by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:26th January 2021
So this post is our light-hearted view of Porto in Portugal
It has some of the interesting stuff, a few trivial facts, and our thoughts on this charismatic, welcoming city.The sections to explore;
- Let's Start with the Truths
- So What's This Trivia Then?
- Local food & drinks
- What's to See & Do
- And our thoughts
- Returnability
- Value for Money
- Getting around town
- Our Highlights
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The Location
The Three C'sContinent
Europe
Country
Portugal
Capital
Lisbon
As ancient history goes, Porto has a lot to brag about. Especially as it can trace its origins back to around 300 BC.
Prince Henry the Navigator, highly regarded for the “Age of Discovery” was born in Porto in 1394, to the Portuguese king John I. There’s a magnificent monument to the Age of Discoveries in Belém, Lisbon.
During the 15th-century Porto became prominent for shipbuilding in Portugal and developed as a major trading port.
One of the reasons I adore Porto is for its architecture. The beautiful churches with their inlaid façades of azulejo blue tiling are stunning. However, I love the vibrant streets with their intricate wrought-iron balconies clinging to the side of colourful homes. Ladies were peering across their washing lines, having a gossip with their neighbours opposite.
Yes, of course, Porto’s namesake needs a mention, it’s the delectable Port wine. This fortified wine is not only produced in red varieties, but you also need to sample the white too. They are amazing!
The Historic Centre of Oporto was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1996, followed by Alto Douro Wine Region in 2001.
Porto was a European Capital of Culture for 2001, along with Rotterdam.
Where's Porto in the world?
Porto Up Close
Porto makes a perfect location for a city-break, with centuries of history flowing through the streets. There’s magnificent architecture around every corner and spectacular scenic views along the Douro River.
Porto is a little hilly in places, so be prepared to get the heart racing. However, strolling amongst the intriguing, heartfelt lanes is the only way to appreciate Porto and its iconic cityscape.
National Flag
Regional Flag
It’s good to talk
Language
Portuguese (English is widely spoken)
International Dialling Code
+351-21
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Timezone
Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
Difference from UTC
0 Hour
If you've yet to visit the charming and colourful city of Porto, then you're in for a treat.
I found this DK Top 10 Pocket Travel Guide invaluable.
They're extremely informative, easy to follow, and the pictures and maps tempt you to discover more.
Did you know?
- That the thin, narrow boats that have been transporting casks of Port wine along the turbulent waters of the River Douro, since the 10th-century are named Rabelos?
- The quickest way across the Douro is on the Rabelas River Taxi. For €3 and 5 minutes later, you could be sipping a beer from a riverside bar.
- Next to each other in Praça de Gomes Teixeira is the Igreja do Carmo and Igreja dos Carmelitas. These two churches one built next for nuns and the other for monks are just separated by a 1-metre-wide house.
- The Portuguese Way or the Caminho Português is Portugal’s route to Santiago de Compostela. The route starts in Porto and winds its way north passing Portugal’s birthplace, the ancient city of Guimaraes.
- The Portuguese appear to love singing. Not only did we listen to ‘tunas universitárias’ the student troubadours on the streets of Porto, but we also observed an elderly local lady serenading the balconies above.
- Just a few miles south of Porto, in Miramar is the Capela do Senhor da Pedra. The tiny oceanfront chapel dating from 1686, is perched on a rock along the stunning Portuguese Atlantic coastline. Unfortunately, we didn’t manage to get there; however, this is undoubtedly one for next time.
It's famous for...
Food and drink
Port Wine Tasting
Yes, most of us have heard of Port wine, but how much do we really know. Surely there’s no better place to put your knowledge and taste buds to the test, than in Porto. Pop over to Gaia on the south-bank of Porto and choose your favourite cellar.
Franchesinha
A sandwich like no other. Inside your two slices of bread are ham, smoked sausage, regular sausage, steak, cheese, and a tomato & beer sauce. If you’re feeling hungry, you can add an egg, and if that’s not quite enough, you can also have a side order of fries.
My friend’s Portuguese husband recommended Café Santiago, which serves one of the best in town. It’s a bit of a guilty pleasure.
