Porto feels truly and authentically Portuguese to us, and that’s why we love it so much. Some of our favorite memories are from getting lost in its streets, wandering with no plan, and accidentally finding the perfect place to watch the sunset. We hope these recommendations give you a great starting point for your trip—and a little glimpse into why Portugal has our hearts.

Chama: A surprise multi-course meal of fresh seasonal dishes where you enjoy dinner with strangers turned friends. Book ahead!!!!

Rio's Tapas & Bar: The first restaurant we ever went in Portugal- amazing local flavors

Bota & Bira: A cozy fusion of local flavors and Mediterranean tapas

Brasão Aliados: Lively and casual, Portuguese comfort food

Cervejaria Gazela: known for casual sandwiches and snacks, frequented by Anthony Bourdain

O Alfonso: A no-frills Porto classic famous for one thing- an excellent francesinha.

Base: On our first night in Portugal, we stumbled upon this grassy bar set above a city center building It is one of our favorites for a relaxing evening. https://baseporto.com/

Esplanada do Jardim do Morro: Overlooking the douro valley, bring a bottle of your own and sit in the garden OR stop by this bar to grab a snack and drink as you watch the sunset.

Adeula

Prova Wine Bar

Wine Quay Bar

Gito Wine Bar

Curioso Cocktail bar

If you’re visiting Porto and have even the faintest interest in wine (or like to learn about how things are made), then you can’t skip the chance to visit Vila Nova de Gaia across the river for a Port Wine house tasting tour. There lies almost two dozen historic port wine cellars and warehouses, where the humid conditions close to the sea have been part of this fortified wine’s history for centuries.

Additionally, if you have the time in your adventure schedule, we highly recommend either joining a tour from Porto or renting a car and having your own day (or few) down in the Douro valley. There are hundreds and you can choose from larger vineyards or family owned and run experiences. It is absolutely magical and October falls within Harvest season. As always, book tours ahead.

https://www.cockburns.com/visitus

https://www.grahams-port.com/visits-tastings

https://www.ramospinto.pt/en/visits/ramos-pinto-visitor-centre/#tastings

https://www.taylor.pt/en/visit-taylors/book-your-tickets

https://quintadapacheca.com/pages/douro-wine-region- Douro (email to book). Grape stomping experience + tasting was SO fun.

https://croftport.com/en/quinta-da-roeda-wine-tourism/picnics/ : private picnic in the vineyard + tour was one of our favorite days

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More Fun Local Porto Tours!

Pastel De Nata Class

https://www.getyourguide.com/norte-region-l129348/porto-pastel-de-nata-cooking-class-with-grandma-s-recipe-t408870/?ranking_uuid=b306b853-1dc1-4f47-ba9f-5c89835ccbaf

Sunset River Tour

https://www.getyourguide.com/porto-l151/porto-bridges-cruise-with-option-wine-cellar-tour-or-sunset-t402384/?ranking_uuid=b306b853-1dc1-4f47-ba9f-5c89835ccbaf

Fado Show (can also easily find this without a tour)

https://www.getyourguide.com/porto-l151/porto-an-intimate-fado-show-in-a-historical-tavern-t641580/?ranking_uuid=929bf0b8-2536-46db-b0f2-4f8056af4ecf