Located in the picturesque Douro Valley, famed for its port wine, Porto is fast becoming one of Portugal’s most desired destinations. While the most recognisable Porto sights are indeed impressive, beyond the well-trodden paths there are many tucked-away treasures that define the city’s unique character, history and vibe.
Travel Director Kristy is such a fan of Porto she has made the city her home. This week’s Insightful destination expert she shares with us some of the city’s best kept secrets which, when coupled with Porto’s’ sights, will see you rubbing shoulders with the locals and making your visit all the more special.
For travel inspiration: Portugal destination guide
A city to fall in love with
One of the most unique Porto sights, the city is often recognized for its azulejo-covered buildings. Most of these blue and white decorative tiles are centuries old and depict religious events, stories of Portuguese exploration, historic battles and daily life. Some of the most famous ones in the city you can see for free in the Sao Bento train station.
“Porto is both architecturally and visually stunning,” says Kristy. “The city is really finding itself as a tourist destination, so it’s on people’s radar like it’s never really been in the past.”
“The city is perhaps most famous for Port wine. This famous drink is produced only here in the Douro Valley, the oldest wine-growing region in the world.
“The people are lovely, and the cost of living is generous. So, when visiting you can really embrace the spirit of the city and enjoy what it has to offer. It’s a great location for a city break.”
If you like wine, you will enjoy reading: Bottled history: the enduring legacy of Portugal’s oldest wine
Iconic Porto sights and best kept secrets
“Three of the main Porto sights, alongside the aforementioned train station, are the cathedral, the bridge and the port houses,” says Kristy.
An architectural icon, the Dom Luís I Bridge spans the Douro River, connecting the two sides of the city: Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Porto’s famous port houses (wine cellars) line the riverside in Vila Nova de Gaia, showcase the city’s viticultural legacy via world renowned brands like Sandeman. And in Porto city center, the 12th century cathedral offers a blend of intricate architecture and panoramic views.
“You should definitely spend time exploring all of these,” she continues. “However, alongside the iconic landmarks, Porto has many other delights in store, often known only to locals.”
You may be interested to read: Planning the perfect Porto trip: unmissable sights and museums
A fun city, made for walking
“Porto is a city that very much encourages walking over driving,” Kristy tells us. “A lot of areas are pedestrianized and there is a tram system that is currently being extended, connecting downtown to the main suburbs. So, it is easy to get about without a car to see the Porto sights and keep an eye on clocking up those emissions. The city also has a small ferry shuttle to get from Porto to Gaia across the river.”
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Enjoy a spectacular light show at Clérigos Church
“One of the things I think is really cool and is not really know to visitors is a stunning immersive light show at the famous Clérigos Church, one of the grandest of Porto’s sights.” says Kristy. “It is something a bit different that will really appeal to the curious more sophisticated traveler.”
“Porto has a fantastic nightlife scene, with excellent food, great bars and so forth. But that’s not always everyone’s cup of tea. In terms of alternative nighttime sightseeing, at first glance everything seems closed.
“However, what may people do not expect is that inside the Clérigos Church, by night, they hold a spectacular 30-minute show. Called ‘Spiritus,’ lights and lasers bump and dance off the architecture and the paintings. Music echoes off the church’s arcades. According to the show’s creator “the best way to travel is to feel” and I love this sentiment.
“I also love that it is such a rewarding and renewable experience, a real opportunity to ‘take only memories, leave only footprints.’”
Bookmark for later: All the ways you’ll experience the Insight difference when you travel to Portugal
For the souvenir you never knew you wanted
“If you want to buy something from Porto, but you don’t know what you want, there’s a fantastic shop downtown called ‘Almada’ which is located at Rua do Almada 13,” Kristy tells us. “It’s the type of shop that has an eclectic mix of one of everything and something for everyone.
“To the unknown eye, it just looks like a regular shop front, but when you go in it just gets bigger and bigger. You can buy clothing, local handmade jewelry, books and toys. It’s impossible to leave empty handed.
“They’ve also got a spectacular array of cork products; you’d be surprised what you can buy! I have a cork umbrella; I even have cork shoes.”
Portugal accounts for just over half of the world’s cork output, producing 157,000 tones annually. Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak, which is the predominant tree species in the country.
You might also enjoy reading: The chapels of blue tiles and 5,000 bones: a spotlight on Evora
Picnic on Portuguese cheese in City Park
“World renowned for its port wine, what many people do not know is that Portugal also produces some delicious cheese, mostly soft, goat or sheep cheese” says Kristy. One of the most famous and distinctive varieties is the ‘Queijo da Serra’, which made with sheep milk from the heart of Portugal.
“There’s an excellent place, Queijaria, that literally translates as the cheese factory. This store sells all local cheeses, and they also have local meats and wines. It’s perfect to stock up for an authentic picnic. Then head over to City Park on the outskirts of Porto for a great relaxing break from the city bustle.”
“Porto has a large City Park right on the outskirts which goes almost all the way to the beaches,” she tells us. “It’s one of the well known Porto sights by name, but not a lot of visitors go there, and you should. You can sit and have lunch in a gazebo, or you can admire the little international gardens.”
To tempt the taste buds even further, read: 10 must-have traditional Portuguese foods to try on your next trip
Talk a walk through the past in Miragaia neighborhood
“There are still some places in Porto that take you back in history, showing how things used to be,” Kristy says. “The neighborhood of Miragaia is one such place, just a short walk from downtown Porto and full of olde world charm.
“The streets are quiet, the ladies are hanging laundry from their balcony and there’s men sitting in the park, chatting or playing cards. On Sundays, all of the restaurants are packed with huge extended families enjoying long, leisurely lunches, which is such an important part of Portuguese culture.
“Here you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time and get a taste of how Portuguese life used to be.”
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Enjoy a very sustainable seafood experience
“The seafood section of the Matosinhos Municipal is huge and always busy with locals, and the restaurants around the outside are a must visit.” Kristy tells us. “Here you can enjoy a very unique, and sustainable, dining experience,”
“The suburb of Matosinhos is not downtown – but a seaside suburb with its own ‘small town within a big city’ kind of charm. About a 30 minute tram ride from the centre, it shows up on most guide books for its seafood and there are plenty of amazing and famous restaurants, but the market is such a cool and local way to do it.
“What’s different is that these restaurants work together with the market. You tell the restaurant what you want, such as white fish, sea bream or salmon for example. They’ll then take you to the market, walk around the vendors with you to pick your fish. Then you take it back to the restaurant and they cook it for you.
“Not only fresh and delicious, its sustainable in that you cut out the middleman and there’s no food waste. And if you don’t know what you want, they’re experts and will help you choose. Everyone’s a winner.
To discover the well-known and secret Porto sights for yourself, take a look at our collection of premium tours. Don’t forget to play our Insightful Travel Trivia game, test your knowledge for the chance to win great travel prizes.
