There are undoubtedly numerous articles online about places to visit in Portugal, what to see, activities to engage in, dining options, and a multitude of other topics crafted by fellow bloggers, which are, to be honest, excellent. I'm about to add another guide to the mix, but why should you read my article? Well, I was born and raised in Portugal, have travelled extensively across the country where many of my friends and family still reside and possess that insider knowledge you only acquire when your grandfather gives you bread soaked in wine at the age of 2 (truly).
This guide is part of an extensive resource library of articles I put together to make your next holiday in the westernmost country of Europe truly memorable.
So, to start off with, let me tell you what a perfect 1 weekend 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 better 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.
When it comes to breakfast in Porto, the options are limitless. I recommend avoiding the trendy or hipster spots; instead, ask a local (yes, I'm suggesting you speak to another person in the 21st century rather than relying on Google) for a good breakfast spot near Mercado Do Bolhão. They'll likely guide you to a decent cafe. A good rule of thumb is if the place is busy and has endless rows of cakes on display, it's a great choice.
You could perhaps order:
1 queijo croissant (cheese croissant) ou pão multigrãos com queijo (multigrain bread with cheese)
1 galão (latte) ou um café abatanado (American coffee)
1 sumo de laranja fresco (freshly squeezed orange juice)
1 bolo (pastry) à sua escolha, como um 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 Lell,o inaugurated on January 13th, 1906, has an excellent neo-gothic façade, where you can see two figures painted by José Bielman, representing Science and Art. This facade is only surpassed by its stunning interior, which Xavier Esteves designed. Entrance to the bookstore is free.
12 o'clock - Visit The Sao Bento Train Station For Some Tile Love
Wherever you go in Portugal, tiles will decorate 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 'azuleijos' (tiles), which tell the story of Portugal. The entrance 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 Francesinha
Francesinhas can now be found in many restaurants in Portugal, but the best ones are located in the north of the country, where Porto is located. Fracesinha literally translated means “little Frenchie”. Apparently, the name originated in the 50s and 60s, when, during Portugal’s dictatorship, millions of Portuguese people migrated to France. Many years later, 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, and 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 with 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 Ribeir,a 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
Across the river in Gaia, you'll discover the renowned Port Wine Cellars. Porto's primary export, this dessert wine, is celebrated worldwide. To explore the wine cellars, you must participate in a guided tour. Port wine can endure for centuries and has been produced for centuries in the Douro Valley. The finest vintage Ports are still crafted in a nearly artisanal manner. The grapes are trodden by foot, allowing for the gentle extraction of colour, tannin, and flavours. Fermentation is halted by adding spirit midway, leaving a relatively high sugar content in the wine.
Day 2
09:00 am - Visit The Clérigos Church Tower
Once you've picked up a coffee and a pastry from one of Porto's many fantastic coffee shops, make your way to Torre dos Clérigos. Be aware that this isn't just any church; the Clérigos Tower is visible from nearly anywhere in the city centre as it stands atop a hill known as the “hill of the hanged men”, where executed prisoners were laid to rest, is a well-known city landmark. For a small fee, you can ascend the tower's 200 steps for some incredible views. The church's interior is also beautifully adorned. Remember to bring water and wear 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 is 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 enjoying lunch, perhaps at Adega São Nicolau—a Portuguese restaurant known for its generous portions—located around Ribeira Square, it's time to let your meal settle and make your way to the beach. While Porto might not immediately come to mind as a beach destination, you'll be pleasantly surprised by the number and quality of beaches, many of which are easily accessible via public transport. The city is nestled within the Costa Verde, a stunning coastline featuring golden beaches, rocky headlands, and breathtaking natural scenery. Porto's proximity to these amazing beaches is not widely advertised, leaving many visitors unaware that a summer trip to Porto can include beach excursions. Beyond sunbathing, you can take surf lessons, savour fresh seafood at one of the numerous restaurants, or enjoy a cocktail as you watch the sunset over the Atlantic.
Porto F.A.Q.
Q: When To Visit Porto?
A: 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 is 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 choose 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.
PIN IT!
Comments