Porto
Oporto
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, the capital of the Porto District, and one of the Iberian Peninsula's major urban areas. In Portuguese, the name of the city includes a definite article: o Porto ("the port" or "the harbor"), which is where its English name "Oporto" comes from.
Probably best known as the birth place of Port wine, Porto has so much more to offer than just port win (luckily, since I am not a fan… blasphemy, I know).
If you are looking for vineyard tours, or fancy tastings, this is not the post for you, but if you are looking for some good eats, good times, and good wine, keeping reading.
How to get to Porto
From Lisbon:
🚆Train - This is the most common mode of transportation from Lisbon to Porto and takes approximately 3½ hours. The Comboios de Portugal (CP) is the official train service and tickets can be purchased via the CP website or app. Tickets range in price depending on how far in advance they are purchased, date, and time.
The origin station in Lisbon is Lisboa - Oritente and Porto has 2 options: Campaign and Sao Bento. Sao Bento is the more central station, however; requires a transfer at Campaign. Depending on your accommodations or if you want to avoid the transfer. can choose Campaign as your final stop and walk or take an Uber or Bolt to your accommodations.
Train schedules and tickets are generally posted 90 days in advance and can be purchased here
🚗 Drive - The drive from Lisbon to Porto is quite scenic and there are several small towns to stop in along the way. Having a car in Lisbon and Porto can be very difficult with very limited parking and changeling streets to navigate. Be mindful of tolls along the route.
🚕 Hire a private transfer - There are many options for private drivers from Lisbon to Porto that range in price range depending on number or passengers, times, date, and company. Many private transfers can also cater a tour incorporating stops along the way.
Sights such as Viator and Get Your Guide have several options for private transfers and tours.
🚌Bus - The bus is often the most affordable option, with tickets as low as 8€, and takes approximately 3½ hours.
Bus tickets can be purchased through Rede Expresso, Omio, or FLixBus.
The bus is also a great option in the event or train issues.
✈️Fly - There are numerous flights daily from LIS to Porto. Flights are under 1 hour and vary in price depending on season. Most International flights to Porto transit through LIS.
Neighborhoods
Porto is a very walkable city and is well connected by public transportation, so you really can’t go wrong with whichever neighborhood you choose for your visit. These are some of the most popular neighborhoods in Porto:
Rebeira
The narrow, cobbled streets of Ribeira are dotted with small bars and eateries serving classic Portuguese fare like grilled sardines. Beside the Douro River, Praça da Ribeira square is lined with colorful 18th-century townhouses, while the neoclassical landmark, Palácio da Bolsa, is known for its ornate interiors. Hard Club hosts rock gigs and club nights in a restored market building.
Ribeira is one of the most popular area for tourists and has been described as “feeling like you are in a post card”. With it’s stunning views, easy access, and numerous bars and restaurants and is an ideal location for many visitors.
The “grand center of Porto”, Baixa is where many of Porto’s classic hotels will be found and is a great base for a visit to Porto with its central and accessible location.
Cedofeita
Cedofeita is one of the neighborhoods that shapes Porto’s downtown. The favorite neighborhood of many in the city (including us at Guiajando). It mixes traditional architecture with a younger atmosphere and new cafes and restaurants that have expanded the local offer.
Described as a “local, yet touristy neighborhood”, Cedofeita is one of the neighborhoods shaping Potos’s downtown and offers an eclectic vibe with fun bars, restaurants, shops and things to do.
Boavista
Upscale Boavista is a largely residential district, home to cultural venues like the striking, contemporary Casa da Música, with eclectic performances, and the Fundação Serralves, a cutting-edge art museum and villa in lush wooded gardens. The area also has high-end shops, trendy cafes and unpretentious eateries serving Porto’s classic francesinha, a meat sandwich with melted cheese and tomato sauce
Boavista has been described as the “New Downtown of Porto” and is becoming an increasingly popular area for tourists. This areas also boasts the best museums, relaxing gardens, taverns, restaurants, brunch and beautiful spas.
Miragaia
Picturesque Miragaia is known for cobbled streets lined with townhouses and small eateries serving classic Portuguese fare, plus views of the Douro River from its hillier parts. The Museu do Carro Eléctrico has 19th- and 20th-century trams, while jewelry, sculpture and paintings are on display at Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis. Alfândega convention center hosts large-scale historical exhibits and conferences
This medieval maze of a neighborhood is a charming and authentic area of the city with classic Portuguese eateries, small local shops and many room rentals for travelers looking for a less touristy stay.
