Porto Highlights
Planning a trip to Porto in Portugal? Keep on reading to add things to your itinerary!
I spent a whole 5 days in Porto - some say that can be a bit too much time but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Of course, you can hit the big attractions and the highlights in Porto in just 2-3 days. If you want to take a little more time in Porto, I highly recommend doing so if your itinerary allows you to do so!
From iconic landmarks like the Dom Luís I Bridge to hidden gems like the Livraria Lello bookstore (one of my personal favourites) each discovery promises to captivate your senses and leave you yearning for more.
Mercado do Bolhão - Bolhão Market
Lose yourself in a bustlin’ atmosphere at Mercado do Bolhão! The market had many highlights, from the freshest produce straight from local farms to local vendors creating traditional Portuguese cuisine, this market is a haven for food enthusiasts and culture seekers alike.
Some highlights include:
The freshest fruits & veggies from local farms
Traditional breads baked with so much love
Cheeses, cheeses & more cheeses
Desserts that will have you woo-ing
The cutest handcrafted souvenirs and local treasures to bring home as mini mementos
2. Port Wine Tours & Tastings
No visit to Porto would be complete without experiencing its most famous export: port wine! There are many ways to try out the wines out in Porto, whether you test out a glass at a local restaurant, hop along wineries at your own pace or book in a wine tour. You really cannot go wrong with any of those choices!
We decided to hop into a local wine tour which we found on Viator. The guides will lead you through the fascinating process of port production, from grape to glass and also point out their personal favourite parts of the city with many recommendations you can keep in mind for the duration of your trip!
3. Luís I Bridge
One of Porto's coolest landmarks – the Luís I Bridge! It is surrounded by many things to do - hanging by the river, getting a bite to eat, sipping on the most delicious wines & souvenir shopping.
Not only is the Luís I Bridge absolutely gorgeous, but it's also the perfect spot for capturing some memorable photographs.
The fascinating thing about the Luís I Bridge is that you can walk across to the other side from the lower level, as well as the upper level. We walked across on top and found the most beautiful restaurant overlooking Porto. You cannot miss it!
4. Livraria Lello
Step into the enchanting world of Livraria Lello, a historic bookstore nestled in the heart of Porto! This iconic bookstore has long been revered as a cultural landmark, attracting book lovers and architecture enthusiasts from around the globe.
Being a Harry Potter fan myself, I could not wait to visit this gem! Livraria Lello's fame reached new heights when acclaimed author J.K. Rowling, known for her beloved "Harry Potter" series. Inspired by the bookstore's magical ambiance, Rowling drew upon its mystical atmosphere and grandeur as she penned the early chapters of her iconic saga.
5. Lively hang out spots - The Base
THE BASE! We loved hanging out at The Base! It was conveniently located right next to our Airbnb and just steps away from Clerigos Tower - another beautiful site to see in Porto that you don’t want to miss!
The Base is the perfect bar if you are looking for something fun, hip and outdoors. It is located in the heart of Porto and offers a chill, yet upbeat atmosphere for locals and tourists to hang out.
