What to Expect on Your First Solo Trip to Porto

Portugal, in particular, had always intrigued me for many reasons. From its deep-rooted connection with Goa, where traces of its colonial past still linger, to the football legends like Lus Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo that I grew up admiring, the country had long made its way onto my travel bucket list.

Why Should Porto be on Your Travel Bucket list?

After careful consideration, I chose Porto as my base in Portugal to explore the country's northern region. While Lisbon, the vibrant and sun-soaked capital, attracts many travelers, I was attracted to Porto's distinct medieval charm. Its serene riverside setting and relaxed atmosphere made it an ideal spot for a peaceful getaway. The only drawback compared to Lisbon? The unpredictable weather, which can shift in an instant.

Nestled along the Douro River, Porto is Portugal's second-largest city, exuding old-world charm with its traditional architecture, quaint cobbled streets, and striking blue-and-white azulejo tiles. Whether watching a picturesque sunset by the river, enjoying a leisurely Douro River cruise, or playing in the waves of the Atlantic, Porto city tour offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Porto's most iconic spot, the Douro River waterfront, offers postcard-worthy sunset views

Beyond its scenic beauty, Porto is a paradise for food and wine lovers. It is the birthplace of Port wine, with the Douro Valley serving as one of the world's most famous wine-producing regions. Porto wine tours are famous and something you should not miss if you love wine. Of course, no trip to Porto is complete without indulging in fresh seafood and trying the city's signature dish, Francesinha, a decadent, meat-filled sandwich covered in melted cheese and rich sauce.

What you should know before reaching Porto?

Porto is a city of steep inclines, something I hadn't fully considered before my visit! I quickly realized this upon arrival, but thankfully, the city offers plenty of ways to navigate its hilly terrain with ease. Reliable Uber taxis at reasonable rates, an efficient public transport system comprising buses, trams and metros, and well-maintained sidewalks ensure that travelers of all mobility levels can explore without much hassle.

Porto has a convenient public transport pass called the Andante Card, which allows you to travel seamlessly across buses, metro, and suburban trains within designated zones.

As a solo traveler with a locomotor disability, I used a mix of transport options. I enjoyed walking through the city's charming streets, soaking in the atmosphere, but when the inclines became too challenging, I switched to taxis or buses for convenience.

And don't worry, there are plenty of rest spots near major attractions, perfect for taking a break before continuing your adventure!

Although Porto's streets are often steep, the city remains highly accessible, with plenty of ways to navigate its inclines

Is Porto Safe for Solo Travelers?

Yes, Porto is generally very safe for solo travelers! It is one of the safest cities in Portugal, with a low crime rate and a welcoming atmosphere.

I felt very safe even while walking around the city late in the night. However, having said that, please follow basic safety rules like not leaving your belongings unattended, or walking around alone in poorly lit streets.

Also, be careful of pickpockets in crowded areas like the Sao Bento railway station or Dom Luis bridge.

How to Get to Porto: My Journey from Madrid

While buses and trains connect Spain's capital to Portugal's northern gem, I opted for the most convenient choice, a quick 1.5 hour flight. With tickets as low as Euro 20 when booked in advance, it was a no-brainer.

I arrived at Madrid's Barajas Airport in the early hours, eagerly awaiting my flight. One thing to note when flying to Porto: the airport code is OPO, as the city is also known as Oporto, a small detail that can be confusing when locating your departure gate.

On my way to Porto from Madrid's Barajas airport, bathed in the early morning sun

As I boarded, the rays of sunrise painted the Madrid skyline in warm hues. Soon after take-off, I drifted into a quiet slumber, only to be gently woken as we approached Porto. Looking out of the window, an awe-inspiring view of the Iberian Peninsula greeted me. The deep blue Atlantic waves crashing against Porto's shores instantly captivated the ocean lover in me and I could not wait to land and explore the city!

