fabrica de Nata, and the traditional Bacalhau dishes at Taberna d’Avó. Each bite was a culinary delight that showcased the rich flavors of Portuguese cuisine.
Choosing to stay in the city center, specifically in Bolhao, was a great decision as it allowed us to easily access the main attractions and save time on travel. Porto’s compact layout and efficient public transportation make exploring the city a breeze.
We hope that our travel itinerary and recommendations have provided valuable insights and inspiration for your own adventure in Porto. The city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere make it a truly remarkable destination.
Stay tuned for our upcoming blogs, where we’ll continue sharing our adventures in Portugal and beyond. Keep exploring, keep discovering, and let the journey unfold!
Read more about our exciting travels on our blog!