Thinking about cities for a winter break in Europe?
Dreaming of a winter break in Porto, sampling the most traditional foods? The best winter city breaks you can find will depend highly on what you are looking for, of course. Maybe you want snow, or maybe you want some sun. Maybe you are looking for a cheap winter break or you decided to go somewhere you’ve never been to before. Either way, here’s why we believe Porto is, in fact, the best European city for a winter break!
Why Porto is the Best Place for a Winter Break
1. Porto is the city to visit right now
Of course, we are biased and that’s why we keep publishing articles on our Facebook page and Instagram account of others saying the same. Porto is no longer Lisbon’s ugly sister but instead has become the most authentic one. That’s right, we’ve said it: Porto is the most authentic city to visit!
2. Not as cold as most locations in Europe
Porto sports a warm temperate, Mediterranean climate, with daytime temperatures in winter ranging from 50-60F/10-18ºC and nighttime from 40-50F/5-10ºC. We hear that’s just like summer in a lot of countries! However, if you happen to find yourself in town during winter break and it’s pouring rain and you don’t know what to do in Porto when it rains, we also have some wonderful indoor activities to share.
3. Porto’s food can be easily considered comfort food
I mean, can you imagine eating a warm francesinha during a winter break in Porto? Oh, the joy it would bring your stomach! Or a bowl of a steaming bowl of Caldo Verde paired with a delicious bifana? Or instead Porto-style tripe and white bean stew. Or… well the list goes on! Besides, you’ll see Christmas desserts everywhere: sonhos, rabanadas, bolo rei.
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4. Bacalhau!
Whether it’s 365 ways to cook it or 1001 recipes to try, one thing’s for sure – there’s always a new bacalhau dish to enjoy in Portugal. While it’s eaten year-round, bacalhau is especially iconic on Christmas Eve. Our favorite? The classic “à Gomes de Sá.“.
5. “Do you speak english?”
If you have been here already, you know Portugal is a country where you’ll easily find people speaking English. If you haven’t, believe us when we say that it is. Everyone, from the young to the elderly, speaks at least some English and will be happy to talk to you. Come to think of it some elders might not, but there will always be someone else nearby!
Pssst… Join our Food & Drink Tours during your winter break in Porto and discover a side of the city that most tourists rarely see »
6. Cultural Mecca
In recent times, Porto has become a mecca for cultural events: arts, music, food festivals, workshops, and countless outdoor events. There is always something for everyone.
7. Into surfing?
Did you know you can have surf lessons in Porto during winter? It doesn’t matter if you never tried it, or if you have only done it once, or even if you are a hardcore surfer: surf schools are open all year!
8. Portuguese wine
Whether it’s the famous Port and the Port Cellars or the other incredible wines you can find here, imagine how much you can try and learn about wine while cozying up inside during your winter break in Porto. No need for heaters – wine is the ultimate natural warmer! If you’re looking for the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of wine after a day exploring the city, here are some of our favorite wine bars for your winter break in Porto.
9. That Christmas feeling in Porto
Porto’s festive lights make our city even more beautiful at night. If you decide to travel during December or January, you will experience the Christmas feeling: the Christmas decorations go up at the end of November and there will be small markets, a large Christmas tree, usually 2 ice skating rinks, different workshops, and much more. We have also put together 9 foodie tips to celebrate the Christmas Holidays in Porto during your winter break.
10. Cafe Time
Rain is just another excuse to go to a Café, relax for a while and have yet another shot of espresso (or cup of tea!).
Tickets to Porto already bought?
Porto has many things to offer, and as a result, it has increasingly become a chosen location for travelers. These are just a few of the things we believe make it a top location for winter. If you decide to come for a winter break in Porto, don’t forget to join our Downtown & Bolhão Market Food Tour for a slice of Porto that you’ll never forget!
Yours truly,
The Taste Porto Foodie Team
