Everyone already knows that Porto is a favorite destination in Portugal, but the question remains: what can't I miss on a trip to this city? In 2019 it was the first time I set foot on Porto soil and I can say that my saint hit me right from the start. No wonder I chose to live there for a while.
But let's get to the tips! Jardim do Morro, Ribeira and more!
1 – GET TO KNOW THE RIBEIRA
Is it full of tourists? Yes it is! But there's never a single time that I go to Ribeira and I'm not enchanted by the beauty of this place. It can be day or night. The photograph changes according to the light.
A native that I really like once told me “Porto is beautiful with rain, sun, fog, cold or heat” and that's how it is.
No disputes from Lisbon vs Porto because each place carries its peculiarity and that's what's cool about history.
My extra tip about Ribeira: if you're hungry, don't eat there. The prices, in addition to being more salty, sometimes do not compensate for the quality. At most you can sit down to have a wine, but you will pay a little more considering the region.
There are some boat trips on the Douro and if you like this type of program, you will certainly be well served (because there is no shortage of options).
2 – CROSS THE LUÍS I BRIDGE
This is the bridge where the metro es at the top, and it is possible to cross it on foot both at the top and at the bottom. Leaving Porto, you will soon arrive in Vila Nova de Gaia (where most of the cellars where the famous Port wine is aged are located).
3 – GO UP TO THE HILL GARDEN
If you cross the bridge underneath, you will arrive at Ribeira de Gaia, from where you will have a beautiful view of Ribeira do Porto. Going up a slope and some stairs you will arrive at Jardim do Morro, where there is a sunset worthy of sitting down to watch. The region is getting more and more popular, so there is no shortage of cold beers, people, music and a lot of excitement!
If you cross the bridge over, you automatically arrive in the Garden. Being able to go down the stairs and make the opposite way. I like both options.
4 – TRY A GOOD SINHA
sinha is a dish typically consumed in Porto, both by tourists and locals. It basically consists of a sandwich with sausage, fresh sausage, ham (what we call ham in Brazil), beef steak, covered with cheese later melted and a peculiar sauce.
I confess that I've already tried to list the best sinha I've eaten in the city. And I just can't. It seems that each one is good in a different way, but if I were to recommend some restaurants: Lado B, Café Santiago, Brasão and many others. Check the review on Google before it usually has no error.
5 – EXPERIENCE THE NIGHT AT THE PARIS GALLERIES
When I was in Portugal in 2019, I really wish I had read this tip on a travel website. Luckily, at that time I received a recommendation from a Portuguese friend and today I it on to anyone who enjoys a relaxed night out.
The Paris galleries consist of a series of little bars, pubs or something along those lines that make the streets of Porto a very busy place. The cool thing is how easy it is to change from one bar to another and the great diversity of people in the place. There are many tourists from many different places and this brings a pleasant atmosphere to your trip.
I could fill in tips about this place that I like so much, but the idea is to be objective for a quick visit to this city that enchants us.
If you go to Porto and want more tips on this particular subject, I'm willing to help!
Anyway, keep moving forward.
