Portugal was another not really on my radar country (much like Sweden, until I visited Stockholm) but knowing I was booking a trip in May, after my cold February one, I wanted somewhere that would definitely be a bit warmer. I’d seen a few bloggers talk about Porto and that it was full of street art-so that was me sold. I was actually in the city for 72 hours but planned plenty of downtime, so everything I did would fit nicely into 48 hours in Porto, and I’m writing as if that’s all I had. One thing to note about this city-if you have mobility issues, be aware there are A LOT of hills. With my Fibromyalgia, 48 hours in Porto became pretty exhausting, and I’m glad I had enough time for a lot of rests.
I started my first day in the city with a walk down to and along the Douro River, which runs through Spain and Portugal. I took lots of gorgeous photos and stopped for a Mojito when I got to the centre of the city-it was a long, warm walk.
Ponte de Dom Luis I is a ‘double decker’ bridge going across the river. The next bridge along is the Dona Maria Pia bridge, designed by the same architect as the Eiffel Tower. Both bridges are great to people watch, and are the obvious places to cross the river, too.
The old city walls (Muralha Fernandina) are honestly not that spectacular but if you appreciate some of the history of a place, they’re worth seeing. Officially you can walk along some of them, but if you have any sort of mobility issues, I wouldn’t try.
Ribiera is the area down by the river, narrow cobbled streets and beautiful houses. I stopped for a drink down here and took lots of photos-definitely one of the prettiest parts of the city.
Vila Nova de Gaia is across the river from the Ribiera area of Porto, and actually a different city. I went across here with my photographer, and was thrlled when he took me to see the Half Rabbit, a sculpture by Bordalo II.
Igreja de Sao Francisco is Porto’s most famous church, and most of the inside is coated in Gold. It’s strictly forbidden to take photos inside so just ignore this one!
I didn’t plan to do the open top bus tour but it was a good excuse for a sit down. I saw a lot of the city in a couple of hours and the audio commentry was brilliant-I’d really recommend. Buses stop all over the city and you can just look out for one when you’re ready for a rest.
City Hall is always on my list in whichever city. You usually find the building is pretty impressive, though I never try to go inside, grabbing a photo is a must. I sat here for a while playing with different angles and I love this shot.
When I realised Porto had a Photography Museum, and that it was in an old jail, I had to go. I spent a couple of hours here and really enjoyed it but if you’re not into Photography, there’s probably better things you can do in the city.
The University Gardens were just across from the Photography Museum and a good place to sit and rest for a while. I loved this tunnel of trees going across the park.
Rua das Taipas Fountain wasn’t on my list but I passed it on my way back down to the river. If you head past that you’ll walk through a non touristy area, which is always nice.
The Funicular was, I’ll be honest, a way to avoid walking back up the giant hill to the station before my next stop. But a little tram/train style vehicle slowly raising itself up a track to the top of a steep hill, whilst the platform you are on stays level, was pretty cool. It was only a couple of Euros and worth it for the experience, some cool photos, and not having to do the hill.
Sao Bento Station is worth seeing for all the gorgeous Portugese tiles on the walls. The white and blue tiles, which you see a lot across the city, are absolutely stunning, and I’m sad I didn’t bring one home.
My Street Art Tour was booked via Air B n B and cost me £20 for a three hour tour, including a drink stop. It was 100% worth it to see more of the city, and find out the stories of the Street Art there, both legal and illegal. If you’re into street art, definitely do one of these tours.
Other than the things listed in this post, with Porto I really recommend just walking around, getting lost in those colourful streets. This is a city where there’s always something cool to find, and if I ever make it back (too much world to see for me to return just yet) I would spend far more time wandering.
Have you been to Porto? What would you recommend I see next time?
I’m from Porto and looking through your photos brought me back so many beautiful memories! Hope you truly enjoyed my hometown 🙂
looks magical! I haven’t been in Porto yet I do want to go there!
that rabbit and the street art were very surprising and unexpected! I have never been to Portugal, but many times to Italy, where I would not ever have seen street art like this – at least not in the North, on Lake Garda. Well, that does not make it any less stunning! Thanks for sharing a side of Europe I have not seen yet – blessings!
This place is so cool and it seems that you enjoyed touring around Porto. You also took nice photos.
I haven’t been to Poro yet but I would love to visit there one day soon. Your trip looks amazing!
Porto has been on my travel list for ages, that is for your street art tour tip, coming from Bristol I’m always interested in seeing new street art,
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I love the river views. Looks so quaint! Seems like a great place to visit – thank you for sharing!
We went Porto last March 2019 and we stayed for 1 week. It is lovely to look round. Its got very steep hills to explore everywhere.
I would advise to use the open top double-decker bus & get a few days worth of tickets. As a Yorkshire woman’s purse, its quite good to enjoy yourself round Porto.
I love Porto! I visited with friends but very keen to go back with my husband who would particularly enjoy the local wine and port! We really loved exploring the various parts of the city though wish I’d seen more of the street art while we were there and I’ve also noted your tip on the Photography Museum for my next visit, as . I agree with you about Porto’s hills being a challenge for those of us with mobility or pain issues!
I’ve wanted to visit Porto for a while. It just seems like a really colorful lively place. I love the street art you captured – especially that rabbit! How cool!
Oporto or Porto in English, was on my itinerary to visit – then Covid hit us and it got cancelled. Pity as I was so looking forward to seeing this city and the marvellous sights that you clearly got to visit … am so jealous.
Loved the thick and unusual base area of the trunks of the trees in University Gardens – I wonder what those trees. are called?
You are like me and often sneak in a pic of something that says “photographt prohibited” for no good reason.
Not been to Porto yet but it’s on my list as I’d like to hike the Camino from there. Porto has really risen in popularity over the past couple of years and I can see why. A city where you can explore and see lots just by wandering around is always top. Plus I learned from your post that the Eiffel Tower architect designed this beautiful bridge.
Carolin | Solo Travel Story
I fell in love with Portugal. I travelled to many 3 regions and saw many places but just didn’t make it to Porto. I know I missed out. It’s on my list for a revisit to Portugal. I’d love to see this port city, the iconic bridge, old town, and churches. That’s cool that you visited a photography museum, and that’s in an old jail too.
The street art tour would be really good, I’ve heard great things about it here. The half rabbit is awesome. Seems like there’s a lot to do here, I didn’t know much about Porto but I can appreciate looking for somewhere warm to go in early spring and it looks like you made a great choice
The photography museum sounds absolutely amazing (and what a brilliant location too!) A street art tour sounds amazing, your pictures really capture how colourful the city is!
Porto looks so cool to just have a cool, relaxed type of trip. Especially walking down those colorful streets with cool colors and art, it seems like a great place to have a chill time!
Porto and Portugal in general has always been on my list, looks like such a beautiful place and you definitely sold me on visiting it!