Wander through local markets
Mercado do Bolhão is a must-see during your trip. This recently-renovated traditional market, originally built in 1850, is home to stalls, shops, and restaurants, all managed by local traders, some of whom have been operating for decades and selling everything from fresh produce and cheese to flowers. If you have the time, go in on a morning and chat with stall owners, who are happy to share local tips. Porto Belo Market is small, but just like London’s Portobello Market, it’s a place you’ll remember well. On Saturday afternoons, visit here for traditional Portuguese toys, antiques, jewelry, homemade food, and more—all in a perfect little Porto square.
Get your fill of art and culture
Art, old and new, is easily accessible in Porto. Soares dos Reis National Museum is one of Portugal’s most important museums, housed in the country’s oldest palace. It re-opened in April after several years of closure and refurbishment, opening its doors once again to an excellent collection of Portuguese art with several highlights from the 19th-century sculptor whose name the museum bears, Antonio Soares dos Reis. Don’t miss his sculpture, O Desterrado (The Exile): Carved from Carrera marble, it is evidence of why he is sometimes called Portugal’s Michelangelo. Those who prefer contemporary art should visit the Serralves, a museum designed by Pritzker-prize-winning architect and Porto local Álvaro Siza Vieira, set in a beautiful park. To buy art, visit the galleries of Miguel Bombarda Street in the city’s arts district, like Galeria Presenca – Contemporary Art Gallery, which has regular exhibitions, and Ó! Galeria, which brims with illustrations and prints.
Take a trip to the beach
Porto might not feel like a beach destination, but it’s entirely possible to spend a day by the coast during your trip, whether you have a car or not. If you’re using public transport, Homem do Leme Beach is accessible via bus and offers small stretches of white sand and clear waters for swimming. Praia de Moreiró Norte is further—a 30-minute drive from the city center—but is a favorite of locals thanks to its masses of space. Be warned: The water can be chilly!
Visit the Douro Valley
Porto is the gateway to the Douro Valley, where vineyards cascade in terraces down to the bottle-green river. You can visit the region in a tiny train that chugs along the river banks, stopping at the little country stations, where pink bougainvillea falls over the blue-and-white tiled walls. Or drive out, with a planned itinerary and preferably a driver to allow you to wine taste. Or take a boat which zig zags between a couple of different Quinta’s allowing you to taste wines and ports and embrace the river cruise life.
Explore the Port Lodges
Unique to Porto, these lodges that line the Douro River are full of history and heritage. Just take a bit of time to decide what you are looking for in a visit. There is a huge choice from well-known British brands like Sandeman to Portuguese brands like Ferreira. Some have museums in the cellars, others offer premium tastings so you can really get an idea of their top ports. One of the best is Taylor’s which was founded in 1692 and is still going strong as an independent wine house. A tour includes samples of chip-dry and late-bottled vintage ports, a can of chip-dry and tonic, the new ready-to-drink port and tonic, and an audio guide.
