Porto is simply charming!
If I could pick two words they would be “charming” and “cozy.”
When we were trying to figure out how many days to spend in each place, most of the forums online only recommended two days in Porto citing there just wasn’t much to see. I’m so glad we disagreed and decided to spend an extra day. We would have spent even more if we could have adjusted it later.
Yes it is smaller than Lisboa, but we ended up loving it. The city is cozy. Hand-laid cobblestone streets, colorful buildings sandwiched together along narrow laneways. The city’s claim to fame is port wine! How can it get much better? …well because J.K. Rowling lived here when she began writing the first Harry Potter book, and you can visit some places that may have inspired her and some places she frequented! So yeah, Porto’s a pretty awesome place.
Porto, Portugal’s second largest city is located along the Douro River just under 200 miles away from Portugal’s capital city Lisbon. It’s one of the oldest European centers with evidence of settlements dating back to 300 B.C. It was also an important outpost of the Roman Empire.
Over time the city has added layers. Now with a variety of gothic, baroque, neoclassic, romantic, architecture (among others) alongside contemporary designs has made Porto an amazing mix of old and new. If you’re looking for the traditional Portuguese tilework facades, you won’t be disappointed. Porto is covered with azulejos, the colorful painted ceramic tiles Portugal is famous for.
With the city’s wine commerce, Porto experience important growth in the 17th century and is now world famous for its namesake wine. Port wine is a typically sweet dessert fortified wine produced with distilled grape spirits.
Fun Fact: Port is protected by the EU’s Protected Designation of Origin guidelines which means that technically only port wines that come from Porto can be labeled as “Ports”—in the same way only Champagne that comes from Champagne, France bear the name. Although Port wine doesn’t even technically hail from Porto but Vila Nova De Gaia (more on that later).
The historic Baixa around the Avenue of the Allies is considered the center/main tourist location due to its proximity to the most popular attractions. We stayed at the Porto A.S. 1829 Hotel in Baixa and the location was fantastic!
Porto is easy to navigate despite the quaint, siding streets and do be aware that Porto is hilly! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that have traction. We loved how alive the city was. Tourists and locals were simply taking in the city, relaxing on green spaces, enjoying the weather and of course eating the fresh seafood!
The city stays up late which was fantastic for LeBraun and I. After dinner the streets are still bustling with people enjoying evening strolls and listening to street musicians. It was delightful.
As always this itinerary is just a suggested route. LeBraun and I are fast walkers. We also really enjoy walking. It’s important to take these and adjust it to what suits you best. Do what you feel. If you want to spend more time somewhere, do it. If you want to skip something, do it.
We loved our time in Porto and hope everyone gets the chance to visit this amazing city. But planning takes time and effort (trust me, I know) so here’s how we would suggest spending 3 Fabulous Days in Porto, Portugal’s “second city.” Yes, this itinerary includes several Port wine tastings!
EXPLORE BAIXA
The Porto Baixa (the downtown) radiates out from the Avenida dos Aliados - you’ll find out more about them later - but the area is essentially the city/tourist center. Stores, restaurants, streets, and hotels are densely packed between historic landmarks. We were pleasantly surprised by how lively everything remained in the evenings. It was wonderful!
8 A.M. — Full up for the day with a delicious breakfast from Zenith Brunch & Cocktails Bar (Praça de Carlos Alberto 86, 4050-158 Porto, Portugal). This European cafe has a fair amount of outdoors and indoor seating, a friendly bilingual staff, and a menu full of delicious items including ones that are labeled gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. The portions were generous and the the drinks were exactly what we were looking for. There usually is a queue but it moves quickly and you can look at the menu while you’re waiting.
If you’ve been researching Porto on Instagram you’ll have noticed that the city is full of IG-worthy backdrop spots. If you’re on the mural hunt don’t miss the colorful 8,000 brightly hand-painted tile mural by by Portuguese artist Joana Vasconcelos on the side of the Steak n’ Shake (Praça Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 67, 4050-159 Porto, Portugal). It’s just a few steps off the path to the next stop.
9:30 A.M. — Livaria Lello (R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal) is one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world and has gained worldwide recognition as a frequented spot for author J.K. Rowling as she began writing the Harry Potter books. She lived in Porto in the early 90’s and has confirmed that the interior (including the amazing staircase) was inspiration for the design of the library at Hogwarts. As Potterheads, we were there!