Food, Drink, and Thing or Two to Do
Porto was especially awesome for me, as it was the first time on my solo adventure in Portugal that I had friends from home.
After about 5 weeks of solo travel, I boarded the train from Lisbon to Porto and anxiously awaiting seeing a familiar face. Shortly after I arrived, a friend from home flew in and we started a completely unplanned long weekend in Porto. I ended up with a bonus friend when her friend came from Paris to hang out with us for the weekend.
Porto got even better when those two awesome ladies left and that night another friend from home came to join me and then spend some days in Lisbon.
Food & Drinks
Bilha Nova
💶$$
🗺️R. do Dr. Barbosa de Castro nº.64, 4050-090 Porto, Portugal
We stumbled into Bilha Nova by accident and it was the perfect place to catch up after 5 weeks! We stopped in for a “bite” and “quick drink” and ended up having several tapas and a delicious pitcher of Sangria. We enjoyed it, and the lovely staff, so much we returned several times. The rose sangria and tapas are reason to come back over and over.
Rio da Vila Guest House Bar
💶€€
🗺️80 Rua de Mouzinho da Silveira - 4050-415 PORTO
This was also a happy accident that we found (looking for a W/C). We spotted this chic, but charming spot from across the street and thought we would grab an espresso, use the W/C and be on our way; but the atmosphere, friendly staff, and gorgeous cocktails kept us here for hours. (The guest house itself also looks like a great place to spend a few days).
Majestic Cafe
💶€€–€
🗺️Rua Santa Catarina 112, 4000-442 Porto, Portugal
Is this an overpriced tourist attraction? Absolutely.
Do you need to go? Absolutely.
Even if just for an espresso (or one of the many coffee drinks offered) or a pastry, Majestic Cafe is something to experience on any visit to Porto.
*highly recommend the French toast
Brasão Aliados
💶€€
🗺️Rua Ramalho Ortigão, 28 Baixa Porto 4000-035
Two words: vegetarian francesinha. Two more words: Blooming onion.
I was ready to give up 25 years of not eating red meat and pork to indulge in a francesinha sandwich after taking a bite of the bread, cheese, and sauce of a friend’s, until I discovered that Brasao has a vegetarian option. That alone was worth the visit for me, but everything else on the menu was just as exceptional, and the warm inviting atmosphere and incredible service just make this a must visit on any visit to Porto.
Reservations strongly suggested.
Cantinho dos Bragança
🗺️ Praça dos Poveiros, 4000-507 Porto, Portugal
Great lunch spot! I worked from here one afternoon and had a solid sampling of tapas, sangria (noticing a theme here…) and live music from different performers that passed by. Fun and friendly servers made this a perfect spot to spend an afternoon… in to happy hour.
Mito Restaurant
🗺️Rua de José Falcão, 183 Porto
💶€€–€€€
“Casual Gourmet of Pedro Braga in Porto” Mito means “myth” in Portuguese, and that name is very telling. The goal of the proprietors at this Porto restaurant is to create a dream that sweetly infiltrates into reality. For a really cool, but casual, dining experience; Mito is perfect. It has a very elevated vibe with incredible food, that is truly an experience, while maintaining a lowkey and comfortable vibe.
Reservations strongly suggested
Azulejo Tiles
Blue and white azulejo tiles are a Portuguese classic and these glazed blue ceramic tiles from the 14th century decorate the streets, buildings, and monuments of Portuguese cities. There are numerous places to see these tiles on display throughout Porto. These are come of my favorites.
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
🗺️R. de Santo Ildefonso 11, 4000-542 Porto, Portugal
🕰️Open daily 10:00a-10:40pm (except Mon)
💶Donation
The Igreja de Santo Ildefonso is an eighteenth-century church in Porto, Portugal. The church is located near Batalha Square. Completed in 1739, the church was built in a proto-Baroque style and features a retable by the Italian artist Nicolau Nasoni and a façade of 1932 azulejo tilework.
The Igreja de Santo Ildefonso is an eighteenth-century church featuring ornate decor and beautiful tile work. Even for those that are not religious, it is worth a visit for the beautiful architecture and history.
São Bento Station
Per Wikipedia; São Bento Railway Station is a 20th-century railway terminal in the civil parish of Cedofeita, Santo Ildefonso, Sé, Miragaia, São Nicolau e Vitória, in the municipality of Porto, district of Porto.
Per me; it is absolutely beautiful. Even though the interior was under construction when I visited, Sao Bento Station was still stunning with it’s blue tiles and endless details.
