FIND YOUR WAY IN PORTO

Heaps of cured meats that would put any American deli to shame. Tile work so stunning you’ll return home and immediately re-do that hack job of a bathroom renovation you were once so proud of. A considered pace you can only find in a city richly steeped in culture and history yet saved from crowds of tourists (not to say that there aren’t any). Another way to describe Porto? Well, it just hits that sweet spot. Not too fast-paced, but not too slow. Not too dense in offerings, but not lacking either. Not too difficult to approach, but different enough to have an established identity and feel to it. It’s just right, all of it. The food, the history, the art, the people, the architecture—it all strikes such a wonderful balance that’s impossible to replicate.

Behold Porto. It’s a port town…you know, because of the river, the Duoro River to be specific.

ARRIVAL/GETTING AROUND PORTO

The journey into Porto is pretty straightforward. If you’re arriving from the airport, your fastest way into the city center is by taxi, clocking in about 20 minutes. Uber or city taxis (dealer's choice), the tab will typically run between €23 -28. The city’s light rail system also makes for a great alternate mode of transport; the ride from the airport’s metro station to the city center takes about 25 minutes with a ticket costing €2.45.

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GETTING TO KNOW PORto

The People: Warm but not overbearing, the people of Porto lend a helping hand to those who need it, then move on when the job is done. Think of it like a system of manners that has been streamlined to be as quick and efficient as possible. Always welcoming, they’ll make you feel right at home, but without any hospitable guilt.

The Language: You won’t be able to guess this one, but the language of Porto and Portugal as a whole is Portuguese. Who would’ve guessed?!? Like most metropolitan cities in Europe, most English speakers will be able to get by with very little resistance. The level of English fluency is slightly less than that of Lisbon, but nevertheless you shouldn’t have too much trouble. If you’re going to learn a bit of Portuguese, which we highly recommend, be sure to mind the pronunciation; there are lots of phonetics that will hurt most American brains.

The Money: Portugal is a part of the EU, and the euro is the coin of choice. Be sure to keep cash on you, since most local shops, bars, restaurants, and other independent establishments aren’t too keen on accepting plastic payment.

The Walk: Compared to Lisbon, Porto is a much more relaxed city in terms of walkability. Still a good deal of stairs and tiny streets, but no more than your typical European city. The local tram offers a decent way to get around if you’re not feeling a walk. If that’s not your speed, city bikes, taxis, and Uber provide the necessary transit services for the longer journeys.

The Food: If the name isn’t a dead giveaway, Porto is a port town. That means the local fare is bullish on seafood. Lots of simply prepped fish, mussels, and octopus trasca (Portuguese tapas) style dishes. Complemented with a bevy of cured meats, local cheeses, pickled and preserved fruits and produce, and many more local ingredients served in delicious little bites Some of the dishes are light and bite-sized, and some take a whole family to finish. One of Porto’s most famous (or infamous, depending on your appetite) dishes is the Franceschina. An orgy of sliced meats, bread, cheese, eggs, and a bathtub-sized bowl of gravy. If you dare to tempt the fates of Porto’s culinary gods, come starving because you certainly won’t be hungry for days after.

The Drink: It’s hard to go wrong with any drink while in Porto, but if you’re looking for highlights, be sure to give the vino verde and port wine a sip. For Vino Verde, or "green wine,", its appearance isn’t necessarily green as its name implies. The nomenclature refers to the younger, more "green" grapes that are used to make this refreshingly light wine. For the Port wine, another giveaway due to the name, its origins are tied directly to Porto and the Duoro Valley. Reflecting the aged beauty of the city, be sure to visit the Port cellars along the Duoro river to experience these lovingly fortified wines on a deeper level.

The History: As one of Europe’s oldest cities, parts of the city go back as far as the Roman Empire and even to Celtic settlements. Offering an economic boost thanks to shipping capabilities thanks to the Duoro River running right through it. Over its long history, Porto’s been under Moorish control, aligned with the olde English Empire, snapped up during Napoleon’s conquering spree, then back under royal Portuguese control. Its layered history is clear as you walk through the city. A multitude of ancient, classic, and modern influences coming together to form an experience that is familiar yet decidedly unique on closer inspection.

The Tile: More so than anywhere else in Portugal, Porto stands proud as the tile city. Take a quick walk down any street and you’ll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of tile-clad facades. Not just the typical hand-painted blue hues of the traditional Azulejo tiles, but bright pops of yellow, deep greens, rich reds... you get the picture. It’s such a defining part of the city that you’ll want to tile everything in your home when you return home.

