Porto is most famous for its port production, and you could certainly focus your trip to Porto on sampling port. But there’s much more to Porto than port!
I’ve broken Porto down into four themes to focus on, and added a bonus category at the end.
Port
First things first. When in Porto, do a port tour. You can do this with any of the port production companies – I did mine with Graham’s. You’ll learn about the port creation process, see all the storage barrels and learn about the family history of the port companies. And of course you’ll have a port tasting as part of the tour!
Porto’s connection to the port industry is very evident when you walk around Porto, especially along the river. The names of the port companies are emblazoned on the sides of warehouses and the banks of the river are full of tall, thin, colourful port houses, reminding me a little of Amsterdam.
If you’re keen on wine as well as port, do a tour to the Douro Valley. I didn’t get a chance to do this but I understand it is well worth it.
The Douro river
My second theme for a trip to Porto is its river.
Porto’s Douro River is its main focus, curving through the city centre. Its famous Ponte Luís I (Luís I Bridge) is an icon of Porto.
See the best of the Douro River in three ways.
Cable car
The cable car is an unusual way to see the river! It’s located on the south side of the river, just west of the Ponte Luís I. It’s a lovely way to see Porto’s red tiled roofs from above, with the river snaking beneath you. And it takes you to the upper level of the Ponte Luís I – certainly less strenuous than climbing the steps!
Boat tour
Another way to see the Douro River is to join a boat tour. The guide will explain what you see along the way, from Porto’s many bridges to the quirks of its port houses. This is the most efficient way to see the Douro River.
Walking
Finally, get a sense of Porto’s river by just walking up and down the river banks. You’ll find a lively atmosphere with various food stalls and numerous cafés. Sitting in the sun with a coffee beside the Douro River is a very pleasant experience!
Books
My third theme for Porto is books. I actually only have one tip for this theme but it’s an important one for Harry Potter fans.
The Livraria Lello is one of Portugal’s oldest bookshops and it is said to have provided inspiration to JK Rowling for some of the scenery in her Harry Potter books when she lived in Porto.
Arguably the Livraria Lello is a bit of a tourist trap. I do wonder how many people actually buy any books in there or whether they treat it primarily as an Instagram hotspot. If you want to visit, make sure to book a ticket in advance and, even then, be prepared to queue. On my trip to Porto, I didn’t realise the Livraria Lello was so popular and actually abandoned visiting it because the queue was so long! I decided I wasn’t enough of a hardcore Harry Potter fan to make it worth the wait.
Religious buildings
Last but not least, a key theme of Porto is its religious buildings. Like many European cities, Porto is crammed full of them, each beautiful and interesting in their own way. Here are a few of my favourites.
Sé do Porto (Porto Cathedral)
A cathedral is always a good place to start to get a sense of a city. Porto’s cathedral has fortress-like qualities, with a square frontage and small windows. Like many of Europe’s Catholic churches and cathedrals, Porto Cathedral has an ornate interior, and also a beautiful blue and white mural in its cloisters.
Igreja de São Francisco do Porto (Monument Church of St Francis)
The Monument Church of St Francis is a fourteenth-century Gothic structure. Its interior is stunning: it’s adorned with intricate wooden carvings covered in gold, and because of this it is known as the Golden Church. Fans of Gothic architecture should make a beeline for the Monument Church of St Francis on their trip to Porto.
Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar
The Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar is a former monastery and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its distinctive circular shape. It’s up on a hill (you’ll find that hills are a familiar sight in Porto) but you’ll be rewarded after your climb!
Casa Escondida
The Casa Escondida is the narrowest house in Porto! It’s squeezed between two churches: the Igreja do Carmo and the Igreja dos Carmelitas. The story behind this is that it was forbidden for the two churches to be built next to each other, so the Casa Escondida separates them. It’s worth visiting both churches as well as the tiny house.
Bonus
As a bonus point, if you have a sweet tooth then Portugal is the place for you. To my very pleasant surprise, Portugal has an unbelievable cake scene.
Even if (like me) you despise custard, which excludes you from enjoying the ubiquitous pastels de nata, do not fear. You’ll be able to find delicious cakes seemingly in any café in Portugal.
Exploring more of Portugal?
If you’re sticking around in Portugal and want to explore more of the country, check out my one week in Portugal itinerary.