Published On: Thu, Oct 24th, 2024
Travel | 2,738 views

Walkable European city has famous pastries, wine caves and river cruis | Europe | Travel


The view of Douro river

Portugal’s second city, has been turning heads recently, and for good reason (Image: Getty)

Porto, Portugal’s second city, has been turning heads recently, and for good reason. Winning Europe’s Best Emerging Culinary Destination at the World Culinary Awards 2024, UNESCO-listed Porto has firmly cemented itself as a foodie destination with some of the best wine caves in Europe.

The vibrant riverside city offers more than just famous Port wine – it delivers an entire city break experience filled with rich history, buzzing culture, and culinary adventures.

Having spent an extended period exploring the city, I first noticed how alive Porto feels, packed with locals, visitors, riverboats and vintage trams winding through the picturesque streets.

The 897 km Douro River carves through the centre, flanked by a hotchpotch of colourful townhouses and medieval buildings stacked up the hills on either side.

From almost anywhere in the city, you can see the famous bridges spanning the river connecting Porto and the neighbouring Vila Nova de Gaia.

As you move through the narrow, sloping streets, you’ll also stumble across tiny bars, independent shops, wine caves and busy bakeries, turning out the city’s famous Pastel de natas (Portuguese egg custard tart).

It’s a city of layers — quite literally — where you’re always either climbing or descending, uncovering new corners with each turn.

Here’s my guide to some of Porto’s best things to do.

river

The 897 km Douro River carves through the centre (Image: Portia Jones)

Wine Caves: Porto’s Liquid Gold

Let’s kick things off with the liquid treasure that put Porto on the map: Port wine. The city is a wine-lover dream, thanks to the famous wine caves along the banks of the Douro River.

These caves store the best of the region’s rich, sweet Port wine and offer tours that give you a real flavour of the city’s essence.

There are several wine cellars along the Douro River, and Graham’s Porto Lodge is one of my favourites.

Sitting high above the Douro River, the lodge offers expansive views of Porto’s cityscape while immersing you in the fascinating world of Port wine. Graham’s state-of-the-art visitor centre is often ranked among the top wine tourism experiences in Portugal, and once you step inside, it’s easy to see why.

The cellar holds a staggering 15,000 seasoned oak casks, some over a hundred years old. Walking among them, you’ll feel the weight of history – especially when you reach the area where rare bottles of Vintage Port are stored, some dating back to the 1890s.

The guided tours are insightful, offering a deep dive into the craftsmanship behind each bottle, from the vineyards of the Douro Valley to the ageing process in these atmospheric cellars.

After the tour, you can enjoy a tasting session of some of Graham’s finest Ports, from Tawny to Vintage. And if you’re hungry, head to Vinum, the swanky on-site restaurant that beautifully pairs local Portuguese cuisine with Graham’s wines and ports.

Taylor’s is another heavyweight in the Port industry. A visit here includes a self-guided audio tour where you’ll wander through the dimly lit cellars, learning the history and craftsmanship behind each bottle. Taylor’s tasting room also offers a memorable pairing experience: Port with chocolate. It’s heaven if you love sweet treats like me.

port wine testing

Port is a classic fortified wine from Portugal’s Douro Valley (Image: Getty)

Explore Porto’s Culinary Scene

With its 2024 accolade as Europe’s top emerging culinary destination, Porto has earned its stripes in the gastronomic world. And while it’s tempting to indulge in nothing but Port, there’s so much more to discover in the city’s dynamic food scene.

Porto’s cuisine, like its culture, is rooted in tradition but not afraid to embrace modern twists.

Pastel de nata, anyone? These delicious, flaky, custard-filled tarts are Portugal’s pride and joy, and in Porto, you’ll find some of the best examples.

Locals swear by places like Manteigaria and Fábrica da Nata. While Lisbon is often hailed as the birthplace of the Pastel de nata, Porto’s version is nothing to scoff at. Pair one (or two) with a strong, rich espresso, and you’ve got the perfect start to any day.

For something heartier, try Francesinha. This indulgent sandwich is layered with ham, sausage, and steak, smothered in melted cheese, and drenched in a bright orange beer sauce.

It’s the ultimate comfort food, and if you want the best in town, head to Café Santiago. Fair warning: This heavy meat dish is not for the faint-hearted (or small-stomached).

food

Eat your way aroudn the city on a guided food tour (Image: Portia Jones)

Take a Guided Food Tour with Taste Porto

If you’re ready to truly experience Porto’s rich food scene in a way that goes beyond simply eating, then Taste Porto has the perfect tour for you. Founded in 2013, Porto’s longest-running food tour company offers several foodie tours and cooking classes.

As featured by the legendary Anthony Bourdain, Taste Porto isn’t just about sampling local dishes – it’s about getting to the heart of Porto’s food culture by connecting you with the people behind the food.

One of the key principles behind the tours is simplicity. You won’t find fancy fusion food or fussy dishes here. Instead, the focus is on authentic, traditional recipes and dishes crafted by Portuguese families.

Along the way, you’ll meet the chefs, bakers, and winemakers who pour their passion into every dish and plate of produce and learn more about Portuguese food heritage. Their expert guides also tell stories about the food you try and Porto’s culture, history, and community.

