“Charming & Historical Oporto: A 4- Day Traveler's Guide”
- This Cafe Life
- Jun 15, 2024
- 17 min read
Updated: Jul 14, 2024
Make the most of 3 or 4 days exploring this remarkable city!
There are countless reasons to visit Oporto! Here are just a few:
Rich History & Culture: Porto is a city steeped in history and culture, with its roots dating back centuries. From its well-preserved medieval architecture to its vibrant arts scene, It offers a wealth of cultural experiences for visitors to explore.
Culinary Adventures: Porto is a food lover's paradise, with a wide range of traditional Portuguese dishes to try, from hearty seafood stews to crispy pastéis de nata. Dine at cozy taverns, bustling markets, and Michelin-starred restaurants to experience the talented chefs & restaurateurs and diverse flavors of Portuguese cuisine.
World-Class Wine: Porto is the birthplace of port wine, and no visit to the city would be complete without sampling some of its famous fortified wine. Tour the historic port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia and learn about the wine-making process while enjoying tastings of different varieties and vintages.
Charming Neighborhoods: Charming neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions. Whether exploring the narrow streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Ribeira district, browsing the boutiques of the artsy Cedofeita neighborhood, enjoying wines in Vila de Nova Gaia, or admiring the colorful houses of Miragaia, there's something for everyone to discover.
Scenic Riverside Views: The Douro River winds its way through Porto, offering stunning views of colorful buildings, historic bridges, and terraced vineyards. Taking a boat tour along the river is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
Stunning Architecture: Porto is known for its beautiful architecture, including the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, the historic Ribeira district, and the ornate São Bento Train Station with its intricate azulejo tilework.
Cultural Events & Festivals: Throughout the year, Porto hosts a variety of cultural events and festivals celebrating music, art, food, and more. Highlights include the São João festival in June, with its lively street parties and fireworks, and the Porto International Film Festival (Fantasporto), which showcases the best in international cinema.
Warm Hospitality: Portuguese people are known for their warm hospitality, and we received a warm welcome everywhere; whether chatting with locals at a café or seeking recommendations from hotel staff, I've always felt safe and right at home.
Travel to Portugal - A 4 day trip focused mainly on Vila de Nova Gaia & Ribeira, on either side of the Duoro river.
Day 1
Early check-in at The Lodge Hotel.
Rooftop pool & bar with great views of the city
Superb accommodations
Perfect location close to the Duoro river in Vila de Nova Gaia district
Exceptional restaurant; Dona Maria
Highlights (somewhat in order) include:
Nice breakfast at the hotel. Other options are grabbing some pastéis de nata and espresso at the popular Natas Douro or visit the Mercado Beira Rio. These are great places to snag a quick breakfast or light lunch.
Convento Corpus Christi - Convent of Corpus Christi - A hidden gem inside and out! Along with a sculpture garden, this is a beautiful respite of calm.
Caves Ferreira - This Vila de Nova Gaia side of the river is where the Port and Wine houses are located, and there are plenty to choose from. A favorite is Cave Ferreira. I've always kept a bottle of the Dona Antonia on hand at the restaurant and at home.
Street Art - Oporto has a great reputation for street art, and you’ll find these all over the city. Look for the 'Half Rabbit' installation by Bordalo ll at Rua Guilherme Gomes Fernandes 42.
Igreja Paroguial de Santa Marinha - Santa Marinha Parish Church Designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni in the 18th century, and known for its baroque style and iconic bell tower. There, in the square, is a transformer house painted with colourful flowers; street art by Argentinean Pastel.
Caves Fonseca - A stunning cave and tasting room. They offer a tasting with dinner & Fado music on the weekends with reservations; it was magical and very reasonably priced.
World of Wine (WOW) Cultural Center A multi-media destination with 7 museums, galleries, tasting rooms, 9 restaurants, shops and more, including The Wine Experience where you’ll learn all the secrets about wine, Planet Cork, to discover everything about the incredible world of cork, the Porto Region Across The Ages, a museum on the history of the Porto region, The Chocolate Story, a sweet and fun journey through the world of cocoa, The Bridge Collection, an extensive collections of glasses since the first civilizations to date and the Atkinson Museum. Without doubt, WOW should be on everyone's list to visit.
