Falling in love with a city feels a lot like falling in love with a person. At least, that’s how it happened for me when I first set foot in Porto. I fell in love. And when you fall in love, everything is easy.

Must Do in Porto: Why I’m in Love with This City

At first, I felt thrilled with the beauty, the landscapes, the charming streets, and the food. Oh, the food! I’ll be honest: Portuguese do food pretty well. Then came the warm sunshine on my skin, the relaxed pace of life, and the welcoming locals. I felt at home, and that feeling has never left me.

Every year, I return to Porto, spending more time with each visit. My long-term goal? Moving here when I retire.

As I wander the streets of Porto, I never know what I’ll stumble upon. Every single day, I notice new details in buildings and places I’ve visited countless times before. It’s as if the city unveils itself slowly, step by step. It’s not a one-night stand — it’s a never-ending love story.

Must Do in Porto: Explore Beyond the Tourist Hotspots

Of course, I adore Porto’s most popular attractions! I love the narrow streets, the colorful houses of Ribeira, and the breathtaking views over the Douro River. But my love for Porto goes beyond its must-see sights.

It’s not just about climbing the Torre dos Clérigos, walking across the Dom Luís I Bridge, or visiting a Port wine cellar in Vila Nova de Gaia. And it’s certainly not just about the delicious Francesinha (which is fantastic) or the Pastel de Nata (which, while wonderful, isn’t originally from Porto).

Once I’ve explored the city’s hotspots, I realize that if I ever had to explain why I chose Porto as my second home, I’d have to list all the deep, less obvious reasons — the ones that make my heart flutter at the very mention of the word Porto.

I’d have to talk about the things you can’t experience in just 24 hours. I’d have to tell you about the view from my window on Rua do Duque de Saldanha, in Bonfim. Did you know Bonfim was named one of the coolest neighborhoods in Europe?

Must Do in Porto: A Food Lover’s Guide

You may be wondering when I first realized that Porto was becoming my second home. Well, it was a long time ago. I was sitting in my usual old-school Porto restaurant, sipping my second coffee of the day, when Heaven Is a Place on Earth by Belinda Carlisle started playing in the background. At that moment, a thought crossed my mind: I could imagine myself living in this city forever.

Just then, a troupe of tourists marched past, following their guide in an orderly procession to the next must-see attraction. Inside my head, a voice called out: Bring them here. They’ll love it. There’s prego (rump steak with ham and a fried egg), pernil (roasted pork leg), and chanfana (slow-cooked goat with wine and spices). Bring them here!

The door swung open, and a couple of locals stepped inside. The voice inside my head calmed down. Heaven is a place on Earth, and I was sure that guide took those tourists to one of the five million places worth visiting in Porto. But yeah, they would have loved this particular spot.

What to eat in Porto:

• Caldo Verde at Pedro dos Frangos: Because no meal in this country starts without soup. This kale and chorizo soup is a staple.
• The amazing moelas at Travesso: These slow-stewed chicken gizzards in a spicy tomato sauce are the perfect appetizer.
• The unforgettable pork loin and cured ham sandwich at Flor dos Congregados. The pork loin is marinated for 20 hours and slow-roasted, while the smoked ham is aged for 24 months. Absolutely delicious!
• The freshest craft beer at Catraio: Porto is all about – well – port wine, right? Turns out ‘no’. That’s what surprised me the most: there’s a hugely vibrant Portuguese craft beer scene in Porto as well.
• Canned sardines at Bolhão Wine House: A must-try delicacy in a truly local setting.

Dear Porto, it’s very clear our love is here to stay

Porto has so much to offer, and it’s an incredibly walkable city. As you stroll from the Douro River toward the train station, the city’s history echoes all around you in its streets and architecture.

Speaking of the train station… what happens inside is simply breathtaking. The moment you step into São Bento, be prepared—your breath will be taken away. São Bento train station is adorned with over 20,000 Portuguese tiles — azulejos — that stretch from floor to ceiling, depicting scenes from Portugal’s rich history. You’ll spot these intricate tiles all over Porto, covering the facades of churches, apartments, and countless other buildings. The Portuguese have a deep love for azulejos!

If you’re an architecture enthusiast, you’ll also want to visit Café Guarany and Café Majestic — the crown jewels of Porto’s café scene. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time, and once you take a sip of coffee, the surroundings will make it taste even better. Trust me!

