April 2025

Porto, Portugal Moments: Food, Fado, and the Flow of the Douro

Nestled along the Douro River, this northern Portuguese city is a tapestry of colorful buildings, sweeping bridges, and the scent of port wine wafting through its old stone streets. Over just a few days, we packed in postcard-worthy views, unforgettable meals, and a few unexpected surprises. Here’s a taste of what made our time in Porto so magical:

Food, Glorious Food

It’s hard to pick favorites, but one bite into the legendary francesinha sandwich at Gazela and we were smitten. This cheesy, meaty, sauce-drenched creation lived up to every bit of its hype—and then some.

For something lighter (and oh-so-fresh), Honest Greens Santa Catarina was a dreamy breakfast stop. The chai, fresh juice, and mushroom toast were nourishing and beautifully plated. Lunch at  Sandeira do Porto served up a salmon salad and sandwich that were simple yet bursting with flavor.

Custard pastry lovers, rejoice—Fábrica da Nata made us believers in the pastel de nata hype. Creamy, flaky, and just sweet enough, they’re the kind of treat you justify having twice in one day.

One of our most memorable meals came from a modest spot with a big heart: Ribeira Square Restaurante. We sat outside and savored the gratin cod with cream, spinach, and mozzarella while chatting with the kindest owner. 

Wandering the City’s Soul

A trip to Mercado do Bolhão meant walking through a kaleidoscope of color, scent, and sound. Market goers can walk around drinking a glass of wine while buying lovely cheese plates or super fresh sushi- genius!

Porto is a city that shines at sunset, and crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge during golden hour was pure magic. On the other side, Jardim do Morro pulsed with life—concerts, karaoke, locals selling cold drinks from coolers, and a young, joyful energy that made us smile.

Our cultural fix came with a bit of wine at the Caves Cálem Port Wine Tour, capped off by a moving Fado concert—melancholic, rich, and perfectly suited to Porto’s atmosphere.

We loved wandering through the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, where peacocks strutted among peaceful pathways overlooking the Douro. Even amidst a crowd, Livraria Lello still managed to feel enchanting, its curved staircase and stained glass ceiling right out of a fairy tale.

And of course, there’s Porto’s signature tilework. We marveled at the Chapel of Souls, the magnificent panels in São Bento Station, and the endless facades covered in iconic blue-and-white azulejos. Everywhere you look, Porto is dressed in art.

Ocean Breezes and Big Waves

To cap it all off, we escaped to Foz do Douro, where the city meets the Atlantic. We watched the waves crash dramatically against the rocks, then indulged in fresh seafood with an ocean view. The salty air and peaceful rhythm of the sea gave us a perfect Porto pause.

Porto is warm, flavorful, and full of soul.