TrendyTripTricksI am unsure why, but Porto holds a special place in my heart. It was not even my first solo trip. But it was my first time in Portugal, and ever since I went there, I have kept thinking about going back. Let me tell you that I have struggled before landing there. I caught COVID right before taking the plane ! But I did not give up, and I eventually set foot on the land of Bacalhau and Pastéis de Nata, a year after chilling on Alicante’s beach.
Here are some of my top 5 things to do in Porto, Portugal
If you have not already noticed, I am a big fan of walking tours. I did several in Alicante, Spain and I did some in Porto too!
Porto walking tours
There is a large amounts of walking tours in Porto. But I have decided to go with City Lovers Tours which offered various possibilities to discover the city.
Free tour Porto :
A nice tour to get a view of the city center. The guide was super nice and friendly, just like Portuguese people in general, they say
Oporto Misteriosa Fair Tour: Night Route
I enjoy listening to dark stories and legends, and those were quite interesting. The final touch was watching the sunset from Jardim do Morro and that, my friend, was priceless
Wine Tour Porto :
I am not much of a drinker, but I had heard people praising Port wine. And let me tell you that as a former sugar addict, I was not disappoint. I tasted several wines in Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia – the city on the other side of the Douro. Do not worry, you’ll eat some food to ease your stomach if you join the tour.
Pub crawl Porto :
I don’t know why I joined this tour, because I am definitely not a night owl. However, I got to interact with other human beings, which felt good. I went to bed early, though. Unless I am not alone, I do not think that I’ll repeat the experience.
6 bridges Cruise :
This was probably one of the nicest moments to take a break between all those stairs and hills under the Portuguese sun! You get to feel refreshing breezes of air and enjoy beautiful landscapes.
Eating a Francesinha
Everybody talks about Pastéis de Nata… but have you ever heard of ‘a Francesinha’ ? I have to admit that I did not trust the name of this specialty meaning “little Frenchie” but it turns out I ate two of them within five days. This Portuguese sandwich from Porto is made with toasted bread, meats, cheese and a delicious sauce.
On my first day, I thought it was good, but the one I had on my last day felt like a long, warm hug even though I was probably not at the best place to eat it.
I mean, look at those pictures !!
Chasing sunsets
I have always been obsessed with sunsets, but now, I am obsessed Porto’s sunsets. I tried to watch one every night while I was there, but the best views were at Jardim do Morro and Matosinhos beach. I really look forward to seeing these colourful sunsets again.
Walking around
It may seem silly, but walking around in Porto is a satisfying -yet sporty activity. Although I often lacked air when it was 30 degrees, it was marvelous to meander through narrow streets, observe the city from scenic view point or to listen to artists playing music next to the river.
Listening to Fado
Aaaah… Fado ! This unique Portuguese music is simply beautiful and full of emotions. According to visitportugal.com, “In its essence, it sings the feeling, the heartbreak, the longing for someone who left, the daily life and the conquests.”
I went to Fado na Baixa, and listened to Fado in a small concert room where both male and female singers performed.
The guitars, the voices, the stories, everything immerses you in the world of Fado… The music was amazing, I recommend it !!!! (And I’m not saying that because they offered a free glass of wine!)
To sum up, I have only good memories from my solo trip to Porto, Portugal. And now I think I understand what saudades mean.
Have you ever been to Porto ?
Thank you so much for reading.
