Porto is a beautiful coastal city in Portugal known for its fresh seafood and port wine with quaint cobblestone streets lined with cafes and shops. It’s the more chilled out version of Lisbon and a lot less hills!
DAY ONE
BREAKFAST AT MAJESTIC CAFE
This is where J.K. Rowling spent her days writing the first Harry Potter book and it’s not hard to see why with its beautiful ornate interiors. Order the port french toast to go with your morning coffee or if you’re like me, tea.
ADMIRE THE AZULEJOS
Azulejos are painted ceramic tiles that you’ll find all over Portugal, decorating everything from churches, park benches to train stations. On Rua de Santa Catarina stands the beautiful blue and white azulejo-clad Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls). There are so many beautiful examples all over the city. Another one to check out is Igreja Santo Ildefonso, an 18th-century church.
LUNCH AT CASE GUEDES
Get in line at this local family-run eatery and order the sandes de pernil (roast pork roll) and one with the gooey queijo Serra da Estrela, a creamy sheep’s milk cheese made in the mountainous region of Serra da Estrela. It’s THE place for a quick satisfying bite to eat, so good we went twice!
SÃO BENTO RAILWAY STATION
One would not usually think a train station is an attraction, however, the walls at São Bento Station are decorated with over 20,000 azulejo tiles dating back to 1905. Definitely the most beautiful train station I’ve ever seen!
EXPLORE RIBERIA SQAURE ALONG DOURO RIVER
Stroll along the riverfront in the late afternoon and take in the atmosphere of one of the oldest parts of town, with its cobblestone laneways and medieval buildings. Grab a drink at one of the many cafes as you watch the sunset.
DINNER AT OSTRAS E COISAS
For seafood lovers, this modern minimalist eatery serves the most delicious Mozambique style prawns.
DAY TWO
BREAKFAST AT CONFEITARIA DO BOLHÃO
It is totally acceptable to devour pastries for breakfast in Porto, so do as the locals do at this 120-year-old patisserie.
VISIT LIVRARIA LELLO
Said to be one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world with its intricate wood panelling and grand curving staircase. This place inspired the magic of J.K. Rowling’s Hogwarts.
LUNCH AT SALTA O MURO
Get the tram or an uber to the seaside town of Matosinhos and sample home-style cooked seafood at this no-frills restaurant. Order a grilled fish which comes with potatoes and cabbage and arroz de marisco (seafood rice).
SEASIDE DRINK AT PRAIA DA LUZ
Grab a table right at the edge of this seaside restaurant next to the beach and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere as you listen to the waves.
TAKE IN CONTEMPORARY ART AT SERRAVLES
Walk the grounds of Serralves and you’ll find a Contemporary Art Museum (the most visited museum in all of Portugal), park and Casa de Serravles Villa, considered to be one of the best examples of Art Deco in Portugal. It’s like Barbie’s dream home!
PORT TASTING AT TAYLOR’S
You can’t leave Porto without tasting its signature dessert wine. Head to Taylor’s, founded in the 1600s where you can tour the cellars, taste 3 types of wine and enjoy them in their garden.
WATCH THE SUNSET AT THE YEATMAN HOTEL
Once you’ve finished the port tasting, head next door to The Yeatman Hotel for a sunset tipple. Make sure to get a seat on the balcony to enjoy the panoramic views over the city. The best way to end a two-day trip in Porto.