The beating heart of the city

On my way home, I decided to stop by the traditional Bolhão Market to pick up all my favorites: Portuguese pâtés, sardines, and cheeses from unique producers across the country. This place has stayed true to its home-city roots — everything is authentic and delicious. Bolhão Market is lively, loud, and full of charm, and its vendors are absolutely delightful. If you’ve seen Anthony Bourdain’s Porto episode, you’ve probably met some of the incredible women who work here. They’re like living food encyclopedias, ready to share everything you need to know about Porto’s culinary traditions.

Sometimes, I get tired. Porto is a hilly city, and it rains a lot — believe it or not, even more than in London. And there are moments when I think about not coming back. But then, spring arrives. The city slowly wakes up, the river remains calm, and the warm light touches the houses just right. I take a stroll through the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal and, with every step—because more walking always means more stunning views — I fall in love with Porto all over again.

Our love is here to stay, Porto!

My friends used to laugh when I said this, but I truly believe that booking a flight to Porto is the closest any human being can get to the feeling of receiving a letter from Dumbledore.

Things I dislike about Porto

Like any true romance, the things I disliked at first are now the things I miss when I’m away. I arrived in Porto thinking I wouldn’t like sardines — now I crave them weekly. The camellias that bloom in spring used to make me sneeze, but now I wish they lasted all year. That’s the magic of Porto: it grows on you in ways you never expect.

Must Do in Porto: The Perfect Evening Plan

As the day nears its end, I get a message from a friend inviting me to watch the sunset at Virtudes. This is the spot for a breathtaking pink-and-orange sunset over the Douro River. I grab some beers and lupini beans and make my way to the narrow park along Passeio das Virtudes.

When I arrive, the place is alive with people of all ages — some playing musical instruments, others, like me, simply waiting for the sunset.

The Portuguese remind me of Hobbits: in three months, you can learn everything about their culture and habits, yet even after 100 years, they still find ways to surprise you.

When in Porto, eat eat eat!

As the sky turns black, it’s time for a meal before dinner. For dinner, a must do in Porto is visiting Taxca. The space is unpretentious and intimate. Carnivores will be in their element as it’s all about the meat here.

After some glasses of the oh-so-typical espadal wine, we move to another place. Dinner at Abadia. As traditional as a Porto restaurant can get.

Portugal has a long history of exploration and fishing, so it’s no surprise that fish and seafood play a central role in its cuisine. I order Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, a classic codfish dish, while my friend opts for tripas — another traditional Porto specialty. Each dish arrives with a brief introduction from the charming staff, adding to the experience.

Even though they offer a tempting selection of old-fashioned Portuguese desserts, I go for something different: a 30-year tonic Port. What do you mean I can’t have alcohol for dessert, Mom?

Speaking of Portuguese wines

You probably already know that Porto is home to hundreds of award-winning wines. As a big fan of this beverage, I can’t let you go without telling you about the incredible wine styles of the Douro region. Thanks to varying sun exposure, the region produces wines with distinct profiles — amazing whites and equally amazing reds. After living here for a while, I can confidently say there are as many wine profiles as there are people. But they all share one thing in common: originality and excellence.

If you’re a wine lover, I highly recommend visiting Prova, a wine and petiscos bar dedicated to traditional Portuguese gastronomy. You can even take a Port Wine class there — I did it during a Food & Wine Tour with Taste Porto, and it was fantastic!

I’m guessing you won’t be surprised to hear that Portugal has one of the highest wine consumption rates in the world. But don’t get the wrong idea — this doesn’t mean everyone is getting drunk! The statistic is largely due to the cultural tradition of enjoying a glass of wine with lunch and dinner, a habit that, in moderation, has even been shown to benefit heart health.

The Atlantic ocean

From where I’m sitting, I can see a group of tourists. Tourism in Porto has grown steadily since 2017 when the city was named Europe’s Best Destination. Among them, there’s a tall man reading Portuguese poetry to the group gathered nearby. I can tell they don’t understand a word, yet somehow, they’re having the time of their lives.

After dinner, we take a walk along the beach in Matosinhos. The renowned Portuguese writer Sophia de Mello Breyner once wrote: When I die, I will return to seek the moments I did not live by the sea.

The Atlantic Ocean stretches out before me. As I stand there, staring at the waves, I know I am exactly where I’m meant to be.

That’s the thing about Porto, you know? You either fall madly in love with it, or you start looking for an apartment so you never have to leave. Porto takes love to a whole new level!

Follow my lead and join Taste Porto Food Tours for an authentic slice of local life.

Yours truly,
A Porto Foodie