Girls Trip to Porto
We flew out on a Friday afternoon and home on the last flight on the Sunday evening.
We stayed in the 4*Dom Henrique Hotel which offered a triple room and a double room. The staff were very friendly, the rooftop bar had a great atmosphere with live entertainment and stunning views from the terrace.
On arrival to Porto, we jumped in our private transfer and within 25 minutes we had checked into the hotel, a quick freshen up and we headed for the Time out Market n Porto, about a 10 minute walk from the hotel. There was a wide choice of food and drinks on offer and a fantastic atmosphere. The market is right beside the famous Sao Bento train station, which is a must visit to see its beautiful, tiled walls…some difference to Heuston Train Station in Dublin! We also squeezed in a visit to Perola Do Bolhao to try the local dark chocolate and cherry liqueur, the shop itself is beautiful and for €1 its definably something you want to try while in Porto.
On the Saturday morning, we had a walking food and wine tour which was for 3 hours. We stopped in 6 different locations getting to taste beautiful Portuguese foods , wines and of course a selection of local Ports. We ended the tour in the out Bolhao markets in the centre of town which has a selection of local produce and a great choice of restaurants to try. Our guide was fantastic and open to any questions you have about Porto. I would highly recommend this tour as it’s a great way to get your bearings and experience local produce. That afternoon we headed down to the beautiful Riviera area along the Doura River. This area is buzzing with live music, restaurants, bars and markets on each side of the river. We walked across the Dom Luis bridge and went to get tickets for the cable car which takes you right up to the upper level of the Dom Luis bridge where the views are spectacular, and you can then walk on the upper level of the bridge back over to the other side. We enjoyed a drink at the Porto Cruise roof top bar which had stunning views over the river There is also a funicular that can be enjoyed beside the bridge. That evening then we headed down Rua dad Flores street were there were a number of buskers creating a lively atmosphere ….with so must choice of restaurants we settled on Largo de sao Domingos and it didn’t disappoint. The staff were excellent and the food was sensational, I would highly recommend this restaurant for the food, setting , staff , a wonderful evening.
On the Sunday we enjoyed a beautiful breakfast at the Hungry Bikers Bar Rua do Almada and then we headed towards the university area of the city and visited the Igreja Do Carmo church, there is a daily organ performance at 12 which is free so make sure you get in time to get your seat. The church is beautiful, and you can get tickets then to climb the bell tower to see magnificent views up and down the town. There is a fabulous area beside there with shops and café s and bars which brought us to the famous Livraria Lello library, you need to book these online in advance to get your slot. The Ireja Do Carmo is a stone’s throw from here too and must be seen to appreciate the beauty of this building.
After that we headed to do a River Doura cruise which was €18 PP. It allows you view the 6 bridges of Porto from the water and it’s a must do when visiting the city. The views of the city form the water are beautiful.
Porto is fantastic for shopping with a great selection of shops and great value. There are so many cafés dotted throughout where you can enjoy a coffee and pastel de Nata. The most famous café is the Majestic Café where JK Rowling goth er inspiration to write the Harry Potter series. Be prepared to queue but definitely worth a visit is you are a Harry Potter fan
After being in Lisbon recently enough I really wasn’t sure what to expect from Porto. You can walk everywhere in Porto, granted its hilly but it is one of the easiest cities to navigate. The people are so friendly, and the value is incredible. It’s a vibrant city full of culture and I will definitely return as I feel I only touched the surface with a weekend trip. For more images please check out my Instagram page @emma.dowlingtravelcounsellor If you would like to arrange a trip to Porto I would be delighted to assist and plan an exciting itinerary for you.
Obrigda!
