WELCOME TO PORTO!
This is our home away from home.
We've created this short guide for our guests based on the places in the city we have discovered and love!
OUR PERSONAL CITY FAVORITES ON A MAP.
We have collected our experiences and preferred spots in the city on a map, which we want to share with you. Should you follow the map for inspiration, we hope you will enjoy the city as much as we do.
The best tip we can give anyone coming here is to...explore. Porto IS the definition of a hidden gem. Many of the best places for food may have a lackluster façade, yet inside you'll find traditional and avant garde cuisines you couldn't have imagined. A narrow alleyway may lead to the most amazing view in the city or an undiscovered small Port wine tasting producer in Gaia.
Here are some tips on the city and apartment that may help you discover and enjoy the many gems of the city!
Bonfim is a quietly confident neighbourhood: it’s not full of must-sees, but it’s a sleepy, authentic part of Porto where locals have been living their whole lives. If you want to explore authentic Portuguese food, taste Tripeiros' (what Porto residents proudly called themselves, meaning Tripe eaters) Porto flavors, or have quality food and drinks for affortable prices, explore the Bonfim neighborhood.
Historically the neighborhood was the industrial hub for the city. There were textile factories in the area (including on Rua do Bonfim) as well as a porcelain tableware factory.
These days, Bonfim exhibits only the first signs of gentrification. You’ll soon sniff out speciality coffee and vegan cafes in Bonfim. However, it doesn’t seem overrun with modern influences or tourists. Bonfim is the perfect blend of 80% traditional and 20% cool.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Bonfim 102 is perfectly located to move about Porto and to do day or weekend excursions.
In the City
The UNESCO center is about a 10 minute walk and starts just past the tranquil Marques de Oliveira park (Jardim Marques de Oliviera). Also, the Metro stop 24 Agosto is right at the corner from the apartment and in one quick stop will take you to the Bolhoa market and Rua de Santa Catarina. The metro is clean, safe, and has short wait times since most of the metro lines pass through here. We suggest to buy a metro card with 10 rides on it, it comes out cheap and will save you time for the next rides once you have a card. The metro is on the honor system so you'll need to scan the single card each time per passenger at the entrance.
Excursions
The historic 19th century Campanhã train/bus station is a 15 minute walk or just two metro stops. You can take trains/buses from here to neat places like the Douro valley, Braga, Coimbra, Lisbon, and many more!
GETTING AROUND
Coffee / Breakfast
Mesa 325 is our favorite coffee spot just around the corner. For discerning coffee lovers this spot is excellent with a nice cozy atmosphere. The owners Mario and Eleanor are friendly and their black labrador Pixie will perk up his head when you walk in. They offer great healthy breakfast options such as overnight oats or smoked salmon bagels as well; and even not so healthy ones with crispy Pasteis de Nata.
Combi is another favorite nearby coffee shop that has excellent coffee and a casual vibe; a good pit stop as you're walking into the historic center.
Music
Porto is known in all of Portugal for great music and great musical acts; beyond only Fado music. Many performers from all over the world play at it's great venues regularly, it's worth taking a look who's playing.
Some recommended spots:
HotFive Jazz Club - A classic movie theatre renovated to have a comfortable theatre setup and a 1920’s speak-easy vibe.
Citynizer - In the Ribeira neighborhood by the river; this place hosts many unique acts including comedy, street musicians, and even an open-mic night.
Rua Tapas & Music Bar - Has great food as well as music. This is a nice place to spend the entire evening. Note that the live music doesn’t usually start until around 10pm.
Maus Habitos - Bohemian type place where many avant-garde acts perform. This is a popular spot among students and the younger crowd.
Eat Like a Local
In Porto there are multiple battles for food supremacy happening among the locals. Tripeiros argue over who has the best 'Bifanha' (steak sandwich), 'Frango' (Grill roasted chicken), and of course 'Francesinha' (Sausage, steak, cheese, sandwich melt). When coming to Porto, these are the food experiences not to be missed and they are inherent as to who the Tripeiros are. There are too many places to mention and each neighborhood has it's own gems; however, here are our favorites.
Bifana - Casa Guedes is our local favorite. There are actually two spots right near each other on Praça dos Poveiros. The one in the middle is more tourist-oriented with ambiance and a nice roof terrace overlooking the Praça. The corner spot is the traditional classic one where you’ll see a line out the door usually for people coming to pick-up Bifana take-away.
Frango - Churrasqueira Kinay - Our favorite local dinner grill (churrasqueira means grill). Here they marinate and grill chicken to order along many great meat-first dishes (beef ribs, sausages, pork chops).
Francesinha - This, of course, is the bigger debate among locals. The place that we’ve heard most recommended by locals is Café Santiago; it is one of the best known spots.
