Porto is a city that boasts colour, culture, and the creamiest desserts. If you’re searching for a sleepy, neutral, inconspicuous place to visit, then Porto is not the city for you. But, if you’re looking for multicoloured gilded architecture, culinary wonder, and round-the-clock nightlife, then you’ll be right at home in this Portuguese city.
The best way to enjoy this ornate city is over a long weekend, when the twisting streets are filled with delicious smells and sights throughout the day, before they come alive at night.
So we’ve put together the perfect itinerary for a long weekend in Porto.
Lunch at Mescla
First things first, food. Something that is taken very seriously in Porto. For a light post-flight lunch, head to Mescla. Beyond the stunning interiors of intricate patterns and rattan seating, you’ll feast on authentic Portuguese tapas of fresh fish, crunchy bread and light cheeses. All topped off with one of their signature cocktails, perfect to begin your night. You can check out their Instagram here
Gaia Cable Car
After drinks, but just before sunset, take a trip over the city on the Gaia Cable Car. Not only is this the best way to see the city, but seeing the ancient architecture lit up by the evening light is a sight to remember. The perfect place to take in the view, and best of all, you’ll leave with a polaroid picture, if you wish to purchase it. The return ticket costs €9 per person and is worth every cent.
Port Tasting
You can’t leave Porto without tasting their world-famous export; port! Port is a Portuguese fortified wine which is often served as dessert, as it is very sweet and rich. A couple of places that are renowned for their tastings are W & J Graham’s Port and Sandeman Port Cellars, but you can simply walk up and down any street in Porto on a Friday night and easily stumble across a wide selection of Port tastings for you to choose from. Obrigado!
Dinner at Mercado Bom Sucesso
Next up, dinner time! Take a stroll over to Mercado Bom Sucesso, and indulge in the wide selection of food on offer, from fresh pasta and line fish to sweet pastries and other treats. For a more affordable night out, this is a great place to eat on a budget in Porto. Not only the food, but the music, live performance and street sellers have plenty to offer, and it’s a great place to pick up a souvenir!
Breakfast at the Vogue Cafe
Before you leave, you should take a moment to visit a luxury cafe owned by a global fashion magazine – The Vogue Cafe. Start the day off right by indulging in a bubbly brunch. From pancakes to poached eggs, their menu ticks every box.
Best of all, you’ll be seated on luxurious sofas with delicate tables, surrounded by mirrored walls and impressive artwork of the most infamous moments in fashion history – from runway walks to magazine covers, The Vogue Cafe is a feast for your eyes as well as your stomach.
Livraria Lello
Bookworms, prepare to be stunned by one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world – Livraria Lello. Infamous for being one of J.K. Rowling’s favourite spots to write, this bookshop is filled top to bottom with wooden panelled shelves and showcases an impressive staircase. During your visit, don’t forget to look up! The ornate ceiling is one of the most beautiful things about this historical building.
Take a Cooking Class
There is no better place to learn to cook than in Porto, particularly when learning how to make one of Porto’s specialities – Pastel de Nata! Originally invented in the 18th century, the magic of this pastry lies in the mystery of its origin. It is fabled that Belém monks would prepare these pastries in a secret room, and sell them to make ends meet.
Learn how to make them for yourself in one of Porto’s many cooking classes that is open to the public, and fall in love with this custardy, flaky treat while marvelling at its renowned history. Airbnb offers plenty of cooking experiences in Porto to choose from at an affordable price.
Hunt the blue tiles
More of a challenge than an activity, as the walls of Porto city are lined with the most beautiful ornate tiles which provide excellent backgrounds for your holiday snaps. Seek them out as you walk around the city, or even buy some from the local gift shops as a souvenir. Most of them, you’ll see, are glazed blue and white ceramic tiles, and are referred to by the locals as “azulejos”. They were first brought to Porto by the Arabs of Egypt in the 13th century, and are now a key part of Porto’s culture.
Dinner at Tapabento
For a truly showstopper meal, head to Tapabento for a delicious supper of tapas and small plates. Feast on monkfish soup, salmon ceviche, glazed pork cheek and nasi goreng, this restaurant offers an eclectic mix of small plates from around the world.
You’ll feel as if you’ve eaten across every continent on the globe by the time you’re full. Don’t leave without tasting the Banoffee Mille-Feuille; it’s a thousand layers of heaven.
Cândido dos Reis
Finally, you can’t leave Porto without experiencing the nightlife of R. de Cândido dos Reis. After an evening here, it’s likely that you won’t remember exactly which bars or places you’ve visited, as they all appear to merge into one gigantic party, extending out onto the street. However, a good place to start your night is Bar Baxia, The Gin Club or Porto Tónico, where you can indulge in delicious cocktails before the night begins. After that, you’ll find a generous selection of nightclubs and bars for you to pick and choose from all on the same street – just follow the crowd!
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