Let me start off my explaining ‘faded grandeur’. It means that Porto’s beautiful historical architecture and homes used to be perfectly chiseled and painted, but have aged a bit, a losing a bit of their pristine looks, but it in NO way deters from all of its stunning beauty!
Cobbled streets, tiled building, historical architecture, aging pastel homes, colorful gardens… for someone who is plain and simply obsessed with other time periods and time travel, Porto is another beautiful Portuguese city that is like taking a trip back in time. It’s a bit like going back in time for sure. That back in time feeling is because of Porto’s signature architecture that includes a mix of Baroque, Neoclassical and splash of Belle Epoque architecture, in case you enjoy European architecture and learning about it, like myself 🙂
And it’s not just the lovely buildings, sights and history, it’s also the one of kind locals and city’s own culture, that is so wonderfully and uniquely Porto. Pictures don’t do justice to how vibrant Porto really is, you’ll just have to experience it for yourself.
And this post completes your quintessential guide for everything Porto, including several things you’ve seen on other travel guides but also a few of those once in a while experiences like the Sao Joao festivities in June. How fun!
You can visit all the locations in this post on a nice long day of walking, that’s how accessible and easy to explore Porto is! You’ll definitely make your way to all of these historical streets and locations, as well as the lovely Ribeira overlooking Vila Nova de Gaia, which you can easily close over to bridge to visit if you’re around for a few extra days. And traveling to the Douro region is a MUST!
Hello beautiful flower-covered green store front !
Colorful and varying historical architectural beauties!
When I go to Porto, my history, european architecture loving heart notices all the older buildings that lived through hundreds of years of deep cultural history. Then there is all the colorful houses. For a the professional or even average travel photographer like myself, there is so much beauty in this city for your eye to gravitate towards and swoon over, that walking around Porto’s streets becomes an invigorating photographic travel adventure. Need I remind you how simply photogenic Porto’s Ribeira is?!
Where else in the world can you find a place where hanging laundry can be so photogenic? Or peeling pastel buildings can be so mesmerizing in the sunlight? And can we talk about the iconic Porto handcrafted tiles that beautify the entire city and its culture. Porto does it beautifully!
There are Little Shops and Art Galleries galore!!
I loved walking down the old streets of Porto, and Rua Miguel Bombard is one of the loveliest, and known for some of the best of the city’s culture. Not only is it filled with quaint art galleries and mouthwatering al fresco seated restaurants, but every two months for one Saturday the streets are filled with live music and entertainment. The timing also couldn’t be more than the perfect as we passed we stopped to watch a true bohemian playing the coolest instruments, unique musical pieces a la Moulin Rouge. We watched and listened in awe and this talented man played festive melodies, as his adorable blonde son danced around with his pet chicken. And yes, this description is exactly what you’d find amongst the lively streets of Porto.
If shopping is your thing, you’ll love roaming around to find plenty of small family owned shops, vintage stores filled with beautiful traditional pieces, markets, and quaint cafes.
And did I even forget to mention the handcrafted tiles?? This is one of Porto’s most iconic cultural pieces and works of art!
What makes this city known for its vibrance its immense art scene. We didn’t make to Casa Serralves, and its spectacular villa and Art Deco gardens, but I will next time. And if you happen to find yourself in Porto during their 72 hour, non-stop, arts festival weekend, GO! It’s famous for its artists, sculptures, music and everything to inspired your creativity!
The first thing I like to do whenever I visit to a new city, is get lost and wander the streets.
I loved the unpretentious old streets of Porto, even the tiny steep and long staircase streets that lead you to the Ribeira and the Douro River.
The roads are made of tiles and cobble stones, and although very pretty, it can become a bit unsafe to walk on especially if you’re wearing heels or becomes wet. As a tip, bring comfortable shoe. Expect to do some serious walking around this city!
Signature stacked sandwiches topped with eggs, grilled sardines and great wine! Porto’s signature cuisine is one you’ll love!
Porto is synonymous with great food, friendly and helpful people, and authentic charm. Even though it can be considered a small city, it doesn’t go unnoticed, as those who visit it are almost always more than willing to return for a second or third time – be it for the food, the views, or the cheerful people.
