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Page Contents
- Porto For Solo Travellers
- Things To Do In Porto
- Tours & Experiences To Book In Porto
- Nightlife In Porto
- Where To Stay In Porto
- Getting To Porto
- Safety In Porto
- Food In Porto
- And That’s A Wrap!
- FAQs About Porto
Porto For Solo Travellers
Bom dia! Welcome to Porto, a beautiful coastal city in Portugal that's a perfect destination for solo travellers. Get ready to experience a thriving travel culture, indulge in amazing seafood, savour delicious wines, and relax on pretty beaches. It's no wonder that Porto has gained a well-deserved reputation as a popular global travel hotspot.
Porto holds a special place in my heart. It was the first international city where I began my remote work journey with my design agency, Supercharged. It's also where I caught my first wave while surfing—an unforgettable memory. So, you could say I'm a huge fan of this charming city.
Porto’s aesthetic is simply enchanting! The orange roofs and stunning blue tiles scattered throughout the city are a delightful sight. I truly hope you enjoy exploring Porto and all that it has to offer!
Things To Do in Porto
Enjoy Porto’s Ribiera
Porto’s Ribiera is the city’s most famous spot right along the banks of Porto’s very own Douro River. The Porto Ribiera is a lively riverside neighbourhood with plenty of restaurants, bars, cafes, and wineries. This part of town is always buzzing with activity and it’s a fun spot to hang around or grab a meal.
Be sure to walk across the "Ponte Luís I" bridge that connects Porto to Gaia over the Douro. It’s a classic way to see the famous orange rooftops of Porto with remarkable views of the riverfront.
Sé do Porto
Sé do Porto, also known as Porto Cathedral in English, stands as one of the city's oldest and most significant Romanesque monuments. The Porto Cathedral is often regarded as one of the top attractions in the city, and it's a must-visit during your trip to Porto.
Oh, and the views from the cathedral are just incredible! You get this amazing panoramic view of the entire city that's absolutely worth seeing.
Torre dos Clérigos
Among Porto's many treasures, you'll discover the delightful Clerigos Church & Tower. This Baroque beauty graces the cityscape and is impossible to miss, thanks to its soaring 75-meter-tall bell tower known as the Torre dos Clérigos. This landmark paints a picturesque scene that captures the essence of Porto.
This tower has a narrow spiralling staircase to the top with the best view of the city. If you're a sucker for a bird's eye view, this is the spot to catch one in Porto. I recommend you go here on your last day in the city to recognize all the spots you've visited around Porto from up top.
Free Walking Tour of Porto
The morning after I arrived in Porto, I pronto signed up for a walking tour of the city with Porto Walkers. They did a great job covering the main spots such as São Bento railway station, Santa Catarina, Batalha, Bridge Luis I and Sé. This tour gave me a quick taste of the Porto hotspots and helped me identify attractions I’d like to spend more time in during the rest of my days.
Enjoy The Beach
During your time in Porto, be sure to spend a lot of time exploring the beautiful Portuguese coast. Numerous beaches and oceanfront locations await you, particularly in neighbourhoods like Foz and Matosinhos.
In Gaia, the journey from Afurada to the beach promises a truly delightful experience. Likewise, in Porto, meandering alongside the river toward the beach provides an equally exceptional and enjoyable outing.
Surf at Matosinhos
Learning how to surf had always been on my bucket list. I finally managed to check off that item in Porto with João at Porto’s very own Matosinhos Beach.
Porto’s weather’s a wee unpredictable, though when Porto's sun is shining, you need to head to Matosinhos for a good surf session. What’s better? You can find amazing cafes and seafood in Matosinhos for a post-surf snack.
Catch A Sunset at Jardin do Morros
Jardin do Morros is highly regarded as the best sunset spot in Porto. Every afternoon its full with people watching the sun set over this enchanting city!
Porto has multiple scenic sunset locations. Honestly, any sunset by the Ribiera is memorable. Jardin des Virtudes also is an amazing spot to watch the sun go down!
Livraria Lello
Legend has it that J.K. Rowling got her inspiration for Hogwarts from this notable bookstore (though it's not true, people love to believe it). This tastefully-architected indie bookshop always has a huge line outside. There's a small entrance fee, which can be used towards purchasing a book.
Foz do Douro
Foz do Douro is famed for its sandy beaches, upscale locals, and a mix of charming eateries and unique shops. The scene is set with a picturesque lighthouse where the waves from Porto gently roll in. It's a favourite hangout for the residents, who often choose to spend a relaxed afternoon at a café in Foz.
Palacio de Cristal
The Crystal Palace, also known as Palacio de Cristal, has an alluring garden with captivating views waiting to be discovered. This palace garden is conveniently located near Porto's city centre, offering breathtaking vistas of the Douro River and its iconic bridges. Best of all, there's no admission fee, making it a worthwhile visit!
Porto Wine Tasting
Walk across the Porto Ribeira to find some age-old port wine cellars that offer port wine-tasting experiences. Porto is known for port wine so you must do this. It’s an essential part of the Porto experience.
