If you like wandering cobblestone streets with perfect postcards of Europe at every turn, incredible wine with just as delicious food, gorgeous tile work, and browsing beautiful and eclectic shops, Porto is a perfect place for you!
Unlike most tourists, we did not go on a Douro River cruise or get a chance to check out the vineyards, which we've read are amazing. Instead, we spent our two nights and three-ish days in the vibrant city of Porto. We found that the city itself is quite small and very walkable. We didn't use taxis, Uber, or city transportation. We walked the entire time and it was pretty effortless, minus some of the steep hills.
Stay
Praca Da Liberdade 25, Porto, Portugal
This hotel is luxurious, modern, clean, and has the most comfortable beds! The concierge is extremely helpful and the location is fantastic.
Eats Sweets Drinks
Cantinho do Avillez - absolutely loved the atmosphere in this clean, eclectic restaurant. J.J. loved the octopus and the wine pairing!
R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 166, 4050-416 Porto, Portugal
Esquires Coffee - we ended up here multiple times because of the great service and yummy flat whites. Their breakfast is also very reasonably priced and tasty. We recommend the omelettes, waffles, and smoothies!
R. de 31 de Janeiro 215, 4000-543 Porto, Portugal
Restaurant Raiz - recommended by our hotel concierge and one of our favorite meals in Porto! This is a three story restaurant, illuminated by candles, and incredible flavors.
Largo dos Lóios 8, Porto, Portugal
Adega São Nicolau - close to the water and on a cozy cobblestone street. If you can snag a seat, the outdoor seating looked magical. The food was A+. Large portions and great service.
R. de São Nicolau 1, 4050-561 Porto, Portugal
Cremosi - someone told us that Cremosi is the gelato place with the vibrant flavors, not overly sugary. It's true! The gelato is light and delicious and the employees boast superior service! And how beautiful is their building?
344,, R. de Mouzinho da Silveira 342, 4000-069 Porto, Portugal
What to See
Walk across the Pte. do Infante Bridge and enjoy the incredible views!
Visit the São Bento station and admire the intricate and beautiful tile work. For as many visitors and travelers that pass through this station, it's surprisingly calm and dare I even say, peaceful.
Browse the Livraria Lello, famous for inspiring J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series. Depending on the time of day, this two level store can be filled with tourists. We got our tickets ahead of time thanks to the hotel concierge, and though we waited in line, it wasn't as long of a line.
If you're a book lover, it's a fun place to stop! If you're with a book lover and would rather sit this stop out, there are outdoor cafes nearby.
Snap a photo by Igreja do Carmo. I kept seeing this beautiful blue and white tiled church on Pinterest and was hoping to find it. Its exterior is as beautiful in person as in photos. Plus, it's close to the Livraria Lello.
Shop
The Feeting Room - a two story, super hip men's and women's clothing store. J.J. got a pair of high top sneakers here and a cup of Combi coffee. So, how cool is that?
Largo dos Lóios 86, 4050-338 Porto, Portugal
Vicent - a really fun and unique clothing boutique. J.J.'s mom and I went back to this store at least two times to put items on hold and then later to pick them up! We loved the clothes and the quality.
R. de 31 de Janeiro 174, 4000-542 Porto, Portugal
Ali - Jo - this was another stylish and cool clothing boutique across from The Feeting Room. They had a gorgeous selection of colors with a limited selection of each style.
For us, two nights in Porto was perfect. We ate well, slept well, and shopped well. Portugal sure knows how to show off their old world charming cities.