Fish
The best and freshest fish is not actually in Porto but at the nearby town of Matosinhos. Here’s where the fisherman come in with the day’s fresh catch and a plethora of places fish restaurants grill them for you. Our favorite is a local rustic place call Marisquira dos Pobres. This is not a fancy place but has a nice ambiance to sit outside and some of the best grilled sea-bass and Arroz de Marisco (seafood rice). If you venture out to Matosinhos nearby Foz do Douro is a great spot to hit the beach and catch the sunset.
Wine / Port / Drinks
All of the classic Port Wine cellars are across the river in Gaia. There are many to choose from of all sizes and levels of international acclaim. We recommend to try some smaller cellars that have more personal services and aren’t as touristy.
Vasques De Carvalho - This is nice for small groups and you’ll get a walk through of their varieties of Tawny, Ruby, and white Port. They have a cozy outdoor terrace in the back.
OUR FAVORITE SPOTS
Jardim do Morro
This is the ultimate spot to watch the sunset. Right at the foot of the Monastery (Mosteiro da Serra) the sunsets here give you a full view of Porto and the Douro River. The build up to the sunset is an event in itself and many people come hours early to claim a spot in spring, summer, and early fall. Bring a picnic basket or enjoy food from some of the local food truck vendors that offer a variety of options (including vegan).
Foz do Douro
For those that long for a 'clean' sunset on the horizon, head to Foz do Douro which is right on the Atlantic Ocean facing west. Here you have many strips of beaches, parks, and some really nice beach bars (Restaurante Praia da Luz) and even family affordable options like the Pizza Hut with a terraced beach view.
TIP: It's about a 20 minute Uber ride so consider going for lunch or dinner to nearby Matosinhos which has a plethora of fresh seafood restaurants.
Parque das Virtudes
Here you have a beautiful view of the Douro and sunset from within the city itself. Typically a younger student crowd is here. You can camp out under the trees and buy beer or wine at the local grocery store at the corner of the plaza.
Jardins de Palacio Cristal
No sunset here, but incredible views and an atmosphere not to be missed. The park was once a historic botanical garden that has since been restored as an outdoor public space. Peacocks wander around here freely in between unique plants and trees overlooking the Douro. Many public events regularly take place here which draw families and food trucks such as Book Fairs and Wine Tastings.
Rooftop Flores
This is a hidden gem tucked away in an alleyway in the historic center. Here you have nice spots to lounge and order a drink on a manicured lawn under fruit trees. The view is of the city is wonderful with a view on the cathedral. Also, on weekend evenings there often live performances.
Lavadouro das Fontainhas
This is a nearby spot with historic significance and beautiful views in a Bohemian environment. The Fontainhas (fountains) used to be a communal public space for residents to wash their laundry outdoors. The remnants of the fountain are still there but not functioning. Just past the fountains on the cliff overlooking the Douro used to be a residential area that the city had demolished. In protest, many local residents re-claimed the space and turned it into an open public garden. Locals have claimed their own plots here and you can see them growing all varieties of fruits and vegetables. This is a nice place to venture for those that don't seek the prim and property curated experience. The locals here are very welcoming.
BEAUTIFUL VIEWS & SUNSETS
Bakeries
Across the street you have Confeitaria Abreu which is a quick and convenient stop for some local pastries, coffee, and some bread rolls.
Odete bakery is worth the short 4 minute walk if you’re into artisanal bread. Here they only use home-made sour dough and have many varieties baked fresh daily. They also offer coffee and healthy breakfast/snack options. For bread, go early or they’re likely to sell out by the afternoon!
A few steps past Odete is Ogi by Euskalduna. This is a local favorite for bread and bagels. You will know you’re there when you see a line of locals waiting outside!
Fresh Produce & Fruit
On the corner of Rua do Bonfim you have the grocer Apple.come. Here you won’t find photo-perfect shaped and colored fruit, yet what is fresh and in season. This is also a good spot to pick up olives and local cheeses.
A visit to the Bolhão market is a must when in Porto. It is one of the symbols of the city, originally built in 1839 and recently renovated and re-opened. Here you have everything. Cheeses, wines, olives, fruits, vegetables. The market is a 12 minute walk or just one metro stop away.
For a great Pastel de Nata be sure to stop by the Manteigaria – arguably the best Pastel de Nata in the city.
Supermarkets
There are three conveniently located supermarkets nearby. Our recommendations is Lidl around the corner and up the hill. It has a great local selection and is quite affordable. About a 6 minute walk.
Pingo Doce just past the metro on the right is the closest at about 3 minutes walking.
Continente is the largest and has the biggest selection. Here they also have a nice selection of local wines. A 4 minute walk.
GROCERIES & SHOPPING
Contact
Our property is managed by Saferent. Should you have any questions, you’re kindly requested to get in touch with them for instant support.
SafeRent Phone / Whatsapp
+351 914 765 345
If you fall in love with Porto like we did and ever want to come back. Kindly connect with us directly for a discount on your stay next time!
Also, we ask you to kindly leave a review; we really appreciate any reviews!
Or you can book direct here: