Porto – Where is it and why should you go?

Porto is tucked away in northern Portugal, right on the Atlantic coast, where the Douro River meets the sea. It’s the country’s second-largest city after Lisbon. If you’re not a fan of crowds, it’s actually best to visit during the off-season.

The city is world-famous for its port wine, incredible food, and a vibe you won’t find anywhere else. Fun fact: the name of the entire country – Portugal – actually comes from the city’s ancient name, Portus Cale. Back in the Roman era, it was a major trading port.

One of the biggest perks of Porto is the weather. Even in winter, it rarely drops below 10°C, and you’ll often get sunny days that hit 19°C. Many people think winter or early spring is actually a better time to visit than summer, as you avoid the heatwaves and the tourist swarms. It’s a perfect spot for a quick winter getaway or a long weekend city break 😉

What’s on the “must-see” list?

Porto is a city best explored on foot. Here are a few spots you definitely need to check out:

• The Old Town (Ribeira): The whole district is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s a maze of narrow, hilly streets that lead right down to the riverbank. It’s the perfect place for photos!
• Ponte de Dom Luís I: This is the massive, double-decker iron bridge you see on every postcard. It was designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel (the guy who built the Eiffel Tower). You can walk across the top level for some of the best views of the city.
• São Bento Station: Even if you aren’t catching a train, you have to step into the main hall. The walls are covered in thousands of blue-and-white tiles (azulejos) that tell the story of Portugal’s history. It’s stunning.
• Lello Bookstore: Often called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Rumor has it that J.K. Rowling based the Hogwarts library on this place when she was writing Harry Potter. Because of that, there’s usually a queue, but the interior is truly something special.

What to eat and drink in the city of wine?

If you’re heading to Porto, these three things are absolute essentials. You haven’t really “done” Porto until you’ve tried them:

1. Francesinha (The local “sandwich”): This isn’t your average toastie. It’s a massive sandwich loaded with meat: ham, various sausages (like linguiça), and juicy steak. It’s then covered in melted cheese and “swims” in a hot, thick sauce made from tomato and beer. Usually, it’s topped with a fried egg and served with a side of fries.
   • Best for: When you’re starving. It’s a total calorie bomb, best eaten for lunch so you have the rest of the day to walk it off!
2. Bacalhau (Cod prepared a thousand ways): The Portuguese love their cod. They say there are 365 ways to cook it – one for every day of the year. In Porto, you’ll find it everywhere: grilled, baked with potatoes, or as Bacalhau à Brás (shredded cod with eggs, olives, and matchstick fries).
   • Best for: Seafood lovers. It tastes nothing like the frozen fillets you find at the supermarket.
3. Pastel de Nata: Portugal’s most famous dessert. These are little tarts made of crispy puff pastry filled with a smooth custard cream. They are best served warm, sprinkled with cinnamon and icing sugar. You can find them in every café (pastelaria).
   • Best for: Everyone. They go perfectly with a quick espresso (which the locals call a café or bica).

In short: Porto is a fantastic spot if you love historic buildings, great food, and long walks by the water!