Porto, Portugal

🇵🇹 PortoPortugal

June 2, 20263 days

Day 1

Living in the UK, you quickly learn two things: always carry an umbrella, and never pass up a chance to chase the European sun. I woke up early to catch a 6:00 AM flight. Right on cue, as we were departing from London, the sky opened up and it started pouring rain. I couldn't wait to board the plane and escape to sunny Portugal!

Boarding the early morning Ryanair flight in London under a gloomy, rainy sky.
Boarding the early morning Ryanair flight in London under a gloomy, rainy sky.

Arriving in Porto & First Impressions

When we landed at Porto Airport, I noticed that the new European Entry/Exit System (EES) kiosks were online. However, my Malaysian passport still required manual checks by the border officers. Interestingly, no fingerprints or photos were captured at the counter. Soon after, we were officially in Portugal.

To get to the city center, we hopped onto the Porto Metro line straight to Trindade station. A quick tip for anyone traveling here: while contactless payment is rolling out across the transit system, it can currently only be used at certain stations (you can check the official station list here). It's always smart to double-check or keep a little cash handy just in case!

Since our Airbnb check-in wasn't until 3:00 PM, we didn't want to waste a single minute. We carried our backpacks and went straight out to explore the vibrant streets.

A Morning of Authentic Pastries & Markets

Our first stop was an early afternoon brunch at the historic Confeitaria do Bolhão. As a Malaysian, I have a deep appreciation for good baked goods and cafe culture, and this place did not disappoint! We ordered a classic spread of Portuguese coffees alongside an array of delicious savory and sweet pastries, including the famous Pastel de Nata (egg tart).

A rich brunch spread at Confeitaria do Bolhão, featuring local pastries, savory rolls, and aromatic Portuguese coffee.
A rich brunch spread at Confeitaria do Bolhão, featuring local pastries, savory rolls, and aromatic Portuguese coffee.

Right across the street sits the beautiful, newly renovated Bolhão Market (Mercado do Bolhão). The energy inside was amazing, filled with rows of fresh fruits, flowers, and local delicacies.

The vibrant fruit and vegetable stalls inside the beautifully restored historic Bolhão Market.
The vibrant fruit and vegetable stalls inside the beautifully restored historic Bolhão Market.

We couldn't resist trying some authentic Port wine right inside the market. Port wine is a famous Portuguese fortified dessert wine. It is wonderfully sweet, rich, and incredibly easy to drink! A perfect midday treat.

Cheers! Sampling glasses of sweet and smooth local Port wine inside the market stalls.
Cheers! Sampling glasses of sweet and smooth local Port wine inside the market stalls.

Stunning Azulejos & Legendary "Hot Dogs"

Just steps away from the market is the iconic Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas). The entire exterior of this church is covered in magnificent blue and white ceramic tiles called azulejos. Seeing it in person is breathtaking; the intricate artwork transforms the street corner into an open-air museum.

The striking front facade of the Chapel of Souls, wrapped entirely in traditional blue-and-white azulejo tiles.
The striking front facade of the Chapel of Souls, wrapped entirely in traditional blue-and-white azulejo tiles.
A side-angle view of the Chapel of Souls, showcasing the sheer scale of the beautiful tile artwork.
A side-angle view of the Chapel of Souls, showcasing the sheer scale of the beautiful tile artwork.

Next up, it was time for another food adventure. We walked over to Cervejaria Gazela to try their legendary version of a "hot dog", known locally as the Cachorrinho. This isn't your average hot dog! It features thin, spicy fresh sausage and melted cheese tucked into a perfectly toasted, crispy baguette, brushed with a spicy sauce, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Paired with a hot espresso, it was absolutely incredible.

The famous crispy, cheesy Cachorrinho (Portuguese-style hot dog) served with espresso at Gazela.
The famous crispy, cheesy Cachorrinho (Portuguese-style hot dog) served with espresso at Gazela.

Panoramic Views & A Seafood Feast

To walk off our snacks, we made our way toward the historic area surrounding the Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto). The view from the hilltop overlooking the city was absolutely spectacular. The sea of terracotta-tiled roofs cascading down toward the river under a clear blue sky felt worlds away from the gray morning we left behind in London.

