During my trip to Portugal, I started off with Porto, a charming city full of mystery, soul, and delicious little moments that instantly won me over. Come along as I take you on a gentle walk through its cobbled streets, sharing my route, impressions, and favorite finds. Enjoy the journey ☺️

My walk began with a spectacular view over Porto and its postcard-perfect Ribeira district, which stretches along the banks of the Douro River. To take it all in, I headed up to the Serra do Pilar Monastery, which also overlooks Porto’s most iconic bridge: the Dom Luís I bridge. Its structure felt strikingly familiar, and it’s no coincidence: it was designed by Teofilo Seyrig, a student of Gustave Eiffel.

Crossing the bridge on its upper level was a bit of a thrill as it is 60 meters above the Douro! On the left: Vila Nova de Gaia, home to the most renowned port wine cellars. On the right: Porto, with its warm tiled rooftops and rows of colorful façades. You’ll also spot from there the iconic Episcopal Palace and the impressive Porto Cathedral in the background.

From there, I walked toward the Church of Saint Ildefonso, instantly recognizable thanks to its blue-and-white azulejos, the beautifully painted ceramic tiles so typical of Portugal. On the way, I stumbled across a little artisan market called Mercado da Alegria (“the market of happiness”). The name alone makes it worth a visit, and the atmosphere is just as sweet!

My route continued through Rua de Santa Catarina, Porto’s main shopping street. You’ll find all the international brands here alongside a few lovely local shops. It’s also where you’ll spot the famous Majestic Café, a Porto institution with its 1920s art nouveau décor that feels frozen in time.

Santa Catarina is a lively pedestrian street that led me to the Capela das Almas, another beautiful church adorned with azulejos, and then to the Mercado do Bolhão, a paradise for food lovers. Locals doing their weekly shopping mix with curious travelers like me, soaking up the vibe. The colorful stalls are packed with fresh produce, flowers, Portuguese delicacies… Everything is tempting!

After tasting a few delicious bites from the sea paired with a glass of vinho verde, the region’s famous white wine, I wandered back toward Porto’s historic heart and the Ribeira district. 

Before getting lost in its charming little alleyways, I stopped by the famous Livraria Lello, often considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in Europe. With its dramatic staircase, stained glass windows, and almost magical ambiance, it’s said to have inspired J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter universe.

A tip: entrance to the bookstore costs €10, but the amount is deducted if you purchase a book inside. They offer gorgeous editions of literary classics, and it is definitely worth a visit, even if it’s really popular and crowded with tourists.

I absolutely loved the Ribeira district: lively alleys, colorful buildings, and cute little boutiques to explore… everything I adore! What stole my heart, too, were the miradouros, these breathtaking viewpoints scattered around the city. Don’t miss Miradouro da Vitória or Miradouro do Passeio das Virtudes.

Need a break? Right next to the Passeio das Virtudes viewpoint, Bosco café-bar has a lovely terrace with a stunning view of the city.

nother must in the Ribeira area: Castro, my favorite place in Porto for pasteis de nata. These warm, crispy custard tarts dusted with cinnamon are unmatched. And the best part? You can watch the traditional pastry chefs prepare each one by hand, right in front of you.

I continued my walk along the riverbank to admire the narrow, colorful buildings lining the waterfront. The atmosphere here is so unique: with weathered façades and dark wooden boats bobbing in the water, I almost felt like I’d stepped onto a movie set. It’s a place full of charm, perfect for a slow wander by the water.

That’s it for my little walk through Porto! A few more ideas if you’re planning your own trip:

• Visit a port wine cellar and enjoy a tasting in Gaia (just across the river)
• Stroll through the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
• Walk along the Douro to Foz do Douro at the ocean’s edge, or take the old-fashioned tram, full of charm, to get there

Porto truly won my heart! With its soft yet mysterious energy, colorful buildings, lively streets and unforgettable flavors, I loved every moment. If you’re planning a trip to Portugal, I definitely recommend spending at least two days in Porto to soak it all in. And if you already know this beautiful city, I’d love to hear your favorite spots in the comments 😊