Exploring Portugal's Vibrant Northern Coast

Why Porto Should Be Top of Your Portugal Travel List

This is Porto.

It didn’t take much effort to capture her beauty. Porto is like something out of the movies—a colorful and historic city set on the northern coast of Portugal, the birthplace of Port wine and a haven of exceptional seafood.

Not only is the city charming, but so are its people.

I found the Portuguese to be very welcoming to their visitors. They graciously share the beauty of their country, culture, and cuisine.

Overview:

I spent three full days and two half days in Porto in early May, 2024.

Now, one thing you should know is that I’m an incredibly spontaneous traveler—sometimes to a fault. I booked this trip with my equally spontaneous friend, Sam, just 72 hours before we left. We didn’t have a robust travel itinerary like most do, but we were both freshly “fun-employed” and ready to “seize the day.”

Outside our competitive spontaneity, what makes Sam and I good travel buddies is that we’re both aggressive foodies. Our top two priorities were finding the best places to eat each day and trusting the recommendations of locals once we got there. I am not exaggerating when I tell you—I’ve never eaten so much in my life!

As a self-proclaimed photographer and videographer, I find it meaningful to document the simple moments of my adventures—the views, sounds, and authentic human interactions I encounter throughout the day. I stand by the phrase that “a picture is worth a thousand words” and strongly believe a video paints a million more.

So, I’m here sharing all of my favorite hobbies with you. Why? Because I hope you feel inspired by this collection of simple moments in Porto. And if you were thinking about traveling there already, I hope you find my personal recommendations useful for enjoying fantastic food, scenic views, and authentic local experiences in this captivating city.

Experiences and Recommendations:

Historic Landmarks:

I stayed in the Ribeira district. This picturesque riverside quarter showcases colorful buildings and a lively atmosphere. It's perfectly situated between the most popular attractions in Porto and boasts the gorgeous Dom Luís I Bridge. It’s a great place to explore cafés, restaurants, and shops, and it’s where I dined on the most incredible authentic Portuguese cuisine on my first night in this city (see my full blog post titled “A Hidden Gem in Porto”).

Just across the river is the Vila Nova de Gaia district, where Sam’s aunt and uncle were staying while we were in Porto. On the main strip by the water, you will find tours and tastings of world-famous Port wine.

Our Airbnb was at the base of the Dom Luís I Bridge—an iconic double-decker iron bridge that connects Ribeira directly to Vila Nova de Gaia and offers panoramic views of both the city and Douro River.

The Monastery of Serra do Pilar is located in the Vila Nova de Gaia district. On our second day in Porto, we took a gondola from the Vila Nova de Gaia riverside up to the monastery and enjoyed views of the city from all sides. When you arrive at the top, the monastery provides one of the best vantage points in Porto for city views.

Looking for a refreshing contrast to the urban city center, Sam and I took a Bolt to Foz do Douro, a coastal beach just 20 minutes from Porto, for a quick day trip. For about an hour, we leisurely walked along the rocky coastline, enjoying a break in the clouds until we reached Fort São João Baptista. Intrigued by its castle-like structure and heavy artillery, we ventured inside to learn about the fort’s storied past and its strategic importance along the coast.

Gastronomy:

At the end of our visit to Foz do Douro, we made our way back to the mouth of the river and sat at a restaurant called Praia da Luz. There, we found a cozy spot on the deck overlooking the shore, sipping spritzers and savoring our favorite tapas.

One place that was recommended to us by many was Time Out Market—a vibrant food hall that showcases a diverse array of Porto’s culinary delights. There, I had my first taste of Francesinha, a traditional Portuguese sandwich made with bread, a variety of meats, topped with a sunny-side-up egg, and covered with melted cheese and a hot, thick tomato and beer sauce.

The night before we left Porto, Sam and I wandered through the stalls of Mercado do Bolhão, a bountiful street market set towards the top of the city. We sampled a variety of local specialties, including cheeses, chocolates, and seafood, along with my new favorite drink—the infamous “Portonic.”

If you’re looking for attentive service, a delightful ambiance, and traditional Portuguese cuisine, I highly recommend you make a reservation at Taberna dos Mercadores. (“A Hidden Gem In Porto”) Visitors can enjoy a variety of flavorful seafood, expertly crafted meats, and hearty regional specialties, all paired with a selection of fine Portuguese wines.

Hailed by locals as the go-to spot for the best Pastel de Nata in Porto, Manteigaria also serves excellent coffee and a range of breakfast items. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to try these iconic Portuguese custard tarts. So good!

Other Scenic Excursions, Culinary Delights and Must-See Events:

There were several other items on our list we didn’t have time to try—or the weather just didn’t permit—that I want to put on your radar.

Our Airbnb host recommended that we try a Douro River cruise. If the weather had been nicer to us, we would have done this the first morning we woke up there. These cruises take you along the historic Douro River, providing unmatched views of the city's terraced landscapes. Sam’s aunt and uncle described it as a serene way to understand the region’s wine culture and enjoy the lush, rolling hills that are home to the world-famous Port wine.

Explore the picturesque countryside of Porto on a Wine Tour. These tours often venture into the heart of Port wine country, where you can visit traditional estates, learn about the wine-making process, and sample various wines amidst the beautiful backdrop of vine-covered terraces.

Porto hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, including São João Festival in June, where the city comes alive with street parties, fireworks, and traditional music. Something you may find most featured online is the release of the beautiful paper lanterns that float into the night sky. I will definitely be returning in June next time I’m here.

Two cafés that were recommended to us that we did not get the chance to enjoy were Majestic Café and Livraria Lello. You’ll find both of these highly talked about in other blogs and YouTube travel vlogs.

Conclusion

Porto is a city that effortlessly captures your heart with its historic charm, vibrant culture, and groundbreaking cuisine. Though our time was short and spontaneous, the memories made and the flavors savored were truly unforgettable. Whether you're an avid foodie, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking a picturesque getaway, I highly recommend placing Porto at the top of your Portugal travel list.