Happy Sunday, all! I hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Today I’m excited to share the first post in a series of Portugal and Spain travel guides – starting with a guide to the beautiful city of Porto! Porto was the first stop on our Portugal-Spain honeymoon (click here for a full itinerary and frequently asked questions about our trip) and honestly, what a fabulous first impression. With its colourful buildings, hilly cobblestone streets and picturesque river, this coastal city is bursting with character and charm. It’s home to some incredible architectural gems, from iconic churches to the world’s most beautiful bookstore. It has wonderful restaurants and cafés – let’s just say we enjoyed more than our fair share of pastéis de nata and port wine! And speaking of wine: Porto’s proximity to the Douro Valley region makes for a perfect day trip. In this post, I’ll share where we stayed in Porto, along with my best recommendations for things to do, sights to see, and places to eat and drink.
In This Post (Click the links to jump right to any section!)
- Where To Stay In Porto
- The Best Things To See & Do In Porto
- Admire the azulejos
- Visit the world’s most beautiful bookstore
- See spectacular views from the Gaia Cable Car
- Taste local wines at a famous port lodge
- Discover the timeless beauty of the Porto Cathedral
- Get dazzled (and spooked) at the Church of Saint Francis
- Cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge
- Stroll along the riverfront
- See the world’s prettiest train station
- Sip your way through the Douro Valley wine region
- Take a scenic cruise down the Douro River
- Shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs
- Admire the artwork
- Where To Eat In Porto
Where to Stay in Porto
We stayed at the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel and absolutely loved it. It’s a Marriott property and feels very much like an ‘American’ hotel, and not to sound like a tacky tourist, but I mean that in the best possible way! The rooms are super spacious, they offer king beds – a rarity in many European hotels – and everything was modern and impeccably clean. They provide all the little niceties that are the norm in North American hotels, but less common in Europe, such as irons and hair conditioner. We arrived here exhausted after a red-eye flight from Toronto, and while we’d submitted a request for early check-in, it wasn’t guaranteed. But the front desk staff were amazing and let us check in at 11 am, 4 hours before the regular check-in time.
The hotel has a restaurant, lobby bar and a rooftop pool with beautiful views.
The only ‘con’ I can think of is that it’s not in the downtown core, but you can walk there in just 20 minutes. Click here to get the best rates for the Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel.
The Best Things To See & Do In Porto
Admire the azulejos. If you know me, you know I love anything blue-and-white. Chinoiserie, Delftware, ginger jars… I collect it all. So azulejos – the traditional blue-and-white tiles that adorn so many of Porto’s buildings – took up a hefty amount of space on my camera roll. Some of my favourite blue-and-white churches in Porto include Capela das Almas (arguably the most wow-worthy), Igreja do Carmo, the Igreja de Santo Ildefonso and the Igreja de Santo António dos Congregados. You can even take an azulejo-centric walking tour of the city!
Visit the world’s most beautiful bookstore. Built in 1906, Livraria Lello is world-renowned for its striking Neo-Gothic architecture, whimsical Art Nouveau curves, and of course, that Insta-famous red staircase. It’s so popular that you have to buy timed-entry tickets just to go inside – but even then, expect long lines and huge crowds! We booked their earliest time slot because we heard it was quieter in the mornings, but ‘quiet’ is relative. The bookstore is stunning and an absolute must-visit… just be sure to mentally prepare yourself for the chaos!
See spectacular views from the Gaia Cable Car. Located on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the Douro River, this enclosed gondola ride provides incredible panoramic views. The ride lasts only about five minutes, and each car fits up to eight passengers (it wasn’t too busy when we went, so we just shared with one other couple.) Tickets cost €7 for a one-way trip or €10 for a round trip.
Taste local wines at a famous port lodge. Visiting a port lodge was at the top of my Porto bucket list! The legendary Taylor Fladgate has been one of the world’s most celebrated port producers for over 330 years, and our visit was even better than I imagined. We enjoyed a port tasting on their dreamy terrace, surrounded by pretty gardens – and adorable peacocks – folllowed by lunch at their on-site restaurant. They also offer behind-the-scenes cellar tours.