The azure Ibenrian Peninsula, with the waves of the Atlantic crashing against the shores of Porto, a captivating sight for any ocean lover

Getting from Porto's Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport to the City Centre

Upon arrival at Francisco S Carneiro Airport of Porto, I had a choice:

The most budget-friendly option is the metro, taking you straight to the city centre. The Airport station Aeroporto, is right outside the arrivals hall. Board Line E (Purple line) and you can get down at Trindade station, the central stop connecting other stations or Sao Bento, which is closer to the landmarks. The 30 minute ride costs as low as 2 Euros and is ideal for backpackers with minimal luggage.

A more comfortable alternative is a taxi, especially with luggage, which is what I opted for.

As the cab made its way into the city, Porto's golden sunshine greeted me, casting a glow over the charming streets. I could not resist snapping photos and capturing videos of the vibrant surroundings. The resemblance of the city with Goa made me feel at home.

Where I Stayed in Porto

I checked into my accommodation, Hotel Miradouro, a laid-back hotel housed in a functional 1960s tower, offering stunning panoramic views of Porto, something that I greatly admire. Conveniently located near Rua de Santa Catarina, the city's renowned shopping street, it sits just two kilometers from the Douro riverfront. While I could have opted for more popular areas like Ribeira, Baixa, Foz do Douro, or Vila Nova de Gaia, I chose this neighborhood for its calm and relaxed atmosphere, making it the perfect retreat after a day of exploring.

A splendid early morning view of Porto city, the hotel was kind to accommodate my request for a room on a higher floor

Must-See Landmarks in Porto

Although I had researched the top attractions beforehand, I decided to stop by the hotel's information centre for some local insights on Porto attractions. Pedro, who was on duty, greeted me with enthusiasm and eagerly shared recommendations on must-visit landmarks and the best ways to navigate the city. He also recommended Porto City Sightseeing Hop-on and Hop-off bus tour, which I found more interesting.

Beyond sightseeing, he introduced me to Porto's culinary delights, from the beloved Portuguese codfish to the indulgent Francesinha sandwich, and of course, the iconic dessert Pastel de Nata.

With my itinerary set and my appetite piqued, I stepped out of the hotel, ready for what promised to be an exciting day of exploration.

On my way to Rua de Santa Catarina, Porto's renowned shopping street, I wandered through charming cobbled alleyways, a quintessential feature of European cities

Chapel of Souls

Leaving my hotel, I strolled through Porto's inclined roads for about ten minutes before reaching Rua de Santa Catarina, the city's famous shopping street. The roads are pretty steep, so I recommend that you take your time and walk slowly. Though relatively small, this historic blue church is one of Porto's oldest and most significant sites.

The iconic Chapel of Souls, adorned with striking blue Azulejo tiles, stands out uniquely among Europe's cathedrals

What captivated me the most were its stunning azulejo tiles, which adorn the church's exterior in a mesmerizing shade of blue. These intricate tiles beautifully depict religious scenes, including the death of Saint Francis of Assisi and the martyrdom of Saint Catherine. Having visited many grand cathedrals across Europe, I found these tiles to be refreshingly unique and a true artistic marvel. I spent a good amount of time capturing this breath-taking landmark through my lens. This cathedral seemed more similar to the ones I have visited in Goa rather than the ones in the rest of Europe.

Exploring Rua de Santa Catarina

Before heading to my next destination, So Bento Railway Station, I took some time to explore Rua de Santa Catarina on foot. This bustling street is a shopper's paradise, offering everything from local street markets to renowned international brands. However, shopping is not the only highlight; it is also home to a variety of restaurants and cafs, including the legendary Caf Majestic. There are plenty of guided food tours in Porto which will save a lot of your time.

Cafe Majestic was high on my must-visit list, but unfortunately, it was closed that day. Disappointed but not deterred, I settled for a photo of the famous spot before continuing my Porto adventure

Sao Bento Railway Station

My next stop was So Bento Railway Station, a 10 minute walk from Rua de Santa Catarina. Ever since childhood, train journeys have fascinated me, there's something special about watching the countryside roll by while getting lost in thought. However, today, I was not here to board a train. I came solely to admire this architectural masterpiece.