You will need a ticket to enter which can be purchased from Armazéns do Castelo (R. das Carmelitas 166, 4050-526 Porto, Portugal) just a few doors down to the left of Livaria Lello. Entry tickets are €5 but are put towards your purchase if you find a book to get when inside the bookshop. To avoid standing in two lines you can purchase your entry online here in advance. HP Fans—Don’t forget to get your photo taken entering Platform 9 3/4 while inside Armazéns do Castelo! (It’s free)
With your ticket in hand, join the queue to enter Livaria Lello. It opens at 9:30 but if you have a online voucher you’ll be ahead of the rest of the people who still have to purchase their ticket from the store down the row.
Livaria Lello is in fact a bookshop, not a library as people assume since it contains the word livaria. In Portuguese, liviaria is a bookshop while biblioteca is a library. Its design is a mix of architectural styles. The interior is gorgeous—large stained glass windows spans the ceiling over the fantastic forked staircase. It definitely looks like something at Hogwarts! There is decorative wood work throughout the space and even rails from the old cart that would help move heavy books around the store. It’s now one of Portugal’s oldest bookshop.
10:15 A.M. — Walk by the Universidade Do Porto (Praça de Gomes Teixeira, 4099-002 Porto, Portugal) and you’ll probably notice some people dress in uniforms that include long black robes. Yes, robes! Like Harry Potter!
Established in 1911, The University of Porto is the second largest public university in Portugal with more than 30,000 students enrolled. The traditional outfit for students are called capa e batina and includes black pants, a black vest, a cassock, a dark tie, a basic white t-shirt, and traditional shoes for the men while the women wear a white top, a dark coat, a black tie, a skirt and tights and low heels. Students wear them during praxe, the initiation rituals for freshman students; however, many students choose to don the traditional ensemble year-round. The capa e batina was also confirmed as an influence for the Hogwarts’ uniforms.
In front of the university is the Fonte dos Leões (The Fountain of Lions) which is apparently a copy of the fountain in the Town Hall Square in Leicester, England. Work began in 1883 as a way to supply water to the city. Personally I think it may have sub-conscientiously inspired the Gryffindor crest, though I know technically a griffin is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and back of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. Tomayto/Tomahto, right? :)
10:30 A.M. — With a side covered in classic Portuguese blue and white azulejos, the twin Baroque churches of Igreja dos Carmelitas - built in the 17th century for Carmelite nuns - and Igreja do Carmo - built in the 18th century for Carmelite monks are divided by a tiny house whose front facade measures only three-feet-wide. Admission to both churches is free, but it’s €3 to explore the tiny house (In my opinion, the tiny house isn’t worth it). Note: The churches are closed between 12 (noon) and 2:30 P.M.
11 A.M. — By now you’ve noticed the 76 meter/249 foot tall tower…well towering…its surrounds. The Torre dos Clérigos is the tallest campanile in Portugal and for just €3 you can climb its 200 steps for panoramic views over the city and the river and explore additional rooms in the complex. Note: The stairwells are steep, narrow, and at times short so just be warned if you are at all claustrophobic.
Entry to the church is free. Both built in the Baroque style, the church was completed in 1750 while the bell tower was completed in 1763.
12 P.M. — Lunch time! Portugal is known for some delicious dishes, but the official dish of the city of Porto is the The Francesinha. Inspired by the French croque monsieur, it’s made with fresh sausage, ham, roast meats and beef stake sandwiched between bread and covered with melted cheese and hot, thick tomato and beer sauce, and typically served with french fries, or batatas fritas in Portuguese.
This is NOT a light dish but it will keep you full for hours! Head to Francesinhas Al Forno da Baixa (Rua do Almada 160, 4000-196 Porto, Portugal) where they specialize in this famous dish. Their menu has 20+ options for fillings—red meat, white meat, tofu, etc, so there is an option for every dietary preference. LeBraun went the traditional route while I ordered the tofu/mushroom option. Both delicious!
1 P.M. — Let’s walk off some of that lunch with a stroll up the Avenida dos Aliados. This grandiose avenue at the city’s center was built to impress. Baroque, Neoclassical, and French Beaux-arts buildings line the sides. Translated as the “Avenue of the Allies,” it was aptly named for the 14th century treaty between Portugal and the U.K. Still in place today, the Anglo-Portugese Treaty is the oldest alliance in the world still active.
