Most vacationers certain for Portugal fly into Lisbon and spend a number of days exploring the picture-perfect capital. An ordinary itinerary tends to incorporate a day journey to the Alentejo countryside and maybe venturing south to the golden seashores of the Algarve for the weekend. That mentioned, vacationers fascinated about artwork, tradition, and gastronomy ought to set their sights farther north. Located on the banks of the Douro River estuary, Porto (additionally known as Invicta, which means undefeated) is a vibrant cultural hub with a UNESCO-listed cobbled core and centuries of tales to inform. Steeped in historical past however not caught prior to now, Portugal’s second metropolis has lately change into a mecca for expats, digital nomads, and creatives who’ve introduced contemporary power to one of many oldest ports in Europe. Not solely does it supply an unimaginable culinary scene, stunning tiled buildings, and port lodges alongside the Vila Nova de Gaia nevertheless it’s additionally a terrific house base for day journeys to Douro Valley.
So, for those who’re planning a visit to Portgual in 2024, be certain that so as to add a number of days in Porto to your itinerary. The underrated gem really doesn’t disappoint. Right here’s the best way to plan the proper journey — full with francesinha sandwiches, riverside strolls, and, after all, loads of fortified wine.
The place To Keep
For a boutique keep proper within the coronary heart of all the things, test into Torel 1884. The sister property of the artsy and chic Torel Avantgarde is a design lover’s dream that nods at Portugal’s Age of Discoveries with whimsy and a up to date sensibility. Potted vegetation and clay masks by sculptor João Pedro Rodrigues greet company within the entryway. On the three flooring above, high-ceilinged bedrooms are themed off Africa, the Americas, and Asia. There’s additionally an inviting guests-only library and a ground-level restaurant/bar for Portuguese meals with worldwide influences.
Set again from the middle, Village by BOA took over and reworked a Nineteenth-century working-class neighborhood. The current-day constructions nonetheless mirror the unique character on the outside, solely now the interiors are fairly contemporary and trendy with a impartial palette, native ceramics, and wooden accents. The affordable charges and apartment-style setups — which vary in configuration from studios to two-bedroom duplexes — make it particularly interesting for longer journeys and distant employees.
Away from the hustle and bustle on the opposite aspect of the river, The Yeatman is a five-star standout in Vila Nova de Gaia. From the decanter-shaped pool and partitions embellished with winery murals to cellar excursions and grape-infused facials on the spa, it’s the perfect retreat for lovers of wine and luxurious.
The place To Eat & Drink
Steadily hailed as the perfect meals vacation spot in Portugal, Porto is a culinary famous person with all the things from modest hole-in-the-walls to superb eating. To strive a real-deal francesinha — a famously hearty open-faced sandwich composed of meat, melted cheese, and fried egg smothered in a wealthy, boozy sauce that originated within the metropolis — beeline it to Café Santiago. If there’s one factor everybody appears to agree on, it’s the extent of deserved fanfare surrounding Taberna Dos Mercadores, a tiny, 20-seat eatery that fires probably the most mouthwatering seafood rice round and solely accepts reservations over the cellphone. Unpretentious, homespun recipes hold the throngs of locals and in-the-know vacationers returning to O Buraco.
A bit off-the-beaten-path in a extra residential space, Apego supplies an excellent eating expertise with artfully plated dishes, a curated wine listing, and heat hospitality to match. Gruta serves refined, Michelin-rated renditions of classics like shrimp sautéed with olive oil and salsa verde in an upscale but splendidly unfussy setting.
On the bi-level Mercado do Bolhã you’ll discover a wide range of distributors promoting produce, flowers, tinned fish, and ready meals. On Friday afternoon, it’s the place to seize a glass of wine, a porto tonico, or a contemporary juice and one thing tasty to nibble, meet up with pals and benefit from the convivial power.
The town additionally has a powerful cafe and bakery recreation. Head to Época Porto and Manna Porto, that are each nice spots for mid-sightseeing refueling with specialty espresso and loads of veg-friendly choices. Candy tooth? The always-busy Castro makes probably the most crave-able pastéis de nata.
One of many major causes folks come to Porto is, after all, to drink port. And for those who fall into that camp, relaxation assured the choices are plentiful. Cálem and Graham’s rank among the many hottest lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia for excursions and tastings. In a sea of wine bars, Genuíno and A Cave Do Bon Vivant stand out from the remainder.
What To Do
Porto brims with spectacular landmarks. First up, the hilltop Porto Cathedral, an necessary Romanesque monument identified for its beautiful tile work and far-reaching vistas. One other spot for superb views, the long-lasting bell tower hooked up to Clérigos Church rises practically 250 ft. Guests can climb the spiral staircase to the highest for panoramic sweeps earlier than heading downstairs to take a look at the non secular artifacts and take heed to organ live shows.
The Palácio da Bolsa boasts a Neoclassical facade and opulent interiors. Across the nook, the Church of São Francisco is properly thought to be probably the most spectacular instance of Gothic structure within the metropolis. There’s sometimes a bottleneck of shutter-happy vacationers making an attempt to snap selfies in entrance of the blue-and-white tiled Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls in English). As you’re ticking key points of interest off the listing, don’t neglect about Livraria Lello — which reportedly impressed Hogwarts within the Harry Potter sequence — Igreja do Carmo, Casa do Infante, and Church of Saint Ildefonso. Cais da Ribeira, the vigorous riverfront promenade buzzes with pedestrian foot site visitors. It’s an important place to stroll round or cease for a drink and watch the boats cruise previous.
To succeed in Vila Nova de Gaia, stroll throughout the well-known Luís I Bridge after which hop on the Teleférico de Gaia for beautiful skyline views and an expedited entry to the riverfront. When the brand new WOW cultural district opened, it very a lot modified the panorama of issues, turning the realm right into a thriving enclave of museums — together with the Instagrammable Pink Palace that permits patrons to strive 5 totally different kinds of rosé.
Day Journeys
The world’s oldest demarcated wine area and the birthplace of port, Douro Valley sits 90 minutes outdoors of Porto — making for a straightforward day journey. Moreover simply sipping and swirling, viticulture lovers will take pleasure in guided walks by the rolling vineyards, visits to historic quintas, and scenic rides alongside its namesake river. When you’ve got an evening or two to spare, it’s properly price staying over at one of many vinho-centric motels just like the Six Senses Douro Valley.