Majestic Café
For a little bit of indulgence head to the Art Nouveau Majestic Café along Rua Santa Catarina. This attractive café that opened in 1921, not only serves exceptional coffee but the surroundings are beautiful too.
Leitão assado da bairrada
Roast suckling pig is a traditional dish in Portugal and shared with the whole family young and old. A local friend urged us not to miss out and recommended Casa Ribeiro. Mmmmm, it was delicious.
One to try
Jump on a heritage tram, route 22 to be precise. It’s a circular route and takes you through some of Porto’s popular spots.
Douro Valley Tour
Head off for a full day around the magnificent UNESCO Douro Valley, for wine tasting and a river cruise.
See & Do
São Bento Railway Station
This is not just any railway station the foyer is stunning. The huge blue-tiled azulejo panels were constructed in 1916 and depict passages from Portugal’s history and rural scenes, they are exquisite.
Porto Cathedral
A trip to Porto wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the historic Cathedral. Especially to the internal Gothic cloisters, built between the 14th and the 15th centuries during the reign of King John I.
Porto Architecture
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, this is what I adored about Porto. The narrow streets’ lived-in feel, the unkempt edges, the vibrant tiling and the fluttering of Portuguese flags high from balconies above.
Discover the UNESCO Historic Centre and get lost in the streets.
Porto Street Art
One of the animated areas for street art is around Vila Nova de Gaia. Just wander beyond the river-front, and street corners, backyards and dowdy corrugated shutters come to life.
Livraria Lello Bookstore
The Livraria Lello Bookstore is astounding inside; however, if time is of the essence, even just admiring the façade will blow your socks off.
Gaia Cable Car
The Gaia Cable Car is a stunning way to descend into the colourful streets of Gaia passing over the wine cellars below.
Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
One of Dom Luís I Bridge and Ribeira's most spectacular views is from the former Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar. Just keep climbing once you crossover the bridge and you'll make it. It's worth it, believe me.
Douro Wine Region
If you come this far you wouldn’t want to miss the UNESCO Douro Wine Region. You can either take a river cruise from Porto and meander through the valleys or hop on a guided tour through the hills, you won’t regret it.
If your want a little more on Porto then why not check our '11 things to see & do in Porto, Portugal'
Where to stay in Porto
- Condes de Azevedo Palace Apartments – The bright, modern, fully equipped apartments are located in a historic building just around 500 yards from Porto's Ribeira district. Free onsite parking is available.
Local information
For more local information on Porto, head to Visit Porto & The North
Return-a-bility
or What are the chances of us revisiting?
(0% - You'll have to drag us over hot coals to go back 100% - Why am I not there now?)
Notes
We loved Porto, especially for its relaxed and welcoming approach to tourism. The city may not be immaculate to the eye and perhaps even a little rough around the edges, but that’s what we treasured.
I’d love to discover more of Porto 3-nights just wasn’t enough.
Value for Money
Our value for money index.
Don't forget we're Londoners, and that means our baseline is quite high.
(0% - How much? I wanted to buy a drink, not the bar 100% - How much? I'll take two.)
Notes
In general, I think Porto was reasonably priced, there are always popular spots; however, we found the food was good value. If you take a little wander to where you’ll find more locals, the prices are lower, and the atmosphere is absorbing.
Getting around town
What's it like discovering the city? Is it walkable? do you need to use public transport? did we leave with weary feet?
(0% - It's mountainous and public transport's a joke 100% - I'm in paradise.)
Notes
Porto is rather mixed in terms of getting about town, it is fairly reasonable to walk around the main sights. However, it’s when you get closer to the Douro River that the hills start emerging and you’ll need your crampons.
But don’t forget there’s always a tram to get you around town.
Janis's Hi's & Lo's
Highlights
I loved the warmth and friendliness of Porto, strolling the ancient lanes, admiring the architecture and of course, a splendid glass of Port.
Lowlights
Mmm, that’s difficult, I actually can’t think of anything as I wouldn’t hesitate to return.
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Gary's Hi's & Lo's
Highlights
So much, the architecture, the food, the drink - but I guess it's the soul of the city - which you can really feel as you stroll its streets & lanes.
Lowlights
It has to be the hills, but that's a small complaint really
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