Along the way check out the architecture of the Palacio das Cardosas (Praça da Liberdade 25, 4000-322 Porto, Portugal) - a former monastery turned palace turned InterContinental Hotel, the McDonald’s Café at Café Imperial (Praça da Liberdade 126, 4000-322 Porto, Portugal) - stained glass and chrystal chandeliers make this possibly the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world, the Camara Municipal do Porto (R. Clube dos Fenianos 5, 4000-407 Porto, Portugal) - Porto’s city hall built in the 1950s, and the Monumento a Garrett in plaza recognizes Almeida Garrett - a writer, playwright, poet, and politician who was born in Porto.
1:45 P.M. — Just past city hall is Igreja da Santíssima Trindade (Rua da Trindade 115, 4000-220 Porto, Portugal), a 19th century church with a peaceful ambiance and a beautiful painted large panel representing the Baptism of Christ in the main alter. It won’t be the most ornately decorated church you’ll visit while in Portugal, but the craftsmanship is still incredible. Worth a quick stop inside.
2 P.M. — If you have room in your stomach swing by A Loja dos Pastéis de Chaves (R. da Firmeza 476, 4000-226 Porto, Portugal) for their namesake Pastéis de Chaves, very fine filo dough filled with minced lamb meat and shaped into a half-moon.
This baked good is recognized by the European Commission as a protected geographical food product which means “that no one else apart from the producers in Chaves can claim to this product.” Unless you’re planning on visiting Chaves during your time in Portugal, this shop owned by a family from Chaves is the closest you’ll get to the real deal.
Make a quick stop in otherwise continue to Capela das Almas (Rua de Santa Catarina 428, 4000-124 Porto, Portugal).
The Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls) is famous for its exterior which is comprised of stonework and traditional blue and white azulejos. The azulejos were produced in Lisbon by the Viuda Lamego Ceramic Factory with works by Eduardo Leite. The tiles were then added in 1929 and depict scenes from he lives of Saints, specifically the death of Saint Francis and martyrdom of Saint Catherine. There are even more azulejos inside. Entry is free.
2:45 P.M. — You’re now on Rua Santa Catarina, the main shopping street of Porto. Take your time wandering. Among the storefronts you’ll find The Via Catarina Shopping Center (Rua de Santa Catarina 312 a 350, 4000-443 Porto, Portugal), a large mall with tons of international stores.
Other sights in the area include:
- Mercado do Bolhão, one of Porto’s liveliest markets of vendors selling produce and prepared foods. Its Neoclassical building is currently under construction so it’s being housed in a temporary space - the lower level of R. Formosa, 4000-214 Porto, Portugal.
- Confeitaria do Bolhao (R. Formosa 339, 4000-252 Porto, Portugal), one of the most famous bakery and party shops in the city.
- You can’t leave Portugal without trying their famous sweet treat, the Pastel de Nata. Pastel de Nata is a Portuguese egg custard tart dusted with cinnamon. While you’re on Rua de Santa Catarina grab one (or five) from Fábrica da Nata (Rua de Santa Catarina 331/335, 4000-451 Porto, Portugal), one of the city’s most popular bakeries. You can watch the staff make them fresh all day long from the front window. Fábrica da Nata produces more than 1000 natal a day!
- A Pérola do Bolhão (R. Formosa 279, 4000-252 Porto, Portugal), a traditional grocery in Porto. Its beautiful facade has been circling Instagram for a few years now.
- The Majestic Café (Rua Santa Catarina 112, 4000-442 Porto, Portugal) has been recognized several times as one of the top 10 most beautiful cafés in the world. But its Belle Epoque-era design, mirrors, and chandeliers aren’t the only reason people queue in front; apparently when J.K. Rowling was living in Porto she spent lots of time at the cafés working on the first novel. She couldn’t not be inspired, the space is simply glamorous! If you want to stop for a light snack or coffee, be my guest. Note: the menu is expensive.
6 P.M. — Depending how long you spend on Rua Santa Catarina you may reach the Igreja de Santo Ildefonso (R. de Santo Ildefonso 11, 4000-542 Porto, Portugal) much earlier, but do you!
The Igreja de Santo Ildefonso is famous for the approximately 11,000 blue and white azulejos that cover the façade, depicting scene from the life of Saint Ildefonso and imagery from the gospels. The structure, as we see it today, was blessed in 1739, but the tiles weren’t added till 1932. Note: The church is only open Tuesdays to Saturdays for visitors.
I’d recommend resting for a bit in Praca da Batalha (Batalha Square) in front of the church to simply enjoy the moment. Batalha Square is a central and therefore busy square, so you’ll see a bit of daily life in Porto as people make their way through the day.
