The Porto Edit: Everything You’ll Love (and Didn’t Know You Needed)

Olá! If Lisbon is the energetic, always-moving capital of Portugal, Porto is her soulful northern sister — a little rough around the edges, deeply historic, and completely charming. Nestled along the Douro River and layered with colorful buildings, azulejo tiles, and steep alleyways, Porto is the kind of city that invites you to slow down, sip a cheap coffee, and soak in the magic.

We spent several weeks wandering the streets of Porto, and this guide is a mashup of personal favorites, practical advice, cultural tidbits, and all the iconic sights you don’t want to miss.

Stroll Through Ribeira

The Ribeira district is where Porto truly reveals itself. It's the old part of the city, pressed right up against the Douro River, and feels like something straight out of a storybook. The pastel-colored, higgledy-piggledy buildings stacked tightly together, the smell of grilled sardines, musicians playing in the street, and the views are unforgettable. Day or night, walking along the Ribeira promenade is pure magic.

Grab a table by the river and watch the Rabelo boats float by, or hop across the Dom Luis I Bridge for another jaw-dropping perspective of the city. If you are short on time I would suggest hopping on a historic tram. Porto’s trams are as cute as they are convenient. The most scenic is Line 1, which takes you along the riverfront and ends at the beach in Foz do Douro.

Cheap Coffee and Pastel de Nata — Every. Single. Day.

Let’s be clear: nowhere — and we mean nowhere — makes Pastel de Nata like Porto. Something about the ones in Porto just hits different. Creamier, crispier, and often still warm. Pair one (or three) with a ridiculously cheap espresso/ cappuccino, whatever takes your fancy (usually under €1) and you’ve got the perfect morning ritual. "Um espresso um pastel de nata, por favor! " (- An espresso and a pastel de nata, please- it's all you need to know).

Livraria Lello

Yes, it’s that bookshop. Tucked in the heart of Porto, Livraria Lello is often called the "prettiest bookstore in the world"—and it’s easy to see why. With origins dating back to 1869, it later became the iconic space we know today, established by the Lello brothers in 1906. Over the decades, it’s evolved from a local book supplier to a literary landmark, even launching its own publishing line. Despite rumors that it inspired Harry Potter—debunked by J.K. Rowling—it draws crowds by the hundreds. Inside, you’ll find stunning neo-Gothic architecture, classics in multiple languages, and a staircase that’s become Instagram-famous. Just be prepared: it’s always packed to the point where “excuse me” becomes your catchphrase. Still, for book lovers, Livraria Lello is a magical must-visit—just arrive early, and bring patience!

Clérigos Tower

It’s hard to miss this Baroque beauty slicing into the Porto skyline. Built in the 18th century by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, Clérigos Tower has become one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The big draw? Climbing the 225 narrow, winding steps to the top—though calling it a “climb” might be generous. It’s more of a strategic shuffle. The staircase is tight (like, brush-up-against-strangers tight), so expect a fair bit of waiting as you let others squeeze by. Patience is key. But once you make it up, the panoramic views are more than worth the polite elbow-dueling—it’s one of the best spots to soak in Porto’s sea of terracotta rooftops, especially at golden hour.

Inside the adjoining church, you’ll find ornate Christian iconography and intricate altars—a visual reminder of the building’s spiritual roots. But Clérigos doesn’t shut down after sunset. Come back in the evening for Spiritus: Clérigos Immersive Show, a stunning light-and-sound spectacle that transforms the historic space into a meditative, almost celestial experience. Think sacred meets sensory. Whether you’re there for the views, the history, or the immersive vibes, Clérigos is a climb that pays off—literally and figuratively.

Azulejos: Porto’s Painted History

The colorful, patterned tiles you see covering buildings all over the city aren’t just for show. These azulejos date back to Moorish influence and are both decorative and practical—helping regulate heat inside homes and shielding walls from Porto’s sometimes-moody weather. But they also tell stories: of religion, folklore, and even a bit of social status.

In a tile-painting workshop we took (highly recommend, by the way), we learned just how rich in history and symbolism these little ceramic squares really are. The classic cobalt blue you see everywhere? That shade became popular in the 17th century thanks to trade with China—Portuguese artists were inspired by Chinese porcelain and started using cobalt oxide to recreate that same deep, vivid blue. As for the green and yellow tiles, those were historically tied to wealth. Green was a symbol of hope and renewal, while yellow represented gold and prosperity—colors often used by the well-to-do to show off their status, quite literally, on their walls.

Unfortunately, Porto’s tiles are so admired that they’re being swiped right off the facades. Yep, tile theft is a real issue here. Many of the ones you’ll see missing weren’t lost to time or weather, but to people prying them off to resell—often to unsuspecting tourists. And replacing them isn’t just a quick patch job. Each stolen or broken tile has to be carefully recreated by hand, matching centuries-old designs and glazes. It’s slow work, and the damage adds up. Locals will tell you: admire them, photograph them, even paint your own—but please don’t buy azulejos from street markets unless you know they’re legit. Stick to reputable shops, where the tiles are ethically made and sold.

Want to get hands-on? Join a tile-painting workshop where you can paint your own and dive into the artistry and history behind one of Porto’s most iconic traditions. Plus, you get a great souvenir that you can guarantee wasn’t stolen.

Hidden Art & Cork Surprises

Wander around Porto, and you’ll quickly spot shops filled with bags, hats, and wallets made from cork. Portugal is actually the largest producer of cork in the world, and Porto is a hub for these sustainable, water-resistant, and seriously stylish goods. It's a great souvenir idea too.

