Beginning the new year, we are motivated and ready to rock! Back to work/school, we already begin to feel a bit nostalgic from our Christmas holidays, but use this as inspiration to begin planning your next travel adventure.
Do you enjoy chilling out, strolling through picturesque streets and discovering the contrasts of cultures?
Porto is the destination that will give you that vibe! This wondrous city is on the rise and for some good reasons.
Here are 5 good reasons to select this city as a priority destination to visit and enjoy the best romantic getaway in Portugal!
1. Cheap destination
Usually, we end with money talk, but we will do it differently this time and will start by how good value it is to visit Porto.
15€ (17$) for a three course meal at a restaurant, 6€ (8$) for a single one and 1,50€ (2$) a pint of domestic beer!
And with the addition of very cheap accommodations, transportation and other budget flights available; it’s never been easier to get there.
Of course the city also has its luxury hotels, and in my opinion, the best luxury hotel in Porto really has its own personality.
2. It’s Authenticity
Without the crowds of Lisbon or the Algarve, this city has kept its identity and charm.
Colorful houses, shabby historical buildings, warm sunsets and savory wines all combined on the bank of the Douro river. This combination makes even the most cold-hearted fall in love and will transport you back in time to the 1950’s.
3. Good Food and Wines
It’s ineluctable that Portugal’s northerly wine city, has some of the country’s richest pickings when it comes to cuisine. Thanks to a varietyof grapes, soils and climates; Portuguese’ wines show a wide range of intense and flavorful personality. You can discover my favorite place where to enjoy a glass of wine with the best view of Porto just here.
The gastronomy is really delicious. Adventure to some local specialties to discover an amazing Atlantic cost cookery and accompany your meal with a slightly fizzy Vinho Verde or any other Portuguese wine – Alentejo and Dao are my personal favorites.
Portuguese food is mostly healthy but some dishes and pastries like Francesinha or Pastéis de Nata are real belly busters.
Travel tip:
Porto is the city of wine, don’t miss any of their good wines and go for a wine crawl, many of them are pre-organized to make you discover the most of this city's wine identity. Some tours may be a bit pricy but from my experience, it’s definitely a must to discover. I've made a selection of two caves where you could have a wine tour at great value: Caves Càlem (from 12€/pers), and Caves Ferreira (from 21€ on Fado concert day).
For additional wine tips from a local, have a glance at Sara’s, Portoalities’ founder, recommendations and winery guide.
4. Chill and Relax
Porto is a human sized city and walking the up and down streets really is the best way to visit this authentic city. As you will be strolling in the streets you will discover the many adorable quaint stores and decorated houses’ facades but also many alternatives boutiques, thrifts shops and canteens. You can go for some cheap shopping. The city features many cultural activities from which you can easily go one to another.
Discover the various azulejos patterning the city walls and monuments. They’re the strongest cultural expressions in Portugal and one of the most original contributions of the Portuguese in world cultural heritage. These works of art and the architecture make the city an art gallery! The aura of this town can transport anyone with a warm sense of familiarity.
AND THE LAST BURSTING ARGUMENT …
5. Do you like Harry Potter?
Yes?!
You will definitely like Porto then!!
Harry Potter fans are probably already aware of it, but Porto was a great source of inspiration for best-selling author J.K. Rowling while she was writing the saga at its beginning.
The author spent many afternoons working on her saga at Café Majesticand Palacio de Cristal.
You will probably find some familiar universe in the city, even though Edinburgh remains the best Harry Potter fans destination.
You will recognize the Hogwarts Library by having a detour at the Livraria Lello from which it has been inspired.
It’s an amazing centenary book store that really worth the visit, the entrance is 8€ but the library is really beautiful and you also get a 5€ voucher reduction to buy a book inside. (isn’t too late for good resolutions😉)
Anyway, if such a bestseller was inspired from that city, I’ll let you discover the city’s enchantement for yourself.
Hello! I’ve been following your IG blog for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Kingwood Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic job!
I love how your blog looks like ! Your content has something very special about it ! Lets see if I can fly to Porto for next vacations
Thank you Emmanuel, I really appreciate it ! 🙂
I think this is a real great post.Much thanks again. Want more.
I am so grateful for your article post, thanks to you I discovered one of my favorite Portuguese dish. Cool.