The stunning, sun-drenched view of Porto's iconic orange-tiled rooftops stretching across the hills.
The stunning, sun-drenched view of Porto's iconic orange-tiled rooftops stretching across the hills.

We ended our perfect first day with a traditional dinner at a highly recommended local restaurant called Zé Bota. We ordered a comforting, soupy rice dish packed with fresh shrimp and seafood.

For anyone wondering what this dish is called, it is a traditional Portuguese specialty named Arroz de Marisco (Seafood Rice). Cooked in a rich, savory tomato and herb broth and served bubbling hot in a large metal pot, it felt so nostalgic and comforting. It reminded me a bit of the hearty seafood claypot dishes back home, but with an authentic Portuguese twist!

A delicious, hearty seafood rice dish served in a traditional clay pot at Zé Bota.
A delicious, hearty seafood rice dish served in a traditional clay pot at Zé Bota.

Day one in Porto was an absolute dream. From escaping the London drizzle to discovering sweet wines and rich culinary traditions, this city has already captured my heart.

Day 2

We woke up feeling refreshed and ready to take on Porto's legendary hills on foot. To get our bearings and learn a bit more about the city's deep history, we decided to join a free walking tour.

Here is a quick map of our massive walking route for the day:

Starting the Tour: Clérigos Tower

Our starting point was the famous Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos). Our tour guide explained that this tall, iconic tower is actually attached to the back of the Clérigos Church. It stands high above the streets and acts as a perfect landmark if you ever get lost.

The famous Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos), a tall, iconic tower attached to the back of the Clérigos Church.
The famous Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos), a tall, iconic tower attached to the back of the Clérigos Church.

Finding Hidden History at Porto das Virtudes

As we walked through the city, our guide pointed out some hidden history that we completely missed on our own. Look closely at the top of this residential building at Porto das Virtudes. That sawtooth-shaped stone wall on the roof is actually a surviving portion of Porto's old medieval wall! It is amazing how history just blends into everyday modern life here.

Historic stone ruins peeking out from the rooftop of a residential building.
Historic stone ruins peeking out from the rooftop of a residential building.
A detailed look at the ancient defensive wall preserved on top of the house.
A detailed look at the ancient defensive wall preserved on top of the house.

River Views and Steep Cobblestones

Next, we walked over to Passeio das Virtudes. This spot is a fantastic vantage point. From here, you get a beautiful open view of the Arrábida Bridge spanning across the wide Douro River.

A beautiful view of Porto's hillside houses leading down to the river with the large Arrábida Bridge in the distance.
A beautiful view of Porto's hillside houses leading down to the river with the large Arrábida Bridge in the distance.

The streets in this area are incredibly charming but definitely a workout for your legs. The cobblestone roads curve up and down between tightly packed, colorful old buildings.

Walking down a quiet, scenic cobblestone street surrounded by traditional Portuguese architecture.
Walking down a quiet, scenic cobblestone street surrounded by traditional Portuguese architecture.

Postcard-Perfect Lookouts

We then headed to the Miradouro da Vitória. This is a famous scenic overlook that offers a picturesque view of the city buildings, the bridges, and the river below. The massive Porto Cathedral building stands out prominently on the hill opposite us.

The breathtaking view from the lookout point, with the twin towers of Porto Cathedral watching over the city.
The breathtaking view from the lookout point, with the twin towers of Porto Cathedral watching over the city.

Right nearby, we took a photo from Rua do Ferraz. This is a very steep downhill alleyway. If you frame the camera just right, you get a beautiful shot of the Porto Cathedral framed perfectly by the old houses in the background.

Posing on the steep stone path of Rua do Ferraz with the historic cathedral standing tall behind.
Posing on the steep stone path of Rua do Ferraz with the historic cathedral standing tall behind.

The Tiled Halls of São Bento Station

We walked over to the São Bento railway station. Even if you are not catching a train, you must visit this station. The main lobby is covered in magnificent blue and white tile artwork that tells stories of Portugal's history. There is also a newly opened Time Out Market inside the station building, though we decided not to stop for food just yet.

The grand entrance hall of São Bento station, decorated with massive, detailed tile murals.
The grand entrance hall of São Bento station, decorated with massive, detailed tile murals.
Left side of the grand hall.
Left side of the grand hall. The tile panels inside São Bento station tell the history of Portugal.
Right side of the grand hall.
Right side of the grand hall. The tile panels inside São Bento station tell the history of Portugal.

