The ultimate Porto city guide

Built upon the banks of the River Douro and framed by Gustave Eiffel’s double-decker iron bridge, this hilly city with its colourful riverside promenade, winding cobbled streets and baroque churches is charming from the get-go. Beyond this, thanks to a flurry of buzzy hotel and restaurant openings, regenerated areas and new cultural spots, Porto is truly a second city on the up — and there’s never been a better time to visit.

A short round-up of Porto’s must-see sights…

Luís I Bridge: Stroll across the famous bridge which links Porto’s two halves (the main city and Vila Nova de Gaia) for sweeping views of the Douro and a close-up look at this feat of UNESCO-approved engineering.

Cais da Ribeira: Below the bridge is this riverfront promenade lined with colourful barcos rabelos (flat-bottomed boats) and rickety-looking pastel-hued houses stacked seemingly precariously on top of one another. Stop here for the city’s favourite cocktail, a Port Tonic, as the sun sets.

Admire the azulejos: These hand painted ceramic blue tiles adorn buildings across the city, but the most impressive (and photogenic) line-ups can be seen on the exterior of some of the city’s churches — notably Chapel of Souls, The Saint Ildefonso Church and Igreja do Carmo.

São Bento train station: Ceramics fans should also stop by this city centre train station where the tile-covered interior walls create the feeling of stepping inside a painting.

Try Port: Head over the river to Vila Nova de Gaia to learn about the city’s most famous export and sample the different blends.

Torre dos Clérigos: For a bird’s eye view of the cathedral and the twisting River Douro, climb the 240 steps of the city’s tallest bell tower.

Livraria Lello: Known to many simply as the Harry Potter bookstore, J. K. Rowling supposedly based her bookshop at Hogwarts on Lello. Either way, with its neo-gothic façade and unique staircase, it’s a beautiful albeit popular spot.

Sé Catedral do Porto: Perched upon a hill, this 12th-century Romanesque style cathedral has baroque and gothic details alongside a cloister covered in azulejos.

What — and where — to eat in Porto

If it’s traditional food you’re after, the winding maze of streets behind the Cais da Ribeira is where to head. Adega São Nicolau and Taberna dos Mercadores are both great options for classics including cod croquettes, salt crusted sea bass and beef stew. For Portuguese food with a contemporary twist, venture over to the Baixa area and try Época for lunch, Genuíno for natural wine and sharing plates or Tia Tia for creative dishes with bountiful vegetarian options.

The historic market Mercado Bolhão had a slick makeover in 2022 and has become a real foodie destination. Peruse the produce stalls on the ground floor, picking up a plate of local cheeses or a selection of the city’s famous tinned fish, and enjoy on the steps with a glass of local wine or Port.

A sweet breakfast, afternoon pick-me-up or dessert, get your fill of pastéis de nata at Fábrica da Nata, Manteigaria Bakery and Nata Lisboa.

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