Typical bites include fresh oysters, Pastel de Chaves, a regional pastry with a delicious meat filling that’s as rich in flavour as it has been in history. You might also try sandwich de pernil, a slow-roasted pork sandwich that is melt-in-your-mouth good. Other tasty samples on the gut-busting tour could include alheira, a smoked sausage with a unique history, and Porto’s signature bacalhau (salted cod).

But Taste Porto’s tours don’t stop at food. If you opt for their Vintage Tour, the journey ends at Touriga, a boutique wine shop where owner David will personally pair you with the perfect glass of Port.

You’ll sample vintage Ports while learning about the meticulous process of making this iconic wine.

What makes Taste Porto so special isn’t just the food (though it’s incredible); it’s the way they bring the city’s culinary culture to life. Each stop on the tour feels like a chance to connect with the locals, and by the end of the day, you’ll have a much deeper understanding of how food in Porto is truly a reflection of the people who make it.

Take a River Cruise Along the Douro

After a day of foodie indulgence, a relaxing cruise along the Douro River is the perfect way to take Porto’s charm from a different angle. The iconic Six Bridges Cruise offers a scenic 50-minute trip, gliding under some of the city’s most famous bridges, including the impressive Dom Luís I Bridge.

It’s a great way to appreciate the unique architecture, including the brightly coloured houses stacked along the riverbanks and the towering churches and bell towers that dominate the skyline.

For something a little more luxurious, there are longer Douro River cruises that take you upriver into the heart of wine country, passing terraced vineyards that cling to the hillsides.

Some cruises even include tastings of the wines from these vineyards, offering a deeper connection to Porto’s famous export.

Tour boat

The iconic Six Bridges Cruise offers a scenic 50-minute trip (Image: Getty)

Discover WOW and Pink Palace

Porto has plenty of quirky and modern attractions, including the World of Wine (WOW) in Vila Nova de Gaia. WOW is more than just a museum; it’s a cultural district dedicated to wine, Portuguese history, and gastronomy. There are interactive exhibits, wine-tasting rooms, and even a wine school.

For something a little more offbeat, step into the Pink Palace. This immersive, candy-coloured experience is not just about wine tasting, though you will sample plenty of rosé.

It’s an Instagrammer’s paradise, with rooms designed for playful photo ops, from a champagne bottle you can stand in to a pink-coloured ball pit you can dive into for photos. 

The Pink Palace is a great option if you’re travelling with fun-loving friends and looking for a fun, less serious take on Porto’s wine culture.

balls

Dive into the ball pit in the pink palace (Image: Portia Jones)

Visit Pinhais Canned Factory

Portugal has a long tradition of tinned fish, and in Porto, you can see the process in action at the Pinhais Canned Factory. Founded in 1920, Pinhais still produces high-quality canned sardines, mackerel, and tuna using traditional methods.

The surprisingly interesting guided tour takes you through the canning process, from cleaning the fish to hand-wrapping the tins. It’s a fascinating insight into a lesser-known side of Portugal’s culinary heritage, and you get to sample some of the finished product at the end.

Pick Your Own Fish for Lunch at Matosinhos Market

Seafood lovers won’t miss a trip to Matosinhos Market, which is just a short drive or metro ride from Porto’s centre. This lively fish market is where locals pick out the freshest catches of the day, and the experience is nothing short of authentic. Wander through the stalls packed with glistening fish, octopus, and shellfish; you can even select your own seafood for lunch.

Many nearby restaurants offer a “pick and grill” service – once you’ve chosen your fish, they’ll cook it for you on the spot. It’s as fresh as seafood gets and a fantastic way to experience Porto’s coastal bounty.

Stay at the Rebello

If you want a swish hotel in Porto, the 5-star Rebello Hotel & Spa is an excellent choice for an upscale riverside stay. Perched on the banks of the Douro River in Vila Nova de Gaia, this impressive hotel blends modern luxury with a deep respect for Porto’s history.

The hotel is housed in restored 19th-century warehouses, giving it a hip post-industrial feel while offering all the expected comforts of a high-end retreat.

The apartment-like rooms and suites at Rebello are designed with a clean, minimalist aesthetic, featuring natural materials like wood and stone that echo the earthy tones of Porto’s landscape.

Many also offer sweeping views of the river and the colourful city skyline, perfect for soaking in the sunset with a local port.

Rebello also has an exceptional rooftop bar where you can feast on small plates, sip cocktails or enjoy a glass of Portuguese wine with river views. But the real culinary star is the Pot&Pan Restaurant on the ground floor, where traditional Portuguese dishes take centre stage. Beautifully presented plates are packed with flavour – think crayfish, codfish rice, and juicy beef tenderloin.  

If relaxation is high on your agenda, you’ll love the hotel’s luxurious ancient Roman-style spa, which includes a range of treatments inspired by the local environment. After a long day of sightseeing, treat yourself to a soothing massage or soak in the warm indoor pool.

spa

Unwind in the Roman-style spa at the Rebello (Image: Portia Jones)

How to Get to Porto from the UK

With all this to look forward to, the next question is: how do you get to Porto from the UK? Thankfully, getting there is straightforward. There are several direct flights from major UK airports, including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, and Bristol, with airlines like British Airways, easyJet, and Ryanair offering regular services. Flights take just over two hours, so you could even pop over for a long weekend.

Once you arrive at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, you’ll find yourself only 15 km from the city centre. The easiest way to get into town is by metro to get straight into central Porto in about 30 minutes.

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are also available, and if you’re travelling light, Porto is compact enough to start exploring almost as soon as you arrive.



Source link