Taylor Fladgate - A stunning property established in 1692, and one of the oldest of the founding Port houses. It is dedicated entirely to the production of Port wine and in particular to its higher end products.
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Sunset dinner at the Orangerie at the Yeatman Hotel; great food, great views! If you’re seeking an exceptional dining experience, their sister restaurant, The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant holds 2 Michelin Stars. Make reservations in time for sunset!
Stroll back to the river down the winding, charming streets and enjoy gelato along the Gaia Pier.
Final Stops Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha Portuguesa, a fun, visually vibrant store with tinned fish of all varieties and flavors and Bacalhau Pastel House with entertainment and traditional cod fritters.
Day 2
Day 2 is a continued exploration of the Vila de Nova Gaia with loads of scenic opportunities for great photos and a visit to Ribeira.
If not breakfast at the hotel, try 7g Roaster Cafe for Breakfast or Brunch and then stroll along the Gaia Avenue and Pier; soaking up the local flavor.
Duoro River 6 Bridges Cruise - Another great way to see Porto is by water. Traditional Portuguese Rabelo boats line both sides of the Douro river. Originally used to transport Port wine, the wooden boats now ferry sightseeing passengers. There are several options for boat tours. If you’re looking to explore Porto from a different vantage point, take an hour-long cruise to see the six bridges of Porto. If you’re looking to see more of Portugal inland, book a full day Douro Valley tour with wine tasting.
Follow along Rua Cândido do Reis and explore local shops and boutiques.
Escadaria da Travessa de Cândido dos Reis - Hidden secret stairs offer close up views of beautiful architecture, street art, and once on top, amazing views of the entire valley.
Miradouro Panorâmico do Porto - Scenic Outlook Observation deck
Jardim do Morro - Garden of the Mount - A lovely park renowned for its panoramic views of Porto's historic Ribeira district, with its colorful buildings, and the scenic Douro River below.
Igreja do Mosteiro de Santo Agostinho da Serra do Pilar - Monastery of Serra do Pilar Part of the area classified by UNESCO as World Heritage, The convent built in the 16th century belonged to the Order of Saint Augustine. Within, the Church features some impressive carved gold leaf altars and 18th century wooden carvings of the saints Eulalia, Apollonia and Augustine.
Pedra dos Gatinhos - Kitties Rock. Perhaps the best vantage point in Porto.
Capela do Senhor de Além - Chapel of the Lord from Beyond An historical gem, currently in ruins, embodying centuries of religious devotion, architectural evolution, and cultural significance.
Cross over the other bridge – Ponte Infante Dom Enrique. You can opt to trolley across, but invest in the 5 minute walk for stunning views!
Fontainhas Viewpoint - The area provides a panoramic view that includes four of the six famous bridges of Porto, making it a perfect spot for photography and sightseeing.
Jardim de S. Lázaro - Garden of St. Lazarus Marques de Oliveira Garden was opened in 1834, the first public garden in the city. Dedicated to the women of Porto, it's a romantic garden, full of fountains and statues, trees and flowerbeds, and rare Magnolias.
Biblioteca Pública Municipal do Porto – Porto Municipal Public Library Free access, rotating collections. Renovations occurring.
Praça dos Poveiros - City Park & culinary outpost with several options for grabbing food & drink.
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso - Church of Saint Ildefonso Constructed in the 18th century, the church is dedicated to Saint Ildefonso, a revered Spanish bishop and theologian. Inside, admire the ornate interior featuring intricately carved altars, gilded woodwork, and magnificent frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Saint Ildefonso.
A Pérola do Bolhão & The Majestic Cafe - Iconic art deco landmarks.
Capela das Almas de Santa Caterina - Chapel of the Souls The exterior azulejos depict scenes from the lives of saints, including Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Catherine, as well as scenes from the Passion of Christ. These intricate designs were created by the artist Eduardo Leite and produced in the renowned ceramic factory Viúva Lamego in Lisbon.
Time to work your way down to Av. Gustave Eiffel and across the Luis 1 Bridge.
