Porto, Portugal: A City for the Senses

Photo Credit: Square Lab / Unsplash

One need only look at its collection of brightly hued residences ranged along the hillside beside the Douro River to be enchanted by Porto. The Portuguese destination is second in size to Lisbon, its sister city to the south, but it is no less magical. Known for the rich dessert wine that bears its name, Porto is a rising star among those who appreciate its diverse history as well as its progressive design. 

There’s no shortage of architectural eye candy throughout the city’s districts, many of which span centuries and various historical movements. Baroque, Romanesque, Gothic, and neoclassical structures can be explored alongside sites featuring striking minimalist and modern architecture, which is having a moment in the city. 

In the north, the Porto Cathedral (known as the Sé) with its Gothic cloister and fortress-style facade boasts incredible views of the Douro River below. In the city center, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, the Palácio da Bolsa (“Stock Exchange Palace”) was built in neoclassical style. This national monument’s highlight, however, is the 300-square-meter Arab Room designed in intricate Moorish style. 

Photo Credit: Palacete Cedofeita

Living Aliados, a new and nearly sold-out development designed by architect António Leitão Barbosa, repurposes a former historic bank into 15 luxury flats in the city center near the spectacular Câmara Municipal do Porto and a host of restaurants and cafes—all with terrace or balcony views. A pair of two-bedroom apartments are available at this project’s close-out at €600,000 and €700,000 ($665,630 and $776,470). In the district of Cedofeita, a luxury development of apartments and villas—two residences remain up for grabs, priced at €1.2 million and €1.5 million ($1.33 million and $1.66 million)—offers indoor-outdoor living blended with easy access to the area’s many art galleries and eateries along Rua Miguel Bombarda.

Eating, Drinking, and Being Merry in Porto

Both locals and travelers eat well here, as the city is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants serving up classic Portuguese dishes, as well as cozy taverns and sidewalk cafes along bustling riverfront promenades and plazas. Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Álvaro Siza, is a modern tea house boasting incredible ocean views and a rotating menu of classic regional dishes from chef Rui Paula. O Gaveto near the Matosinhos fish market should be on every seafood lover’s bucket list for the freshest daily catches. For an authentic Porto dining experience, a meal at one of the many tascas or taverns for traditional Portuguese fare is a must. Plates piled high are typical in these eateries, so sharing with dining mates is common. Bring an empty stomach to Francesinha Cafe for a classic Portuguese francesinha—a sandwich made with ham, sausage, and steak that is smothered in melted cheese and a rich, spicy beer-based sauce. 

Many of the area’s port wine lodges are located across the Douro in Vila Nova de Gaia, some of which offer weekly performances of fado (a traditional style of Portuguese music) on terraces with sweeping river views. Venture to the minimalist and sculptural Casa da Música, designed by architect Rem Koolhaas, to hear the Porto National Orchestra and other world-class musicians.