The central hall of Sao Bento Railway Station, adorned with azulejo tiles, beautifully depicts key moments in Porto's history

Inaugurated in 1916, Sao Bento is far more than just a busy transport hub. Its grand central hall is adorned with 20,000 exquisite blue-and-white azulejo tiles, depicting key moments in Portugal's history. One of the most striking murals illustrates the Battle of Arcos de Valdevez, a scene so detailed it feels almost alive.

Initially, the idea of visiting a railway station without a journey planned seemed odd. But, after witnessing the station's breath-taking artwork and architecture, I can confidently say this is an absolute must-visit in Porto.

On my way to Porto Cathedral, walking through the sun kissed cobbled alleyways of the city. The city's slopes and inclines are conspicuous everywhere

After soaking in the beauty of So Bento, I continued my journey to Porto Cathedral, just 400 meters away. Before heading there, I grabbed a quick lunch, saving my indulgence in authentic Portuguese cuisine for later.

Porto Cathedral

Located in the historic heart of Porto, this magnificent Roman Catholic Church is one of the city's oldest and most significant landmarks. Built between the 12th and 13th centuries, it showcases a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architectural styles. Flanked by twin towers and resembling a fortress, its imposing structure reminded me of the medieval castles from my favorite Game of Thrones tv show.

While the plain stone faade may appear unassuming, the interior tells a different story. Inside, you will find stunning stained-glass windows, centuries-old sculptures, and an intricate silver altarpiece. What captivated me the most was not just the church itself, it was the spectacular panoramic view from its vantage point, offering a stunningly different perspective of Porto's cityscape.

A view from the vantage point, offering panoramic perspectives of Porto's cityscape from multiple angles

Torre dos Clerigos

After soaking in the stunning views from the vantage point, I made my way to another iconic landmark, the Torre dos Clrigos. Standing 75 meters tall, this baroque masterpiece is one of the most recognizable structures in Porto, with its bell tower visible from almost every corner of the city. Designed by Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni, the tower is a true architectural gem.

This spot is perfect for capturing photos in the heart of Porto. While the church's faade impresses with its elegant contours, domes, and spires, the real highlight lies inside. Visitors can climb the tower's staircase to reach the top, where they are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

I chose to conserve my energy and skip the climb, as the staircase would have been too challenging for me. However, I highly recommend it to anyone who loves stunning cityscapes!

The iconic Torre dos Clrigos, towering majestically against Porto's bright blue skies

Jardins do Palacio de Cristal

After exploring Torre dos Clerigos, my next stop was the Jardins do Palacio de Cristal, a breath-taking 19th-century garden that serves as one of Porto's most cherished retreats. As someone passionate about gardening since childhood, I found this the perfect place to unwind before heading to the famous Dom Lus I Bridge.

The entry to the garden is free, making it an excellent stop for those looking to pause and soak in nature. Its lush lawns, interwoven with scenic walkways, are adorned with fountains, sculptures, and camellias, cypress, and olive trees. As you wander through the pathways, the garden slowly unveils panoramic views of Porto and the Douro River.

Jardins do Palacio de Cristal, the perfect spot to unwind in between your Porto day trip

This serene escape reminded me of the gardens surrounding the famous Victoria Memorial in my hometown, Calcutta. After a well-deserved break, I decided to take it easy and took a cab to the iconic Dom Lus I Bridge. The steep inclines had taken a bit of a toll on me from the morning, but Porto's transport system ensured that my trip was perfectly on course.

The Best Sunset Spot in Porto: Dom Luis I Bridge

I reached the Dom Lus I Bridge around 5:30 PM, just in time to catch Porto's mesmerizing sunset. Spanning the Douro River, this double-deck metal arch bridge connects Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia and stands as an architectural marvel, a true symbol of the city. The upper deck serves as a route for Porto's Metro Line D, while vehicles traverse the lower deck.

