What Not To Miss in Porto, Portugal

Porto is the perfect city break destination. I often feel it is unfairly considered inferior to its capital sister Lisbon. But rather than me babble on to you about why you should go somewhere, where you should go etc. I thought I would do a little Photo Travel Guide to Porto, to inject some sunshine into your day and to convince you that this gorgeous city should definitely be on your travel bucket list! 

If you have followed me on Instagram for a while or have noticed that I tend to live through a flurry of ‘I wish I was back in [xxxxxx]’ posts, then you’ll know that my wonderful other half booked a surprise trip to Porto for my birthday, for five days last October. We actually visited Portugal twice last year. We spent a week in Lisbon in April and honestly, I adore the country. I am still struggling to decide between the two cities. But genuinely, Porto is all kinds of beautiful. If I could afford a life of travel and little else I’d be back there ASAP.

Cobbled streets, rooftop bars, riverside walks, Harry Potter vibes, colourful tiled buildings – anyway I’ll stop spoiling it for you, here’s a selection of photos (the quality may be a bit iffy – a girl in need of updating her iPhone 6S) that will brighten up any Sunday morning and probably encourage you to go scrolling through SkyScanner!

Street upon street of the most incredible architecture. You’ll find these gorgeous buildings, at the end of Rua das Flores opposite restaurant Puro 4050 – which FYI is a great dinner spot! 

Pastéis de Nata da Manteigaria – to die for! We first tried these delicious little custard tarts whilst in Lisbon and the ones from Manteigaria were our favourite (definitely feel that we can vouch for these being the best in Porto as we tried SOOOOOO many – like set ourselves a challenge kind of many) you can find this shop where these little pieces of heaven, are 1€ a pop on Rua de Alexandre Braga 24, Porto 4000-049. 

There’s the cutest little street art pieces dotted about – we loved this one by Costah which if I remember rightly was on the street if you walk over the top section of the Dom Luis Bridge > in the direction of Porto! 

Gelato from Santini’s, again another place that we first tried in Lisbon – very popular and there’s so many flavours to choose from! Largo Loios 17, Porto 4050-338, Portugal

The view from Igreja e Colégio de São Lourenço is pretty special and not to be missed. We were taken to this spot on a free walking tour. It’s not one of the most visited view points which is always delightful as it means less people. You also get a magnificent view down the Duoro River over the orange rooftops. 

The famous Livraria Lello is something to be admired, get here early or late on in the evening as queues were mega. But for the Harry Potter fans out there, you will see once inside, where the magic of J.K Rowlings Hogwarts started to come to life. Rua das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto. 

Aveiro is known as the Venice of Portugal and it’s just a short train ride from Porto!

The Capela das Almas is adorned in the bluest tiles and it’s genuinely stunning and a photo in front of this giant door was an opportunity not to be missed. Rua de Santa Catarina 428

Watching the sun go down from this rooftop bar (Espaco Porto Cruz) was my favourite moment of the whole trip (and our bottle of white wine only cost us 9€!!). FYI the best view of Porto is definitely to be seen from over the river in Vila Nova de Gaia. 

Wander through the Ribeira area, the array of colourful architecture and delightful atmosphere make for the most perfect afternoon. 

Head for the Serra do Pilar Monastery. Perched on the top of the hill just over the Dom Luís I Bridge in Gaia, to watch the sunset – just look at that sky and sea of orange roof tops! Largo de Aviz | Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar, Vila Nova de Gaia 4430-329

Definitely try port wine tasting. Josh and I admittedly couldn’t be bothered for a tour of the cellars etc. we just wanted to try the different ports on offer. We opted for to go to Ramos Pinto to try their tasting flight, we got the helpful cards pictured above explaining ‘how to’ try the port ‘properly’. I mean we knocked it back and a lovely couple opposite commented on our very British ‘drink problem’… the white port was a firm favourite and we had a fabulous afternoon.

One last one, be sure to visit Base a lovely garden bar in the centre of Porto, right next to the Torre dos Clérigos – enjoy a glass of vinho verde and a great atmosphere, what more could you want

WHERE TO STAY:

I always bang on about using booking.com and for good reason. There are so many perks, from becoming a Genius member, to discount deals – you can’t really go wrong. Just bear in my mind what you are looking for and filter that search down to the small print. For instance, we always filter for ratings 8+, Wifi and air conditioning.

I’ve popped some recommendations below that hopefully cater to your budget option, whether that be a sod it, it’s pay day let’s splash all the cash or a, I need a comfy bed to fall into asap kinda trip.

A SPLURGE OPTION:

Torel Avantgarde –  located in Porto’s beautiful city centre and is just 10-minute walk from the Douro riverside this gorgeous 5 star hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, gym and spectacular panoramic views over the city.

A SLIGHTLY KINDER TO THE BANK BALANCE OPTION:

Oporto City Flats, Casa de Picaria –This gorgeous little bed and breakfast is located close to Market Bolhao and Lello Bookstore. Super modern accomodation with awesome views close to great restaurants and bars. 

A BUDGET FRIENDLY OPTION: 

Gallery Hostel – Set in a beautiful 19th-century building, Gallery Hostel offers air-conditioned dorm or private rooms. The hostel has a 24-hour front desk and a communal kitchen and bar, so a great space to meet fellow travellers.

Thankyou so much for reading. Now go and book those flights to Porto – you won’t be disappointed!

Further Portuguese wanderlust can be inspired through this guide to Lisbon!