Porto’s specialty, at least one of them, is a Francesinha, a type of sandwich stuffed with different meats and covered with melted cheese and a spicy “secret” sauce. I say “secret” because no one will ever reveal to you what makes theirs so special. It’s inspired by the French croque monsieur, usually served with fries and beer, or in my case a glass or two of Merlot. It’s one of Porto’s famous dish and simply a must try.
Since I’m a vegetarian, it was a bit hard to find one I could finally try, but this is the capital of the Francisinha, so if I was going to try this dish, it was going to be in Porto. We stopped at THE CASE FRAN?? A two story hot spot serving only different versions of this city’s classic sandwich. I had the vegan one with seitan, stuffed with layers of zucchini, eggplant and yellow squash. It was delish. It really is the sauce that makes this dish, I would definitely want to eat this with some grilled shrimp, like they serve in Café Barcarola. Yum! It’s making me list for next stop. And fair warning, it’s definitely not a light dish.
We didn’t make it to the famed Bolhao Market, but if you want to really get a true taste of any European city, head to their weekend markets, you’ll get true culture. It really is worth it to admire the colors, sounds, and smells of such a special place that dates back to 1850.
And where else are you served an entire grilled octopus for your meal with roasted new potatoes and grilled peppers for 16 euros? Porto, that’s where!
For breakfast, you won’t find a shortage of cafes with great coffee and freshly baked breads and sweet treats. If you’re looking for a more healthier alternative, The Traveller Caffe is a great little spot with fresh pressed juices, cereals, sandwiches and Acai Bowls, which are so delicious! Who knows you might even spot an actor enjoying their breakfast there too {yes that happened to us}. 
The Wine! The Port! There is no better place to try some of the world’s oldest wine region’s wine. And the port, it has withdrew through hundreds of years, kings, wars and ….so it’s an absolute must try.
You cannot go to Porto without sampling its famous Port wines. Wine tastings are easily available and relatively inexpensive. Try every Port wine variety you can from the classic to the white version, which I really enjoyed. You should also enjoy a few glasses of Douro wine. Douro is one of the finest wines I’ve tasted and the native harvesting region is one of the most stunning places I’ve seen. Which is why it needed its own two posts. But while in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia, plan a visit to the wine cellars and sample these world famous wines. You doesn’t love a good tasting? Especially when it includes bites of cheeses and cured meats. I mean where else can you find yourself savoring a sampling of some of the best wine and port, only to walk out and be graced to stunning river views of historical terra-cotta tile roofed homes.
Even the weather or nighttime can make this city shine any less…
Last year when you visited Porto we stayed for 3 days so we’re able to see this city well into its just as vibrant nightlife. THE TWO STREETS are lined with smalls bars, bistro restaurants and lounges. A great meetup for drinks and coffee or some dancing with friends into the summer night breeze.
This year my return to Porto was a relaxing day trip with my mother and my aunt, sister. Although, it rained on our way there once we arrived into the city, even a 5 minute downpour and speratic mist showers couldn’t stop us from enjoying this lovely city in a different light.
My other visit to Porto we traveled specifically experience the São João festivities and the city streets were bustling and filled like I’ve never seen before! And THIS STREET was over flowing with joyous celebration-ers.
Porto actually has its own bar district, home to its distinct nightlife, composed of two famous streets, Galeria de Paris e Rua de Cândido dos Reis, where every other door is a bar or a café. Each has its own look, feel and vibe, including some really elegant bars that do require a fee to enter. And in turn European fashion, you can also keep drinking on the streets, with the nightlife of Porto there are several cafés where you can get a drink in a plastic cup to go.
And during the city’s Sao Joao festivities the entire city comes outside to revel!
Oh gorgeous building, I miss looking at you beauties everyday. Once you visit, you will too!
The Traveller Caffe*
Mamma Mia*, great thin crust pizzas and classic Porto dishes
Cafe Majestic* on Rua Santa Catarina,Porto’s busiest shopping street. It’s very well known, it’s antique historical decor inside well-worth the slightly over-priced food. . It’s considered a fine dining-esk cafe but for $50 you can eat a really nice lunch, with dessert, good wine and of course espressos.
