Porto is one of the most up-and-coming destinations in the world, and for good reason. Portugal’s second largest city has something unique! The Douro River, the Atlantic breeze, the colorful houses, the original churches, the atmospheric cellars invite you on a journey that will remain unforgettable… Let your senses free and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells that linger in the air. If we could rate it, we would place Porto among the five most beautiful cities in Europe!
How to get there
For us, Porto was the last destination. road trip in Portugal. From the Lisbon We took the ultra-modern train (Alfa Pendular) and were in Porto in 3 hours. Alternatively, there are flights from Athens to Porto with Aegean.
Movement
Porto has a good public transport network. By bus or metro you can get to where you want quickly and cheaply. There is the possibility of getting a day pass that costs around 7 euros and you can use it for all means of transport (metro, tram, buses). The truth is of course that we recommend that you explore the city on foot as the distances are not long or tiring. If you plan to see several museums and sights, check if the Porto Card.
Where to stay?
Undoubtedly in the center! To take your walks and be close to your accommodation. Choose for your stay this one the beautiful accommodation where we stayed.
What to see
– Start your day with something impressive Bookstore Lello. They say that the idea for Harry Potter was born here, when JK Rowling lived in Porto. It has been operating since 1906, welcomes over 1 million visitors a year and sells 1200 books a day! Tip: Go early enough to avoid the huge queue of tourists and to be able to take nice photos.
– A few meters away is the Carmo Church or Church do CarmoIf you look carefully, you will see that these are 2 churches joined together, while in the middle is one of the narrowest houses in the world, just 1 meter wide!
– Head centrally and locate the much-photographed Chapel of Souls or Chapel that Almas de Santa Catherine. The beautiful 18th century chapelth This 19th-century building is the most Instagrammable part of Porto. The building's exterior walls are covered almost entirely in blue and white ceramic tiles (azulejos).
– Your next stop is the market. Bolhão Market. The traditional market of Porto has been operating since 1839 and you can buy meat, fish, souvenirs and.. flowers! It is currently undergoing renovation and is due to be completed soon.
– Skip the overpriced coffee Majestic (okay, let's see it from the outside) and go to cafeit Santiago or the excellent Combi CoffeeThey are two of the most trendy hangouts in the city, known for their delicious brunches.
– Immediately afterwards you come across the impressive church Santo Ildefonso of 1739, with its 11,000 azulejos and two bell towers, which dominates imposingly above the steps of the square of the same name.
– The train station is nearby Sao Bento. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful train stations in the world! The station was inaugurated in 1916 on the site of an old monastery and has been surprising visitors with its architecture ever since. Its most impressive feature is the spectacular murals of 20,000 ajulejos in the main hall, with representations of historical battles of Portugal as well as themes from the country's transport history.
– On the left, on the hill, dominates the Porto Cathedral. It is certainly not as impressive from the outside as the other azulejo churches you visited earlier. However, its interior and the view of the city will make up for it. There is also the episcopal palace, which stands on the edge of the hill with a sweeping view of the Douro River.
– He went down to the market. Ferreira Borges Market, the red iron creation of 1885, in which the municipal market operated.
– Opposite him Stock Exchange Palace, which was used as a stock exchange since 1850. Its interior is particularly impressive with the city's official ceremonies taking place in the Arab Hall. (ticket 10 euros)
– Head towards the Douro River and the district Ribeira Pier. Atmospheric and colorful, the Ribeira district next to the city's waterfront is the soul of Porto and the most picturesque part of the historic center - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its medieval streets and tiny alleys, enjoy your coffee or a glass of wine at the riverside cafe-bars, admire the colorful facades of the old houses, the wooden boats on the river and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of old Porto.
– Then walked across the impressive metal bridge Dom Luis 1, which is the emblem of Porto and one of the six bridges that connect the two banks of the Douro River. One side of the bridge ends in the suburb of Vila Nova de Gaia where the famous Port wine is stored, matured and bottled. It was built in 1886 by Teófilo Seyrig, a student of Gustave Eiffel. It is 395 meters long and 50 meters high and has the largest wrought iron arch in the world. Today, the metro passes on the upper side of the bridge while cars and pedestrians pass underneath.
– You are now in the neighborhood Gaia Pier, a wonderful place to take your afternoon stroll by the river. Here you will find many restaurants and cafes, street artists, souvenir shops and art galleries. The area is full of wineries that have been producing the famous wine for centuries port, which you can taste in many versions, on one of the many tours offered by these wineries.
– Whatever you do, sunset you will see it from the wonderful rooftop wine bar on the riverbank, at Terrace Lounge 360° (Espaço Porto Cruz). Try the Porto Cruz rosé and cocktails based on Porto Cruz. They are amazing!
What else can you do in Porto?
– Porto has an endless beach which in the summer months takes on a lively and bustling appearance. You will take the bus to Praia do Carneiro and then you can rent a bike to go around it. In Matosinhos Beach You will find several cafes and beach bars, as well as many surf schools.
– If you are interested in contemporary art, Museum Serralves is of particular interest. The building's modern architecture and its well-kept gardens attract thousands of visitors every year.
– A beautiful green space to walk and escape the hustle and bustle of the city are the gardens Jardins do Palácio de CristalIt is an area with peacocks, fountains, small ponds and a wonderful view of the city.
– During your stay in Porto, don't forget to stop by Warehouse! This is an original concept that combines an antique shop, an art gallery and a tapas bar in the same space. The only thing that is certain is that it will excite you!
Food and drink
– Porto is famous for Francesinha. It is a sandwich with liquid ham, smoked pork, fresh sausage such as chipolata, steak or grilled meat covered with melted cheese and hot thick tomato and beer sauce. It is usually served with french fries. You will try it at Brasãthe Brewery Colosseum Lower.
– Another local delicacy is Bifana. It's a Portuguese sandwich consisting of a light but toasted bread roll filled with sautéed strips of pork that have been seasoned with garlic, spices, and white wine. You'll find it everywhere but the Goat's Foot Lady famous for its Bifana.
– Tapas accompanied by a local wine and a view of the Douro River can be found at Wine Quay Bar.
– We tried delicious burgers at CURB and delicious bistecca at Rice de Oven.
Closing
Completing our journey to Portugal What we can say for sure is that it was unforgettable! We didn't expect such a small country to have so much beauty and to generously give us wonderful images and memories that will accompany us forever! Portugal had it all… Incredible beaches, unique landscapes, traditional architecture, excellent food, hospitable people, history, civilization, culture and a pervasive sense of carefreeness! Everything one needs for their vacation.
That's why it's worth putting this destination in your immediate plans. One thing is for sure: Since Portugal inspired JK Rowling to create the Harry Potter...it will definitely inspire you too!
Check out the video from our incredible roadtrip in Portugal:
