Mini Porto guide
It's not a secret that I love to travel, especially to new destinations. There’s something refreshing and inspiring about being away from home, visiting different cultures, meeting new people and feeling their energy.
But first, let’s talk about my outfit. I was wearing an actual night robe which is too precious to wear just in our apartment and it’s so beautiful when it meets the wind. The rest of the outfit is very simple, just a white tank top, a pair of jeans and my not-so-ordinary pool slides.
Sticking with the theme of Portugal, we were exploring the charming Porto. Colorful tiled walls and those adorable little streets with beautiful balconies. I’ve put together a list of my favourite places in Porto, a few gems you shouldn't miss out. My advice would be to just walk around, get lost! This is when the magic happens.
We stayed in an Airbnb flat in the centre of Porto with all the attractions nearby. The owner of this flat even made a travel guide app for Porto. You can download it here, I totally recommend it. We took the longer tour and experienced all the interesting things in Porto.
But first, let’s talk about my outfit. I was wearing an actual night robe which is too precious to wear just in our apartment and it’s so beautiful when it meets the wind. The rest of the outfit is very simple, just a white tank top, a pair of jeans and my not-so-ordinary pool slides.
Sticking with the theme of Portugal, we were exploring the charming Porto. Colorful tiled walls and those adorable little streets with beautiful balconies. I’ve put together a list of my favourite places in Porto, a few gems you shouldn't miss out. My advice would be to just walk around, get lost! This is when the magic happens.
We stayed in an Airbnb flat in the centre of Porto with all the attractions nearby. The owner of this flat even made a travel guide app for Porto. You can download it here, I totally recommend it. We took the longer tour and experienced all the interesting things in Porto.
Places you should see in my opinion
Casa da MusicaThe most incredible building I have ever seen. The building was built when Porto was chosen to be the European Capital of Culture in 2001. It is a unique building with special characteristics where you can experience music at its full potential. I highly recommend the guided tour but check the schedule before you go as the English tour takes place just twice per day. If you have the opportunity to attend some of their concerts, grab it with both of your hands you won't regret it.
Jardim do Palácio de Cristal
Porto has a quite charming botanical garden with a stunning view of the river Douro and the rest of the city. More precisely it's a mosaic of small gardens that open up little by little as you wander around. Bring a blanket, lay it out on the grass and just enjoy. Though I was a little angry with Porto people because they don't maintain the park as they should.
Trying some Port wine
There are many wineries that offer Port Wine. We chose a small, family run company and were delighted. They have a nice ambient, an interesting tour and we tasted some delicious Port wine. We brought a couple of bottles back home and our friends were very happy about that.
Sao Bento rail station
It’s not just a station, it’s an architectural highlight itself and the walls are beautiful! Take some time to see them all, we really enjoyed and appreciated the work and all of the details.
Coffee time
Atelier
After strolling around you’ll need to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. Atelier would be my recommendation. They offer great coffee, sandwiches, quiches, salads, homemade cakes and fresh juices.
Majestic Cafe
After strolling around you’ll need to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee. Atelier would be my recommendation. They offer great coffee, sandwiches, quiches, salads, homemade cakes and fresh juices.
Majestic Cafe
A place full of history and definitely worth a visit. Inside you’ll find the scent of leather upholstery, varnished wood, decorated ceilings and endless walls of Flemish mirrors. At the back of the café lies a nice garden connecting Santa Catarina street to Passos Manuel street. There will probably be a line to get the table but don’t worry about it as they are well organized and it's worth standing in line for a few minutes.
Brunchin
Zenith
My favourite place for Brunch in Porto is Zenith. They serve my favourite — poached eggs on sourdough bread. So delicious. It’s a very instagramish place if that’s something that’s important to you. They officially open at 10 o’clock but do give them an extra 15 minutes to be ready for you. They’re Portuguese after all.
My favourite place for Brunch in Porto is Zenith. They serve my favourite — poached eggs on sourdough bread. So delicious. It’s a very instagramish place if that’s something that’s important to you. They officially open at 10 o’clock but do give them an extra 15 minutes to be ready for you. They’re Portuguese after all.
Where to eat
A Sandeira
Definitely the best sandwiches in town with a great mix of ingredients, for example — olive, feta, mango, tomato and basil. A very small but charming place recommended for real foodies.
O Caraças
Family run and a genuine Portuguese tavern. They have only two dishes on their menu daily, both simple and very tasty, from salt cod to perfectly cooked pork. Don't forget to try the dessert, especially if they have the lime cheesecake, it was my favourite.
Taberna de Santo António
Another family-run tavern serving up good honest Portuguese food. I highly recommend the grilled sardines and the white house wine. If the portion is too small for you, they’ll bring more at no extra charge which is great after a long stroll through the city under a strong sun. All that sightseeing can make you really hungry.
Definitely the best sandwiches in town with a great mix of ingredients, for example — olive, feta, mango, tomato and basil. A very small but charming place recommended for real foodies.
O Caraças
Family run and a genuine Portuguese tavern. They have only two dishes on their menu daily, both simple and very tasty, from salt cod to perfectly cooked pork. Don't forget to try the dessert, especially if they have the lime cheesecake, it was my favourite.
Taberna de Santo António
Another family-run tavern serving up good honest Portuguese food. I highly recommend the grilled sardines and the white house wine. If the portion is too small for you, they’ll bring more at no extra charge which is great after a long stroll through the city under a strong sun. All that sightseeing can make you really hungry.
Tank top / Alexander Wang x H&M
Jeans / Zara
Night robe / H&M
Bag / Zara
Bracelet / Dodo
Bracelet / Guess
Pool slippers / Pinko
Photo: Dušan Smolnikar
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