If only we had more time in this city. I will say that despite only being here one night, we did manage to pack quite a bit in. It’s a relatively small city, so I don’t think you need as much time as you perhaps would in Lisbon, but I would definitely stay longer on my next visit. This trip, we did one night in Porto and three in the Douro Valley, and I would probably swap that in hindsight. To be fair, though, I’m more of an urban explorer than a “relax and sit still” kind of traveler. But this city had incredible character and history and, of course, stunning views right on the Douro River.
Activities
Visit Matosinhos. It’s a sleepy fishing village only 15 minutes from Porto but feels like a world of its own. It also has some incredible seafood. If you can’t make a day of it, at least go for lunch on your way into Porto. We had lunch at Toupeirinho (more below) and couldn’t have been happier with our detour.
This is one of the most beautiful train stations I’ve seen. It’s a completely different type of beauty from the grandeur of a Grand Central. With more than 20,000 azulejo ceramic tiles, it’s more intimate, and the tiles will take you on a journey through Portugal’s past. It took the artist 11 years to complete the building and is a must-see.
Centro Português de Fotografia
This 18th-century prison closed its doors in 1974 and reopened in 2000 as Porto’s Center for Photography. The top two floors house the center’s permanent exhibitions, while the first floor is a rotating platform of featured exhibitions. When we visited, it was a collection of powerful images showcasing life in a Portuguese prison, from the men’s cells to the women’s with their children’s cribs. The collection was so vivid that you felt as if you were actually walking through the prison. This may have been our favorite experience while in Porto and would definitely recommend checking to see what’s going on here during your visit.
We visited this store while in Lisbon and ended up stuffing our suitcase with finds from here. As the name insinuates, all products are crafted in Portugal, and the shop is beautifully curated with Portugal’s finest. If you appreciate a good tablescape, you can definitely find elements to bring a bit of Portugal home and set your own table with a Portuguese flair.
Porto is not a huge city, so if you’re exploring, you will definitely stumble upon some of its shops, which are curated with incredible Portuguese products, be it art, wine, clothing, tinned fish, etc.
Eateries
It might be a sleepy town, but this restaurant had a gracious elegance that you might not expect. Their seafood literally comes right out of the water.sGet the tuna, and don’t ask questions. The seafood rice for two people (a very generous portion) is a must as well. Beautifully understated food in a low-key but refined setting.
If you have a sweet tooth and need a bit of gelato to get you through, this is a fine place to stop.
Right near the train station, this is the perfect spot for a snack and cold beer. The marinated octopus and a Super Bock seemed to do the trick. It’s no frills and isn’t going to be your best meal of the trip, but it’s an authentically local spot and centrally located for a late afternoon refuel.
You’ll need to carve out (no pun intended) some time to eat a pork sandwich while in Porto. Some are more of a gut-busters approach, like the Francesinha, but we went with the pernil con queijo (pork with cheese), which is a more reasonable segue. It comes on a crispy roll with a soft, gooey cheese. The place to do this is Casa Guedes. Try to go at an off time, as there tends to be a line. We managed to avoid this and sat at the bar, where we could drink a beer (sensing a pattern?) watch the master at work, effortlesslesly breaking a part pieces of the pork shoulder and drizzling the jus over the rolls.
If you happen to be staying somewhere with a kitchen and are looking to pick up some ingredients or snacks, these markets seem well worth a visit.
Hotels
This hotel is centrally located for exploring all of Porto, which we did as much as we possibly could of in just 24 hours. You’ll also wake up to views so close to the Douro River, you’ll feel like you’re almost floating. The staff was most welcoming, and they have a lovely breakfast each morning.
Another great option with a boutique-y feel.
If you’re looking for chic on a budget, this could be the place for you.