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Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a beautiful river running through it.
Douro River
Porto is a lively city with busy streets, colorful buildings and lots of people walking around.
Porto’s small size makes it perfect for walking, although be prepared for those steep hills!
Driving in Porto I found it challenging to drive and try to park in the city so I took Ubers and public transport. I used my car for daily roadtrips.
Public transport is excellent- I rode on buses around the old town and took the metro to the beach often. Public transport is mostly on schedule, clean and organized.
Bridge D Luis I
Porto is called the Cidade das Pontes, City of Bridges because of its six bridges.
The D Luis I bridge is the famous bridge where many people walk from the train station area to Vila Nova da Gaia. It was designed by Gustav Eiffel assistant (or partner).
Clerigos Tower, Porto
Go to any of the bridges during the sunset or sundown- but my favourite time is the sunset and my favourite bridge is the Bridge D Luis I!
Porto and the surrounding towns can get pretty foggy in the morning. Don’t worry- the sun will come out! It’s just a little lazy on some days!
Meanwhile, when it is foggy, get your sketchbooks out or your camera and make images.
Fog adds mystery to your images.
When I spent a summer in Porto, I saw many traveling urban life sketching groups and made a note of finding one to join sometime.
Some groups came from Spain and Italy, and I also met a small group from England. Such a great way to travel!
Fly to Porto’s airport: Francisco Sá Carneiro airport.
Train from Lisbon to Porto: Comboios de Portugal
Directions to Porto (Google map)
Praia da Foz
Summer in Porto: Oh, it’s a vision in Porto during summer! The city shines with warmth and sunshine, the parks have lots of flowers and everything is so green!
It can get pretty hot during the days, you will need warmer clothes for some evenings and always take a rain jacket- just in case! I never used mine – but my theory is if I take it won’t rain. This theory does not work in Scotland.
Autumn in Porto: I love fall colors in Porto.
It’s usually reasonably warm during the day and cold at night. The temperature is excellent for walking around, up and down the hills.
Porto is lovely even when it rains!
Winter in Porto: Are you a fan of the chilly days? Winter in Porto can get cold and rainy so take the right clothes and you will be fine!
During this season, there are fewer tourists, making it easier to get a good table at a great restaurants. Additionally, hotels tend to be more affordable.
Spring in Porto is a beautiful season when the city starts to bloom. While it might have a nip in the air, it will be pretty sunny. It’s a fantastic time to walk through the Jardins do Palacio de Cristal or the Serralves Museum gardens.
Expect fewer tourists during spring, but don’t underestimate it—Porto is increasingly gaining popularity!
Booking ahead is vital to get your desired spots.
When packing for springtime in Porto, be ready for all kinds of weather—rainy days, warm spells, and chilly nights. Layer and have a wonderful time.
The bottom line? The best time to visit Porto is whenever suits your fancy! Just peek at the weather forecasts.
Absolutely! Porto is an excellent destination for those traveling solo and travelers over 50.
There are so many things to see and do. Tour the city slowly, hire a guide,and get to know the Douro river banks.
Marguerite at the Casa da Musica
Here I am on my solo trip visiting the Casa da Musica
My month in Porto. My Porto Adventure: A month of solo travel and exploration before the pandemic hit.
I was thinking of making Porto home so, I rented an apartment for more than a month, packed my sourdough starter in a special cooler, essentials like watercolors, a camera, and clothes; and drove north.
My apartment was in a residential area away from any touristy place. I was within walking distance to the city center, near bus stops, stores and good neighborhood restaurants and, I was a few blocks away from the lovely Jardins do Palacio de Cristal.
Peacock at the Jardins do Palacio de Cristal
I lived like a local.
Afternoons were devoted to photography, sketching, painting, and wandering aimlessly.
Unlike Lisbon, there’s no airplane noise here—just the genuine sounds of the city and chirping birds that I love.
Porto’s sidewalks are rain-friendly—no slippery surprises like we have in Lisbon! Most sidewalks are made of cement.
People are friendly and helpful.
The food is super!
It’s a safe city—I’ve ventured there multiple times solo, wandering around at night or during the day. Dining alone is easy.
However, here’s the tiny “but.” Porto is evolving, so watch for pickpockets in touristy spots.
I loved staying at Casa da Camelia. I was lucky to get a room facing the garden with a Douro River view.
Casa da Camelia
Casa Camélia is on a quiet street, within walking distance to all the sites. The service was fabulous, and friendly staff. I loved my breadfast inside a glass room with a view of the Douro River.
This is a boutique hotel. Rooms are decorated according to an artist, so you might get the Picasso or Dali rooms. My room had a small balcony and view of the Douro River and the Dom Luis I bridge. Good service, a nice bar, and the food is excellent.