The most iconic spot in Porto, the stunning Douro River bank, with the majestic Lus I Bridge standing proudly in the backdrop

As the sun dipped lower, I found the perfect vantage point to capture photos of the bridge against the golden hued Douro River. An interesting experience here was meeting a street photographer who offered to take your photo and print it on a mock newspaper front-page, for free! While there is no fixed charge, leaving a small tip of a few Euros is a kind gesture.

As I was getting my "Porto newspaper feature," the sun finally set, and the city's lights flickered to life. Within minutes, the bridge transformed into a glowing golden spectacle. I took a leisurely stroll across the bridge, capturing nightscape shots of the riverfront, now illuminated in a vibrant glow.

The illuminated upper deck of Luis Bridge, it is more captivating once the lights come on

Standing by the Douro River and admiring the Luis I Bridge brought a wave of nostalgia, as it reminded me of my hometown Calcutta's riverfront. I lost track of time, completely immersed in the beauty of the city transitioning from dusk to night.

Things to Do near Luis I Bridge

While I had to skip them due to time constraints, here are two activities I highly recommend:

• Douro River Cruise: If you enjoy boats and sailing, this is a must-do to experience Porto from the water. A popular 50 minute cruise costs around 18 Euros per person.
• Cable Car Ride: Located on the Vila Nova de Gaia side, this offers panoramic views of Porto's skyline and the river. A one way ticket costs around 7 Euros while a round trip will cost 10 Euros.

After witnessing the best sunset views in Porto, I took the Metro back to my hotel, eagerly looking forward to indulging in some authentic Portuguese seafood to end the perfect day.

The Porto nightscape, the city has a completely different yet equally mesmerizing, charm post sunset

A Taste of Porto: Savoring Portuguese Seafood

After an eventful day exploring Porto, I headed to my hotel's rooftop restaurant, eager to try some authentic Portuguese seafood. The waiter, passionate about local cuisine, recommended the fresh catch of the day, grilled Atlantic sea bass. Being from India's Bengal province, where fish is a staple, this instantly made me feel at home.

When the food arrived twenty minutes later, it exceeded expectations. The perfectly grilled sea bass, accompanied by boiled potatoes, fresh vegetables, and olives, was both flavorful and comforting. It was the ideal way to unwind after a long, adventure-filled day in Porto.

The grilled Atlantic sea bass, served with a side of potatoes and fresh veggies, turned out to be the perfect comfort food, making me feel at home even in a distant land

A Foodie's guide to Porto

Porto is a foodie's delight! From amazing rooftop restaurants to famous popular eateries like Entoteca, Flow, Cantina 32 or the iconic Majestic caf, the list is long.

Here are the neighborhoods to explore for the best eateries:

• Ribeira: This historic riverside area with charming restaurants is great for fresh seafood, Francesinha, and Bacalhau a Bras (salt cod dishes). Best spots to eat include Bacalhau, Taberna dos Mercadores and Adega Sao Nicolau. The best caf is the iconic Majestic Cafe.
• Baixa: This is the city centre buzzing with modern bistros, brunch spots, and cocktail bars. Top spots include Tapabento, Cervejaria Brasao, Epoca Porto and the Combi Coffee Roasters.
• Cedofeita: A hip and artistic neighbourhood, ideal for vegan, vegetarian, and creative international food. Eateries to consider are Rua Tapas & Music Bar, O Consulado and Bao's Taiwanese Burger.
• Foz do Douro: Porto's picturesque coastal area perfect for seafood lovers. Best restaurants are Restaurante Terra, Pedro Lemos (Michelin Star), and O Gaveto.
• Vila Nova de Gaia: The famous Douro riverfront, home to Port wine cellars. Perfect for wine and dine experience. Top spots include Taberninha do Manel, The Yeatman (Michelin Star) and DeCastro Gaia. 7g Roaster cafe is an ideal place for the coffee lovers.

