Porto
3
 DAYS IN 
Porto

Porto was a last-minute plan, but it turned out to be a fantastic weekend getaway. I've always wanted to check out Portugal, and even though I was torn between Porto and Lisbon, I don’t think I could have gone wrong with either. I had such a great time in Porto! The vibe of the city by the river just added to its charm. Plus, I’ve got to say the food was out of this world - almost too good, to the point where it stole the spotlight from the city itself. I can’t wait to go back! 

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TRANSPORT | Porto's transportation was straightforward for us. During our three-day stay, we explored the city center and the riverside of Gaia, where the wine cellars are located. Aside from taking a ride to and from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, we walked everywhere.

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DOING THINGS DIFFERENTLY | If I had an extra day, I would have loved to tour the Douro Valley. However, I still felt that the trip was complete as it was.

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WE STAYED AT an Airbnb. I wanted to stay near the river and on the outskirts of the old city to avoid the noise at night. Many hotels were likely fully booked due to the tail end of the summer crowd and the Porto half marathon, so this apartment was the best alternative. It was a charming apartment in a surprisingly well-maintained building that overlooked the river and placed us close to all the main attractions.  

‍HIGHLIGHTS | Portuguese egg tarts (Castro!)

Day 2: 

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Palácio da Bolsa

Mercado Ferreira Borges

Muro do Bacalhau (LUNCH)

Caves Cálem

Boat Tour

Jardim do Morro

Luís I Bridge

ENCAIXADOS (DINNER)

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Muro do Bacalhau - wow. We had many great meals, but this had to be the best. Their duck rice left me wanting so much more, and coupled with their sweet potato and ice cream, I wish I could be there right now.

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After having Port wine (and the Port and tonic) at every meal, we had to have more at a winery on the other side of the river in Gaia. There were many along the stretch, and we didn’t have a preference, so we went with Caves Cálem. It was informative on the history of port wine and the different types of wine of Porto, and it ended with a tasting of three kinds of wine.

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We also had to do a boat tour, and plenty were along the river. The price was fixed, and no specific company stood out. It was just as a boat ride would be. I preferred booking a smaller boat like this. It was slightly more expensive, but a much longer ride, and not squeezing with many other people on the ship would have made such a difference.  

Day 2: 

‍

Palácio da Bolsa

Mercado Ferreira Borges

Muro do Bacalhau (LUNCH)

Caves Cálem

Boat Tour

Jardim do Morro

Luís I Bridge

ENCAIXADOS (DINNER)

‍

Muro do Bacalhau - wow. We had many great meals, but this had to be the best. Their duck rice left me wanting so much more, and coupled with their sweet potato and ice cream, I wish I could be there right now.

‍

After having Port wine (and the Port and tonic) at every meal, we had to have more at a winery on the other side of the river in Gaia. There were many along the stretch, and we didn’t have a preference, so we went with Caves Cálem. It was informative on the history of port wine and the different types of wine of Porto, and it ended with a tasting of three kinds of wine.

‍

We also had to do a boat tour, and plenty were along the river. The price was fixed, and no specific company stood out. It was just as a boat ride would be. I preferred booking a smaller boat like this. It was slightly more expensive, but a much longer ride, and not squeezing with many other people on the ship would have made such a difference.  

Day 3: 

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Porto Cathedral

Episcopal Palace of Porto

Majestic Café

Livraria Lello

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

The Door (DINNER)

Torto - Bar & Cocktails

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I had planned a half-day jeep tour in the Porto mountains to substitute for a full day in the Douro Valley, but it was canceled at the last minute. Instead, I spent the day wandering around the city. It was a chill day, and there was no better way to round the trip up than sitting at a cafe by the river.

 

We did squeeze in Jardins do Palácio de Cristal since we had the time. Despite the good reviews of the park, I found it somewhat underwhelming and would not recommend it, especially given its distance from the old city.