Porto’s city center, serves as the main artery to shopping and the entry point to older neighborhoods. — Porto’s city center, which serves as the main artery to shopping and the entry point to older neighborhoods.

Even the less populated streets in Porto knock you off your feet with incredible tile work and turn-of-the-century architecture.

STOP BY FOR A SPELL

Cafe Candelabro (Tap to open in Google Maps)
Built out of an old bookshop, this wine bar’s atmosphere pulls you in the same way a well-worn leather chair does. Sit down, grab a drink, and you'll feel right at home. It’s hard to put your finger on it, but that’s the beauty of a good bar; its vibe radiates warmth and an elevated experience without any rigamarole or pretense.
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Combi Coffee (Tap to open in Google Maps)
There’s something so wonderful about a simple coffee shop. Nothing complicated for the sake of complication. Combi Coffee embodies an ethos that focuses on the details of what works best. Quality ingredients, deep understanding, and carefully considered execution make for great coffee, great snacks, great juice, and a great morning spot. Simple as that.
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Anduela (Tap to open in Google Maps)
There’s no shortage of wine bars in Porto, but Anduela stands out as a personal favorite. Delicious stacks of cured meats, outstandingly affordable bottles of vino, and an intimate feel throughout cultivate an atmosphere that’ll have you revisiting this little gem multiple times throughout your stay.
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Pedro Lemos (Tap to open in Google Maps)
Porto’s fine dining scene is one of the most warm and inviting culinary experiences you can have. Pedro Lemos stands at the top of that distinguished mountain. In a warm and inviting space, diners are welcomed with gastronomic takes on local dishes, new and old. Give it a visit.
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Comer E Chorar Por Mais (Tap to open in Google Maps)
This turn-of-the-century grocery store has been slinging Portuguese wines and local foods for over a century. Cans of local sardines, bottles of port, even whole wheels of cheese, if you’re feeling bold. Think of it as your go-to spot for any sort of traditional food or ingredient, saved from the influence of modern globalization.
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Coracao Alecrim (Tap to open in Google Maps)
Regarded as one of the most stunning shops in Porto, a treasure trove of vintage and handmade wares lies behind what has to be the most beautiful door in the city. Offering sustainably crafted goods, this shop creates a natural connection between the new and old Porto.

A simple coffee in a simple setting, Combi Coffee knows how to do a lot with a little.

GREATEST HITS

Serralves (Tap to open in Google Maps)
A favorite among visitors and locals alike, and for good reason. This space boasts a museum/gallery that will knock you off your feet; an art garden that will impress beyond any attempted description; and a historically preserved house that serves as a pinnacle example of Art Deco design—the list goes on and on. The long and short of it is, you've got to give this place a visit. Words really fail to do it any sort of comparable justice.
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Casa De Musica (Tap to open in Google Maps)
A marble jewel along the edge of Porto, Casa De Musica serves as a modern example of Porto’s architectural evolution. In addition to the modern cache it lends to a very historic city, this performance hall offers an experience that marries the old and the new, with varied performances from artists ranging from classical operas to modern international music groups.
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Clerigos Tower (Tap to open in Google Maps)
You can never go wrong with a tower visit in any big city. It’s got everything you need. History: in this case, dating back to 1750, founded by the Brotherhood of Clergy. Lots of beautiful views: it’s one of the highest spots in Porto, so you get a full 360-degree view above everything. Drop dead beautiful: not only is its exterior a looker, but the interior is as well. Highly recommend.
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Luis I Bridge (Tap to open in Google Maps)
Another spot with a gobsmacking view that's bound to induce palpable Instagram envy, the Luis I gives you a look at Porto from either end of the Duoro River. Be sure to walk the top section of the bridge since it’s saved from vehicle traffic, with only trams and pedestrians allowed.

Duoro River (Tap to open in Google Maps)
Take a stroll down either side of the Duoro River and you’re bound to find something that’ll suit your fancy. On the Porto side, you’ll find restaurants, shops, some of the more common tourist traps, and older parts of the city. On the other side, there are food halls, more restaurants, public green spaces, and a slew of port wine cellars. Be sure to give any of the cellars a visit if you want to learn more about aged wines.

Estacao Sao Bento (Tap to open in Google Maps)
You’re going to see a lot of stunning tile work while in Porto, but at Sao Bento Station, you get served up with a double header of ceramic beauty. Incredible Azulejo tiles line the walls of an equally elegant train station. It’s a bit of a tourist trap, but for good reason. Examine the tiles closely and appreciate the love and care that went into decorating a space that’s accessible to anyone and everyone.