My recent trip to Porto, Portugal, was nothing short of magical. My bestie and I spent three nights in this beautiful city, having taken a simple and scenic train ride from Lisbon. Porto’s charm, walkability, and culinary delights make it a perfect destination for a short yet fulfilling getaway.
Arrival and Accommodation
We stayed at the Oca Ribeira do Porto hotel, an excellent choice for its wonderful location and spacious apartment-style rooms complete with a kitchenette. This setup was perfect for a comfortable and convenient stay, allowing us to immerse ourselves fully in the Porto experience.
Day 1:
Our first morning in Porto began bright and early at Igreja do Carmo. This stunning church is a photographer’s dream, and arriving early allowed us to capture its beauty without the usual crowd. After snapping some amazing photos, we headed to Fabrica de Nata for a delicious breakfast. This cozy spot quickly became our go-to for breakfast, thanks to its convenient location and tasty offerings.
Next, we visited the Porto Cathedral, marveling at the intricate blue Portuguese tiles that adorn this historic site. The combination of the architecture and the tiles created an awe-inspiring atmosphere that left us captivated.
For lunch, we dined at Restaurant Casario. While reservations are recommended, we were fortunate to secure a table by arriving at 12:15 PM and kindly requesting accommodation for two. The staff graciously welcomed us, and we enjoyed a delightful meal.
The rest of the day was spent leisurely exploring the streets of Porto. The city’s compact size makes it incredibly walkable, allowing us to discover its hidden gems at our own pace. Dinner that evening was at Postigo do Carvão, where we savored local dishes in a charming setting.
Day 2:
Our second day started with a photo session at Capela das Almas, another early morning venture to capture the best shots. Breakfast was once again at Fabrica de Nata, setting a delicious tone for the day.
We continued our exploration of Porto’s picturesque streets before crossing the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia for lunch at Dona Maria at The Lodge. The food was exquisite, and the views of Porto from across the river were breathtaking.
After lunch, we strolled around Vila Nova de Gaia before embarking on a self-guided pastel de nata crawl—a must-do for any visit to Portugal. Our first stop was Manteigaria, followed by Mercador Cafe, the ever-favorite Fabrica de Nata, and lastly, Castro. Each place offered its own twist on this classic pastry, but Castro stood out with its perfect consistency and freshness.
Our final dinner in Porto was at O Buraco, where we enjoyed a hearty meal that perfectly concluded our culinary adventures in the city.
Final Thoughts
Porto’s small size makes it an incredibly walkable city, allowing visitors to hit all the highlights in just 2-3 nights. From historic sites to modern culinary delights, every corner of Porto has something special to offer. The food scene is absolutely amazing, and the friendly locals only add to the charm.
As we caught an early train back to Lisbon on our last morning, we reflected on our wonderful stay in Porto. This city, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant food culture, has a way of captivating your heart and leaving you wanting more. If you haven’t been yet, Porto should definitely be on your travel list!
The diary emphasizes Porto’s walkability, delightful culinary experiences, and stunning architecture. Thanks for sharing it.