By Donna Richardson
Porto is a delightful destination, offering a feast of foodie spots, culture, and heritage, and earning it a well-deserved reputation as the perfect weekend getaway for friends.
As you wander on foot through the enchanting streets of Porto, take a moment to immerse yourself in its vibrant and dynamic art scene that spills out into every corner of this truly beautiful city.
The city has a fun vibe, with incredible street art, a vibrant market, and bustling cafes that stay open late, as well as a plethora of historical sights throughout the city. Furthermore, Porto boasts an excellent tram system. So when you want to head away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you can take a tram up to Foz do Douro beach or take the Porto Metro to the Praia do Titan beach. Or head to the Porto’s São Bento Railway Station to admire the tile work before heading off to other destinations.
Porto’s past
Porto was a significant Roman stronghold and a key trading location situated near the Atlantic Ocean. In 138 BC, the legions established a trading port, which they named Portus Cale. Castro de Monte Padrao is a tourist attraction where you can explore the ruins of a Roman settlement and also perfectly preserved ancient grounds between Porto and Nazare at Conimbriga. In the city, different historical periods merge, as you stroll across the Dom Luis I Bridge, you’ll overlook terracotta-tiled houses of Riberia and the soft pastel colours that rise from the banks of the Douro River.
Be sure to check out the classical Igreja do Carmo and the Rococo-style Igreja dos Carmelitas, separated by the Casa Escondida, a narrow, three-story “hidden house” built to divide the monks. The Serralves Foundation features a blush pink art deco villa and an angular concrete structure by Álvaro Siza Vieira, set within 18 acres of gardens.
Throughout the city, you can admire detailed tiles and artwork, especially in the Grand Station, which highlights Portugal’s rich history. Since the 15th century, azulejos, glazed ceramic tiles featuring bold, symmetrical patterns, have shaped the city’s artistic heritage.
The streets are also alive with contemporary street art, each mural sharing a unique story. Be sure to find the whimsical Half Rabbit sculpture in Vila Nova de Gaia, by the innovative Bordalo II made entirely out of trash.
Spellbinding attractions
As the city unfolds like a compelling chapter, be sure to stop by the Livraria Lello bookshop, which is linked to the Harry Potter series. The exquisite, wood-panelled interior and sweeping red staircase are credited with inspiring JK Rowling, who lived in the city for a while. It has the most beautiful books too.
This can be found next to the Centro Historico and Sé do Porto Cathedral, so after browsing for books, you’ll find beautiful old churches like Torre de Clérigos. This is Porto’s tallest bell tower, built by Tuscan architect Nasoni, who is buried in a small chapel below. Climb to the top, all 200 odd steps, for splendid city views over the Cais da Ribeira waterfront. In the evenings, enjoy Fado shows performed in many bars and restaurants. And if you want some green space, try the Jardins do Palácio de Crystall, where you can feed the ducks in the lake and watch the peacocks as they strut their stuff against the bank of the Duro.
A Foodie City
Food is also a passion in Portugal’s second city. Enjoy authentic Portuguese dishes and street food. The Porto Cultural District is the perfect place to embark on a gastro tour through the area, offering a diverse selection of restaurants and cafés, including 1828, renowned for serving the best steak in Porto, sourced from the Minho region and Galicia in Spain. These delicious cuts are aged and paired with vintage port wines.
If you are looking for a place to see the sunset, head to Angel’s Share, a wine bar with the best views in Porto, and gaze out over the city as you nibble on snacks.
There are many Portuguese dishes to try in the many restaurants in the city, and be sure to try Porto’s famous francesinha sandwich, which contains meat covered with a tomato sauce and lashings of melted cheese. I also developed a penchant for the famed custard tarts known as Pastel de Nata.
The fish here is exceptionally fresh, and you can enjoy fresh salmon topped with almonds and accompanied by fresh salads. There are many hipster vegan places to eat if you fancy something a bit healthier. And the fruit from the supermarkets is so fresh.
If you want to splash out, Mira Mira by Ricardo is a place to go for fine dining, and April Root & Vine is an exclusive vegetarian restaurant. And who could visit Porto without trying the local sardines? They love them so much that they have a special shop called Mundo Fantastico.