Sandeman Cellars - An iconic cellar with a deep portfolio of fabulous wines.
Two great options for dinner; the George Restaurant & Terrace with open air dining or another favorite, Dona Maria at the Lodge Hotel.
Day 3
The itineraries for Day 3 and Day 4 are somewhat interchangeable. There's room for flexibility in planning and adjusting based upon your preferences!
Highlights (somewhat in order) include:
Take Teleférico de Gaia - Gondola of Gaia from the pier to the top walkway across the Dom Luis 1 Bridge.
Fernandine Walls of Porto - The Walls of Dom Fernandine. Constructed in the 1300s, old city walls with captivating views.
Sé Catedral do Porto - Porto Cathedral. Perched on a hilltop standing watch over the city, the Cathedral was originally built between the 12th & 13th centuries, and features a variety of architectural styles, including Romanesque, baroque and gothic. It's flanked by twin towers and has a rather plain stone facade. But inside the Sé is a beautiful stained-glass rose window, a collection of centuries-old sculptures and a silver altarpiece that was once used as the bishop's study. Meanwhile, the cloister has cobalt and white ceramic tiles that depict different scenes from religious history. Don't miss this exquisite landmark.
Muralha Primitiva do Porto - The Primitive wall of Porto. Dating back to the 14th century, this medieval defensive wall served as a protective barrier for Porto against potential invasions. While much of the original wall has been modified or demolished over the centuries, some sections still stand today.
Look for the Statue of Vímara Peres. He was a 9th-century nobleman and warlord who played a significant role in the early history of Portugal. He is credited with the reconquest of the region from the Moors and the establishment of the County of Portugal, a precursor to the modern nation of Portugal.
Porto São Bento - The São Bento Train Station. Without a doubt the most visually appealing Train Station in Porto – if not in Portugal, maybe one of the most beautiful in the world. Known for the stunning Azuléjo tilework, the tile panels depict scenes from Portuguese history, culture, and transportation.
The Church of Santo António dos Congregados dates to the late seventeenth century. The Baroque façade features a niche with a statue of St. Anthony. The exterior tiles and the interior wall paintings depict scenes from St. Anthony’s life, the patron saint of Lisbon.
Next is the Avenida dos Aliados, one of the most iconic and grand avenues in the city. It serves as the city's main boulevard and is located in the heart of the historic center. The avenue is characterized by its wide, tree-lined promenade and elegant buildings, which showcase a mix of architectural styles, including Art Nouveau and Beaux-Arts. This is a fabulous shopping district. Some favorite stores: Mercado na Invicta, Rua da Fábrica and Vista Alegre. Vista Alegre has stores throughout Portugal and whenever I visit I return with Bordallo Pinheiro ceramic sardines; small collectables featuring local artists. I’m mad about these pieces! While there are loads of shopping options; I always stop into Natura for cool, easy clothing, perfect for summer traveling. natura Invicta clothing.
Next stop, Porto City Hall, a magnificent example of Neoclassical architecture. The square in front of the City Hall is often used for public events, concerts, and festivals and the impressive Dom Pedro IV statue is located at the center of the square.
Continue on Rue de Fernandez Tomas, through this bustling shopping district, to view more Street Art: Graffiti Hazul and Nobre e Leal by MrDheo
Clérigos Church & Towers - Church of the Clerics. The Clérigos Church and its bell tower are a popular destination for breathtaking views of the city. Steep steps will pay off in visual returns.
Livraria Lello - The Lello Bookstore, A remarkable bookstore, famous for its stunning architecture and rich history and as a gathering place for writers, intellectuals and generations of literary enthusiasts. It features a captivating blend of Neo-Gothic and Art Nouveau design elements with dark wood bookshelves, ornate carvings, a magnificent stained-glass ceiling and grand staircase, resembling the neck of a dragon
Fonte dos Leões - Fountain of the Lions, The lions, often seen as symbols of strength and courage, are located in the Praça de Gomes Teixeira, a busy and vibrant square in the heart of Porto and a popular meeting spot.
IGreja do Carmo - Church of Carmo. Built in the 18th century in Baroque style. known for its ornate façade adorned with intricate carvings and statues. The interior of the church is quite impressive, with lavish decoration and gilded altars. One of the highlights are the stunning azuléjos tile panels, depicting scenes from the life of Saint Anthony.
