There are surely countless articles available online about where to go in Portugal, what to visit, what to do, where to eat and a plethora more of subjects written by fellow bloggers which are in all due honesty great. I'm about to write one more of these guides, but why should you continue reading my article? Well, I was born and bred in Portugal, have travelled the country where many of my friends and family still live extensively and have that so-called insiders knowledge that you only get when you're given bread soaked in wine at the age of 2 by your grandfather (for real).
This guide is part of an extensive resource library of articles put together by me to make your next holiday in the westernmost country of Europe truly memorable.
So to start off with, let me tell you how a perfect 1 weekend only itinerary should look like.
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and in a way the capital of the manufacturing heart of this country. The city itself has a powerful identity and is also quirkier than Lisbon, the country's capital. Porto feels eerier than most cities in Portugal that is hard to describe, but Porto is no horror story, there are so many good things about this city that after your first visit you'll surely make plans to return someday for more of what this city has to offer.
Porto actually means Port, and naturally, the sea is never too far away. The city is home to the beautiful Douro river, magnificent architecture, unpretentious but delicious food and the world-famous Port wine.
So where to go if you only have 1 weekend in this beautiful city. Here is the ultimate guide to having a fab time in Porto.
Day 1
09:00 am - Start Your Day With A Proper Portuguese Breakfast At Mercado Do Bolhão
Portuguese breakfast usually means having a savoury snack followed by a pastry washed down with some delicious coffee and what best place to do so than the Inaugurated in 1914 Mercado do Bolhão (Bolhão Market). This market is one of the most popular and lively in Porto. The market specializes in meat, fish, fruit, flowers, vegetables and other products.
There will be endless options when it comes to having breakfast in Porto. My advice is don't go for the trendy/hipster spots ask a local (yes I'm actually advising you to talk to another human being in the XXI instead of using google) where's a good place to have breakfast in the vicinities of Mercado Do Bolhão and they'll surely point you in the direction of a decent cafe. Rule of thumb if there are plenty of people inside and infinite rows of cakes on display it is a good place.
You could perhaps order:
1 croissant com queijo (cheese croissant) or pão de sementes com queijo (multigrain bread with cheese)
1 galão (latte) or 1 cafe abatanado (American coffee)
1 sumo de laranja fresquinho (freshly squeezed orange juice)
1 bolo (pastry) of your choice such as a pastel de nata
11:00 am - Buy A Book At Lello Bookstore
Now that your stomach is happy it's time to visit one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Livraria Lello inaugurated on January 13th, 1906, has an excellent neo-gothic façade, where you can see two figures painted by José Bielman, representing the Science and the Art. This facade is only surpassed by its stunning interior, designed by Xavier Esteves. Entrance to the bookstore is free.
12 o'clock - Visit The Sao Bento Train Station For Some Tile Love
Wherever you go in Portugal there will be tiles decorating the facades of different buildings. The main train station of Porto is no exception. The walls inside the Sao Bento train station are decorated with approximately 20,000 'azulejos' (tiles) which tell the story of Portugal. Entrance is to the station is free. The blue and white tiles were placed over a period of 11 years (1905–1916) by artist Jorge Colaço. Included in the landscapes and ethnographic displays are the Battle of Valdevez (1140) and the Conquest of Ceuta (1415) along with several other important events.
01:00 pm - Try Some Francesinhas
Francesinhas can now be found in many restaurants in Portugal, but the best ones live in the North of Country where Porto is located. Fracesinha literally translated means “little Frenchie”. Apparently, the name has its origins in the 50’s and 60’s, when during Portugal’s dictatorship millions of Portuguese people migrated to France. Many years later and when they were sent home, influenced by the French culture, the Portuguese took the croque monsieur to their hearts. The Portuguese version of this classic consists of toasted bread layered with pork, smoked sausage, bacon, beefsteak and topped with a fried egg and cheese. At the same time, it is served with fries and a local spicy sauce usually made of tomato, beer and spices.
Café Santiago - Rua de Passos Manuel, 198 | Porto
Capa Negra II - Rua do Campo Alegre, 191 | Porto
Cantarinha - Largo da Maternidade de Júlio Dinis, 75 | Porto
03:00 pm - Stroll Along The River At Ribeira Square
Ribeira Square designated World Heritage by UNESCO, is another iconic place in the city of Porto. You can sit at one of the many terraces and order a quick snack and drink, or just sit near the waterfront and enjoy the scenery. From Praca da Ribeira you can either head towards the Luis I bridge or head in the opposite directions if you'd like to visit the beach (be warned though that this will be about a 5km walk)
04:00 pm - Walk Across The Luís I Bridge At Sunset
Crossing the Luis I bridge from Porto to Gaia (that's the name of the city on the other margin of the river) will be one of the highlights of any visit to Porto. You should opt for the top-level when crossing the bridge as the views are far better. If you're travelling with your partner and feel like doing something romantic this is the place.
