Things To Do in Porto
Livraria Lello Book Store
Undoubtedly a spectacular bookstore with a twin helix staircase, the bookstore is believed to have been the inspiration for J.K.Rowling’s Harry Potter series. There is a 5 euro entry fee redeemable against any purchase.
Lunch at Vila Nova de Gaia
Crossing the Dom Luis I bridge over the Douro brings you from downtown Porto to Vila Nova De Gaia (or simply Gaia to the locals) — the traditional home of the port wine trade. With many waterfront restaurants and outdoor seating, it’s a great place to sip port and take in the views.
Majestic Café
Rowling has been is the grand 1920s Majestic Café located on the old town’s main drag Rua Da Santa Catarina. (Apparently, she did spend time here working on her Harry Potter books.) With its crystal chandeliers, elaborate woodwork, and white-jacketed waitstaff, afternoon tea here is a throwback to the 20s and 30s when Portugal’s social elites would meet here for the best coffee and pastries in town and is an absolute must for that mid-afternoon pick me up.
Miradouro da Vitória Look Out
One of the best spots to get panoramic views of the city is from the Miradouro da Vitoria lookout in the old Jewish area. (The Jews were expelled during the Inquisition, though a number continued their faith in secret.)
The Promenade at Foz do Douro
Head to the mouth of the River Douro at Foz Do Douro — an upscale neighborhood just a 20-minute tram ride from the Ribeira. The yellow Tram 1 hugs the waterfront as it clatters along the rails offering Instagram-ready views of the waterfront
Bolsa Palace
The Stock Exchange Palace is a historical building in Porto, Portugal. The palace was built in the 19th century by the city's Commercial Association in Neoclassical style. It is located in the Infante D. Henrique Square in the historical centre of Porto, designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO
Porto Cathedral
The Porto Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the historical centre of the city of Porto, Portugal. It is one of the city's oldest monuments and one of the most important local Romanesque monuments.
The Railway Station Estação de São Bento
Built on the site of the former convent of S. Bento de Ave-Maria, today’s 100-year-old railway station draws tourists for its superb 20,000 azulejos (tiles) which adorn the foyer of the building. Depicting scenes from Portuguese history, the blue and white azulejos took 4 years to paint and install.
Sunset At Vila Nova de Gaia
Instagram Ready Sunset At Vila Nova de Gaia!!! For the best views of Porto’s Ribeira (waterfront), head to Gaia. Cross the River Douro on the Dom Luis I bridge on foot or take the metro to Jardim Do Morro station. This grassy hill is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike to sit and watch the sunset down the River Douro and see Porto’s waterfront district light up like a Hallmark Christmas card.
Take The Six Bridges Tour After Lunch
A short 50-minute boat ride along the River Douro takes you under all six of Porto’s bridges and provides an easy and unique perspective of the various designs of the river crossings. The tour is a relaxing way to sightsee while recovering from a perfect lunch and before setting off again on foot. Please Note- we will be taking this boat tour together after the wedding. Please RSVP in advance :)
Explore The Ribeira,Baixa and Bolhao Districts
The three suburbs of Ribeira, Baixa, and Bolhão make up Porto’s most historic and touristy areas; as a traveller, it’s where you’re likely to spend the majority of your time too. Ribeira, with its rows of colourful houses and riverfront views, is vibrant and bustling, full of cafes, bars, and shops full of locals and tourists alike soaking up the atmosphere and views of the river Douro and famous Dom Luis I Bridge.
Port Wine
Port is a sweet, red, fortified wine from Portugal and Douro region ( near to Porto). Port is a sweet wine with flavors of raspberry, blackberry, caramel, cinnamon, and chocolate sauce. There are several styles of port, but the 2 major styles of Port include a red Port with more berry and chocolate flavors (and slightly less sweetness), and a tawny-colored Port with more caramel and nut flavors (and more sweetness). Older, fine Tawny Ports have an even wider array of subtle flavors including graphite, green peppercorn, hazelnut, almond, butterscotch, and graham cracker.
Porto's famous dish Francesinha at cafe santiago
Traditionally, Porto’s famous Francesinha was a meal strictly reserved for the meat-eaters. Somewhere between a toasted sandwich and gluttonous meat burger, we’re talking layers of thick steak, sausage and ham, slathered with gooey melted cheese, doused in a tomato-based sauce, and topped with an egg (in case you hadn’t had enough protein yet!) and served up with some crispy hot chips. Meat eaters: to try this heart attack on a plate yourself, we recommend Cafe Santiago, Cervejaria Brasão, and O Afonso.
Restaurante Cana Verde
Fresh grilled sardines are the best! Usually served with roasted bell peppers and boiled potatoes, paired with a tall glass of wine or a beer.
Pastel de Nata at Confeitaria do Bolhão
Portugal is the birthplace of one of the best sweet treats you could ever hope to sink your teeth into the small yet mighty Pastel de Nata (Portuguese tart). Impossibly crisp and flakey puff pastry tarts filled with the creamiest of egg custard and dusted with cinnamon, they’re heavenly and utterly addictive. One of the greatest things about being in the home of this delicious treat is that it's not just socially acceptable to devour sugary pastries for breakfast, it's actually expected. No place will help you get your pastry on better than the Confeitaria do Bolhão, the beautiful 120-year-old patisserie serving up Porto's best Portuguese tarts, arrufadas (sweetbread), croissants, and other tempting flakey sweet treats.