Keep an eye out for filigree jewelry as well. This intricate metalwork is a traditional Portuguese craft made by twisting thin threads of gold or silver into delicate, lace-like patterns. Some jewelry shops in Porto and nearby towns showcase the technique in person, and it's absolutely stunning.

A Taste of Porto: From Market Bites to Vineyard Views

Porto is a city best explored with your senses—especially your taste buds. And there’s no better place to start than Mercado do Bolhão, the city’s vibrant central market. This market buzzes with life: think fresh local produce, piles of seafood, rows of cured meats and cheeses, baskets of bread, and stalls offering everything from pastries to wine by the glass. It’s more than just a place to shop—it’s where you can pull up a stool, grab a bite, and eat in the heart of this gorgeous, energetic city. Between the hum of conversation, the clink of cutlery, and maybe even some live music playing nearby (there' s a piano on the upper levels of the market where anyone brave enough can showcase their skills to their hearts content) , it's a proper Porto experience.

And speaking of wine… if you really want to lean into the good life, a trip to the Douro Valley is an absolute must. I went on my birthday (10/10 recommend) and spent the day tasting wine and olive oil—with plenty of bread to mop it all up, obviously. The region itself is straight out of a postcard: terraced vineyards carved into steep hillsides, winding roads, and the calm Douro River reflecting it all like a mirror. The valley has been producing wine for over 2,000 years, and it’s where Portugal’s famous Port wine was born. You'll hear names like Quinta do Crasto, Quinta da Pacheca, and Quinta de la Rosa—each with its own family history and twist on tradition.

We visited Quinta de Santa Júlia, a beautiful estate where we had a guided tasting followed by a long, relaxed dinner overlooking the vines. Honestly, the view alone was enough to make us all go quiet (briefly—before the wine kicked in again). The best part? You don’t just drink wine—you share it. Between the boat cruise, the bus rides, and all the toasts in between, you end up chatting with everyone, clinking glasses with strangers who don’t stay strangers for long. There’s something about Port wine that makes you a little extra friendly. Or maybe that’s just Porto magic.

Must do Day Trip (Or Three)

If you’ve got a few days in Porto, carving out time for some day trips is so worth it. Each place has its own vibe, from medieval castles to postcard-pretty towns. Here’s where I went—and what I really thought.

Douro Valley – Terraced vineyards, river cruises, wine tastings. Absolutely picture-perfect. If you’ve read the food and wine section above, you already know I celebrated my birthday here and fell in love with the landscape (and the wine, let’s be honest). It’s a must.

Óbidos – This was my favorite of all the day trips. Technically, most people visit Óbidos from Lisbon, but I had to include it because it felt completely different from everywhere else I visited. It's more like a close-knit village than a town, and that cozy, homely energy was what made it so special for me. Once a strategic hilltop stronghold, Óbidos has roots going back to Roman times, but it really came into its own during the Middle Ages. For centuries, it was gifted by kings to their queens—earning it the nickname “the town of queens.” It's actually a walled medieval town, about 2.5 hours south of Porto by car, and around an hour north of Lisbon. So yes—it’s a bit of a drive, but absolutely 100% worth it.

Imagine cobbled lanes, bursts of flowers everywhere, medieval walls you can walk along for 360° views (We were tempted to pull an Assassin’s Creed move with how close the rooftops were), and street musicians adding a soundtrack to your stroll. The food? Amazing. The people? Warm and welcoming. The vibe? Relaxed and romantic. Could not recommend it enough.

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Guimarães – My second favorite. It’s dubbed the “birthplace of Portugal,” and walking through it really does feel like stepping into a medieval painting. There’s an epic castle, beautiful architecture, leafy gardens, and that kind of lived-in charm that makes wandering around feel like a discovery in itself. It’s not as intimate as Óbidos, but it has a cool, slightly mysterious energy that’s very different from both Porto and Braga.

Braga – A lot of people really love Braga, and it does have some lovely spots: beautiful baroque churches, peaceful gardens, and Portugal’s oldest cathedral. But for me, it felt like a quieter, smaller version of Porto—without all the extra bits that made me fall for Porto in the first place. That said, if you’re into religious history or just want a calmer day out, Braga might hit differently for you. It’s still a nice place to visit—it just didn’t grab me the way the others did.

Aveiro – Often called the "Venice of Portugal" because of its canals and colorful boats, Aveiro makes for a charming and easy day trip. It’s got a relaxed coastal feel, art nouveau buildings, and plenty of chances to snack on the town’s signature sweet, ovos moles (yes, they’re made of egg yolk and sugar, and yes, they’re weirdly good). It’s a lovely mix of beachy and picturesque—and a great option if you want something low-key but full of character.

Sunsets in Porto

You’ll never forget a Porto sunset. Best spot?

Jardim do Morro –

Just across the bridge, with perfect views of the city as it lights up in gold. It’s a favorite for a reason.

You’ll see people walking up and down, music playing, and some locals discreetly selling drinks and snacks. Technically not official vendors, but hey, if you forgot to pack anything and you’re starving (or craving a cold beer or a light snack for golden hour), bring a bit of cash. Sometimes convenience wins.

Final Thoughts

Porto is the kind of city that gets under your skin in the best way. You come for the wine and the views, but you stay for the atmosphere, the daily rituals (coffee + pastel de nata forever), and the feeling that around every corner is something beautiful or unexpected. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a few weeks, you’ll leave dreaming of when you can come back.

Bookmark this, share it, and tag us on Instagram when you go. Enjoy every little moment Porto gives you. Obrigada!!!