RADAR
10 Things to do in Porto
Embrace this Portuguese coastal city’s hidden gems — and its unexpected delights.
By Carole Nelson Brown
The vibrant Ribeira Pier in Porto, Portugal. | VIDEO: BYDRONEVIDEOS/ENVATO
One of the many murals that can be seen on the Bluedragon street art tour. | PHOTO: MARC VENEMA/ALAMY
If Lisbon is the loud, flashy sister who loves to party, then Porto is her refined, quieter sibling. From the iconic blue and white tiles in the beautiful São Bento train station, to the Ribeira, a bustling waterfront promenade with its stunning Dom Luis 1 Bridge, Porto is a coastal gem. Fans of Harry Potter flock to the neo-Gothic Livraria Lello, which is said to have inspired the look of Hogwarts. But dig a little deeper with these 10 tips to get more of an insider’s experience on your visit to this magnificent city. 1. Take a street art tour Porto’s street art is far more than decoration — it’s a powerful form of commentary, resistance and cultural storytelling splashed across the city’s walls. Bluedragon’s guided street art tour reveals these ever-changing murals that capture Porto’s evolving spirit, where the new blends seamlessly into the old.
2. Indulge in a Francesinha You can’t leave without trying the iconic Francesinha, Porto’s famously indulgent sandwich. It layers toasted bread with steak, ham, sausage and other meats, all covered in melted cheese. The whole thing’s drenched in a rich tomato-and-beer sauce and is usually served with a pile of fries on the side. Find it at Cervejaria Cufra, Francesinha Cafe or O Golfinho.
3. Savour sights and flavours by the sea Set in a striking seaside building, Casa de Chá da Boa Nova offers dramatic Atlantic views as waves crash against rocks below. The two-Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Rui Paula showcases Portuguese seafood. The best seats in the house are by the window, preferably at lunch when the light and the ocean really show off. You can choose from a couple of tasting menus with optional wine pairings, or you can wing it with offerings from the à la carte menu. With 14 cooks, 12 servers and seating for 34 guests, you are set for an unforgettable culinary experience. 4. Take the Fisherman Road tour For something a little different, take Come Porto’s “Fisherman Road” food tour through the city’s old fishing neighbourhoods. You’ll dive into Portugal’s seafaring culture, and taste traditional seafood dishes inspired by the day’s Atlantic catch. This three-hour tour will take you along the northern coast of Portugal, visiting Matosinhos, Leca da Paleira, Angeiras and Afurada. It’s a delicious glimpse into the working-class roots that shaped the region’s cuisine.
5. Dine with locals EatWith provides the best way to get a feel for local culture and meet other travellers by allowing you to experience an evening in a Porto native’s home. Your hosts cook your dinner while you make instant friends in a new city. 6. Sip cold drinks in a cool bar Bar Aduela is popular with the young Porto crowd. It’s a cozy yet lively bar on a cobblestone square beside a beloved olive tree. The perfect spot for an afternoon glass of port and tonic.
(Clockwise from top left) Exquisitely painted tiles; a seafood dish from Casa de Chá da Boa Nova; a bottle of O Quase Tudo, a Loureiro from the Vinho Verde region; Bar Aduela with its olive tree. | PHOTOS: SERGE LE STRAT/UNSPLASH; COURTESY CASA DE CHÁ DA BOA NOVA; COURTESY ANGELA MAKEUP MOBILE; COURTESY BAR ADUELA
Skip the crowds and visit the Igreja de São Lourenço. Climb up to the church’s bell tower and get some of the most amazing panoramic views over the city.
The bell tower of the Igreja dos Grilos offers panoramic views of the city below. | PHOTO: IMAGES&STORIES/ALAMY
7. Embrace fantastic Fado You can’t visit Porto without catching a Fado show. Fado is emotive urban folk music that’s woven into the Portuguese identity, and one of the best spots to hear the real thing is at Fado Maior do Porto. Fado, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage art form, comes in two versions: Traditional Fado, which is popular, spontaneous and melancholic, and the Coimbra Fado, a centuries-old tradition which is more sentimental and solemn. Maior do Porto is the only Porto venue to feature both styles daily in a small, centuries-old tavern in Miragaia.
8. Take in a divine view Skip the crowds and visit the Igreja de São Lourenço, commonly known as the Igreja dos Grilos (Cricket Church). Climb up to the church’s bell tower and get some of the most amazing panoramic views over the city. Most of the tourists will be next door at the Porto Cathedral. 9. Visit a thriving hood Cedofeita is an up-and-coming hip neighbourhood that offers a more chill vibe and is preferred by locals to the busy Ribeira for art, shopping and great food. Its main street is the Rua de Miguel Bombarda, which boasts a host of art galleries and, occasionally, delightful street parties brimming with music, food and, of course, wine.
10. Make beach day count Praia de Molhe Beach, with its 168 m stretch of sand, is popular with the locals. The stunning coastline setting, featuring a stone jetty running out into the water, is a great place to spend a day by the ocean. This beach stands out due to the iconic Pergola da Foz, with its row of yellow pillars and stairs down to the beach. CAA
(From top) Fado Maior do Porto; Praia de Molhe Beach. | PHOTOS: COURTESY FADO MAIOR DO PORTO; COURTESY AIRIAL.TRAVEL