My Porto Trip in Portugal

Porto, a charming coastal city in northwest Portugal, is famous for its grand bridges spanning the Douro River, its sweet port wine (tawny is definitely my favorite!), and its winding, cobblestone streets. Honestly, I might have enjoyed it even more than Lisbon—don’t tell! Fun fact: Porto was actually the first capital of Portugal (spot the name similarity?).

Where to Stay: Pestana Vintage Porto

Have you ever stayed somewhere so picture-perfect you’d think you’d stepped into a postcard? That’s Pestana Vintage Porto for you! This gem of a hotel sits right on the banks of the Douro River in Porto, Portugal, with a front-row view of the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge. It’s prime real estate for people-watching and wine-sipping. For me, it was the ideal base to explore Porto solo—though, honestly, I almost didn’t need to leave my room to feel like I was soaking up the city’s magic.

I had one request for my stay here: a high floor with a killer river view. Pestana Vintage Porto? Delivered. It’s like they read my mind. Not only was my room squeaky clean and stylishly furnished, but the view from my balcony was mesmerizing. Porto’s cobblestone streets, boats floating down the Douro, that double-decker bridge doing its thing—it all felt like a living painting right outside my window.

Breakfast al fresco here? Chef's kiss. I’m not usually one to rave about breakfast, but let me tell you, Pestana’s got it right. The spread had everything from pastries that tasted fresh out of a Parisian bakery to options for the pickiest of eaters (hey, we all have our days). And eating outside with that view? I felt like a local who somehow stumbled onto the best seat in the house.

Location-wise, Pestana Vintage Porto couldn’t get better. Step outside, and bam! You’re in the heart of Porto, with easy access to the river, an endless choice of bars and restaurants, and a vibrant atmosphere. Here’s a heads up, though: the energy of the area can be a bit…shall we say, lively? There’s music until the wee hours, and while that’s fantastic if you’re into the nightlife scene, you might need to shut those balcony doors if you’re trying to get some shut-eye before sunrise. But hey, who’s complaining? It’s Porto!

Climb up the Clérigos Tower

If you’re in Porto, there’s one landmark you simply can’t ignore: the Igreja dos Clérigos and its towering friend, the Clérigos Bell Tower. This Baroque beauty dates all the way back to 1732, standing tall and proud, beckoning every curious traveler (like me!) to take a peek. This isn’t just a pretty facade; it’s a full experience, complete with 200 steps to the top. Yes, you heard me right – 200 steps! But let’s face it, with the amount of Francesinha you’ll be eating here, a little workout never hurts, right?

The church itself is something straight out of a Baroque fever dream – elaborate carvings, dramatic statues, and plenty of symbolism to keep your eyes busy. And while I don’t always feel the need to step into every church I see, this one felt different. It’s more than just a building; it’s like Porto’s proud guardian. But let’s be real – the real star here is that tower.

Now, imagine yourself climbing up. You’re huffing and puffing (or maybe just puffing?), winding your way up those narrow steps, dodging other tourists, until you finally make it to the top. And what do you see? Porto, spread out below like a mosaic, with the Douro River slicing through the old town in the most picturesque way possible. It’s honestly one of those “wow” moments that makes you feel like you’re in a postcard.

At only around €6, it’s a bargain for one of the best views in the city. Not to mention, you might even skip the line if you’re strategic about timing – nobody wants to spend precious travel time waiting in line, right? If you go early enough, you might just breeze through.

Dinner in Gaia

When in Porto, you gotta make time for dinner at À Bolina. This cozy Portuguese tapas spot is as laid-back as it gets, with a view that could make anyone feel like a local – plus, it’s wallet-friendly, which we love! Picture this: a nice glass of wine, a few tasty dishes to snack on, and the Douro River just a stroll away. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Before diving into the food, I took a scenic walk along the riverfront, where there are plenty of cafes and restaurants. I made a quick pit stop for a fresh lemonade, complete with real sugar cubes (they know how to do it right here!), and just soaked in the vibe. There’s nothing like watching the iconic rabelo boats glide by under the bridge while you sip your drink – honestly, it’s some of the best people-watching around. And pro tip: don’t miss out on the Porto sunset. Golden hour here is something straight out of a painting, especially if you catch it from across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Now, back to À Bolina. The menu has all the Portuguese tapas you’re here for. I’d definitely suggest trying the alheira, a type of sausage with a rich, smoky flavor, and the omelete de batata – it’s like a potato omelet but with a local twist. And then there’s the cod fish salad, a must for seafood fans. They’ve got a solid wine list, too, so you’re covered whether you’re a red, white, or something-sparkling kind of person.

The guy working there was super friendly, making it feel even more like a hidden gem away from the tourist crowd. À Bolina serves up a chill, no-frills dining experience with a genuine taste of Porto. So, if you’re looking to wind down with some great food and an unbeatable view, À Bolina’s got your evening plans covered. Cheers to a solo dinner done right!