However, if you want to learn to cook like a local, visit Porto’s historic Mercado do Bolhão and then head back to the chef’s home to learn how to make the famous bacalhau com natas, salted cod smothered in a creamy sauce.
Wine and the Douro Valley
The Octant Douro, located along the Douro River, is a stunning hotel, spa, and architectural marvel. Just an hour and a half from Porto, the Douro Valley boasts stunning landscapes with vineyards and wineries known as quintas, making it an ideal destination for day trips, and Octant Douro celebrates organised wine tastings and vineyard tours.
For a truly memorable culinary experience, visit the Michelin Guide-approved restaurant, Raiva, which showcases the region’s incredible delicacies. The hotel supports wine producers of the area with its Producer Week Series. On Fridays and Saturdays, guests can enjoy a special six-course menu paired with a curated selection of wines from that week’s featured producer, and this October, the restaurant will feature a celebration bringing together chefs, artists, and local producers over two spectacular days.
Getting to the Duro Valley is easy. Trains run from São Bento station to Pinhão, and the station itself is a beautiful example of Beaux-Arts architecture, adorned with over 2,000 blue and white azulejos that commemorate Portugal’s significant battles and historical figures. Or Porto can be best appreciated from the river on the hour-long Six Bridges Cruise.
World of Wine and The Pink Palace
Over the bridge to Gaia, an uber-trendy district, you can enjoy spectacular views over the river. Here, you will find The World of Wine (WoW), a purpose-built complex dedicated to the juice of the gods. Within it is the Pink Palace, where you can have some fun as you learn all about the rose variety, a popular beverage in the region. It is a fun girlie day out where you can enjoy glasses of wine as you explore the museum and slowly get intoxicated and have fun in the pink ballpits, an upside-down room, pink cadilacs and random facts about the grape juice along the trail.
Graham’s Port
But the highlight of any trip to Porto is its national drink, Port. Experience the high life with an exquisite Port tasting at the famous Graham’s Port Distillery, which overlooks the river. The tour of the cellar provides fascinating insights into the history and production practices of this wine, which holds protected status and can only be produced in the Douro Valley. Enjoy a generous Port tasting with your friends before strolling down to the river, crossing the iconic bridge, and walking along the riverbank where people dance in the streets to live music.
After the tasting, an enticing aroma of delicious food smells and a lively atmosphere draw you into taverns as you slope down the hills of the city to the Ribeira district, where you can enjoy stunning views as the Douro River creates an impressive backdrop with its colourful houses and curved bridge.
Before heading back uphill, nibble on traditional Portuguese cuisine by the river, accompanied by live music. Be sure to explore the quirky world of a unique sardine shop, Mundo Fantastico, where you can purchase a can with your birthdate printed on it. Next door, enjoy opera while sampling the region’s renowned cheese and fish bites.
Anything and everything can happen in Porto, it is a fun and flirty city and is only a two-hour flight from Stansted airport.
Where to stay
The Octant Douro is a contemporary, design-led property that seamlessly blends into its surroundings, seemingly rising from the earth and blending into the landscape and offering sweeping views across the Douro River. The spa hotel is flooded with natural light and offers an exemplary menu of treatments, meditation sessions, guided walks and immersive dining experiences. Boasting a Michelin-starred chef, Dárcio Henriques, the hotel is a must-visit for food and wine lovers when exploring the region.
The brand has eight boutique properties scattered throughout the country, offering an authentic luxury Portuguese escape, as well as access to local communities through food, wine, and experiences.
More at www.octanthotels.com
Fun facts about Porto
- Did you know? Porto is famous for its Port wine, which is aged in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from the city.
- Did you know? The Dom Luís I Bridge, an iconic symbol of Porto, was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, the creator of the Eiffel Tower.
- Did you know? The Clérigos Tower is one of Porto’s most famous landmarks, and climbing its 225 steps rewards you with a panoramic view of the city.
- Did you know? Porto is home to the oldest wine-producing region in the world, the Douro Valley.
- Did you know? The Church of São Francisco in Porto is famous for its lavish Baroque interior, decorated with over 400 kilograms of gold.
- Did you know? Porto’s trams have been running since 1872, and you can still ride on some of the original vintage trams today.
