Travel around Porto with Bobby
Day 1A Taste of Tradition and the Douro River Charm
My first day in Porto started with excitement as I checked into Torel 1884, a boutique hotel set in a historic building right in the heart of the city. The central location made it easy to drop off my bags and head straight out to explore the nearby Ribeira District. Walking along the cobbled streets of this riverside neighborhood instantly transported me to another time. The colorful buildings and the sight of the Dom Luís I Bridge towering above the Douro River made for a picture-perfect scene.
After wandering for a bit, I stopped for lunch at Taberna dos Mercadores, a small local restaurant where I tried the Francesinha, a hearty, meat-filled sandwich smothered in a rich beer-based sauce. It was a meal that could keep me going for hours, and it certainly did as I continued my walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge to the other side of the river.
In the afternoon, I visited Caves Cálem for a Port wine tour. Learning about the history of this world-famous wine and tasting the different varieties was a highlight. There’s something about sipping Port while looking out over the river that made me feel truly connected to Porto’s spirit.
If you want to enjoy the Ribeira District without the crowds, go early in the morning. Also, don’t miss out on a Port wine tasting—it's an essential Porto experience!
Day 2 Exploring the Heights of Porto and Literary Dreams
On my second day, I was ready to dive deeper into Porto’s cultural side. After a quick breakfast at a local café, I hopped on the Funicular dos Guindais, which was just a short walk from my hotel. The funicular took me up to the Sé Cathedral—Porto’s imposing Romanesque cathedral that offers breathtaking views over the city and the river below. The intricate details of the architecture and the peaceful cloisters made it worth the visit.
From there, I made my way to the famous Livraria Lello, often regarded as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. As a book lover, stepping into Livraria Lello felt like entering a dream world. Its stunning neo-Gothic design, winding staircase, and floor-to-ceiling shelves are a feast for the eyes. I spent quite a bit of time here, browsing books and soaking in the atmosphere.
For lunch, I headed to Cantinho do Avillez, a modern restaurant with a twist on traditional Portuguese cuisine. The bacalhau à Brás was the star of the meal—salt cod mixed with eggs, onions, and potatoes.
In the evening, I walked through Avenida dos Aliados, the main avenue of Porto, where the grand architecture made me feel like I was in the presence of something timeless. I ended the day with a sunset drink at Miradouro da Vitória, where the panoramic views over the city were simply stunning.
Lunch at Cantinho do Avillez was a modern take on traditional Portuguese food. The bacalhau à Brás was delicious, but the portion size could have been slightly larger. The overall presentation and freshness of the ingredients really stood out.
Food
Torel 1884 continued to offer a comfortable and quiet retreat after a busy day of exploring. The historical details in the decor added a nice touch to the overall experience.
Accomodation
The visit to Sé Cathedral was awe-inspiring, with its stunning views over the city. Livraria Lello, though crowded, lived up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. The sunset at Miradouro da Vitória capped off the day perfectly.
Activity
Livraria Lello gets packed with tourists, so aim to visit early in the morning or right before closing for a more intimate experience.
Day 3Cruising the Douro Valley and Savoring the Flavors
For day three, I embarked on a full-day Douro Valley river cruise, one of the best ways to experience the lush landscapes outside of Porto. The Douro River is lined with terraced vineyards that produce some of the region’s finest wines, and the views along the way are nothing short of spectacular. The slow, peaceful boat ride gave me a chance to relax and take in the beauty of the region.
During the cruise, we stopped at a local vineyard where I tasted even more incredible Port wines and had a farm-to-table lunch featuring roasted pork and fresh vegetables. The food was simple but bursting with flavor, and it was paired with a glass of the estate’s best wine.
By the time we returned to Porto in the early evening, I was feeling relaxed and ready for a quiet night. I wandered through the Bolhão Market before heading to Restaurante DOP for a more refined dining experience. The octopus confit I ordered was a revelation—perfectly tender with a rich, smoky flavor.
The farm-to-table lunch at the vineyard in Douro Valley was a highlight, featuring simple yet flavorful roasted pork and vegetables. Paired with the estate’s wine, it was the most authentic meal of the trip.
Food
Torel 1884 remained comfortable, but after a long day of cruising, I felt a slight need for extra in-room amenities like a better coffee setup. Still, its central location was a big plus.
Accomodation
The Douro Valley river cruise was unforgettable. The landscapes were breathtaking, and the vineyard stop offered a perfect mix of relaxation and education. This was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Activity
The Douro Valley cruise is a full-day affair, so be sure to pace yourself and wear comfortable shoes. The vineyard visit is worth every minute!
Day 4A Farewell to Porto with a Night to Remember
For my final day in Porto, I decided to take it easy and enjoy some of the more relaxing parts of the city. After a late breakfast at Café Majestic, a historic café with beautiful Belle Époque décor, I strolled through Jardins do Palácio de Cristal. The gardens are the perfect escape from the city’s hustle, offering peaceful walkways and stunning views over the Douro River.
In the afternoon, I visited the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. The sleek modern design of the museum contrasts beautifully with Porto’s traditional architecture, and the surrounding gardens are an oasis of calm. I spent hours exploring the exhibits, feeling inspired by the creativity and talent on display.
As the evening approached, I knew I had to experience Porto’s nightlife before leaving. I headed to Rua Galeria de Paris, a street famous for its bars and vibrant energy. I spent my final night at Plano B, an eclectic nightclub with different rooms playing everything from electronic beats to live jazz. It was the perfect way to cap off my trip.
Breakfast at Café Majestic was a step back in time, with its beautiful setting and excellent coffee. However, the food was more about the experience than the flavors themselves. The dinner at Restaurante DOP, with octopus confit, was an absolute delight.
Food
My final night at Torel 1884 was restful, and the historic charm never got old. The staff made check-out smooth and pleasant, leaving a great lasting impression.
Accomodation
Visiting the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art was a refreshing contrast to Porto’s old-world charm. The day ended with a vibrant nightlife experience at Rua Galeria de Paris, which was a great way to celebrate my final night in Porto.
Activity
Don’t skip Porto’s nightlife! Even if you’re not a big party-goer, the atmosphere on Rua Galeria de Paris is infectious and worth checking out for a memorable last night.
Summary of My Trip
Through Bobby's eyes
My experiences
Porto left a lasting impression on me with its unique mix of history, culture, and modern vibrancy. From the charming, cobbled streets of Ribeira to the stunning views of the Douro River, every corner of the city offered something memorable. The food, the people, and the overall atmosphere created a warm, welcoming experience that made it hard to leave. Here’s how I would rate my experience in Porto across different categories:
The Francesinha at Taberna dos Mercadores was hearty and full of flavor, though a bit heavy. It’s a dish every meat lover should try at least once, but it's not for the faint-hearted. Paired with a glass of local beer, it was a filling and authentic meal.
Food
Torel 1884 impressed with its unique blend of modern comfort and historic charm. The rooms were spacious, and the location was unbeatable, right in the heart of the city. I appreciated the friendly service, but a few more amenities could have made it perfect.
Accomodation
Strolling through Ribeira District and crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge was the ideal way to start the trip. The views of the Douro River are stunning, and the atmosphere in Ribeira is lively yet relaxed. The Port wine tour at Caves Cálem was the perfect end to the day.
Activity