This will be your first view of Porto if you take the train from Lisbon in to Sao Bento. If you don’t take the train in or out, be sure to visit the station for the stunning architecture and tile work.
Capela das Almas
Chapel of Souls
The Chapel of Santa Catarina, also known as the Chapel of Souls, is a chapel located on the shopping street of Rua de Santa Catarina, in the former parish of Santo Ildefonso, in the city of Porto, in Portugal. It is particularly noted for the blue azulejo tiles on its exterior walls.
🗺️Rua de Santa Catarina 428, 4000-124 Porto, Portugal
This beautiful iconic chapel boasts 16,000 blue and white tiles depicting scenes from the lives of Saint Catherine and Saint Francis of Assisi.
Igreja do Carmo
The Carmo Church or Church of the Venerable Third Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, is located at the intersection between Praça de Carlos Alberto and Rua do Carmo, near the Church and Tower of Clérigos, in the Portuguese parish of Vitória, city of Porto.
Of Baroque/Rococo style, it was built in the second half of the eighteenth century, between 1756 and 1768, by the Third Order of Carmel, being the project of the architect José Figueiredo Seixas. Construction of the hospital began later, and it was completed in 1801.
🗺️R. do Carmo, 4050-164 Porto, Portugal
One of the most famed sites in Porto. Connected to its twin church by a house, this baroque church has a well-known tiled side façade. The church is open to visitors and is beautiful both inside and out.
Cloisters at Porto Cathedral
The Porto Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the historical centre of the city of Porto, Portugal. It is one of the city's oldest monuments and one of the most important local Romanesque monuments
🗺️Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal
🕰️Hours: 9a-6:30p daily
The entrance to the cloister is located inside the Cathedral, through a door to the right of the temple. The cloister dates back to the fourteenth century and is decorated with tiles painted with some of the scenes from the Bible.
Porto Highlights & Things to Do
The Livraria Lello & Irmão
Lello Bookstore
🗺️R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal
Built in 1906, the stunning Lello Bookstore is one of the world’s oldest bookstores, recently made even more famous for inspiring Harry Potter author, J.K. Rowling. The store is open for visits, but the line gets quite long, so get there to que early.
Torres dos Clerigos
Clerigos Tower
The church was built for the Brotherhood of the Clérigos by Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect and painter who left an extensive body of work in the north of Portugal during the 18th century.
🗺️R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal
🕰️Hours: 9a-7p daily (Sunday service 9:30p10:30p)
💶5€
The Torres do Clerigos, is the 75-meter-tall bell tower of the Clérigos Church and can be seen from nearly all of Porto. The church and tower are open to the public with entry to the church .being free and the opportunity to climb 200 steps to the sweeping views of Porto
Porto City Hall
This striking building, harking back to the architecture of the great communal palaces of the north of Europe, is set at the top of the Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies).
Construction began on this robust, imposing building in 1920, according to the design of architect António Correia da Silva, it was only fully completed in 1955.
At the centre, there is a 70m clock tower whose bells ring out as a symbol of the importance given by city citizens to civic life.
The statue in front, by sculptor Barata Feio, is a 1954 study of poet Almeida Garrett (1799-1854).
🗺️Praça Gen. Humberto Delgado, 4000-407 Porto, Portugal
Teleférico de Gaia
🗺️Rua Rocha Leão, 236 Vila Nova de Gaia 4430-210
💶9€
For the most stunning of panorama views, take a ride on the Teleférico de Gaia. This short ride is worth it for unmatched views of Porto and Gaia with those iconic terracotta rooftops.
Dom Luís I Bridge
Vila Nova de Gaia
A hub of the port wine industry, Vila Nova de Gaia is peppered with cellars offering tours and tastings. It’s also known for sandy beaches like Praia da Madalena, and the scenic riverside road Cais de Gaia, with its cafe terraces and expansive views across the Douro. Small restaurants serve grilled fish and seafood in the old fishing village of Afurada, where picturesque tiled houses line narrow streets (-Google)
Take a walk over the Luís I Bridge (those views!) or take a quick bus, taxi, or metro ride from Porto to Gaia and enjoy the wine cellars, great food, and numerous attractions.
Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
The Monastery of Serra do Pilar is a former monastery located in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal, on the opposite side of the Douro River from Porto. The monastery is situated on an outcrop overlooking the Dom Luís I Bridge and the historic centre of Porto (wikipedia)
The views alone are worth climbing the hill to the Monastery, but I highly recommend going in to the cloisters for the full experience.