If you are looking for something more unique in a hotel, want fantastic service, and are not concerned with a budget, consider this hotel. And remember to reserve a table at their excellent restaurant.
InterContinental Porto is on the famous Avenida dos Aliados and it’s is very central.
Maison Albar Le Monumental Palace on Avenida dos Aliados. Central.
Pestana Palacio do Freixo, outskirts of Porto, about 4 kilometers from the Dom Luis I Bridge.
Vila Foz Hotel & Spa In Foz district, by the River Douro, 15-20 minutes from downtown Porto.
There are many other great places (with different budgets) to stay in Porto.
Exploring Porto is best done on foot, so grab your most comfortable sneakers (or walking shoes) and hit the streets!
Discover the city through themed walking outings.
When I don’t know a city I like to join short tours because they give me a good idea of the layout of the city and I can get good tips from the guides.
Make a reservation and enjoy!
If your time in Porto is limited, a tuk-tuk ride gives you an excellent overview of the city’s layout, as most drivers also share a little information about the history of the city.
To witness Porto from a different perspective, go on a river cruise. It will give you a unique vantage point, while you relax.
Porto short river cruise: River cruise
Porto Restaurants for the over 50 travelerCantinho do Avilez, Portugal’s famous chef, has finally come to Porto, and you will love his restaurant! You can eat the famous Francesinha there along with other superb dishes.
Subenshi Fore when you feel like fabulous sushi. I loved this place and went several times! They also have a restaurant in Aveiro.
Mistu has a vintage charm, a formal elegance and a beachy feel.
The food was delicious, most dishes were perfect for sharing, and portions were ideal for over 50 solo travelers.
Coupage 51 was another restaurant I enjoyed. Small tapas like dishes perfect for sharing.
One evening, I was walking near the São Bento station and noticed a long line of people.
I didn’t have much to do that night so I went over to check out what the line was for.
One never knows what is at the end of a line! 🙂
It was the Tapabento Restaurant.
I chatted to a few people in line and one person told me it his third time eating there. He strongly recommended making a reservation or getting on the waiting list because the lines are always long1
So I got on the list for the next evening and absolutely loved it!
My dinner was fantastic, and I returned two more times!
The Bolhão market is housed in huge building. Following its renovation, I visited the market for pastries and coffee, finding it a perfect spot to unwind and take a break.
Surrounding the market are numerous delightful old stores, creating a beautiful area to explore.
Visit the Capela das Almas (Chapel of Souls) and go in the iconic Majestic café for an espresso.
The Yeatman: Make a reservation ahead of time! This is a trendy place.
Casa de Chá da Boa Nova is in Leça da Palmeira, just outside Porto. I did not go here, but it was highly recommended.
Morning
After a relaxed breakfast go on a Tuk-Tuk outing. Let your driver take you through the historic spots, the bridges, the famous Majestic café, and the fun Bolhão market. A Tuk Tuk ride can make your sightseeing much easier (steep hills)!
Lello Bookstore
Are you a Harry Potter enthusiast? Stop by the Lello bookstore.
Make reservations online to see the bookstore and plan to visit Lello bookstore at the end of your Tuk Tuk ride. .
Lunch
Arrange a lunchtime walking foodie excursion to take you to the best spot to eat the famous Francesinha sandwich and other typical Porto delicacies. The foodie tours also take you to traditional cafes to eat their sweat pastries. It’s a great way to get to know the city.
Late afternoon: I have two options: Sunset over the river or wine tasting- or you can do both.
Sunset:
Make your way to the Dom Luis I bridge to witness the stunning golden light stretching over the River Douro. Even on a cloudy day, the view remains exquisite.
If you want to go to Vila Nova de Gaia for wine tasting and dinner, take the cable car or walk down the hill.
Wine Tasting:
Explore Vila Nova de Gaia for a spot that provides wine-tasting experiences.
Dinner:
Consider my recommendations, but do your own research as Porto’s dining scene is always changing.
Go on a day trip to the Douro Valley by hiring a private guide. Visit several vineyards, eat at a local restaurant for lunch, and a wine tasting session at a beautiful vineyard.
This will be one of your best day trips especially if you go with a guide and don’t have to drive!
My experience with Lab Tours to the Douro was unforgettable. I was delighted I didn’t have to navigate those narrow roads.
We had lunch at a local restaurant and walked through villages. We stumbled upon a bakery just as fresh bread was coming out of a wood-burning oven. The aroma was amazing, and we purchased some bread to enjoy once it had cooled down.
I will return to Douro for a few days to see more and, I still need to go on a fabulous Douro River boat trip!
Porto’s River rides
Portugal by Wine offers private boat rides.
