48 Hours in Porto

Landing and the Immediate Need for a Pastel de Nata

Touching down in Porto, the first thing that needs addressing is the caffeine situation. Head straight to a café, order an espresso (or um café, as the locals say), and pair it with a pastel de nata. The flaky, custard-filled miracle is best eaten warm, ideally with a slightly burnt top that cracks beautifully under your spoon.

Once sufficiently fuelled, take a leisurely stroll towards Avenida dos Aliados, the city’s grandest boulevard. Stand in the middle and admire the mix of neoclassical and baroque buildings before continuing towards São Bento station. Even if you have no intention of boarding a train, go inside. The blue and white azulejo tiles covering the walls are a masterpiece, depicting key moments of Portuguese history, and if you stay long enough, you might even convince yourself you’re an expert in 12th-century battles. Before leaving, grab another pastel de nata because, realistically, one is never enough.

The Ribeira and the Art of Looking Busy While Doing Nothing

The Ribeira district is Porto’s postcard moment. Colourful houses stacked haphazardly, washing lines dangling over narrow streets, and a general feeling that time moves just a little slower here. Grab a table at one of the riverfront cafés, order a glass of vinho verde (yes, green wine—it’s slightly fizzy, dangerously drinkable, and life-changing), and just sit back.

If you feel like making an effort, take a walk along the river, passing under the impressive Dom Luís I Bridge. Built by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, it’s a beauty of ironwork and an unmissable part of Porto’s skyline. Walk across the lower deck, but save the upper deck for later—it’s best experienced at sunset. If energy permits, take one of the old rabelo boat cruises along the Douro River to see the city from the water, passing the wine lodges on one side and the pastel-hued Ribeira on the other.

Porto: A Francesinha and a Food Coma

Porto’s signature dish, the francesinha, is not for the faint-hearted. Imagine a sandwich, but make it absurdly indulgent: layers of steak, ham, and sausage tucked between slices of bread, covered in melted cheese, and drowned in a rich, beer-based sauce. Oh, and there’s usually a fried egg on top for good measure. It’s excessive. It’s glorious. It requires a nap afterwards.

Go to Café Santiago, one of the institutions serving this beast, and prepare yourself. You will be full, you will question your life choices, but you will not regret a thing. If you need to recover, take a slow stroll along Rua Santa Catarina, Porto’s busiest shopping street, or duck into the Majestic Café for a leisurely digestif and some of the best people-watching in town.

The Livraria Lello and Its Spiralling Staircase of Fame

If you have ever dreamt of stepping inside a bookshop that looks straight out of a fantasy novel, Livraria Lello is your place. Its ornate wooden shelves, stained glass ceiling, and iconic winding staircase have made it one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Yes, the queue outside is long. Yes, there’s an entrance fee. Yes, you’ll hear people whispering about Harry Potter connections (J.K. Rowling lived in Porto for a while, but the links are debatable). But none of that matters once you step inside—it’s pure magic.

Buy a book, even if you don’t understand Portuguese. It’s the kind of souvenir that makes you look effortlessly cultured. Then, take a moment to admire the view from the upstairs balcony before heading to Café Guarany nearby for another coffee, because Porto runs on caffeine.

Port Wine and the Quest for the Perfect Tasting

Crossing the river to Vila Nova de Gaia is a rite of passage. This is where the famous port wine cellars are located, and skipping a tasting is simply not an option.

Pick a historic cellar like Graham’s, Taylor’s, or Sandeman, and get ready to be schooled in the art of port. There’s ruby, tawny, vintage—each with its own personality. By the third glass, you’ll start feeling poetic about the ageing process, and by the fifth, you’ll probably be planning to move to Porto permanently. For a deeper dive, pair your tasting with a traditional petiscos platter—local cheeses, cured meats, and olives that perfectly complement the sweet and complex port.

Sunset From the Dom Luís I Bridge

If you only do one slightly touristy thing in Porto, let it be this. Head back to the Dom Luís I Bridge, but this time, take the upper deck. It’s a pedestrian-friendly crossing with jaw-dropping views over the Douro River. As the sun dips, the city is bathed in golden light, the rooftops glow, and suddenly, everything feels cinematic.

This is the moment to take that dramatic travel photo. Look wistful. Hold a glass of wine if possible. Pretend you’re in a European indie film. If you’re still not ready to call it a night, seek out a rooftop bar like 17º or Porto Cruz for an after-dark cocktail overlooking the illuminated skyline.

Porto: A Morning at the Beach, Because Why Not

Porto isn’t just about its cityscape—it has beaches too, and they’re worth the short tram ride. Head to Foz do Douro, where the river meets the Atlantic, and stroll along the promenade. The waves crash dramatically, the salty breeze is invigorating, and there are plenty of cafés where you can sit and pretend you’ve mastered the laid-back Portuguese lifestyle.

If you’re feeling brave, take a dip. The Atlantic is refreshingly brisk, which is a nice way of saying it’s freezing, but it’s an excellent wake-up call. Walk towards Matosinhos if you want a livelier scene with surf schools and seafood shacks serving up the freshest grilled fish you’ll ever eat.

Mercado do Bolhão and the Art of Snacking

Food markets are a religion in Portugal, and Mercado do Bolhão is one of the greats. Recently restored, this historic market is a feast for the senses—fresh seafood glistening on ice, wheels of cheese stacked high, and the smell of chouriço sizzling on a grill.

Snack your way through it. A bifana (a garlicky pork sandwich) here, some queijo da serra (buttery mountain cheese) there, and finish with a pastel de nata, because honestly, there’s no such thing as too many. Pick up a bottle of local olive oil or flor de sal to bring a taste of Porto home.

Porto: One Last Drink With a View

Before the trip comes to an end, there’s time for one last drink with a view. Porto has plenty of rooftop bars, but Miradouro Ignez is a favourite. Perched above the river, it’s the perfect spot to sip a cocktail, reflect on 48 hours of excellent choices, and promise yourself you’ll be back.

Because let’s be honest—48 hours in Porto is never enough. But it’s a very, very good start.