A Guide For Porto, Portugal

Though it is frequently overshadowed by the more well-known Lisbon, the town of Porto is far from a poor copy. It combines history, culture, and a vibrant food/drink scene with panache. And, given that it is named after its country and its world-famous alcoholic export, it is worthy of consideration.

The beautiful city of Porto is located in the northwestern corner of the country, at the mouth of the Atlantic. A two-and-a-half-hour air trip from the United Kingdom makes it an appealing option for a quick tour. Let's take a look at some top tastes, experiences, and sights worthy of addition to your schedule.

One of the best ways to find your way around Porto is to go up high. For that, there are numerous options. The Ponte Dom Luiz bridge offers a double-decker crossing of the famous Duoro River with its astonishing steel arches. The Ponte Dom Luiz bridge is just one of six bridges that go over Porto's waterways. The structure was designed by a pupil of Gustave Eiffel. You can take the upper level of the bridge and walk side by side with yellow trams while immersing yourself in first impressions of the Duoro banks.

On the other side, a cute, palm-dotted park welcomes you. Jardim do Morro provides a great view of the postcard panoramas Riberio has, just opposite it. The vintage area's artistically bent merchant homes, historic skyline, and colorful terraces are majestic from every side, and the park itself is a peaceful space, with eye-catching features. From there, you can notice the Clerigos Tower in the distance, a slim baroque bell tower dominating the skyline.

Get back to the surface over the terracotta-tiled roofs and settle in the Vila Nova de Gaia area by taking a cable car. It takes 5 minutes for the trip and you can get picked up straight from Jardim do Morro's entrance.

Enjoy Port

It's nearly impossible to take a walk along the Vila Nova De Gaia area of the majestic Duoro River without catching a glimpse of the legendary wine that bears the city's name. The popular names of Porto's vintage wine cellars, all offering tastings, and tours, color the riverbank area. It would be a great disservice to yourself not to sample at least one.

If the variety of options appears to be overwhelming, a great location to start is Sandeman. A quick tour of the museum and cobbled cellars dominated by the enigmatic caped hero synonymous with the famous Sandeman logo provides an informative lesson in the long history of alcohol advertising. Notably, Sandeman was among the first wineries to advertise and label their products, as your tour guide will no doubt explain in detail.

Even though port is a cultural drink, don't look down on the cute shipping container-turned-bar in front, where bartenders give port various twists to create a fleury of cocktails. You should indulge your taste buds with an ice cream combo Sandeman Fizz + port or a Sandeman Sangria.

On the neighboring side, a port house is visible; Porto Cruz. It's a striking blue-tiled facade rising to an impressive rooftop bar that's open air. On a typical summer day, you can enjoy a full-scale view of Duoro while sipping the area's famous drink. All while a resident DJ grooves in the background.

Where to Eat

When you're hungry, you can find a cocoon of great eateries in the electric Mercado Beira-Rio. The food hall goes way back to the 17th century, and from vinho verde to cod cakes, pastries to plump prawns, to gelato and cheese platters, the traders have something for every taste bud. Settle at a table, outdoors or indoors, and let your senses lead you to what suits your taste.

On the subject of dinner plans, Miss'Opo is there for you. The eatery is not only a guesthouse but a minimalist cloth shop. However, its main attraction is the culinary delight it provides. Having a handwritten menu that keeps changing, an experience at Miss'Opo is sure to be a unique one. Delight in flesh flavors, from the right Portuguese sausage to peppery risottos. 

While you're in Porto, it's important to take in the Duoro daily. It's not out of reason to set your alarm so that you can catch the experience of the sun rising over the Duoro River. Start your day with a stroll or run towards the Maria Pia bridge, one of Mr. Eiffel's masterpieces.

On this path, you'll pass more fishermen than tourists as you watch the waterway spring to life. You can tilt your head far and wide to grasp the whitewashed walls of Serra Do Pilar, the majestic former monastery with its rounded church, bathed in the early morning light.

Get over the Duoro on the river. The river taxis which run on wooden cargo are used to transport Porto's famous drink, Port, from the Valley to the cellars of the city, offering a quick route over to Ribeira.

Ribeira Riverbank

Even though Riberia's riverbank is constantly pulsing with souvenir stalls and tourists, it has a magnetic draw. Walk around Praça da Ribeira which is a cobbled square, complete with restaurants and bars. Then make a quick stop at a coffee shop to survey boats as they head downstream to Duoro Valley or upstream to the Atlantic.

Going up from the edge of the water at a calm pace with intermittent breaks is advised, as the steep labyrinthine steps are tailored for thigh burns.

São Bento Train Station

Even though Porto is definitely not a place you'd like to leave in a jiffy, the São Bento train station is constantly referred to as one of Europe's most alluring stations and is definitely worth a trip. Forget the departure area and immerse yourself in the beautifully tiled entrance walls. You'll notice hundreds of hand-painted ceramics documenting Portuguese life stories and history in a white and blue glaze, taking you wherever you want!

Take the Tram

If you want a change of pace, get aboard the rickety tram line from Ribeira to Fox. The entire journey is just about half an hour and encompasses the riverside down to the seaside area. With its extensive promenade and beautiful tropical gardens, Fox is a delightful place to be.