Igreja dos Carmelitas - the Carmelite Church. Adjacent to the Igreja do Carmo and characterized by its simple exterior facade, in contrast to the elaborate decoration of its neighbor. Legend has it that the lack of windows on the side facing the Igreja do Carmo was intentional to symbolize the vow of humility taken by the Carmelite monks.
National Museum Soares dos Reis - Soares dos Reis National Museum. At more than two hundred years old, the oldest museum in Portugal. The collections of the museum feature prints, antiques, ceramics and objects made of glass. Worth noting is the museum changed its name after acquiring a collection of paintings and sculptures by António Soares dos Reis, a Portuguese sculptor born in 1847.
Traça essen Porto - A delightful, eclectic restaurant - definitely a stand out and worth the trip.
A perfect end to a busy day!
Take a water taxi back to the hotel.
Day 4
Highlights (somewhat in order) include:
Take Teleférico de Gaia - Gondola of Gaia from the pier to the top walkway across the Dom Luis 1 Bridge. You'll revisit some areas, and further enjoy this area of Porto!
Igreja de Santa Clara - Church of Santa Clara. Dating back to the 15th century, this Gothic-style church was originally founded by Queen Elizabeth of Portugal, also known as Queen Isabel, to honor Saint Clare of Assisi. The church is known for its elegant architectural features, with ornate rose windows, intricate stone carvings, and majestic vaulted ceilings. The interior of the church has beautiful altarpieces, religious paintings, and sculptures.
Estátua de Arnaldo Gama - Statue of Arnaldo Gama. Erected in honor of Arnaldo Gama, a notable Portuguese poet, journalist, and politician, the statue pays tribute to his contributions to literature and society. Arnaldo Gama was known for his advocacy for social justice and cultural enlightenment during the 19th century.
Pelourinho do Porto - Pillory of Porto. An historic monument dating back to the 15th century and serving as a symbol of jurisdiction and authority during the medieval period. It was often used for public punishment and executions, serving as a deterrent for crime and disobedience.
Museu do Tesouro da Sé do Porto - Treasury Museum. Nestled within the historic Porto Cathedral complex, this museum houses a remarkable collection of religious artifacts, sacred art, and historical treasures with a diverse array of exhibits, ornate liturgical objects, intricately crafted gold and silverware, precious jewels, and ancient manuscripts. Highlights of the collection often include religious relics, ceremonial vestments, and priceless artworks from various periods of Portuguese history.
Miradouro da Rua das Aldas - Scenic spot, great for photos!
Largo da Pena Ventosa is a picturesque square known for its charming atmosphere with traditional Portuguese architecture , colorful facades and narrow streets.
Igreja de São Lourenço - St. Lawrence Church also known the Church of the Grilos, is a notable historical church built in the 16th century by the Jesuits, it is known for its elegant facade, richly decorated interior, and significant religious artworks.
Mosteiro de São Bento da Vitória - Monastery of Saint Benedict of Victory. Founded in the early 16th century and completed in the mid-17th century for the Benedictine Order, with Baroque architecture, beautiful cloisters, and richly decorated interiors. Historically, it later served as military barracks during the 19th-century Liberal Wars.
Parque das Virtudes - Virtudes Park. A beautiful terraced public garden transforms into a vibrant neighborhood hub as the sun begins to set.
Street Art - Mural da Menina
Parish Church of São Pedro de Miragaia dedicated to São Pedro (Saint Peter), the patron saint of fishermen. Its exterior is beautifully tiled with blue and white azulejos, which segue into its light interior. The altar is a profusion of intricate gilded woodcarvings.
Igreja de São Francisco - Church of Saint Francis. Originally constructed as part of a Franciscan convent in the 14th century. It was built in the Gothic style, typical of that era. In stark contrast to its exterior, the interior is renowned for its extravagant Baroque decoration. Nearly every surface is covered with intricate gilded woodwork (talha dourada), making it one of the most opulently decorated churches in Portugal.
