A Peek Into Portugal’s Best Treasure: Porto

Capela das Almas

One of Porto’s more famous Azulejo-covered churches. Azulejos are blue and white tiles synonymous with the city, found across churches, homes, train stations, and more.

Mercado de Bolhão

A foodie heaven! Stroll seemingly endless aisles filled with amazing meats, cheeses, produce, and tinned fish (a Portuguese staple), and grab a glass of wine, or Port, while you eat and shop. A must-visit for lunch at least once during your Porto stay.

Sé do Porto

Porto boasts no shortage of amazing cathedrals to visit, but the size and scale of this Romanesque-Gothic church, coupled with the intricate Azueljos, really is a must-see. If you’re up for some additional fitness, climb the (quite tight!) staircase up to the top for excellent views of the entire city and Vila Nova de Gaia across the Douro River.

World of Wine

Speaking of Vila Nova de Gaia, head across the famous Ponte Luis I bridge to visit this neighboring city—often lumped in as part of Porto, but really its own city—and to visit the home and major hub of Port wine! Here, you’ll find over 60 Port cellars. The World of Wine museums are a must to learn about the fascinating history of Port, before (or during, or after!) you get to tasting.

Do a Douro River cruise

Enjoy an afternoon or evening dinner cruise (best to time these to line up with the sunset!) and see the beautiful colors of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia from the water. A can’t-miss experience for your first visit.

Meia-Nau

If you’re a seafood lover, you have to make time for a visit over to Matosinhos, an Atlantic coast suburb of Porto, where locals and fishermen come together. It's also home to some of the best seafood restaurants in Northern Portugal. Meia-Nau is spectacular; make sure to try the seafood rice and grilled octopus.

MISTU

If upscale dining is your calling, MISTU needs to be on your list. Portuguese classics with an international twist; definitely make reservations here!

Brasão Aliados

Looking to try authentic Portuguese staples, including Porto’s famous Francesinha sandwich? (Read: layers of steak, ham, and sausage between bread, covered in melted cheese and a rich, spicy tomato-beer sauce—yes, it is every bit as heavy and wonderful as it sounds.) Visit Brasao Aliados. The restaurant group has a few spots in the city, but this location is the best, if you ask me.

Pedro dos Frangos

If your idea of a good meal on a trip is no frills, surrounded by locals, and a simple menu, look no further than Pedro dos Frangos. Famous for its piri piri chicken and fries, this is a can’t-miss stop. Solo diners, I recommend eating at the bar downstairs; you’ll leave with new friends, even if you can only speak about five words of Portuguese like me!

Manteigaria

You simply can’t visit Portugal without sampling one (or two, or three, or four!) pastel de nata, Portugal’s famous egg custard tart. I think Manteigaria does them best, but that is a hotly contested topic!

Wine bars

Porto, unsurprisingly given its proximity to the Douro Valley, is home to a number of really excellent wine bars, and for those that want to sample as much as possible, you’re in luck. All of these spots feature excellent and extensive (and often rotating) options by the glass. I found myself returning to several of these to see what was new days later during my visit. Check out: FUNQ Natural Wines, Genuíno, Prova, or The Cork Wine Bar.