Explore one of the city’s numerous and age old Caverns for wine and port tastings. Visit Calem, one of our most famous port wine makers, across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia which is a nice easy walk over the bridge
The Restaurants on the Ribeira along the river are all pretty darn great! Tucked within are wine and port tasting caverns you need to venture into too!
Cafe Buracao
Terrace 260, it has a great outdoor seating and lounge area with sunset views
Zaza
Cantina 32
Largo do Paco, Michelin Star rated
Yeatman Hotel, for Luxury Fine Dining
Bacalhau
O Gaveto
Casa d’Oro
Wine Quay Bar
Camafeu
O Paparico, modern Portuguese
Terra, is sushi with a twist and known for being one of the most design-centric places in the city. It’s a must stop for my next visit!
Em Carne Viva, a well known vegetarian hot spot set in a garden… Why haven’t I been here yet??
Cafe Santiago, known for their Francesinhas
AirBnB. I went with this option every time and it has an amazing selection of apartments andhomes in every neighborhood
Pestana Vintage Hotel has fabulous views of the Douro river and its Port wine cellars
For more Douro River views stay at 1872 River House
Rosa Et Al is known for it’s insanely good brunch
Mercador Guesthouse is perfect for transporting you to another time
For quirky vintage vibes stay at the Art Deco Pão de Açúcar hotel, where even famed Fado singer Amália Rodrigues has stayed
If you’re into films, the Rivoli Cinema Hostel is a townhouse with smart movie-themed dorm/double rooms and outdoor roof terrace
Flores Village is a eighteenth-century boutique hotel with a hidden garden at the back
The Yeatman isn’t only known in Porto for its two-Michelin-starred restaurant but its famed hotel is known for its fantastic views over the city
When it comes to stay in Porto, there are no short of Hostel, Apartments & Hotels!
São Bento Train Station … that tile work!*
Palácio da Bolsa
Catch a picturesque sunset from lovely spots like the Dom Luis Bridge and Terrace 360 {also great spot for food & drinks}*
Get lost in the Livraria Lello, the library that inspired J.K. Rowling when she was first writing Harry Potter!*
Stop by the baroque belltower the Torre dos Clérigos, see its beautiful marbel chapel then ascent to the towers to to catch 360-degree views of the red-roofed homes and Douro River*
Crystal Palace Gardens
Take a trip to Foz, a mini city within Porto with beaches, seaside outdoor cafes and stroll on the Avenida do Brasi along the sunset onto the Atlantic
Take a new walking tour & see Porto’s street art which includes the story behind each piece
Ride one of the iconic city boats onto the Douro River beneath its famous bridges
Then head to the Douro Region for vineyard tours, wine tastings and majestic river boat rides*
Attend the city’s Sao Joao festivities on June 24th*
Visit one of the many exhibits/fairs/workshops popping up around the city daily
Visit the Serralves Musuem, one of Europe’s most renowned contemporary art museums. And if you’re in Porto at the beginning of June, you’ll have to attend the Serralves Em Festa Arts Festival, Portugal’s biggest contemporary arts festival and one of the largest in Europe
Walk over the Dom Luis bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia and see Porto from the other side of the river & explore most of the country’s Port wine makers*
Eat a Francesinha! Vegetarians, you’ll find one for you too, I did!*
Stroll along the Ribeira, then take a seat and glass of Vinho Verde*
Attend a musical performance at the Casa da Música
Marés Swimming Pool, are some of the prettiest pools in the world and I only found out about this place this year. I definlyte need to make it to this architectural natural wonder lodged between the rocks and sea, creating a salt water pool of relaxation and wonder
Porto, you are truly a spectacular city!! I’m looking forward to returning again already…
Check out part one and two of my Porto trip and my wine adventure in Douro!
*All photos taken by and property of Dreamery Events. If you’d like to share any, that’s great! Just please make sure to give credit for photography 🙂
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