Discover the timeless beauty of the Porto Cathedral. Built in the 12th century, this is one of Porto’s oldest churches and most significant historic landmarks. It’s most notable for its stunning Gothic cloister and vibrant azulejo walls depicting scenes from Song of Solomon. Entry to the cathedral is free, and cloister access is surprisingly affordable at just €3! Outside the cathedral, you’ll find some of the very best views of Porto.
Get dazzled (and spooked) at the Church of Saint Francis. Built in the 14th century, this stunning church is considered the best example of Gothic architecure in Porto. The interior is a lavishly gilded Baroque masterpiece (no wonder people call it “The Golden Church”!) If you’re feeling brave, head down to the catacombs, which houses the tombs of Franciscan friars and Portuguese nobility. It’s eerily beautiful… though I will say, I was not expecting the glass floor over the skull-and-bone pit! The entry fee is €10, which includes the church, catacombs, and a museum displaying historic art and artifacts.
Cross the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. This 564-foot double-deck bridge connects the city of Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro River, and a stroll across offers stunning views. It’s used by both cars and pedestrians and can get very busy, so traverse carefully, and be mindful of your belongings… the amount of people I saw with phones hanging out over the bridge gave me so much anxiety!
Stroll along the riverfront. Whether you’re on the Porto side or the Vila Nova de Gaia side, there’s nothing like a walk along the Douro River on a beautiful sunny day. There are plenty of scenic viewpoints, market stalls where you can shop for locally made goods, and food carts where you can grab a snack, a glass of sangria, or a pineapple pina colada to go.
See the world’s prettiest train station. São Bento isn’t just any old train station: this breathtaking building, completed in 1916, is world-renowned for its stunning interior design. Its main hall is adorned with over 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting moments from Portugal’s history. With soaring ceilings, dramatic arched windows and ornate details on every surface, it feels more like a historic palace than a bustling transit hub. If your train happens to bring you here, lucky you… but if not, it’s still worth a visit!
Sip your way through the Douro Valley wine region. Our day trip to the Douro Valley with EFun Tours was one of my favourite highlights from the entire honeymoon! We visited two stunning historic estates, tasted local wines, enjoyed a delicious al fresco lunch, and drove some of the region’s prettiest scenic roads. This region is so beautiful… honestly, I thought it was even prettier than Tuscany! The 10-hour tour cost $156 CAD per person – including food, wine and transportation – which was incredible value. I can’t recommend it enough!
Take a scenic cruise down the Douro River. One of the stops on our wine tour was an hour-long cruise on the Douro River in a rabelo – a traditional wooden boat – which departed from the pretty village of Pinhão. Cruising down the river on a beautiful sunny day and sipping local wine… I honestly couldn’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon. Stay tuned for a full blog post recapping our day with EFun Tours!
Shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs. From handpainted ceramics and decorative tiles to straw bags and the Galo de Barcelos (Portugal’s lucky rooster), downtown Porto is filled with quaint shops selling handmade goods by local artisans. One particularly cute spot for personalized souvenirs is Ricami Veronica, which makes custom-embroidered aprons, bibs and kids’ clothing.
Another surprisingly popular souvenir in Porto: canned sardines! They’re everywhere – from the kitschy tourist trap The Fantastic World of the Portuguese Sardine to A Pérola do Bolhão, a traditional grocery store worth a visit for its stunning façade alone. I’ll admit I’m not a sardines fan, but even I couldn’t resist the pretty and colourful tins.
Admire the artwork. Porto is home to several beautiful murals and sculptures. Some of my favourites include…
- The vibrant rainbow tile mural by Joana Vasconcelos, located at P. de Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 67
- “Half Rabbit” by Bordalo II, made from various scraps and ‘junk’, located at Rua Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 12 in Vila Nova de Gaia
- “Perspéntico” by Liqen, a massive four-story mural of a blue cat, located on Rua Afonso Martins Alho (a tiny alley that intersects with Rua das Flores)
Looking for more? Click here to find some of the best tours and excursions Porto has to offer.