7 P.M. — Depending where your hotel is on the way back try and swing by São Bento Railway Station (Praça de Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal). The station is recognized for the approximately 20,000 hand-painted azulejo tiles that cover the main hall. These tiles depict important moments from Portuguese history and were added to the station in1916. There are also beautifully painted mural above the tiles depicting scenes of people from various regions. The station is designed in the Beaux-Arts style.
7:15 P.M. — Head back to the hotel to change and freshen up for dinner.
8 P.M. — How was your first day? I know it was long but you’ve hit the majority of major sites which leaves more time for freestyle exploring later. :)
Grab dinner at Maus Hábitos (R. de Passos Manuel 178, 4º Piso, 4000-382 Porto, Portugal), Café Santiago (R. de Passos Manuel 226, 4000-382 Porto, Portugal), or somewhere you found along your adventure today. For a completely vegan alternative, check out Da Terra Restaurante Vegetariano (R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 249, 4050-421 Porto, Portugal).
Post Dinner — Once you’re finished, head back if you’re done for the day otherwise enjoy an evening stroll down some of the city’s cobblestone streets. Surprisingly Porto is very lively at night. Street buskers and musicians are in every plaza and because of all the al fresco dining, there is some great people watching.
LOWER BAIXA & RIBEIRA
Porto is built along the Douro River, one of the major rivers of the Iberian Peninsula. Its source is in northern-central Spain and its outlet is in Porto. As with most river cities, the river has been a significant part of the area’s history—from transportation to agriculture to industry. The areas of microclimate around part of the Douro allow for the cultivation of almonds, olives, and grapes (aka the Port industry). Today we’re going to get a bit closer, oOoOoOo!
Yesterday was A LOT of walking so sleep in a bit if you’d like. We definitely like. Ha. :)
If you’re an HP fan, walk by Escovaria de Belomonte (R. de Belomonte 34, 4050-292 Porto, Portugal) on your way to breakfast. It’s an amazing family-owned and operated workshop, shop and museum. Artisanal brooms hang from the wall and the ceiling. Once inside you can see the factory where the brooms are made and all the different materials they can be made of. A bit reminiscent of Quality Quidditch Supplies, right?
9:30 A.M. — Hungry? Head to Hungry Biker (Rua das Taipas 68/72, 4050-597 Porto, Portugal) and fuel up for the day. They are also able to accommodate those with dietary restrictions - HOORAY! The staff was friendly, the atmosphered is cozy and relaxed, and the food portions were quite generous. We did not leave hungry. We both ordered the Royale Breakfast which came with eggs, chickpeas, toast, jam, yogurt, fruits, a side salad with tomatoes and balsamic, AND a cup of tea. LeBraun stuck with the traditional with bacon whereas I substituted for soy yogurt, gluten-free toast, and tofu. All delicious and all reasonably priced. Can’t get much better than that!
10:45 A.M. — Along your route to Sé do Porto you’ll most likely past by remaining pieces of the Muralha Primitiva (the primitive wall), also known as the Fernandina Wall. Construction of a series of fortification walls began in Porto around 1336. Throughout the years sections have been added and/or replaced. The best preserved remains can be found just past the cathedral in Guindais, but you’ll see bits and pieces before it.
Head inside the Sé do Porto, The Porto Cathedral (Rua Infante Dom Henrique 85, Porto 4050-297, Portugal), one of the city’s oldest monuments. It started as a 12th century Romanesque cathedral but over the centuries has endured many changes and therefore is now a mix of architectural styles. Sé do Porto has all the classic cathedral elements—a narrow nave, barrel vaulting, flying buttresses, and Gothic cloisters. Don’t miss the silver alter piece and the cloisters.
The cloisters are decorated with beautifully painted azulejos depicting the life of the Virgin Mary and Metamorphoses the narrative poem by Roman poet Ovid. Note: The Cathedral is closed daily from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. so plan accordingly.
12 P.M. — Lunch time! Make your way towards Praça do Infante D. Henrique. There are tons of restaurants and small eateries along the way. Stop and enjoy whatever strikes your fancy.
1 P.M. — Another church? Yup! The Franciscans began work on the Igeja Monumento de Sao Francisco (Monument Church of St Francis) in 1245, but after a fire was renovated and reformed. Entry is only €4, a small price to pay considering the church’s interior features more than 300 kilos of gold dust! At least that is what we were told.
Don’t miss the catacombs. It’s the final resting place of many Franciscan monks and members of the city’s wealthiest families. Through a glass floor section you can view a part of the ossuary with hundreds of bones.