Of course, no food guide to Porto is complete without Pastel de Nata. Some of the best places to try this indulgent dessert are Manteigaria, Fbrica da Nata, Confeitaria do Bolho and Confeitaria Tavi.

The golden, flaky Pastel de Nata, the ultimate comfort dessert of Porto and surely a mood booster

Unwinding by the Atlantic: Porto's Top Beaches

While Porto is famous for its historic monuments, lush gardens, and the scenic Douro Riverfront, its stunning Atlantic beaches are equally worth exploring. With 17 beaches to choose from, the most recommended are Praia de Matosinhos and Praia dos Ingleses. Both are great for sunbathing and socializing, but Praia de Matosinhos is better for swimming, thanks to its gentle currents and lifeguards on duty. The nearby Matosinhos market and seaside promenade make it a fantastic spot to explore local seafood and boutique shops.

I chose to visit Praia dos Ingleses, just a 20-minute tram ride from the city centre. As an ocean lover since childhood, I could not contain my excitement when I finally dipped my feet into the refreshing Atlantic waters. With each crashing wave, the stress of travel melted away. As the sun began to set over the horizon, the sky transformed into a canvas of twilight hues, creating a picture perfect moment.

The waves of the North Atlantic Ocean crash gently onto the shore, as the golden sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and yellow

While Lus I Bridge is regarded as the best sunset spot in Porto, the tranquil beaches of the North Atlantic rank as a close second.

Best Beaches in Porto for Sun, Surf, and Relaxation

Porto's coastline along the Atlantic Ocean offers a mix of sandy retreats, rugged surf spots, and scenic promenades perfect for a relaxing beach day. Whether you are looking to sunbathe, catch some waves, or enjoy a peaceful sunset, here are the best beaches near Porto as per your choice.

• For surfing & adventure, head to Praia de Matosinhos or Praia de Lea da Palmeira
• For a romantic sunset spot, visit Praia do Senhor da Pedra or Praia dos Ingleses
• For a quiet escape, relax at Praia de Miramar or Praia da Aguda
• For a mix of history & relaxation, explore Praia do Carneiro.

Why visit Porto?

If you are a history lover, foodie, wine connoisseur, or someone who enjoys the relaxed charm of a "second city", Porto is the perfect destination for you. Unlike bustling capitals, this vibrant city offers a more laid-back vibe while still being rich in culture, architecture, and scenic beauty.

Porto's historical charm is evident in every corner. The colorful buildings, untouched by modern influence and the striking blue azulejo tiles adorning churches and train stations will instantly captivate any visitor. Must-see landmarks like the Chapel of Souls, Porto Cathedral, and Torre dos Clrigos promise an unforgettable experience.

Known as the "City of Bridges", Porto boasts iconic crossings like the Dom Lus I Bridge and Ponte Infante D. Henrique, offering photogenic views of the Douro River. Beyond the bridges, the city's 17 pristine beaches along the North Atlantic Ocean provide a serene escape, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply soaking in a spectacular sunset.

Of course, no trip to Porto is complete without indulging in its world-famous cuisine. From the hearty Francesinha sandwich to the comforting Bacalhau Brs, the delightful Pastel de Nata, and a glass of Port wine, Porto's food scene is an experience in itself.

Traditional boats carrying port wines in Porto

Day Trips from Porto

Beyond its own charms, Porto serves as a gateway to several fascinating day trips, a couple of which I had the chance to experience. Based on my own adventures, I recommend visiting the Douro Valley and the twin cities of Guimaraes and Braga. Fun fact: Guimares is known as the birthplace of Portugal!

Final Thoughts

Whether you are drawn to historic cathedrals, stunning riverfront sunsets, breathtaking beaches, or mouth-watering gastronomy, Porto deserves a spot on your itinerary. Although you need a bit of stamina and a pair of comfortable shoes to beat the inclines of the city, it is pretty accessible due to its various modes of transport. It is one of the most vibrant and enchanting cities I have visited in my travels so far.