Things to Visit in Porto: Wine, Tiles, and River Views

Porto's UNESCO-listed riverside district has colorful houses stacked up the hillside, restaurants with terrace seating, and street musicians. The area between Praca da Ribeira and the Douro is the heart of the old city. Mornings are quieter; evenings are livelier.

The iron double-deck bridge connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. The upper level (pedestrian and metro) has the best views; the lower level leads to the Ribeira. Walk it at sunset for golden light on both riverbanks. The upper deck is 45 meters above the river.

50-minute boat tours (the Six Bridges cruise) depart from the Ribeira and pass under all six Douro bridges. Costs around 15-18 EUR. Morning trips are less crowded. Longer day cruises to the Douro Valley wine region are available for 60-90 EUR including tastings.

Cross the bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia where the major port wine lodges line the riverfront. Most offer guided tours and tastings for 15-25 EUR. A tasting flight of 3-5 ports is enough to understand the range from ruby to tawny to vintage. Book popular lodges in advance during summer.

The entrance hall is covered in 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting Portuguese history. Still a working train station (commuter trains to the Douro Valley leave from here). Free to enter and photograph. Arrive before 10 AM to avoid tour groups.

One of the world's most famous bookshops, with a neo-Gothic interior and crimson staircase. Buy a voucher (8 EUR) at the door, which converts to credit against a book purchase inside. The queue can stretch 30+ minutes in summer; go early on weekdays.

The city's oldest building (12th century) sits on a hilltop with sweeping views. The Romanesque exterior is austere but the Gothic cloisters have beautiful blue-and-white azulejo panels. Free to enter the main church; cloisters are 3 EUR.

The 76-meter baroque tower is Porto's most recognizable landmark. The 240 steps to the top reward with 360-degree city and river views. The church at the base is free; the tower costs 8 EUR. Go near closing time for shorter queues and golden light.

Two churches that appear to be one building but are separated by a 1-meter-wide house (built to prevent the monks and nuns from communicating). The side wall of the Carmo church has a stunning large-scale azulejo panel. Free entry.

A small chapel near Bolhao Market covered entirely in blue azulejo tiles on the outside. The 16,000 tiles were installed in 1929 and depict the lives of saints. Free to enter. Best photographed on an overcast day when the blues pop.

Porto's main food market reopened after a major renovation. Fresh produce, flowers, fish, cheese, and cured meats on the ground floor; restaurants and food stalls upstairs. Open Monday to Saturday. The surrounding streets have bakeries and traditional shops.

Porto's arts and gallery district. Rua de Miguel Bombarda has contemporary art galleries, design shops, and vintage stores. The first Saturday of each month, galleries hold open nights with free wine. Less touristy than the riverfront.

Where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean, 5 km west of the center. Take tram line 1 from Infante along the river (a scenic ride itself). The Pergola da Foz promenade, lighthouse, and rocky coastline are perfect for an afternoon walk.

Porto's main shopping street stretches from Bolhao to the Batalha area. A mix of chain stores and local shops. The Majestic Cafe at #112 has an art nouveau interior and is worth a coffee stop (overpriced but historically significant).

Porto's signature sandwich: layers of cured meat, fresh sausage, and steak between bread, covered in melted cheese and a spicy tomato-beer sauce, served with fries. One is a full meal. Every local has a favorite spot; ask your host or hotel for their pick.

While Lisbon's Belem version is famous, Porto bakeries make excellent natas too. Look for places that bake them fresh throughout the day (the shells should be warm and flaky). Costs under 1.50 EUR each. Pair with a bica (espresso).

The lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia range from intimate family-run cellars to large operations. A basic tasting (2-3 wines) starts at 10-15 EUR; premium tastings with aged tawnies or vintage ports run 25-50 EUR. White port with tonic and a slice of orange is the local summer aperitif.

Tascas serve simple, cheap home-style Portuguese food: grilled sardines, bacalhau (salt cod), tripas a moda do Porto (tripe stew, the city's namesake dish). A full meal with wine costs 10-15 EUR in a real tasca. Lunch service (noon-2 PM) usually has daily specials.

Thin slices of marinated pork in a crusty roll, often served at standing-only counters. The garlic and white wine marinade varies by shop. Costs 2-4 EUR. A common lunch for workers and the perfect cheap snack between sights.

The terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley (UNESCO World Heritage) start about 90 minutes east of Porto by train or car. The train line from Sao Bento to Pinhao runs along the river and is considered one of Europe's most scenic rail journeys. Wine estates (quintas) offer tastings and lunches; book ahead.

A medieval town 1 hour northeast of Porto by train. The castle and palace are the main draws. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow lanes and granite buildings. Easy to cover in half a day.

Tram line 1 runs from Infante (near the Ribeira) along the Douro to the ocean at Foz. The vintage tram takes 30 minutes and costs the same as a bus ticket. The Atlantic coast at the end has tide pools, a fort, and seafood restaurants.