Port wine, also known as "port” is a special type of fortified wine that comes from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal. What makes it stand out is its deliciously rich and sweet flavour, along with a bit of a higher alcohol content.
People love to enjoy port wine as a dessert treat, and it's a perfect match with cheeses, chocolates, and even nuts. Beyond that, it's woven into the fabric of Portuguese culture, showing up in all sorts of dishes and cocktails. It's like a sip of Portugal's charm and flavour in every glass!
Try Francesinha, Porto’s Eclectic Delicacy
Francesinha is a special guilty pleasure local food of Porto. It's a breaded meat sandwich that's served in a bowl of gravy. Yes, you heard right: it’s a sandwich that is submerged in gravy.
People who try a francesinha usually have some strong opinions about it — some embrace it wholeheartedly while others despise it. However, it’s something you must try for a truly authentic Porto experience!
Admittedly, I didn’t love it, but I can see why people can rally behind this quirky sandwich. But I can appreciate all the noise around it so I’ll let you be the real judge of this one.
Tours & Experiences To Book In Porto
Explore additional tours and experiences in Porto from our partners at GetYourGuide. Some of these activities are perfect for solo travellers to meet like-minded globetrotters while doing something fun and engaging in Porto.
Nightlife In Porto
Get ready for an awesome time in Porto after dark! You can safely bet your nights are as vibrant as your days in this bohemian city. Porto embraces Portugal's street party culture, transforming its streets into lively social drinking hubs with buzzing crowds. When the sun goes down, you can find the people of Porto gathering in local parks, squares, and streets with speakers and beers to dance the night away.
Porto is dotted with bars, pubs, and clubs that are consistent with Porto’s cozy and laid-back energy. The downtown region and the area around the Douro River is a hotspot for nightlife. You can find numerous bars and restaurants with scenic riverfront views.
What's even better is that Porto's nightlife will not break the bank. You can grab a beer for just €1, indulge in cocktails for around €5, and usually, getting into clubs costs less than €10.
Where To Stay In Porto
Consider Baixa and Ribeira as your top spots in stay in Porto – two prime options that steal the spotlight for their central location amidst Porto's offerings.
If you're looking to dive straight into the heartbeat of nightlife and restaurants, Baixa is your go-to. This neighbourhood sets the stage for a dynamic Porto experience, making it ideal for those who thrive on the energy of city life (like me!).
However, if you're a fan of timeless charm and want to be captivated by Porto's aesthetics, Ribeira should be on your radar. Just remember, it's a hotspot for tourists, so while the charm is undeniable, the authenticity might be at a 100%.
Getting To Porto
Getting To Porto By Flight
Porto has it’s own international airport with great connectivity within Europe. Check out some of the flights you can bag today 👇
Getting To Porto By Bus
Flixbus runs very regular buses from Porto to Lisbon at extremely affordable costs. It’s a 4 hour bus ride away and it’s the best way to internally get from either of these cities to the other.
🚌 Flixbus Route From Lisbon To Porto
Safety in Porto
Portugal stands as one of the safest global destinations, with one of the lowest crime rates in the world. Portugal consistently makes it in the rankings as one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime is pretty much non-existent in the country. Day or night, You’re sure to feel safe in Porto when you visit.
Food In Porto
Porto is truly a delicious city of taste! Though Portugal is renowned for its exceptional flavours, Porto’s vibrant foodie subculture hits the bullseye. Porto’s palette ranges from famous wines to succulent seafood to the intriguing local delicacy Francesinha.
Porto’s gastronomical scene is mindblowing and mouthwatering. So much so it deserves its own dedicated blog post.
And That’s A Wrap!
To wrap things up, I can confidently say you’re bound to enjoy your visit to Porto and leave with a smile on your face. From exploring the renowned Porto Ribeira to relishing stunning sunset vistas at Jardin do Morros, and even embarking on a memorable pub crawl through its vibrant nightlife, Porto offers so much for you to cherish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Porto
Is Porto good for solo travel?
Absolutely! Porto is a fantastic city for solo travel. It’s safe, welcoming, and full of charming spots to explore on your own. Plus, the locals are incredibly friendly, making it easy to meet people along the way.
Is Porto better than Lisbon?
It really depends on what you’re after. Porto has a more laid-back, cosy vibe compared to Lisbon’s energetic feel. If you love a mix of history, culture, a slower pace, and a scenic riverside, Porto might just steal your heart. Read more about Lisbon here: Things To Do In Lisbon.
Is Porto a walkable city?
Yes, Porto is highly walkable. Its compact size and charming streets make it perfect for exploring on foot. Just be prepared for some steep hills – they’re part of Porto’s charm!
Is Porto a cheap place to visit?
Porto is relatively affordable, especially compared to other European cities. You can enjoy great food, local wines, and unique experiences without breaking the bank. However as tourism is rising in Portugal, the costs are going up day by day so keep that in mind.
How many days in Porto is enough?
Three to four days is ideal to fully immerse yourself in Porto’s beauty and culture. This gives you enough time to explore the city, enjoy its culinary delights, and even take a day trip to nearby attractions.
