Trip Length

3 Days

How to Get Around

On Foot

Ridesharing App

Tram

Months to Go

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Currency

Euro

Local Language

Portuguese

Portugal’s Douro-side city of Porto has long been known for its stunning architecture and port wine, but in recent years its creative, graffiti-lined neighborhoods have blossomed with cool wine bars, coffee shops, and galleries. It’s one of Europe’s most up-and-coming cities, with beautiful nearby beaches, too.

Porto

Portugal

A Certain café

Must-visit coffee shop and cafe, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, and to shop the small but very well-curated selection of products from local artists (blown glass vases, ceramic mugs, & more). Snag a table on the patio in the sun. 

Adega São Nicolau

One of the best spots for traditional Portuguese cuisine. Snag a table on the sidewalk or in the dining room (which looks a bit like a boat) and sample dishes like seafood stew and cod cakes. 

Chapel of Souls

Spectacularly beautiful church in the city center, from the early 18th century. Intricate tiling on the outside, neoclassical interiors on the inside. 

Cozinha das Flores

Upscale restaurant by famous Portuguese chef Nuno Mendes at the Largo hotel, serving some of the best food in the city. The menu highlights modern takes on Portuguese dishes, including must-try appetizers like the turnip pasteis de nata topped with caviar and the cured red mullet with grilled carrots and shrimp butter. A dinner must.

Early

A breakfast must, this cafe has cool mid-century modern interiors, a zen vibe, and an extensive menu offering all-day bites like shakshuka (our favorite), chia pudding, katsu-sando, and more. The coffee, pastries, and takeaway items (almond butter, granola, etc), are great, too.

Fundação Serralves

If you make one cultural stop in Porto, make it this one. The Fundação Serralves is a sprawling site home to a museum, beautiful Art Deco mansion, and sculpture park with pieces by prominent artists including Anish Kapoor, Richard Serra, Olafur Eliasson, and more. It's a very zen and relaxing place to visit and walk around for hours.

Gito - Natural Wine Bar & Bottleshop

Best natural wine bar with lots of Portuguese bottles and a small selection of snacks. Laid-back and with great service!

Manteigaria

Very famous—and very worth visiting—shop for Portugal's pastèis de natas (egg custard tart pastry). 

Piscina das Marés

For a half- or full-day trip from Porto, visit these stunning coastal pools in Matosinhos, designed by Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza. It’s about a 25-minute drive from Porto, and there’s a spectacular, two-Michelin-starred restaurant nearby: Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, also designed by Álvaro Siza.

Tia Tia

This natural wine bar and restaurant has a laid-back vibe but serves some of the best small plates in town. The space has a minimalist feel, and churns out a handful of seasonal dishes each day, from Hokkaido pumpkin with coconut escabeche to tuna from the Azores with cherries and sumac.

Época Porto

Another of Porto's great coffee shops, Época serves delicious all-day fare including Moroccan semolina crèpes with honey, butter, and orange blossom, and a changing selection of lunch dishes. They also make some of the best bread in the city, and often host pop-up dinners. 

Ó! Galeria

For cheeky made-in-Porto souvenirs, look no further than this illustrations shop, with graphic and really fun prints from local artists.  

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