I won’t pretend to be some Porto expert, but I can tell you this: this colorful city is best explored without a strict itinerary.
I arrived with zero plan, just me and my best friend from home, and fell instantly in love. I had always been drawn to this city for reasons I couldn’t quite explain, other than the way it seemed to overflow with color – vibrantly painted buildings, moss-covered rooftops, intricately tiled churches, and cobblestone streets. There was always something that made me want to take a closer look.
Even on the days I had a light route in mind, it never took long before I wandered off to chase something that caught my eye. Whether it was the aroma of fresh food or one of the city’s charming little markets, it was easy to steal my attention.
So during your built-in free time on our Porto & Douro Valley journey, here’s how I’d take you through what I consider a perfect afternoon in the city.
Follow Your Appetite
Every good afternoon has to start somewhere, and for me, that was Mercado Bom Sucesso, a large market hall packed with vendors serving everything from traditional Portuguese food to delicious treats. Here you can find just about anything to satisfy your cravings.
If you want a real taste of Portuguese culinary culture, try a bifana sandwich for lunch. As an adventurous eater myself, I was delighted by this traditional sandwich: thinly sliced, warm pork marinated in white wine – or for a Porto speciality, in Port wine – on a roll. I added cheese, and I’d recommend you do too.
Port wine is something you’ll see woven throughout Porto’s food and drink culture, as wine is an integral part of the city’s identity and something locals are incredibly proud of. While the grapes are grown in the nearby Douro Valley, Porto became a major export hub for the wine, which is how it came to be known as “Port,” for its rich, sweet flavor.
So whether or not you’re interested in trying something out of your comfort zone, there is something here for everyone.
The Best Detours
With your energy renewed, head over to Chapel of Souls, a beautiful church and one of Porto’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s known for its exterior covered in thousands of iconic blue-and-white tiles, known as azulejos, that will likely stop you in your tracks.
It’s about a 30- to 40-minute walk from the market, but walking through this city is entirely worth it – it gives you the freedom to veer off course and follow whatever catches your eye.
That’s how I found myself stumbling into small markets and picking up treasured, affordable jewelry and souvenirs. It also allowed me to engage with locals. Everyone I met was exceptionally kind with a warmth and positive energy that made every conversation feel genuine.
One of my best unplanned journeys led me into one of these markets consisting of small tents and tables displaying the unique handcrafted work of each vendor. I stood by a tent on the side of the street, watching a man make jewelry by hand. I stopped to watch for what I thought would be a minute and ended up leaving with what is now my favorite gold bracelet. His joy for his work was contagious and part of the reason behind my purchase. Every time I wear it, I’m reminded of an afternoon that got better every time I abandoned the plan.
So when you do reach Chapel of Souls after all your unexpected detours, you won’t miss it; its tiled exterior alone is worth a photo. Many of Porto’s churches share a similar look inside, but stepping into one is worthwhile.
Hidden in Plain Sight
The next stop is an absolute must. Its plain exterior gives no hint of the breathtaking interior. Capela de Santa Clara is one of Porto’s best hidden gems and became a real highlight of my trip. Don’t make the mistake of skipping it. I nearly did, thanks to some confusing map directions, but I’m so glad I found my way in.
Inside, intricate carvings and gold leaf cover nearly every surface around the altar, and best of all, it’s rarely crowded. When I visited, it was just me, my friend, and all that beauty – my jaw nearly hit the floor the second I stepped inside.
From there, swing by São Bento, Porto’s famous train station. Don’t worry, I’m not sending you off to catch a train. I just want you to see the walls, covered in thousands of hand-painted azulejos depicting scenes from Portuguese history. The high ceilings and still artwork are a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of those catching a train. It’s a quick stop, but well worth the look.
Down By the River
By this point, you’ve had a beautiful afternoon wandering Porto’s streets. There’s one more stop that I know is worth your time: the river.
I wandered onto the bridge with no real direction and was rewarded with stunning views of the water and the weathered, character-filled buildings lining it. The moments I spent overlooking the river and city from the bridge served as a quiet moment of reflection. It was a new point of perspective, observing the people, seeing the boats in the river, and watching the spirit come alive. I watched as people walked along the river, ate slow meals accompanied by glasses of wine, and stopped for photos with bright smiles on their faces. I thought of how grateful I was to be surrounded by such beauty and welcoming warmth that Porto has to offer. I didn’t know it yet, but I had stumbled into one of the liveliest and most scenic areas of Porto.
From Different Corners to One Moment
One of my favorite things about Porto was how much character showed up everywhere I turned – and the people I met along the way that made it even better. This is something you can’t plan; it just happens naturally.
My best moment came while my best friend and I were walking along the riverfront, scoping out restaurants for dinner. Peering into each dining room, we heard music playing a little farther down. We rushed over to uncover the music coming from a small band – nothing elaborate, just a guitarist, a drummer, and a singer. Within minutes, strangers had gathered around, smiling, clapping, and dancing as though they’d known each other for years. Everyone was so joyful, dancing to the beat of the drums, and before long, my friend and I were singing along too, dancing our hearts out, just being human. That’s what it felt like – a bunch of strangers from different corners of the world, with maybe nothing else in common, just being humans together over good music amid the charm of the river.
Beyond Porto’s vibrant colors and picturesque streets, I was surprised by how quickly the city won me over. It only took a day for me to know I’d be back. For me, its appeal goes far beyond its beauty. What I truly fell in love with was the culture – the warmth of the people, the unhurried pace of life, and the positive energy the locals seemed to carry wherever they went made Porto feel welcoming in a way that’s difficult to put into words. So while I rarely followed the afternoon I thought I’d have, it led me to some of the very best moments Porto had to offer.
One last tip
You absolutely have to try a pastel de nata. These little Portuguese pastries are perfectly buttery, flaky custard tarts that will surely have you addicted. I probably averaged at least two a day. The best spot for one is Manteigaria. It’s a chain, but even my very first Uber driver in Portugal swore it was the best in the city. You can thank me later.
