‘Life is filled with reasons to BELIEVE.’ So said the sign on the baby blue door near the Ribeira, and so says me.

My favourite city to date?

In the same way that ‘what is your favourite book?’ is an almost impossible question to answer, so is, ‘what is your favourite city?’ Truthfully, I don’t think I’ll ever have a ‘favourite’ city. What I do have, though, are a select few that have well and truly stolen a piece of my heart. Porto is one of them.

I must have visited Porto at least ten to twelve times between 2023 and 2024. I saw and fell in love with something different each time. I’ve spent birthday nights out in Porto. I’ve taken solo trips there. I’ve shown off the city to my loved ones. I feel like I know Porto like the back of my hand. At least, that’s what I like to tell myself… Like any city I only get to visit, there will always be parts that are left unexplored. But that’s also the beauty of loving a city from afar. It leaves you wanting more. It gives you an excuse to go back.

Food, food, food…

If there’s one thing the Portuguese are experts at, it’s food. Portuguese cuisine is truly something special. Fresh sardines. Hearty soups. Custard-inspired pastries. Decedent sandwiches. Portuguese food is unmatched in its variety. I made a conscious effort to try out different food and drink spots whenever I visited Porto. These are just some of my favourites.

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Breakfast/Brunch:

• MANNA – A relaxed spot where you can find the BEST scrambled eggs and sourdough of your life. Location: Rua da Conceição 60, 4050-213 Porto, Portugal.
• EARLY – A beautiful space with two giant windows that are perfect for people-watching. Location: Rua dos Bragas 351, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal.
• PROTEST KITCHEN – An unassuming yet hip spot with a unique take on what it means to ‘brunch’. Location: Rua dos Bragas 58, 4050-359 Porto, Portugal.

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Dinner:

• BACALHAU – Enjoy a glass of vinho branco while you relish views of Gaia and the Douro River. Location: Muro dos Bacalhoeiros 154, 4050-080 Porto, Portugal.
• INCONTRO BISTRO – A teeny-tiny Italian restaurant nestled between the classic, narrow Porto streets. Location: Rua das Taipas 4, 4050-598 Porto, Portugal.
• CASA DA MARIQUINHAS – Traditional Portuguese dishes accompanied by traditional Fado entertainment. Perfeito. Location: R. de São Sebastião 25, Porto, Portugal.

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Coffee:

• MY COFFEE PORTO – Sip on a creamy soya latte while you admire Porto from above. Location: R. Chã 72, 4000-166 Porto, Portugal.
• ESQUIRES COFFEE PORTO – A hip coffee and brunch spot with al fresco seating. Location: R. de 31 de Janeiro 215, 4000-543 Porto, Portugal.
• STORY | brunch & cocktails – A people-watching paradise. Location: Rua dos Mártires da Liberdade 30, 4050-358 Porto, Portugal.

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Bars:

• CURIOSO COCKTAIL BAR – A cosy, dimly-lit spot that specialises in classic cocktails with a twist. Location: R. de Ferreira Borges 60, 4050-252 Porto, Portugal.
• THE ROYAL COCKTAIL CLUB – Don’t be fooled by the title of this place. It’s simultaneously upscale and laid-back. Location: Rua da Fábrica 105, 4050-247 Porto, Portugal.
• RIVOLI CINEMA HOSTEL – Head up to the rooftop of this cinephile-inspired hostel. You’ll find cheap drinks with great views and vibes. Location: R. do Dr. Magalhães Lemos 83, 4000-332 Porto, Portugal.

Books, books, books…

Just as Porto has nailed its food scene, its literary scene is equally as impressive. From chain bookstores with a twist to independent holes in the wall, Porto is a haven for booklovers.

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• LIVRARIA LELLO – A bookshop famous among booklovers all over the globe. A must-visit spot, even on a busy summer day. Location: R. das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal.
• BOOKSTORE ALMEDINA PORTO – A chain bookstore with a relaxed vibe and extensive collection of English books. Location: R. de Ceuta 79, 4050-191 Porto, Portugal.
• GOSTAR DE LER – A small but special bookshop selling second-hand treasures. Location: Rua dos Mártires da Liberdade 120, 4050-359 Porto, Portugal.
• LIVRARIA DE JOSÉ ALVES, LDA – An essential stop for the Porto and/or Portugal-curious. Go here for unique guides to the city and beyond. Location: R. de Avis 9, 4050-075 Porto, Portugal.

Culture, culture, culture…

Beyond its delectable cuisine and paperback promises, Porto is brimming with culture. Savour the architecture free of charge or pay a small fare for a museum, or two. Either way, culture will find its way to you, when in Porto.

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• GALERIA MUNICIPAL DO PORTO – A stunning gallery showcasing contemporary art. Once you’ve had your artistic fill, step outside and wander the Jardin do Palácio. Location: Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, R. de D. Manuel, 4050-346 Porto, Portugal.
• MUSEU DE HISTÓRIA NATURAL – A paradise for the curious. It’s also perfect for those looking to re-live those glorious university days where anything felt possible. Location: Campo dos Mártires da Pátria 81, 4050-368 Porto, Portugal.
• SÃO JOÃO NATIONAL THEATRE – A breathtaking place that exudes similar vibes to Venice’s La Fenice. Location: Praça da Batalha, 4000-102 Porto, Portugal.
• PORTO CATHEDRAL – Simply put, the place that made me say, ‘I think I like it here.’ Location: Terreiro da Sé, 4050-573 Porto, Portugal.
• PALÁCIO DA BOLSA – Wander the halls of Palácio da Bolsa for a while. You’ll start to feel like royalty yourself. Location: Palácio da Bolsa, R. de Ferreira Borges 11, 4050-253 Porto, Portugal.
• RUA DAS FLORES – A vibrant street bustling with people and performers. It’s also filled with places to grab a glass of wine, or three. Location: Porto, Portugal.
• RIBEIRA DO PORTO – Here is where you’ll truly fall in love with Porto. Will it be watching the water sparkle in the sun? Or seeing the reflections of the Port houses dance in the moonlight? Location: Cais da Ribeira 47, 4050-511 Porto, Portugal.

Honourable mentions & things I never got to try but wish I had…

Though I got to know Porto pretty well, there is still so much I never got to see or do. That thought would have kept me up at night once… Now it just excites me.

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• Port tasting in Gaia.
• Taking a cable car over the Douro River to said Port House(s).
• See FC Porto play at the Estádio do Dragão.
• Watch live music at Casa da Música.
• Go to Brasão for Francesinha. (This one’s blasphemous, I know…)

I don’t know when I’ll get to return to Porto. It could be this year, next year, or in ten years. What I can say is that once you have Porto, it’ll have you, forever.

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Até nos encontrarmos novamente, Porto.

Until we meet again, Porto.💙