Hi, friends!
Are you visiting Porto and want to enjoy it but without rushing into a touristy back-to-back itinerary? I might be able to help, we spent a week there as part of our nomadic journey and I decided to enjoy it slowly.
Why slow-paced travel?
Well, we have been in a nomadic life since the beginning of this year, moving to a new place every week. Traveling is our passion, but it also involves several activities like researching (a lot), planning, moving, exploring, writing, studying, and it can be tiring if we don't take it slow.
I have also learned that it is very different to get to know a place if you are just checking things off a to-do list vs. doing nothing and just observing what's around you.
So here is a slow-paced travel guide to Porto, it includes really nice views, amazing food, and local tips.
Porto at a glance
Very kind people
Dom Luíz I Bridge
Douro River
Ribeira District
Architectural gems
Porto Tawny wine
Pasteis de Nata
How to get to Porto
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal. It has an international airport, and depending on your origin you can also take the train or bus.
Where to brunch in Porto
Swallow Decadent Brunch
We arrived at this place with a strange name because of the reviews on google. The door was closed, which made me think later that you need to know about it otherwise you will not randomly find it. It had a speakeasy vibe to me. The host opened the door and gave us a table for two. The decoration was modern and cozy. The service was attentive and caring. The food had great quality and a nice presentation. Overall, it was a great experience. I would definitely recommend this place.
What to do in Porto
Sao Bento Railway Station
You might wonder what is so special about a train station. But this is a very unique one due to its beauty. The main hall has over 20,000 tiles explaining the history of Portugal! Wow! Right?
Confitería del Bolhão
I got this tip from a blog I read during my research of what to visit in Porto. And they were so right! Besides the beautiful decoration, this place has the best Pasteis de Nata I've ever tasted. Really, what an unmissable experience.
Miradouro da Vitória
After Confitería del Bolhão, I walked through the streets of the city, amazed by the breathtaking architecture. And I arrived to Miradouro da Vitória. From it you can see the Ponte de Dom Luís I (bridge), Catedral Sé do Porto (church), and the Paço Episcopal do Porto (palace). The best part, it's free.
Douro River
Run or walk along the river. This was my daily activity, first thing in the morning meditation and yoga with Adriene. Then run by the Douro River listening to my favorite Run playlist. Watching the colorful houses, the bright river, the fishermen waiting patiently to be lucky. Admiring the Dom Luíz I Bridge and the Infante Bridge (two of six amazing bridges in Porto). It is such an impressive feeling to look at this breathtaking scenery of metal arches.
Try Porto Tawny wine
My dad gets so excited about our trips, I think it's so cute. Five years ago, I visited Porto for the first time and he wanted me to try the Porto Tawny wine. I did, and I thought it was too sweet for me. But this time, 5 years later, I gave it another try and it was a completely different experience. I guess I really tasted it this time, and identified an aroma of caramel, nut, and wood, with fig flavor. It's great to be curious, to have the capacity for wonder when encountering new flavors, smells, views, and sounds. I wish we never lose that.
Praça da Ribeira
A friend from the university, originally from Porto, says the Ribeira District is the party zone. Our Airbnb was right in the middle of it, I think it is an unbeatable location if you come to Porto. Anyway, wherever you decide to stay visiting Praça da Ribeira is a great idea. It has lots of restaurants with outdoor sitting where you can eat and get an imperial (small beer), or maybe a sangría, while looking at the amazing Luíz I Bridge, the Douro river, and getting some nice sunbathe.
Where to stay in Porto
We stayed in the Ribeira district, at a lovely Airbnb. Quite a catch! Fast internet, cozy decoration, lovely tiles at the shower and the kitchen. Plus, it has all the necessary tools to practice cooking poached eggs every morning :P.
Thank you so much for spending your time reading this post. I hope these tips might be of service to you and I wish you a very exciting and pleasant trip to Porto. If you want to share your experience or add any other tips here, know that they are always welcome.
Love,
Kassandra
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