2 P.M. — The Palácio da Bolsa (Bolsa Palace), also known as The Stock Exchange Palace, is of Neoclassical architecture with Palladian influence. Construction started in 1842 and it was designed to showcase - boast, if you will - of Porto’s economic power. Thus drawing European businessmen to invest in the city. It’s now the headquarters of Porto’s Commercial Association.
The real draw though is the monument’s interior. It’s magnificent! The “Golden Room” is completely covered in gold-leaf, the “General Assembly Room” is all wood, but the “Arab Room,” the banquet hall, is the most splendid room designed in Moorish Revival style.
To tour in the interior you must hop on one of their 30-45 minute guided tours. Note: The tours are first come, first-serve, AND since the tours are offered in four languages, the first to book determines the language of the tour. Book early! The palace is also closed between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. daily.
2:45 P.M. — Make your way down the stairs, winding medieval streets, and narrow cobblestone alleyways to Cais da Ribeira, Porto’s riverfront. It’s steeped in history, colorful facades, quaint terraced houses, all kinds of restaurants, and shops with locally made goods. Get lost in the alleyways, explore the shops, then kick back on the riverfront with a drink and take in the view. Perhaps scope out a place for dinner tonight and/or make a reservation if necessary.
5 P.M. — When you’re done head back to the hotel, freshen up, and relax before the evening activities. Note: You may want a small snack because dinner will be later.
Note: Depending on what time of year you visit the sunset’s time may be different. If it is, adjust the schedule as needed.
7:30 P.M. — Take in the sunset from Jardim das Virtudes - Virtudes Garden - (Passeio das Virtudes 53-3, 4050-366 Porto, Portugal). This is a great little park on the backside of the Palace of Justice with beautiful views over the Douro River.
By now you've probably heard people talking about and places advertising Fado. Fado is a popular type of Portuguese song. It usually is very melancholy, featuring a singer and 1-2 mandolins or guitars. When traveling you've got to immerser yourself in the culture, right? so tonight it about Fado.
There are hundreds of venues that have Fado performers, weekly if not nightly but I’ll just share what I know.
Head to the nightly show at A Casa do Fado (Rua Infante Dom Henrique 85, Porto 4050-297, Portugal). Reserve your spot in advance by reaching out through the website. The venue, a candle-lit cellar - is very intimate. A Casa do Fado caterers to visitors so the host gave some backstory about the origins of Fado and explained the meanings of the songs which was very interesting and helpful. The trio who performed (two male guitar players and one female singer) were excellent. The show’s a perfect introduction to the genre as it’s not too long. Plus you’re greeted with a glass of Port.
8 P.M. — Enjoy some Fado at A Casa do Fado.
9:15 P.M. — How was it? Hopefully it was a pleasant evening. Now that it’s past dinner time, let’s get some. Haha :) Head back towards Cais da Ribeira and any restaurants you may have scoped out earlier.
After dinner the night is yours. Take a stroll, explore the nightlife, or head back to your room for the evening.
Even though Portugal’s famous fortified wine is named after the city of Porto, the vineyards are located in the Douro Valley (about 150 km east of Porto) and once the grapes are harvested they are transported to Vila Nova de Gaia, just across the river from Porto. It is here that the port houses age their barrels and offer tastings. Let's go try some, wine not? :)
8 A.M. — Breakfast at Café do Comércio (R. do Comércio do Porto 124, 4050-209 Porto, Portugal). It’s an unassuming gem! The menu can all be adjusted for gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. We split a yogurt bowl (made with soy yogurt and topped with granola, agave, and fruit). LeBraun got the Cinnamon & Honey Pancakes and an espresso while I ordered the Peanut Butter & Banana Pancakes and a peppermint hot tea. YUM!!! We came back another time because we were craving it again. :) It was so good.
9 A.M. — Make your way across the Dom Luís I Bridge on the bottom level to Vila Nova de Gaia. This double-decker metal arch bridge was the longest span of its type in the world during its construction in 1886. It’s named for King Luís I of Portugal who ruled from 1861-1889.
Keep your eye out for bridge jumpers, but don’t hold your breath. The boys jump for tips so they drag out the “performance” to collect as much as coin as possible. It’s also not that impressive as they’re are just jumping off the ledge of the bridge so don’t stick around.
Once across, walk along the Avenue de Diogo Leite and enjoy the Cais de Gaia (the banks of Gaia). It’s lined with port houses, tasting rooms, al fresco cafes, and street vendors.