This is also an incredible viewpoint to catch a sunset over the Douro River.
Port Wine Cellars (Gaia)
There are so many options in Porto, it is not fair to claim any as the “best”, as they all have their unique history, charm, and flavor. I made it to a couple of cellars and a few tastings, and can speak on those, but there is a huge variety to choose from on your visit.
It is not appropriate for me to review the actual port wine, since I don’t like any of it, I know, <gasp!>
Caves Cálem
🗺️Av. de Diogo Leite 344, 4400-111 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
🕰️Open daily 10a-7p
We opted for the tour and tasting at Calem, however; there are several pairing options including food pairings and a tasting with Fado music.
Tours are offered in numerous languages and the guides are engaging and informative.
Burmester
🗺️Av. de Diogo Leite 344, 4400-111 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
🕰️Open Daily 10a-7p
We lucked out and got a tour and tasting at Burmester included in our Hop on, Hop off bus tour. The cellar is beautiful, the guide was friendly and informative, and the tasting room was lovely. Very reasonably priced “souvenirs” as well. Would definitely recommend taking a tour of this cellar on your visit.
Sandeman
🗺️Largo Miguel Bombarda 3, 4400-222 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
🕰️Open daily 10a-12:30p, 2p-6p
With its iconic sign and history, Sandeman is one of the most famous cellars in Porto. This cellar offers a more “high end” experience as far as tour and tasting than many of the other surrounding cellars. It also has a beautiful store and great outdoor space with drinks and bites (big thumbs up for the sangria!)
Kopke Wine House
🗺️4430 999, Av. de Diogo Leite 312, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
🕰️Open daily: 10a-1p, 2p-7p
The Oldest Port Wine House
This three story tasting house offers beautiful views of the Douro river and Porto’s Ribeira on the opposite bank.
A really great tasting experience (that included red and white wine, in addition to port) with a chocolate pairing, in a lovely environment.
Pro tip: eat something before coming in for a tasting, the pour at Kopke is no joke!
Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau - Gaia
🗺️Av. de Diogo Leite, 122, Vila Nova de Gaia
🕰️Hours: 10a-9p Sun-Thurs, 10a-10p Sat-Fri
Much like Majestic Cafe, this is a tourist trap worth getting caught in.
There is an organ player to enhance the experience, and watching the live preparation of the pastels is a show in and of itself.
Matosinhos
Matosinhos is a major port and fishing town, which is famed for its fish restaurants and glorious sandy beach. Any visit to Porto is not complete without a day trip to Matosinhos, whether it is to enjoy some of the region’s best seafood, Praia de Matosinhos, or both.
Easily accessible by public bus or metro, taxi/uber, or via hop on/hop off bus.
Praia de Matosinhos
The Praia de Matosinhos beach is the largest beach with an easy access from central Porto. The beach offers a wide expanse of golden sands and waves that are suitable for surfing (or watching the surfers) and is only about 15 minutes from central Porto via metro.
“She Changes” (anémona)
This three-dimensional multi-layer net floats over the Cidade Salvador Plaza greets you as you enter Matosinhos by bus or car. The sculpture is designed to reflect Porto's and Matosinhos's seafaring and industrial heritage and was designed by artis Janet Echelman.
Pão da Terra
Rua França Júnior, Mercado Municipal de Matosinhos, 4450-131 Matosinhos, Portugal
On your way to the fish markets, make sure to stop by this bakery for the best bread, and/or, pastries you may ever have. The beauty in this simplistic space, really is the bread and other freshly baked items. The perfect start to your day of exploring Matosinhos.
Mercado Municipal de Matosinhos
R. França Júnior, 4450-718 Matosinhos, Portugal
Open Monday-Saturday 6:30am to 4pm
Here you will find rows upon rows of fresh seafood, as well as fruits, veggies, and flowers. Well worth a stroll through to take in all the varieties, sights, and smells.
Some nearby vendors will cook your fresh purchases; ask any of the vendors where they recommend.
Rua Heróis França
“Seafood Row”
After strolling Mercado de Matosinhos, head to Rua Heróis França (“Seafood Row”) for some of the best, freshly caught and grilled seafood you will ever have.
With such a huge variety of restaurants, varying in price, speciality and ambiance; I wouldn’t dare make recommendations based on my very limited experience, but from what I can tell: you cannot go wrong eating anywhere along Rua Herois Franca.
Even if you are not a seafood lover <gasp!> it is worth the visit just to take in the authenticity of the street, with smoking grills, smiling servers, and upbeat vibe.