Douro River rides
Anim Durius, based in Pinhão, Douro Valley, offers private boat rides on fantastic boats; they organize wine tastings and guided excursions.
Are you interested in a self-guided adventure to Douro? Consider taking a train ride and a riverboat cruise for beautiful solo travel experience.
The rail journey, known as Linha Do Ouro, follows the river, leaving from Porto and goes towards the Peso da Regua and Pinhão. In Pinhão and Regua, you can go on riverboat trips.
Study the transport schedule carefully. They can change or there can be delays. Make sure you know the time for the last train back to Porto!
I arrived on a warm, foggy morning at the beach, where visibility was practically zero. I was a bit disappointed and I considered returning to Porto, but when I saw how mysterious my photos looked I stayed and walked towards the beach.
While I walked on the sand, I could hear the seagulls, children screaming and laughing but I still couldn’t see anything.
When the fog rose I saw a lady sitting under an umbrella as if she were under the sun. It was so surreal!
The water was too cold for me to swim in but I saw many families and kids splashing around.
Matosinhos has many terrific tascas, grilled fish pop-ups on the sidewalks and very good restaurants. Choosing a spot to eat was tough, but I decided on an adventurous sidewalk pop-up.
Portugal’s Beaches
If you are visiting Portugal for a longish trip, consider exploring the northern coast’s beaches and making stops in villages for lunches, dinner or to sleep over.
If this is your first visit to these cities, consider joining a group excursion or hiring a private guide with a car for day trips so you can relax while you learn about the area from a guide.
Self-guided excursions demands good planning and research so that you know how to get to these places. Some train schedules may change in the last minute so be flexible.
The old city area is mainly flat! Such a pleasure after climbing all those hills in Porto!
Guimaraes has fantastic restaurants and lovely cafes. Did you know that the historic center of Guimaraes is also a Unesco world heritage site?
Museums and various attractions are located near the old part of town.
Here’s how to get to Guimarães from Porto:
Train leaving Porto: São Bento Station (check the schedule and reserve both ways)
Braga
São Longuinhos statue, Guimaraes
My absolute highlight was visiting the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte, a UNESCO Heritage Site.
My stroke of luck was arriving in the afternoon and staying to catch the breathtaking sunset.
How to get to Braga from Porto
Car: directions
I visited Viana do Castelo for two nights because I wanted to walk on Eiffel’s Bridge and to hop on the Funicular de Santa Luzia for a ride up to Basíica de Santa Luzia. The ride to the Basíica is a must because it has the best view of Viana do Castelo. Heads up: the funicular is undergoing some spiffing up in 2023 and I don’t know when it will be available.
I was so lucky to have arrived in Viana do Castelo during one of their big street festivals.
Viana do Castelo is a hot spot for lively festivals, so check if any are happening during your stay in or around Porto: Viana do Castelo Festivals.
How to get to Viana do Castelo from Porto
car: directions
Train: Campanhã Station
Coimbra, the old capital, is known for its universities and bohemian student life.
Prepare for some serious hill action, stunning vistas, winding narrow streets, delightful small eateries, and delicious pastries.
Coimbra is a historical city, so I recommend having a local guide by your side during your visit.
I hired a fantastic private guide who was a history buff and she shared many stories as we went up and down Coimbra. She made my entrance to the Biblioteca Joanina a breeze. (the university library)
My guide dropped me off at the Botanical Gardens where I photographed and walked for a few hours.
How to get to Coimbra from Porto
car: directions
I hopped on a train to Aveiro for a fun self-guided day trip.
I saw the famous Moliceiro boats (traditional Aveiro “gondola”) racing up and down the canal. I walked all over town, stopped for coffee and pastries and had a great time.
My next stop was Costa Nova beach, home of the striped houses (ex fishermen’s houses).
I walked along the very long boardwalk built over the protected dunes, and ended the afternoon with a walk on the beach and my toes in the water. A perfect day in Portugal!
How to get to Aveiro from Porto
Car: directions
Casa da Musica Concerts
Museums:
Photography museum: Centro Português de Fotografia.
Contemporary art and more: Serralves
My favorite garden: Jardins do Palacio de Cristal,
Casa da Musica (beautiful architecture, home to Porto’s orchestra and a great coffee shop)
Visit the Porto Cathedral
Walking Food Tours:
Taste Porto (I loved this one!)
If you are driving to Porto stop by Ericeira and Nazaré!
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Updated in September 2024
Marguerite Beaty, Blogger, Photographer & Artist
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2 Responses
You’ve captured Porto well! I went on a walking food tour when I was there. A great way to taste local flavours!
Thank you!
Who did you go on a foodie tour with? I am aiming for a second trip and would love to check them out. They have fantastic places to eat in Porto!