Porto, or Oporto, is a city in northern Portugal, where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Porto’s 2000-year-old center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, notable for historic buildings of various architectural styles that showcase continuous growth and prosperity over the centuries. Porto’s prime location near sea trade routes ensured that the city’s port was always busy. The region is blessed with a near-perfect climate, never too hot or too cold, too wet or too dry. Even in December, when much of Europe is chattering its teeth, the sun still beams its warmth on the Iberian coast. This makes Porto an excellent choice for a winter break. Just make sure to give yourself enough time to fully enjoy all the city has to offer. There are so many fun things to do in Porto, Portugal.
Port Tasting
Porto’s famed Port wine cellars are spread along a hillside across the river from old town. Port is a sweet fortified wine, meaning that brandy has been added during the fermentation process. It is made exclusively in Portugal’s Douro Valley. Historically, the casks of Port were transported down the Douro River to cellars in Porto, where the wine would be left to slowly age in cool temperatures.
There are dozens of cellars in Porto, and many offer tastings and tours. I visited two: Croft and Taylor’s. Croft is the oldest producer of Port wine, and also one of the most innovative. They were the first house to develop a rosé Port known as Croft Pink. I combined my tasting with a tour of Croft’s Port cellar and was impressed with the friendly and knowledgeable guide.
While I preferred the taste of Taylor’s Port, I thought the service here was lackluster. The bartender was uninterested in explaining the varieties on offer and the serving of cheese I bought was disappointingly meager. Since Taylor’s Port is popular and readily available for purchase elsewhere, the only reason to visit the cellar is for the rooftop terrace views.
Not sure which cellar you should visit? Conduct your own tasting at the Wine Quay Bar. Tucked along the Ribeira neighborhood with a prime view of the Luis I Bridge, this is the perfect spot to research Port varietals (Ruby, Tawny, White, LBV, etc.) and producers. Completely new to Port? This article is a good place to start.
Cross the Luis I Bridge
This distinctive double-decker iron bridge was erected in 1886 by a student of Gustav Eiffel, and named after Dom Luis I, then King of Portugal. To reach the Port cellars from old town, you’ll need to cross the bridge either by foot or by tram. I recommend walking across the upper level for the breathtaking view of the Douro River. You can then ride a cable car down the cellars.
Visit Harry Potter’s Bookshop
There is plenty more to do in Porto than drink alcohol. Bibliophiles and Harry Potter fans will rejoice in Livraria Lello, the beautiful bookshop said to have been J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley. Vintage books line the century-old wooden shelves, while new releases are piled on tables near the door. The most eye-catching feature, though, is the swirling double staircase dominating the center of the shop. This is an extremely popular tourist destination, so go early or buy tickets online to avoid a lengthy wait. Yes, you must buy a ticket to enter the bookshop, and it will be very crowded inside. It took me 10 minutes and multiple tries to get a photo of the stairs without any people on them. You’ll have to decide for yourself if it’s worth it.
Climb Clerigos Tower
Porto’s hillside locale provides no shortage of vantage points, but none is greater than Clerigos Tower. Climbing the 225 steps to the top will reward you with 360-degree views of the sprawling city. I visited in the morning and most of my photos were taken looking towards the sun. The tower stays open until 7pm, so it might be better to visit in the late afternoon when the lighting is better. Take a few moments to admire the large chapel and marble altarpiece of Clerigos Church before starting the trek up.
Admire the Azulejos
Porto’s architecture is notable for its blue and white azulejo tiles. Thousands of them adorn city buildings, often in great murals depicting important historical events. Some of the best examples can be fount in the Sao Bento Railway Station, Igreja do Carmo, and Igreja de Santo Ildefonso.
Wander the Ribeira
Porto’s Ribeira is arguably the most colorful neighborhood in the city. Narrow cobblestone streets lined with cafes, bars, and shops wind up the hillside from the Douro River. 18th century townhouses are stacked up like Legos, while decorative Art Nouveau facades add an air of whimsy beside stolid Gothic church spires. Even derelict structures add charm, particularly those covered in street art and azulejo tiles.
Ride the Tram
Porto’s many attractions are spread across steep hills, but easy to access thanks to efficient tram service. Take a ride in one of the vintage cars and feel yourself transported back to the turn of the 19th century.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth
Lisbon may have a lock on egg tarts, but Porto has the best eclairs. Leitaria da Quinta do Paco is a dairy shop that began dabbling in eclairs around 50 years ago, and the world is better for it. While I was tempted to do a tasting of all eight flavors, I settled on toffee and classic chocolate, both filled with Chantilly cream. If you only have room for one, go for the toffee!
Eat a Sandwich
Porto is apparently known for its sandwiches. Francesinha is the most iconic, dubbed “king of sandwiches” by local aficionados. The francesinha consists of roasted meat between two pieces of thick white bread, topped with cheese and a fried egg, and smothered in a tomato-beer sauce. Trust me, it’s as rich as it sounds!
For a lighter bite, head to A Sandeira do Porto for some of the tastiest sandwiches in town. The lunchtime set is also one of the best bargains. You can find the tiny sandeira down an alley conveniently near Sao Bento station.
Sample Portuguese Cuisine
If you want to indulge in a more modern version of Portuguese comfort food, I can heartily recommend Cantinho do Avillez. Large scallops came perfectly seared atop a luscious bowl of Portobello risotto. A tender roasted piece of octopus was served with a creamy mash of potatoes, tomatoes, herbs, and cheese. Prawns were prepared the old-fashioned way, with white wine, lemon juice, and cilantro. Some classics simply can’t be improved upon. For the finishing touch, the delectable desserts were expertly paired with a glass of Port.
What are your favorite Porto activities?
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Am particularly interested in your blog on Madrid, Barcelona and key towns in Portugal- Porto & Lisbon.
Thanks, Fran! Be on the lookout for a new Lisbon post this week.
I had to click into your post. Porto is on the menu early in 2018 for me and your post definitely confirms my ideas! It looks like a beautiful city with plenty to do!
Thanks, Gearoid! I was very pleasantly surprised by Porto and wished I’d had more than three days to spend there. A return trip is in the works. I hope you enjoy the city as much as I did!