Apparently people from Porto don’t care for Gaia as a city. Our tour guide, a Porto native, told us that “the only good things is Gaia are the port wine and the views of Porto.” Haha. But honestly those are both pretty good things, you’ll see!
10:30 A.M. — Make your way up the hill to Taylor’s Port (Rua do Choupelo 250, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal). Taylor’s is one of the largest and oldest port wine houses. The house owns the brands Taylor, Krohn, and Croft among others. They’re also responsible for inventing late-bottled vintage (LBV) port, which you’ll learn more about on the tour this afternoon.
Their complex is gorgeous so take in the views then head inside for a self-guided audio tour. When you’re done, head back towards the riverfront.
Along your route make a quick stop at 3+ Arte - @3maisarte (Largo Joaquim Magalhaes 12, Vila Nova de Gaia 4400-187, Portugal), an artist collective/coworking space. You can watch local artisans at work, shop their collections, or grab a coffee or some wine from the little cafe inside. Support local makers people!
12:20 P.M. — Grab a good lunch at Mercado Beira-Rio (Av. de Ramos Pinto 148, 4400-261 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal). This covered food market is filled with something for everyone—beers, light snacks, lunch meals, and fresh produce. Whatever you decide remember that on average Port’s alcohol content is 20% so I’d recommend something hearty and perhaps “bread-y.”
1:20 P.M. — When you’re done hop on the Teleférico de Gaia - Estação Cais de Gaia, the cable car system that run from the riverfront to the hill top at the other end. It’s €6 or €9 per adult for a one way or roundtrip ticket respectively. The ride is only 5 minutes but the views are worth it…plus you’ll have a lot of time and energy not having to make the climb to Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar.
1:30 P.M. — It’s only a short walk to Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar (Largo Aviz, 4430-329 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal) from the cable car drop off point by the Jardim de Morro (Av. da República, 4430-148 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal), which is a excellent place to relax, people watch, and enjoy the views of Porto across the Douro River.
The former monastery is uniquely designed as both the church and cloister are identical circles diameter-wise. The architecture is a mix of Renaissance and Mannerist style. The location is not only a great view point of the Dom Luís I Bridge and over the historic centre of Porto, but was also helpful as a strategic military space. The first monastery on this site was bolting 1538. For a small ticket price you can tour the interior and cloisters. Personally we didn’t think the interior was worth it. The cloisters are Se De Porto were much nicer. We stayed for the city views instead.
2:30 P.M. — Walk back across the top of the Dom Luis 1 Bridge to Porto then down the stairs to Ribeira to meet up with your tour group. Alternatively if you’re not interested in tastings, you could enjoy touring additional port houses or take a scenic cruise down the Douro River.
One of the best afternoons we had in Portugal was on our Port Wine Tour with Porto Walkers! Our guide Ana, a Porto native, was knowledgeable, energetic and fun. She was able to answer all of our questions and even recommended some local restaurants and additional things to add to our trip itinerary. Let me also say that if I became a tour guide, this would be the kind of tour I would want to leave. The guests are from everywhere—we had people from Australia, Ireland, Canada, Belgium, and the Netherlands—and everyone was in a good mood when we started because we were all on vacation, but we ended in a REALLY good mood because we had “tasted” 8 different ports. And those “tasting” portions were very generous! The point being, you should do the same tour. It was a perfect afternoon.
Note: Advance reservations required for the Port Wine Tour since space is limited in many of the venues.
2:50 P.M. — Meet your tour at the Pilares da Antiga Ponte Pênsil, the pillars of the old suspension bridge (Cais da Ribeira 24, 4000-173 Porto, Portugal), just to the right of the lower crossing if you’re looking towards Gaia. Look for the guide in a red shirt that says “Porto Walkers.”
3 P.M. - 7 P.M. — Enjoy your Port Wine Tour in Vila Nova de Gaia. During the tour you’ll visit three port wine houses and try 7 different Port Wines. You’ll enjoy a brief tour of an historical wine cellar, visit a small producer, and stop at a professional tasting room for a workshop on how to taste Port wine.
Notes: 1) The tour is 4 hours but the total walking distance is only 1.5 km. 2) Taylor’s Port is not included in this tour so you won’t have any overlap.
7:15 P.M. — Relax with a drink at the rooftop cocktail bar of Espaço Porto Cruz (Largo Miguel Bombarda 23, 4400-222 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal).
8:30 P.M. — By now you should be properly tipsy which means it’s time for dinner. Head down and find dinner either on Cais de Gaia or Cais de Ribeira.
