All 92 counties in the UK are about to experience temperature highs, making it the perfect time to visit a riverside city known for its walkability, energising nightlife and close proximity to the beach
A vibrant city in Portugal, near the Duoro River, is known for its moderate spring temperatures, and impressive culinary scene.
Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city, drawing in travellers with its historic charm and foodie-friendly riverside. Situated along the banks of the Douro River, this UNESCO-listed destination is known as being a culinary delight with vibrant nightlife and famous Port wine.
The Ribeira district is Porto’s waterfront quarter defined by pastel-coloured buildings and cafes that look out onto the traditional rabelo boats that bob in the water. The city is one of the most walkable destinations in Europe and the best way to enjoy it is by strolling along the riverside promenade and across the double-deck Dom Luis I bridge.
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The Dom Luis I bridge offers panoramic views of the city, but those hoping to get closer to the water can opt in for a scenic boat tour. The rabelo boats once used to transport barrels of Porto wine from the Douro valley vineyards to the Port Wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia now take travellers along a historic guided river cruise.
The São Bento train station is another Porto signature, famed for its stunning blue-and-white azulejo tilework depicting Portugal’s history. The Clérigos Tower is another accessible spot where travellers can enjoy breathtaking views from the landmark’s 75-meter-high summit.
Harry Potter enthusiasts will want to make one extra pitstop to the Livraria Lello. This incredibly ornate bookstore is rumoured to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s vision of Hogwarts in Harry Potter. That said, the most magical elements of the Porto is probably its food scene. Deeply rooted in tradition, Porto offers both comforting, hearty dishes and fresh seafood.
A must-try is the francesinha, a decadent sandwich layered with cured meats, melted cheese, and a rich tomato-beer sauce. Seafood lovers should also keep an eye out for bacalhau à Brás on every menu, a dish of shredded salted cod with eggs and onions.
While Porto is home to a host of incredible fine dining establishments, travellers should head to a tasca (essentially a small, family-run restaurant) for affordable and authentic petiscos. Petiscos in Porto (the Portuguese equivalent of Spanish tapas) typically consists of grilled chorizo, octopus salad, and cheese.
And of course, no trip to Porto would be complete without sampling the region’s world-renowned fortified Port wine. Head across the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, where centuries-old wine cellars offer tastings and tours. Wine aficionados will also have the opportunity to learn about the wine aging process for the experts.
Porto’s nightlife represents the many faces of the city, ranging from intimate wine bars to lively dance clubs. The Galerias de Paris street is the city’s nightlife hub, packed with lively bars and music venues. For a more relaxed evening, sip a glass of wine at a riverside bar in Ribeira, or enjoy live fado music (a distinctly Portuguese genre known as the ‘Lisbon Blues’) in a cozy tavern.
While Porto is primarily ideal for city breakers, it’s close enough to the beach to offer refuge when temperatures begin to soar in the city. Just a short tram or bus ride away, Praia de Matosinhos is the city’s most accessible beach, offering golden sands and excellent seafood restaurants.
For a more scenic coastal experience, Praia do Senhor da Pedra is a less crowded option and is home to a dramatic seaside chapel. This is a great beach spot for travellers based in Porto, as it can be reached via a direct and low-cost train service from São Bento station.
Porto is easy enough to visit from the UK, only a two and a half hour flight from Manchester, London and Birmingham. Flights leave multiple times throughout the day, but keep in mind Easter is set to be one of the busiest travel weekends of the year thus far. Luckily there are a few ways to skip the queues.
