Porto is one of the cutest Portuguese city, and visiting it over a week end will turn out to be one of the best choice when planning a two days trip.
With its iconic bridge, peaceful gardens and amazing food, Porto has everything you need to relax for a few days.
Weekend in Porto: What to do?
Porto bridge
The most famous feature of Porto is the bridge spanning the Douro River. Known as the Dom Luís I Bridge, this architectural marvel is not only a vital link between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia but also a beloved symbol of the region.
It was inaugurated in 1886 and it showcases a remarkable combination of iron and steel, reminiscent of the famous Eiffel Tower. Both vehicles and pedestrians can use it to traverse the river and enjoy a breathtaking views at every turn.
As you walk across the upper deck, you’re treated to a panoramic view of Porto’s colorful riverside buildings, the iconic Ribeira District. The stunning sunset views from the bridge are a must-see.
Down on the lower deck, the experience is equally enchanting. You can wander along the riverside paths, enjoy the local cafes, and even catch a glimpse of the picturesque port wine cellars located in Vila Nova de Gaia.
Whether you choose to cross it at sunset or simply admire it from afar, the Porto Bridge is an unforgettable highlight of any visit to this beautiful city.
The cathedral
The Sé Cathedral of Porto, known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Assumption, is a prominent historical landmark situated in the heart of the city. It is dating back to the 12th century and its façade features an impressive rose window and a grand entrance with intricate sculptures. Inside, you can explore the beautifully decorated chapels and the ornate altarpiece, all while enjoying breathtaking views of Porto and the Douro River from its elevated location. A visit to the Sé Cathedral is a must for anyone seeking to experience the rich history and culture of Porto.
The railway station
Opened in 1916, the São Bento Railway Station, one of Porto’s most stunning architectural gems, is renowned for its breathtaking azulejo tile murals that illustrate the rich history of Portugal. As you step inside, you are greeted by over 20,000 blue and white tiles depicting various historical scenes, making it not just a transportation hub but also a cultural landmark. The grand halls and vibrant atmosphere of São Bento provide a perfect introduction to the charm and beauty of Porto, inviting travelers to explore the city’s enchanting streets.
The Ribeira District
The Ribeira District is one of Porto’s most picturesque and vibrant neighborhoods, nestled along the banks of the Douro River. Famous for its colorful facades and charming narrow streets, the area buzzes with life as you explore its lively cafés, restaurants, and shops. The waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge and provides a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls, especially at sunset when the city is bathed in golden hues. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Ribeira District not only showcases Porto’s rich cultural heritage but also invites guests to indulge in delicious local cuisine, sip on port wine, and immerse themselves in the captivating ambiance of this enchanting locale.
The gardens
The Palácio de Cristal Gardens in Porto is a stunning public park that offers a serene escape with its beautifully landscaped pathways, vibrant flowerbeds, and tranquil ponds. Once the site of a magnificent glass palace, this garden is now a perfect spot for leisurely strolls and picnics, providing breathtaking views of the Douro River and the city skyline. You can also enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, along with various art installations and open-air events that celebrate Porto’s rich cultural heritage. The tranquil atmosphere makes it an ideal place to relax and unwind amidst nature in the heart of the city.
Watch the sunset
The sunset in Porto is a breathtaking spectacle, painting the sky in vibrant hues of orange, pink, and purple as the sun dips below the horizon. As the golden light bathes the historic riverside buildings and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, the city’s enchanting charm comes alive. Watching the sun set over the Douro River provides a serene moment, where you and locals gather along the waterfront, capturing the beauty of the scene with cameras and enjoying the tranquility of the evening. The best place to attend this show is definitely the Jardim do Morro and the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar.
Weekend in Porto: my tips
How to get there?
Well, it is pretty simple since Porto has it owns airport and a lot of airlines are landing there. If you are familiar with low costs flights, you will have the choice on which airline to choose to get there.
With tickets starting from as low as under 30€, it is a very accessible destination. I recommend using an app or website like Skyscanner to search for the best flight options from your city to Porto and find good deals.
Once you get to the airport, you can take the Tramway to get in town. It is the cheapest option and very convenient to use. Right when you get out of the terminal, the station awaits and tramways are frequent enough not to wait too long outside. A ticket cost 2€ and can be buy directly by taping your credit card on the machine.
Where to sleep?
This was probably the best part of the trip: the room. There are a lot of options for accommodations in Porto for every budget. I wanted something with a view on the bridge, which is a bit more expensive. Usually, I jut browse google maps and filter to show nearby hotels. And while doing this I found a very good one. It is called OhPorto and I am almost sure you can get closer to the bridge than this. It is just a couple meter under the bridge.
Let’s start with the negative parts of this place. It can be a bit noisy because of the street (it’s almost an all pedestrian street but you can hear the voices of the people) and you can also hear the metro on the bridge. But both stop during the night so it won’t be a problem to sleep. And the best part happens in the morning when the sunlights starts striking the city and the view just gets so good.
The rooms are modern with a large double bed, a table, a sofa, a kitchen and a shower. And it is very comfortable and cosy.
And regarding the price, I was lucky to get a good deal at 86€ a night (the classic price is usually around 120€) including breakfast, which is very good for the standing and the location of the place.
Where to eat?
Regarding where to eat, there are a lot of choices. First of all, you have to try pastel de nada. It is the national pastry of Portugal and almost every bakery or café sell them in the city. So you can just compare as much as you can from one place to another.
Then, in the Ribeira district, a lot of restaurant greets you with a very wide menu and a lot of options. There is not really one that stands out more than the other because they are all good. if you stop there, you might want to try one of the many fish dishes or, if you prefer meat, you can try the Francesinha. It is a famous sandwich from Porto with bread, ham and cheese. There are a lot of variants with cream, eggs or others options.
There are also a lot of grilled restaurants. They basically offer every type of meat and grilled it for you. Add with this some very famous Porto wine and you get the perfect match for a good meal or dinner. This wine is everywhere in the city and you can even visit some of the cellars to see how it is made.
Conclusion
Porto is a charming city and for me it is one of the best destination for a week end. The culture, the food, the people and the architecture makes it a relaxing and calming place. Options for housing and food are everywhere and with a good connexion to a lot of major europeans city, and some cheap prices, it is in my top 3 European city to visit!
BENVOYAGE 
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