Top things to do and see in Porto, Portugal
Updated: Jun 12, 2020
Porto, a coastal city in NorthWest Portugal, in my opinion - is an understated and under-hyped Portuguese city but with just as much colour, culture, and culinary finesse as its bigger and more boisterous Sibling - Lisboa (Lisbon). Not that we need to compare the two as both cities have a very unique and different offering and deserve tourist credits in their own right, but I think Porto should be on a lot more peoples' radar and certainly on your European Bucket List. This blog post will outline my top pics for visiting Porto...
Take a River Cruise and Admire the Seven Bridges of Porto
Cruise along the River Douro (almost 900 Km long) originating at it's source near Duruelo de la Sierra in Soria Province across northern-central Spain to its outlet at Porto. Boat cruises start at the Cais da Ribeira and are approximately 15 Euro for a one hour cruise. The seven bridges cruise is both relaxing and informative, just sit back, relax, soak up the culture and some sun and is agreta way to see the city from the water. This is a nice easy activity to do upon arrival in Porto if you don't want to do anything too strenuous on your first day.
Say at little prayer at one of Porto's beautiful Churches
The Architecture of many of Porto's Churches is really something to be admired, from the Gothic Exteriors to the Baroque interiors, Porto's churches, and their craftsmanship really is something for the Portuguese to be proud off. If you are pressed for time, visit the São Francisco Church, The Cathedral of Porto (which also boasts some of the best viewpoints of the city) and the Church of Santa Clara, which has absolutely breathtaking interiors and just a short stroll from the Cathedral of Porto.
Go Port Tasting at one of Porto's famous Port Wine Cellars
Naturally, you would expect Porto to have some of the best Port Wine Cellars in the world, and thankfully it lives up to its reputation. There are a handful of the creme de la creme to chose from, including Taylors, Porto Caleam and Quinta do Noval but my absolute favorite was Graham's Port lodge. Graham's boasts views of the city and over looking the River Douro. It has a beautiful Restaurant and Wine Bar situated on site where you can soak up the sun on the terrace. It is called Vinum Restaurant & Wine Bar which I would highly recommend for the chef's tasting menu and port pairing. It showcased the very best of Portuguese cuisine and Port and was surprising affordable. I stayed there for hours with a friend just soaking up the atmosphere (and a lot of Port). if there is one thing you do when in Porto - make sure it is a trip to Graham's Port lodge for the Chef's menu and Port Tasting. You will not be disappointed.
Watch the world go by at the Cais da Ribeira
This is Porto's picturesque riverside area where tourists and locals come to mingle. There are an abundance of riverside bars and restaurants, serving local delicacies, mainly seafood and the locally sourced cod fish. Unlike most European cities, where restaurants and bars meet the water, you would expect to pay premium prices, but this is refreshingly not the case at Cais da Ribeira where many local, independent establishments still prosper.
Enjoy Portuguese Sangria at one of Porto's top Brunch Spots
Quite possibly, I have tasted one of the nicest Sangria's ever to cross my lips at Zenith Brunch in Porto. They do their own take on the traditional Sangria which is a lot lighter and fruitier but still alcoholic. The Portuguese are becoming really good at embracing the Western Brunch scene with a hybrid offering of both traditional cuisine and Western Influence. It is just better here because the sun is shining and you can stretch brunch out all afternoon long. For my favorite brunch spots in Porto, check out my blog post on my Top 5 Brunch spots in Porto.
Soak up the Sun and Cool off in the Atlantic at one of Porto's Blue Flag Beaches
There are some beautiful Portuguese Beaches that can be found in close proximity to the city, with Matosinhos being the most conveniently located just past the Parque de Cidade, with a massive bay that seems boundless when the tide is out. If you find yourself with a bit more time on your hands, Labruge Beach, with its beautiful stretch of white sand is worth a visit, but be prepared to travel for at least 1 hour if using public transport or you can get there in 30 minutes by car.
Watch the Sun Go down over the city with views from the Yeatman Hotel
The Yeatman is a five-star luxury hotel in Porto boasting views across the city and the River Douro. The Yeatman is located in the historic heart of Vila Nova de Gaia next to the ancient ‘lodges' where Port houses have aged their wines for over three centuries. It's restaurant has a beautiful terrace where you can dine in the two-Michelin-Starred restaurant and watch the sun go down with a glass of champagne in hand. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
Take a Stroll along the the Foz do Douro
The Foz is a trendy and affluent district where the River Douro meets the Ocean. There stands the Farol Molhe do Douro lighthouse which was erected over a century ago to guide vessels in and out of the Douro. It was made redundant in 2009. The Foz also boasts some wonderful restaurants serving up the best of seafood to the District. Check out Pedro Lemos or Cafeina for a memorable experience and fine Portuguese cuisine. If you are on more of a budget, stroll across to neighboring Matosinhos were local fishermen serve the seaside restaurants and shacks, most of which serve up the catch of the day, straight from the Atlantic to your plate. No frills here just delicious, modest seafood.
#Porto #Thingstodoandseeinporto #theyeatmanporto #portugal #memoirsofamountaingirl #foz #seafood #portuguesecusine #travelblog #travelblogger #cityescape #eurobreak #europe #europeancities #thebestofporto #beachesofporto #riverdouro
Comments