Combine sightseeing, relaxation and delicious food on you holiday to Porto. With a year-long temperate climate, this coastal city is perfect for city or beach breaks, and due to its verdant hills, wine tours too.
Porto is both medieval and modern, with stunning architecture and world-class museums and galleries. Stroll the labyrinthine streets in search of quirky shops, before heading for a gut-busting Francesinha sandwich. Venture south across the fear-inducing Dom Luis I bridge to the port wine caves, for a fascinating a tour. Or visit the beautiful beaches of Foz do Douro, relax on golden sand as waves break along the shore. In the evening, go to Ribeira for a traditional night out, or hit the bohemian bars and hipster hangouts near Rua Bombardo. Whatever you choose, book flights to Porto now to enjoy this captivating city.
Shopping in Porto presents many options, from the multi-storey shopper’s paradise, El Corte Ingles to A Vida Portuguesa with its retro souvenirs. Portosigns puts an interesting twist on traditional souvenir shopping. While at La Maison des Porto you’ll find over 200 bottles of Port that you can try before you buy – well, it is one of the city’s most famous attributes.
Visit the National Museum Soares dos Reis, a former neoclassical palace that now houses a comprehensive art collection. Take a trip to the Estadio do Dragao – home to the famous F.C Porto, or visit the stunning modern architecture of the Casa da Música. Don’t miss out on a scary trip across the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, don’t go too close to the edge.
Enjoy a romantic meal overlooking the Douro River at tapas wine bar, Wine Quay Bar. Feast on authentic roast pork, peri peri chicken and more at casual eatery, Casa Guedes. Or head to the fantastic Comme ça, whose eclectic décor and super simple food won’t break the bank. And make sure you head to the Café Majestic for pastel de natas and coffee.
Porto’s night scene may not be as wild as Lisbon’s but they can certainly party. Head to the Bombarda area for hipster bars and popular hangouts. The Candelabra is a cool bookshop/cocktail bar where locals drink until the small hours. The bars around the Ribeira district are great for people spotting, and finding a romantic nook in the arches.
Port wine’s connection to Britain is no coincidence. British traders realised that a fortified wine would survive the long trip back much better than a normal wine, which is why a lot of the major brands are British. Try it for yourself at one of the many wineries in Vila Nova de Gaia – tours at Taylors, Sandeman and Ferreira, the original Portuguese brand, are worth every penny.
