Phylicia StitzelIn order to discover Porto, you will need to bring a pair of good walking shoes. This beautiful city is best seen on foot, however, walking isn’t a breeze for all: there are steep slopes and stone cobbles proliferate in this hilly metropolis. Porto is a city brimming of life and tugs at your heart strings and makes everyone fall in love with the city. Imagine strolling through narrow cobbled streets, each turn unveiling a tableau of vibrant buildings and the gentle murmur of the Douro River accompanying your every step. Welcome to Porto, Portugal, a city where tradition and modernity dance in harmonious balance.
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Table of Contents
- Overview of Porto, Portugal
- Exploring Porto on Foot
- Discovering the World of Port Wine
- Must-Visit Locations in Porto
Overview of Porto, Portugal
Porto, Portugal’s second-largest city, invites travelers to a place where the past is not just preserved but lived and revered. Known for its splendid architecture, this UNESCO World Heritage city is remarkably walkable—so comfortable shoes are a must to climb its storied hills and amble along the riverbank.
The best way to experience Porto, you must enjoy it like a local. Tripeiros – as Porto inhabitants are known – are laid back, pleasant, and enjoy the slower pace of life. It is very common to see people in Porto enjoying the fullest appreciation of life by taking the time ‘to smell the roses’, or in most cases that means sipping on wine.
Drink coffee…a lot of coffee. The Portuguese love their coffee. But the coffee you will find in Porto is not the coffee you will find at a Starbucks, you won’t find ‘cream-no-milk, hold-the-sugar-but-add-two-Splenda’ orders. Coffee, or café, is usually a simple espresso (called a cimbalino in Porto).
Exploring Porto on Foot
Exploring Porto on foot isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a journey through time. Your feet lead you through historical narratives written across centuries-old façades, while views of the Douro River add a picturesque background that feels almost painted on the sky. So be sure that you pack very good walking shoes because you will need them in Porto!
famous Bom Jesus do Monte (Bom Jesus Sanctuary) and the oldest cathedral in the country.
Discovering the World of Port Wine
Port wine is not just a beverage; it’s Porto’s lifeline. From the ambrosial cellars aged with history to the guided tastings, every sip narrates a story of grape and craftsmanship. Visiting renowned cellars, you’ll taste the tradition that has shaped this city.
Be sure that you plan some time to visit the Port Houses. There are dozens of port houses in Porto, since this is the city where Port was originally created. If you are going to visit the port houses along the river, I’d recommend making a reservation prior, they tend to have the most people and have smallest spaces, unless you go during the “off season”. If you want to have a more personal experience, you should head out to the father out port houses and spring to spend a little more for the better tasting experiences.
Must-Visit Locations in Porto
Embark on a Portuguese odyssey as you traverse:
Historic Ribeira District
Situated along the Douro River’s bank, the Ribeira District has been the vibrant heart of Porto for centuries. Its intricate labyrinth of narrow streets and kaleidoscopic houses brim with stories dating back to medieval times. Once a bustling center for commerce and fishermen, today this UNESCO World Heritage Site enchants with its old-world charm and echoes of baroque melodies that once filled the air, especially when the historic São João Festival lights up the district with energy and excitement.
Majestic Porto Cathedral
The Porto Cathedral, or Sé do Porto, towers above the city, offering panoramic views that span the historic city center. This twelfth-century fortress-like edifice stands as a monument to Porto’s religious fervor and architectural evolution. With its imposing façade and beautiful cloisters adorned with azulejos (traditional Portuguese ceramic tiles), it merges Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, reflecting the region’s diverse influences and its importance as a spiritual and political powerhouse.
Livraria Lello
This exquisite, neo-Gothic gem of a bookstore, Livraria Lello, has charmed book lovers and inspired artists since its doors opened in 1906. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, it’s rumored to have been an inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s depiction of Hogwarts. The bookstore’s lavish interior, distinguished by its carved wood, stained glass, and particularly its grand, curvaceous staircase, creates a sense of enchantment that transcends time, celebrating Porto’s deep literary culture.
Dom Luís I Bridge
An iconic symbol of Porto, the Dom Luís I Bridge is not only a feat of engineering but also a connecting artery between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Completed in 1886 by a student of Gustave Eiffel, the double-decker metal arch bridge showcases the industrial prowess of the era. The upper deck offers pedestrians and trams stunning views, while the lower deck serves motor vehicles, binding the Port wine cellars of Gaia with the historical Ribeira district of Porto.
Serralves Museum
A relative newcomer in Porto’s historic landscape, the Serralves Museum, completed in 1999, is a leading contemporary art museum in Portugal set within the Serralves Estate. Its sleek, minimalist design, courtesy of architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, contrasts with the baroque and classical richness found elsewhere in the city. The museum not only reflects Porto’s growing modern cultural scene but also its dedication to showcasing avant-garde exhibitions and installations, all nestled in the lush, sculpted greenery of its gardens.
In each of these storied locations, the past and present of Porto intermingle, casting a magical atmosphere that captures the essence of the city’s heritage and its contemporary beat.
Mercado do Bolhão
No trip to Porto is complete without a trip to Mercado do Bolhão (Bolhão Market). Let the aromas of the market find you before you find it. The sweet juices of the fruit, the comforting smells of freshly bakes breads, cheeses, and the spices will overwhelm all your senses. The open-air market is like many you’ll find in Europe, with vendors selling a variety of fresh and homemade wares at good prices.
The market itself dates back to 1850, is housed behind a neoclassical facade in a two-story building in the heart of Porto. The market is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Entry is free, but you should bring along some cash to spend on the fresh food that may tickle your fancy.
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If you’re in Portugal for the first time, you’re going to want to check out some popular tourist spots. If you’re staying in Porto, be sure to pick up a Lisboa Card or a Porto Card right away. These are city passes that will give you free or discounted admission to lots of major museums, sights, and tours, as well as free transportation on the Metro, public buses, the trams, the funiculars, and some trains. We used these cards when we were in Lisbon too and they were a total lifesaver!
Porto is a city full of life around every corner and a life designed for enjoying the pleasures of life. When you visit, I suggest that you mirror this way of life, it is worth the experience. For more Portugal travel information – click here
