Why you will fall in love with Porto
“Quem És, Porto?” There are some cities that you know will transform you, even before you get there. There’s something remarkable about arriving in a new city for the first time – all opportunities lay ahead of you; a city eager to share its secrets. Step off into São Bento train station in Porto, Portugal, and you might feel your fist wave of saudade before you’ve even left. Thousands of handpainted azulejos cover the walls of the train station’s entrance hall, depicting scenes of some of the country’s most important moments in its history. Take one step outside the station, and you’ve arrived – here are all the reasons why you will fall in love with Porto.
Livraria Lello
Did someone say “Harry Potter?” If you’re a HP fan, make sure to stop by Livraria Lello, originally opened in 1906 by brothers José and António Lello. This fairytale bookstore is said to have been J.K. Rowling’s inspiration for many details in her renowned Harry Potter series.
It’s easy to see how the bookstore’s crimson, curving staircase could have given Rowling the idea for the moving staircases in the HP books. People also say that it resembles Flourish and Blotts, where Harry and his friends picked up their schoolbooks in Diagon Alley each year.
More than just its connection to the Harry Potter series, Livraria Lello is a sight to see if you’re obsessed with all things literature (like me).
As one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal, Livraria Lello will enchant you: Art deco detailing on walls and columns, brilliant stained glass, wood-carved banisters, and let’s not forget, booksbooksbooksbooks.
There’s nothing better than flipping through the pages of a book in a place that transports you to another time.
Of course, there will be flocks of tourists surrounding you, too, all trying to get their perfect shot for Instagram.
But, if you look up at the stained-glass skylight above, it’s still possible to pretend, even if just for a moment, that you’re the only one there.
Practical tip: Get there early at opening or late just before close to beat the crowds. Be sure to go up the street at the corner to get your ticket BEFORE standing in the line for entrance.
I made this mistake even after my walking tour guide gave me this advice a few days prior… but I forgot, of course. Luckily the people behind me didn’t mind holding my spot for me while I went inside to buy my ticket!
Livraria Lello | R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal
Clérigos Tower
I almost didn’t make it here because I wasn’t sure I could handle another spectacular city view, no joke. But I’m so glad I did.
I have a newfound appreciation for viewing cities from above – a good view is always worth the climb.
Yes, you will have to wait in line a little bit in order to get in. I think my wait was around 30 minutes at 10:30am on a Thursday. Worth the wait though!
The church and tower was originally built by Nicolau Nasoni, an Italian architect who had a big influence in Porto and the rest of Portugal. It’s believed that Nasoni was buried in the crypt of the church, although where exactly in the crypt is mysteriously unknown!
You’ll need to climb 255 steps to reach the top, which takes about 15-20 minutes, if I remember correctly. On a clear day, you can see all across the city – even the Douro River. It’s a panoramic view sure to satisfy all of your terracotta-tiled dreams.
Practical tip: Bring a jacket, it tends to get windy up there. Tickets cost only 5 euro; 6.5 euro with a guided tour. You can also go at night from 7pm-11pm.
R. de São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto, Portugal
Fall in love with Porto at Praça da Ribeira
Irrefutably the dreamiest part of the city, Praça da Ribeira will make you fall in love with Porto again and again. The neighborhood borders the Douro River, where you can enjoy the view sitting at one of the outdoor cafes or restaurants with a glass of port in hand.
Do me a favor and spend most of your time in this part of the city – I only had the chance to visit it once. If I’d had more time, I would have spent hours wandering around here. Thinking of the sunset that day honestly gives me goosebumps.
Walk along the river and take it all in. The Ponte de D. Luis bridge creates a framework for the masterpiece of intense, colored buildings that line the riverbank.
Practical tip: Go both during the day and at night to enjoy the atmosphere. Please, don’t miss the sunset!
Capela das Almas
Get your selfie arm ready. The Igreja Capela das Alamas, which translates to the Chapel of Souls, is where you and every other person visiting Porto will be dreaming of getting the perfect Instagram shot. The church showcases an awe-inspiring display of sky blue and white azulejos.
It’s true, you really can’t leave Porto without getting a photo here, although it will take a lot of time and patience to get your shot alone in the frame – given the swarms of people surrounding the popular spot. Which is actually why I don’t have a photo here 🙂
Also check out Igreja de Santo Ildefonso to fulfill more of your azulejo fantasies.