The Magical Livraria Lello Bookstore

Our final stop for the afternoon was the world-famous Livraria Lello bookstore. It costs €12.00 just to enter, which feels quite steep for a shop! However, you can use the entry ticket as a voucher for the same amount to buy a book inside. The interior is stunning, with a famous winding red staircase and an incredibly detailed wooden ceiling.

Looking up at the magical, crowded interior and the famous crimson staircase of Livraria Lello.
Looking up at the magical, crowded interior and the famous crimson staircase of Livraria Lello.
A stunning view of the bookshop's main hall from the second floor.
A stunning view of the bookshop's main hall from the second floor.
Looking from the back of the store.
Looking from the back of the store.

A Nostalgic Break at the "Imperial McDonald's"

After the tour ended, we needed a quick break, so we stopped at the famous Imperial McDonald's on Avenida dos Aliados. It is widely called the most beautiful McDonald's in the world, and it is easy to see why! The building used to be a historic 1930s café, and they kept the stunning art deco stained glass windows, crystal chandeliers, and a massive bronze eagle at the entrance. I treated myself to a classic chocolate sundae. I really miss these because McDonald's discontinued them in the UK, so having one inside such a grand building was a nostalgic treat.

The spectacular entrance featuring the famous bronze eagle sculpture.
The spectacular entrance featuring the famous bronze eagle sculpture.
Looking up at the elegant crystal chandeliers and detailed art deco plasterwork on the ceiling.
Looking up at the elegant crystal chandeliers and detailed art deco plasterwork on the ceiling.
Beautiful, massive stained glass panels decorating the back wall of the service area.
Beautiful, massive stained glass panels decorating the back wall of the service area.

Walking Across the Iconic Luís I Bridge

As the sun began to go down, we walked over to the iconic Luís I Bridge. We strolled across the top deck of the bridge, which is reserved only for pedestrians and the local metro trams. If you cross on the lower deck, that is where the car traffic and more pedestrians go.

The iconic double-decker Luís I Bridge spanning the Douro River.
The iconic double-decker Luís I Bridge spanning the Douro River.

Walking along the top gives you an incredible, uninterrupted view of the colorful houses lining the riverbanks of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. The vast expanse of the Douro River below and the boats gliding across the water looked like something straight out of a postcard.

Looking down at the beautiful waterfront buildings and classic boats from our high vantage point.
Looking down at the beautiful waterfront buildings and classic boats from our high vantage point.

We walked down to the lower deck to continue our stroll across the bridge, taking in the beautiful views from a different perspective.

The tightly packed, colorful buildings of Porto on our way down to the lower deck.
The tightly packed, colorful buildings of Porto on our way down to the lower deck.

Dinner Time: A True Portuguese Classic

Finally, we headed to Terreirinho Restaurant for dinner. We wanted to try a true Portuguese classic, so I ordered Bacalhau à Lagareiro. It is a traditional dish consisting of a generous piece of baked salted cod fish served with roasted potatoes, all swimming in a rich, flavorful pool of high-quality local olive oil and garlic. It was incredibly comforting and the perfect way to wrap up a massive day of walking!

A close-up of the perfectly cooked cod fish with roasted potatoes swimming in golden olive oil.
A close-up of the perfectly cooked cod fish with roasted potatoes swimming in golden olive oil.

Adeus, Porto!

That is all for our amazing time in Porto! The city completely won us over with its rich history, steep streets, and incredible food.

The next day, we packed up our bags and took a bus down south to Lisbon to continue our Portuguese adventure!

Manila

Previous Page

Lisbon

Next Page

On this page

Day 1Arriving in Porto & First ImpressionsA Morning of Authentic Pastries & MarketsStunning Azulejos & Legendary "Hot Dogs"Panoramic Views & A Seafood FeastDay 2Starting the Tour: Clérigos TowerFinding Hidden History at Porto das VirtudesRiver Views and Steep CobblestonesPostcard-Perfect LookoutsThe Tiled Halls of São Bento StationThe Magical Livraria Lello BookstoreA Nostalgic Break at the "Imperial McDonald's"Walking Across the Iconic Luís I BridgeDinner Time: A True Portuguese ClassicAdeus, Porto!