The top things to do in Porto, according to a wine expert

CEO of Fladgate Partnership, Adrian Bridge, advises on the top things to see, eat and drink in the beautiful city of Porto, Portugal.

Porto's skyline on the Douro River. Photo: SeanPavonePhoto

"Discover the wine that makes the city so famous."

The destination I always return to is...

Porto; a beautiful city full of history, charm and culture – all of great significance to Portugal’s identity. Porto is also a UNESCO World Heritage city thanks to its remarkable centre, much of which dates from the Middle Ages. Overlooking the Douro River, it is home to the Palacio da Bolsa, the iconic Clerigos Tower and the Sao Bento railway station which has to be seen to be believed. 

Adrian Bridge, CEO of The Fladgate Partnership.

The best time of year to go…

I would say anytime is the best time to visit! What defines this city is the people, the food and the architecture - they are available all year round. 

The best thing about it is...

the architecture, blue and white (azulejo) tiled churches and fantastic gastronomy that set the city apart. Port wine is probably the most famous export from the city. But visitors can get to five very different wine producing regions within an hour’s drive, meaning that Porto is the Portuguese wine capital. Being a coastal city, Porto also offers some of the country’s best seafood, so don’t miss local fish markets like Mercado Municipal de Matosinhos. 

Tiled 'azulejo' church in Porto. Photo: traveler1116

The best places to eat are…

T&C or Golden Catch – it depends on my mood. For the best of Portuguese traditional cuisine, full of flavour, T&C is a must. The francesinha sandwich is a traditional city dish, served all over. Its name translates as “little French girl”, but names can be deceptive as it’s definitely not for the faint hearted! If I fancy something lighter, Golden Catch takes advantage of the enormous Portuguese coastline, serving traditional fish and seafood dishes with a modern touch. 

It’s perfect for romantics because...

every corner is incredibly scenic and the calmness of the city is a safe haven. Take a boat or walk along the banks of the Douro River at sunset – the views are truly amazing. 

Don’t miss visiting...

the WOW (World of Wine) Cultural District – a district on the Gaia side of the river that has seven museums celebrating the culture, history and heritage of Porto and northern Portugal – it really is a must for anyone visiting the city. You should also allow yourself a bit more time to explore the wider Douro region and learn about where port wines are made. It is a very welcome change from the pace of the city. The landscape of the mountain range, the peaceful flow of the River Douro and terraced vineyards are breathtaking and there is a calm and quietness to it that I really appreciate. 

Terraced vineyards in the Douro Valley. Photo: FrankvandenBergh

The hotel I always stay at is...

The Yeatman Hotel. Set across the Douro River in the historic port wine city of Vila Nova De Gaia, it’s a five-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant and uninterrupted panoramic views over Porto’s old town, the Dom Luis I bridge and the river. It even has a swimming pool in the shape of a wine decanter. 

A tour you should do...

starts at Porto Region Across the Ages Museum, which offers insights into the culture and heritage of the city, the perfect way to contextualise Porto before exploring it. Then take in a visit to Fonseca Port Wine Visitor centre and discover the wine that makes the city so famous – it would be rude not to try some – before a short river crossing on the Douro River Ferry which leaves you on the Porto riverbank to carry on a walking tour of the old town. 

You should pack...

some walking shoes – the historic centre of Porto is quite hilly!

Originally published as The top things to do in Porto, according to a wine expert