Practical tip: Go early – like 6am, to avoid crowds and get your moment of selfie glory. It’s located on the Rua de Santa Catarina, Porto’s historic shopping street. After getting a couple photos, you can window shop and visit the famous Café Majestic for an espresso or latte.
Capela das Almas, Rua de Santa Catarina 428, Porto 4000-444, Portugal
Port wine, the entire reason you will fall in love with Porto, let’s be real
Yes, this is actually the real reason you will fall in love with Porto. While you can taste port essentially anywhere in the city, my recommendation is to head to Vila Nova de Gaia, the neighborhood on the other side of the Douro River.
Treat yourself to a tasting tour – House of Sandeman is a popular choice that offers a tour for €12.
You could also book a guided tour through a tour company. I like the ones available through GetYourGuide, which has a Fado and Calem Cellars tour option available.
Experiencing fado music is an absolute must while you’re in Portugal, and pairing it with a port wine tasting tour? It’s a perfect match! Explore the tour options below.
If you don’t have time for a tour, enjoy a glass or a tasting flight under the open air at one of Vila Nova de Gaia’s many riverside restaurants. Then bask in the glory of your amazing life. And have another glass.
Practical tip: After you’ve imbibed enough port to last at least until the next evening, take the Funicular dos Guindais up the hill. More than likely, after a hefty meal and drinks, you’ll probably want to avoid climbing hundreds of steep stairs to get back to your accommodation.
The entrance is easily overlooked; I was lucky enough to be with a friend who pointed it out to me. Save yourself 30 minutes of cardio and get an epic view while you’re at it. Well, unless you’re looking for the workout, I guess…?
Sandeman Cellars | Largo Miguel Bombarda, 3, 4400-222 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Casa Guedes
I liked this place so much, I came back twice. A food tour I signed up for on Airbnb Experiences took me here initially for a taste, and then I had to come back for a full sandwich of course!
The place is full with tourists and locals alike, and there is usually a line, but I think it’s absolutely worth it. Get the sandes de pernil com queijo and pair it with the rosé wine, espadal.
I loved taking a food tour. Our guide had been living in Porto for decades and it was really fun gaining insight into the culture through food.
Sometimes I like trying out food on my own and discovering the flavors myself. On the guided food tour, though, I was able to gain a cultural and historical understanding that I wouldn’t have learned about otherwise.
It’s a great way to be introduced to a new culture — through its food. And also, since I’d just come from Lisbon, it was really cool learning about the particular dishes that are specifically unique to Porto.
If you’re interested in signing up for a food tour in Porto, check out the ones from GetYourGuide below:
Practical tip: If you can snag a seat at the bar, you’ll be able to watch the entire staff work their magic. It’s mesmerizing to watch how they delegate it all – everyone works so quickly, efficiently, because of course, they’re experts at what they do.
Casa Guedes, Praça dos Poveiros 130, 4000-393 Porto, Portugal
Local Insights
Where the locals go to eat in Porto:
I was lucky enough to get a few local insights from my Sandemans walking tour guide, João. Here’s a few spots he recommended:
- Cana Verde – Say ‘pinto da costa’ and the waiter will celebrate
- O Buraquinho – For Portuguese petiscos, which are similar to tapas
- O Buraco – Traditional Portuguese cuisine
- Santiago – For francesinha, Porto’s iconic dish, made with bred, wet-cured ham, linguiça, sausage, heaps of melted cheese, and tomato and beer sauce
- Da Terra – Vegetarian, to cleanse your soul after eating a francesinha
Where the locals go to party in Porto:
- Aduela Taberna
- Pipa Velha
- Passos Manuel
- Tendinha
Of course, for your first time in Porto, it makes sense to also check out the Galerias de Paris – two parallel streets with bars and clubs. I went to a nice bar here for casual drinks with friends I met earlier in the day, but it also seems like a good place to accidentally toss back one too many, if that’s your scene.
Okay, have you fallen in love with Porto yet? Leave me a note below with any questions, email me, or send me a DM on Instagram.
Craving more things Portuguese? Check out my Ultimate Guide to Lisbon, Portugal, and play this song while you’re at it to really set the mood. Swoooooon.
Eu sei, meu amor
Que nem chegaste a partir
Pois tudo, em meu redor
Me diz qu’estás sempre comigo
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