Even a weekend in Porto feels like stepping into a vibrant tapestry woven with history, charm, and flavour. Imagine strolling along the Ribeira district, where colorful houses line the Douro River, and iconic bridges, like the majestic Dom Luís I, connect you to Vila Nova de Gaia, where Port cellars whisper tales of tradition. Porto is a city that begs to be savoured, where the love of wine mingles with the aroma of freshly baked Pastéis de Nata.
To capture every flavour of Porto, I suggest the following:
🏠 we stayed in an apartment booked through booking.com right near Mae and Prova (see below) and it was a fantastic location - the perfect sport to explore all that Porto has to offer on foot.
Restaurants:
🍴Mae. A new restaurant in town and the steak is 👌The decor is modern, the vibe is trendy, and the waitstaff are super attentive, and the flair is a little Moroccan. The appetizers were also very enjoyable.
🍴@espacoportocruz rooftop for excellent views and an escape from the clutter of tourist traps below. We had lunch here which was spectacular.
🍷@provawinebar an exceptional wine bar for a casual drink at any time, or to buy wine to take home. Ask the sommelier for wines to try based on your tastes, and the take home price is very reasonable. We went here twice!
🍷@taylorsportwine for a port wine tasting in the garden. We didn't do this but I wandered the grounds and it looked beautiful
Day trip:
You must head into the Douro Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and breathtaking wine region located in northern Portugal. It's where the Douro River snakes its way through terraced hillsides, creating a landscape of unparalleled beauty.
You can take a day trip that leaves right from downtown Porto through a variety of tour companies. We chose to go with a full day trip (10 hours) by Magical Douro.
After about an hour drive into the valley, we stop to take in the views of the Douro Valley, and grab a quick coffee while we're at it (always need some caffeine before a big day of activity!) We then follow with a wine lesson by a passionate winemaker at a wineshop in a town nearby. We were able to try 3 wines and we were informed about the wine and port making process. After a few glasses of wine, it was time for lunch, which was right next door. Now this was all good, but the afternoon was really the highlight.
We visited a beautiful winery, who pride themselves on their sustainable approach, and we were taken on a tour of the grounds where we learnt about their processes. We tasted a variety of really interesting port wines, and on a hot day, the porto tonico (Portugal's answer to the Aperol Spritz) with their rose port was the favourite!
The adventure continued with a breathtaking river cruise. Imagine: a boat gliding down the Douro, vineyards lining the hillsides down to the banks of the river, and charming villages along the shore. We enjoyed a glass of port while we took in the gorgeous views. (Hot tip - I'd recommend 1 additional drink while on board, so if you've bought something at the wineries, take that on board!
Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply seeking a picturesque escape, the Douro Valley has something to offer everyone and I recommend a trip out there. Next time, I'd look for a smaller group tour for a less mass/touristy experience.
Porto is a destination I'll be back to, so if Portugal is on your list, make sure you add this charming city to your itinerary!
Follow me for more details of my adventures on instagram @lifeofshanmarie
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