Main Altar: The main altar and the altarpieces are adorned with gold leaf and feature elaborate carvings depicting religious scenes and figures.
Tree of Jesse: One of the most famous features is the "Tree of Jesse," a detailed and gilded wooden sculpture depicting the lineage of Christ, which is considered a masterpiece of Baroque art.
Catacombs: Beneath the church are catacombs that were used as a burial site for Franciscan friars and notable families of Porto. Visitors can explore these eerie and fascinating subterranean chambers, which also house a small ossuary.
Museum: The church complex includes a museum that showcases religious artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and other significant items related to the history of the church and the Franciscan order in Porto..
Palácio da Bolsa - Bolsa Palace, also known as the Stock Exchange Palace, stands as a testament to Porto's rich mercantile history and is one of the city's most visited landmarks. Here are some highlights:
Salão Árabe - Arab Room: One of the most famous rooms in the Palácio da Bolsa, the Arab Room is inspired by the Alhambra in Granada, Spain. It is richly decorated with intricate stuccoes, gold leaf, and Arabic inscriptions, and it is often used for official receptions and events.
Pátio das Nações - Nations’ Courtyard: This large, glass-domed central courtyard is adorned with the coats of arms of various countries, symbolizing the international reach and influence of Porto's trade.
Miradouro Barredo e Jano - Viewpoint from Barredo & Jano
Escadas do Barredo - Barredo Stairs, These stairs are quite an adventurer! This is a Middle Ages’ area, where the prostitutes used to hang around.
Capela Nossa Senhora das Verdades - Chapel of Our Lady of Truths. A charming religious sanctuary devoted to a revered figure in Portuguese Catholicism with altarpieces dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
Praça da Ribeira - Ribeira Square. Head to the square and celebrate your hard work; you've earned it! This is a bustling and lively plaza along the Duoro featuring a variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, to savor local cuisine, local artisan boutiques, and often street performers and musicians.
Dinner suggestions:
Jimão Tapas e Vinhos
Fish Fixe
Head back to the hotel via the lower Dom Luis 1 bridge. Look for
Street Art - By the Ribeira tunnel is a sandstone mural by Júlio Resende.
I was incredibly grateful to have visited Porto and cannot wait to return.
It is a deeply rich, culturally relevant city, dedicated to it's historical roots.
Somewhat messy and raw, and always an adventure.
Port Wine
The origins of wine production in the Douro Valley can be traced back to the Roman Empire when vineyards were first cultivated. However, the distinctive style of Port wine as we know it today did not emerge until much later.
In the mid-17th century, England was frequently at war with France, leading to disruptions in the supply of French wine to the English market. English merchants turned to Portugal for an alternative supply.
The practice of fortifying wine with brandy to stabilize it for the long sea voyage to England is believed to have begun around this time. This fortification process not only preserved the wine but also enhanced its sweetness and strength.
Treaty of Methuen in 1703 between England and Portugal reduced tariffs on Portuguese wines, leading to a significant increase in exports. The growing demand for Port wine in England solidified its popularity.
Like many other European vineyards, the Douro Valley was hit by the phylloxera pest in the late 19th century, which devastated the vines. Recovery involved replanting with American rootstocks resistant to phylloxera.
In 1933, the Portuguese government established the Instituto do Vinho do Porto (IVP) to oversee the Port wine industry. The Douro Valley became one of the first demarcated wine regions in the world.
Port wine comes in several styles, each with distinct characteristics:
Ruby Port: Young, vibrant, and fruity, typically aged for a few years in large barrels.
Tawny Port: Aged in smaller barrels, allowing for more oxidation, resulting in a nutty flavor and a golden-brown color.
Vintage Port: Made from grapes of a single exceptional year and aged for a short period in barrels before being bottled for long-term aging.
Late Bottled Vintage (LBV): Similar to vintage Port but aged longer in barrels before bottling.
White Port: Made from white grape varieties, available in sweet or dry styles.
Pastéis de Nata
The origin of Pastel de Nata dates back to before the 18th century, where they were created by monks at the Jerónimos Monastery in the parish of Santa Maria de Belém in Lisbon. At that time, convents and monasteries used large quantities of egg-whites for starching clothes. It was quite common for monasteries and convents to use the leftover, egg yolks, to make cakes and pastries, resulting in the proliferation of sweet pastry recipes throughout the country.
