Explore the REAL PORTO: Authentic Tips & Must-See Spots

23 places in this vlog

In the order they appear. Tap a time to play it here, or ↗ to open YouTube at that second.

1. 2:03

   Dom Luís I Bridge

   🏢 Landmark · Ribeira

   Walk the top deck early in the morning; metro trains share it and pass very close to pedestrians.

2. 2:17

   Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar

   🏛️ Historic site · Vila Nova de Gaia

   The viewpoint is free and peaceful at sunrise, a good time for photos.

3. 3:11

   Jardim do Morro

   🌳 Park · Vila Nova de Gaia

4. 3:58

   Douro Valley

   🚆 Day trip · Douro

   A day cruise up the Douro is suggested as the best way to go deeper into the story of port wine.

5. 4:23

   Porto Cathedral

   🏛️ Historic site · Sé

   Entry costs €3 and includes a gilded room and stairs up to views of Clérigos Tower.

6. 7:00

   Clérigos Church and Tower

   🏢 Landmark · Vitória

   It is a 225-step climb, a bit of a workout but worth it.

7. 7:21

   São Bento Station

   🏢 Landmark · Baixa

8. 8:42

   Bolhão Market

   🛒 Market · Baixa

   Grab something small here, like olives, a slice of cheese or a cup of fresh fruit.

9. 9:37

   Café Santiago

   🍴 Restaurant · Baixa

   The bacalhau is slower since the kitchen is set up for francesinhas, but it was rated five stars for taste.

10. 11:10

    Ribeira

    🏘️ Neighborhood · Ribeira

    Riverside restaurants on both banks are called touristy, pricey and average; a coffee and people-watching here is recommended instead.

11. 11:38

    Six Bridges Cruise

    🚡 Activity · Ribeira

    A relaxing way to unwind after a day of walking.

12. 12:17

    Infante D. Henrique Bridge

    🏢 Landmark · Ribeira · brief mention

13. 12:24

    Maria Pia Bridge

    🏢 Landmark · Campanhã · brief mention

14. 12:28

    São João Bridge

    🏢 Landmark · Campanhã · brief mention

15. 12:35

    Freixo Bridge

    🏢 Landmark · Campanhã · brief mention

16. 12:54

    Arrábida Bridge

    🏢 Landmark · Massarelos

    Even in August, Atlantic fog can roll in, and the bridge emerging from the mist looks almost magical.

17. 13:43

    Jardim da Cordoaria

    🌳 Park · Vitória · brief mention

    About a 5-minute walk from a local bakery; a quiet spot to sit and eat pastries.

18. 14:45

    Tram Museum (Museu do Carro Eléctrico)

    🏛️ Museum · Massarelos · brief mention

19. 15:01

    Tram Line 1

    🚡 Activity · Ribeira

    Ride it early in the morning, when it is peaceful and full of locals rather than midday crowds.

20. 15:32

    Foz do Douro

    🏘️ Neighborhood · Foz do Douro

21. 15:43

    Passeio Alegre

    🌳 Park · Foz do Douro

    A nice spot to eat pastries, and there is a mini golf with two courses right next door.

22. 17:25

    Cervejaria Gazela

    🍴 Restaurant · Baixa

    Get more than one hot dog, wash it down with a Super Bock, and finish with dessert in a jar.

23. 18:29

    Livraria Lello

    🛍️ Shopping · Vitória

    Called a tourist trap: long queues, €10+ entry, dense crowds, and no real Harry Potter link.