Check Hotel Prices in Porto (Expedia)
When it comes to first-time destinations in Europe, Portugal isn’t often at the top of the list for new visitors. France, Italy, Greece, Spain, and even Germany, may come first to mind. Our visit to Portugal consisted mostly of Lisbon and Porto, with small day trips in between, and have quickly become one of my favourite cities I’ve visited yet.
Porto is a city of port wine, music, food, beautiful architecture, and wonderfully welcoming people. The city’s iconic image must be from the Dom Luis Bridge, overlooking both sides of the city divided by the Douro River. From this high vantage point, you can see the gorgeous orange roofs of the buildings surrounding the water. Live music can often be heard in the distance. Lively patios with locals and tourists sipping wine, and eating francesinhas. This location at sunset is one of my favourite memories of travelling, and I can’t wait to return.
Places to Visit (w/ Live Music Location Notes)
Mercado do Bolhão
A two-level market (top floor for restaurants, bottom floor for vendors) is a must-visit and is adjacent to one of the largest shopping streets in Porto.
Glasses of port and wine here are generally 3€, and I’d also recommend trying the veal appetizers at the store next to the bar.
Live music: busking areas are outside of the market
Porto São Bento
This train station is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Monument of Portugal. It’s a big deal. The tiles inside depict historical scenes from Portuguese history.
Cais da Ribeira
Located right by the river, this is a great place to pick up probably the lowest-priced souvenirs you’ll find in Porto, and grab a few glasses of port to go with it. There are a few wineries nearby this location.
Live music: an official busking/musician area is at the end of this street underneath the bridge.
Luís I Bridge
The iconic bridge in Porto is worth all the hype it gets. The view from this bridge during sunset may be one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen. We were lucky to visit during a time when DJs hosted free public parties under the bridge (this was a Saturday night, and they said it was a typical weekend thing).
Live music: underneath both sides of the bridge, you can find live music/busking spots.
Street Musicians’ Corner by Ponte Luís I
A great little spot that local musicians are constantly using, and a must-visit for travellers.
Boat Tour via Rota do Douro
A river tour is a great way to experience Porto, view the city’s architecture, and learn a bit about the major bridges. Boat tours are available to book prior, and also available on-site. Our tour came with a port tasting and was well worth the 15€!
Casa De Musica
A brilliantly designed building by Rem Koolhaas houses frequent concerts in many genres. This was a must-visit for us, and was only about 17.50€ for a 2.5hr concert.
Livraria Lello
The iconic library, where JK Rowling was rumoured to have taken inspiration from for the Harry Potter series (later disproven), features a beautiful spiral staircase and is a very popular tourist stop. You must book tickets in advance.
Live music: there are often buskers in the area directly next to where the crowds line up
Padaria Aguasfurtadas
A gorgeous pop-up gallery featuring local artists, at reasonable prices, can be found slightly off the beaten path, and close to Livraria Lello.
Places to Drink and Eat
Brasão Coliseu
Francesinha is the iconic meat-and-cheese-packed creation from Porto. It’s incredibly filling and a wonderful hangover cure. You must try it, and Brasão offers the best at a reasonable price.
It’s highly recommended to reserve in advance.
Bolhão a Gosto – Comida Tradicional
I found this spot as I wanted to sit down for a snack and listen to the musicians playing on the street directly outside of Mercado do Bolhão.
Prices were extremely reasonable, and the burger was delicious (though, it was a medium-rare patty, which I’ve not had before).
McDonald’s (Praça da Liberdade 126)
Often hailed as the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world, this McDonald’s features gorgeous stained-glass windows, chandeliers, and engravings. Eating a McFlurry here was indeed a memorable break from all the walking.
They’re also open incredibly late (closes at 4-5am) which is great for post-party snacks.
PIANO Douro Valley
There are many wineries south of the Luis Bridge, and Piano Douro Valley would be one I recommend doing the tasting at. No reservations are necessary. The tastings were just 7.50€.
Guindalense Football Club
Located at the top of the hill overlooking the bridge, and adjacent to the funicular, this bar offers an amazing view of Porto. Grab a beer here on the way to the bridge.
Places to Stay
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa
During our 3-night stay in Porto, we stayed in the Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa and found it to be an excellent experience. The rooms were immaculately clean and offered a great view of Porto. The location is slightly off the city centre, but can be accessed via tram a 15-minute walk away. The gym was noteworthy here as being one of the nicer hotel gyms we’ve visited and offered a dedicated TRX training area (with cable machine and wall-mounted cables).
Check Prices at Sheraton Porto | Check Hotel Prices in Porto (Expedia)
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My name is Alex Lau, and I’m a travel blogger and photographer. I’ve worked in the automotive digital marketing business for 6+ years before I decided to uproot and explore this little blue marble we find ourselves on, meeting new people, telling their stories, and discovering new places.
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