05:00 pm - Try Port Wine From The Opposite Side Of Douro River
On the other bank of the river, in Gaia, you'll find the famed Port Wine Cellars. Porto's main export is this type of dessert wine which is famous all around the world. Once at the wine cellars you'll have to join a guided tour if you want to visit them. Port wine can last for centuries and has been made for centuries in the Douro valley. The best vintage Ports continue to be made in an almost artisanal way, the grapes are trodden by foot which allows the gentle extraction of colour, tannin, and flavours before the fermentation is stopped with the addition of spirit halfway through the fermentation process, which leaves a relatively high amount of sugar remaining in the wine.
Day 2
09:00 am - Visit The Clérigos Church Tower
After you've grabbed a coffee and a pastry from yet another amazing coffee shop (there are many in Porto), head to Torre dos Clerigos. Be warned though that this is not just another church, the Clérigos Tower can be seen from almost anywhere around the city centre as it sits on top of a hill, the “hill of the hanged men”, where the executed prisoners were buried, and is a famous landmark of the city. You can climb the tower's 200 steps for some awesome views for a small fee. The interior of this church is also beautifully decorated. Bring some water with you and comfortable shoes for the climb to the top.
11:00 am - Enjoy The View And Take Some Awesome Photos From Miradouro Da Vitoria
Miradouro is the Portuguese word for viewpoint, which are usually built on high ground, and these are a must in any Portuguese whenever one is present. The Miradouro da Vitoria is no exception. Within walking distance from Torre Do Clerigos, the view over the Ribeira from here is a great way to take in some of the main sights such as the Dom Luis bridge and the Se & Bishop's Palace all standing above the patchwork of terracotta roofs below.
12 o'clock - Visit Porto's Cathedral - Se Do Porto
With its Baroque exterior, stunning Romanesque facade and nave with a little touch of Gothic style on the inside, the church is a must-visit for travellers who are interested in the history of the city. The church is located in the historic centre of Porto and is one of the oldest such buildings in the city.
01:00 pm - Take The Funicular Dos Guindais
The Funicular dos Guindais runs along a steep hill connecting the Ribeira neighbourhood, located on the riverbank, and Batalha, at the top of the city. After you've been to the Se Cathedral Of Porto this is the quickest and most scenic way for you to head to the Ribeira Square area once more. The funicular railway, originally built to facilitate the movement of cargo, particularly Port wine, will gently take you along the steep cliff where the Batalha neighbourhood is perched to Ribeira. The journey is rather quick, only three-minutes and the price is usually less than $3 USD, Oh, and did I mention that the view over the Douro River and the spectacular metal bridge is stunning?
03:00 pm - Enjoy A Relaxing Walk Along The Seafront
After you've stopped for lunch perhaps at Adega São Nicolau (a typical Portuguese food restaurant serving massive portions of food) around Ribeira Square, it's time to digest all that food and head to the beach. The word beach destination may not be the first thing that pops in your mind when you visit Porto but you'd be surprised with the quantity and quality of beaches, many of which are easily accessibly by public transport. The city lies at the heart of the Costa Verde, a rugged coastline of golden beaches, rocky headlands and dramatic natural scenery. The close proximity of Porto to these wonderful beaches is not widely publicised, and many visitors are unaware that a trip to Porto in summer can also include day trips to the beaches. Other than sunbathing you can have surf lessons, eat some fresh seafood in one of the many restaurants available or enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset over the Atlantic.
Porto F.A.Q.
Q: When To Visit Porto?
A: From May to October is the best time to go as the weather is warmer, the days are longer and you can also go to the beach. In June there's also the S. Joao festival which you shouldn't miss.
Q: How To Get Around In Porto
A: Porto is a relatively small city and the best way to travel around the city is definitely by foot. If you really need to you can always rely on the really good metro system which us both safe and cheap. Metro should also get you from the airport to the city centre, however, if your flight gets to Porto too late you can get an Uber.
Q: How Much Money Will I Need
A: Porto is a fairly cheap destination. Expect to spend anywhere from 20 to 50 USD per day depending on your travel style. I usually eat in decent but not too pricey restaurants and either chose to stay in Airbnb's or hostels.
Q: Do I Need Travel Insurance
A: You should always get travel insurance before travelling. I would recommend WorldNomads.com which usually suits my needs. If you need travel insurance, give World Nomads a try.
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