Where To Eat In Porto
Café Majestic – This historic café is known for its breathtaking Belle Époque interior and Art Nouveau decor. It was founded in 1921 and was a popular spot for the ‘who’s who’ of the time – from artists to politicians to society elites. Another famous patron: J.K. Rowling, who wrote early Harry Potter chapters here in the early 1990s. You have to try their signature specialty: “French Toast, Majestic Style.” So decadent!
Ponte Pensil – This restaurant takes waterfront dining to a whole new level. Located in one of the original pillars of the historic Ponte Pênsil bridge, it provides incredible views of the Douro River and the Dom Luís I Bridge. The menu is casual – sandwiches, burgers, salads – and although you’d think it’d be an overpriced tourist trap due to its location, the prices are actually very reasonable.
Bite Rooftop – Located on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the Douro River, right after you cross the Dom Luís I Bridge, this cute and casual rooftop bar boasts beautiful views – and very affordable prices as far as rooftop bars go. A great place to grab a quick bite and a cocktail while overlooking the river.
McDonald’s Imperial – I know what you’re thinking… all the incredible restaurants in Porto, and you go to McDonald’s? But hear me out: the McDonald’s on Praça da Liberdade is widely considered the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world. It’s located in a 1930s Art Deco building and features stunning stained glass art and crystal chandeliers. You’ll never feel fancier eating a Big Mac, I promise you.
Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau – This shop has two different locations in Porto, but the Vila Nova de Gaia location (Av. de Diogo Leite 122) is worth visiting for the pure theatrics of it all. The interior is decorated like a whimsical antique library with wrought iron staircases, lacquered red furniture and drippy chandeliers. It’s very glam and over-the-top – they even have live organ music! Their speciality is Portuguese codfish cakes – a local delicacy – served alongside glasses of port wine in a cute and convenient little tray.
My Coffee Porto – This coffee chain has three locations in Porto, but if you prefer your cappuccino with a side of killer views, head to the one on Escadas Do Codeçal. Tucked down an unassuming staircase, this is definitely a hidden gem, but so worth it for the beautiful views of the river. The patio is tiny with only a couple of tables, but we happened to luck out and snag the one with the best view!
Fábrica da Nata – We consumed SO many pastéis de nata (custard tarts) in Portugal, and Fábrica da Nata was one of our favourites. They have six locations in Portugal, two of which can be found in Porto. While they only founded the business in 2015, their commitment to traditional 19th century recipes and top-quality ingredients have made them one of the most popular bakeries in Portugal. The Rua de Santa Catarina location has an upstairs level with plentiful seating.
Castro Atelier – Another contender for the best pastel de nata! This quaint bakery has three locations in Lisbon and one in Porto. I got suckered in by their glam branding and decor, but fell in love with their delicious pastries. The small shop is popular and gets very busy, so I recommend taking your treats to go. Best enjoyed with a bottle of wine, obviously!
Confeitaria do Bolhão – Located across the street from the Bolhão Market, this bustling bakery and café has been around since 1896 – a history that’s reflected in its charming art deco interior. The bakery case displays a tempting selection of sweet and savoury pastries, from empanadas and cachitos to custard tarts and doces finos (marzipan fruits.) They also bake several different types of breads – it honestly smells amazing in there!
Barão Fladgate – At the time of writing, I’m sad to report that this restaurant appears to be permanently closed. It was located at Taylor’s Port Lodge and provided a true fine dining experience. Their creative and curated menu offered modern interpretations of traditional Portuguese dishes, made with the best local ingredients. We had an amazing meal here! Since it’s on the Taylor’s property, I wonder if they’re simply planning to re-open under a new concept. I’ll update this post as I hear more, but if anyone has any info on it, please let me know.
Still hungry? Check out Porto’s best food tours here!
If you have any questions about our time in Porto, feel free to drop them in the comments or shoot me an email – I’m always happy to provide suggestions wherever I can! Next week, I’ll be back with a post all about our wine tour and river cruise in Portugal’s beautiful Douro Valley region. Until then, have a lovely week ahead!
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