In the aftermath of the Liberal Revolution of 1820, following the dissolution of religious orders and in the face of the impending closure of many convents and monasteries, the monks started selling pastéis de nata at a nearby sugar refinery to bring in revenue. In 1834, the monastery was closed and the recipe sold to the sugar refinery.
Azuléjos Tiles
A significant aspect of Portuguese culture and artistry, these traditional ceramic tiles have a rich history dating back centuries, and they've become emblematic of Portugal's art & architectural landscape. The word "azulejo" comes from the Arabic word "az-zulayj," which means "polished stone." Introduced to Portugal by the Moors in the 15th century, azulejos quickly became a popular form of decoration. Initially, they were mainly used to adorn the walls of churches, palaces, and noble houses.
Azulejos aren't just decorative; they also serve functional purposes, like regulating temperature and providing insulation. Over time, Portuguese artisans developed distinctive styles and techniques, blending Moorish influences with indigenous designs, as well as incorporating elements from other cultures encountered through Portugal's extensive maritime explorations.
Best Places to see tiles in Porto
Azuléjos stairs
Porto São Bento - The São Bento Train Station
Capela das Almas de Santa Caterina - Chapel of the Souls
Church of Santo António dos Congregados
Igreja do Carmo - Church of Carmo
Sé Catedral do Porto - Porto Cathedral & The Gothic Cloister
Igreja de Santa Clara - Church of Santa Clara
A Pérola do Bolhão market
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso - Church of Saint Ildefonso
Parish Church of São Pedro de Miragaia
On the culinary front, Porto is a paradise for food lovers, with its rich gastronomic heritage and diverse culinary scene. From hearty traditional dishes like Francesinha and Bacalhau à Brás to fresh seafood, pastries, and, of course, the world-famous Port wine, Porto offers a tantalizing array of flavors to satisfy every palate.
Favorite Restaurants
Vila Nova de Gaia | Oporto |
Mira Mira at WOW | Jimão Tapas e Vinhos |
Orangerie at the Yeatman | |
Fish Fixe | |
George Restaurant & Terrace | |
Dona Maria in The Lodge Hotel | |
Markets
A Pérola do Bolhão
Caves & Tasting Houses
stay tuned for more.....
stay tuned.....
Street Art
In recent years, Porto has experienced an explosion of street art, transforming the city's streetscapes into vibrant canvases. These murals are found throughout the city, from narrow alleys to broad avenues, and they bring a modern, dynamic energy to the historic cityscape. Link here for a great article about this incredible civic art movement.
Museums
National Museum Soares dos Reis- Soares dos Reis National Museum
MMIPO - Museu da Misericórdia do Porto - Museum of History
Museu do Tesouro da Sé do Porto - Treasury Museum
Churches
Visiting Porto can be a very rich experience for those who appreciate
religious buildings; their history, architecture and art.
Igreja Paroguial de Santa Marinha - Santa Marinha Parish Church
Church of Saint Ildefonso, R. de Santo Ildefonso 11, 4000-542
Igreja do Mosteiro de Santo Agostinho da Serra do Pilar -
Monastery of Serra do Pilar
Capela do Senhor de Além - Chapel of the Lord from Beyond
Capela das Almas de Santa Caterina - Chapel of the Souls
Igreja do Carmo - Church of Carmo
Igreja dos Carmelitas - the Carmelite Church
Clérigos Church & Towers - Church of the Clerics
Church of Santo António dos Congregados
Sé Catedral do Porto - Porto Cathedral
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso - Church of Saint Ildefonso
Igreja de Santa Clara - Church of Santa Clara
Igreja de São Lourenço - St. Lawrence Church
Mosteiro de São Bento da Vitória - Monastery of Saint Benedict of Victory
Parish Church of São Pedro de Miragaia
Igreja de São Francisco - Church of Saint Francis
Capela Nossa Senhora das Verdades - Chapel of Our Lady of Truths
Jardim do Morro - Garden of the Mount
Parque das Virtudes - Virtudes Park
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