Our Porto Black Book

Created in collaboration with Banana Republic, whose summer campaign was shot in Portugal and inspired by craft, curiosity and discovery. Our travel guide marks the beginning of our partnership — with more to come in the months ahead.

Unlike sunny, bustling Lisbon, Porto is rugged, misty, and moody. It shows its wear and tear with pride: medieval alleys along steep hills; decaying buildings with faded Art Deco signs; hand-painted azulejos (blue-and-white tiles) telling the stories of saints on church facades; and narrow homes seemingly stacked atop each other overlooking the winding Douro River, which splits the city in two. That patinated glamour is what we love so much about this port city, a mosaic of Baroque, Beaux-Arts, and cutting-edge contemporary architecture, where old-world romance sets the mood against a soundtrack of seagull song.

It’s the type of cool that has long attracted artists, creatives and dreamers of all kinds—whose relentless energy has turned the city into something of a design hub, embodied in Álvaro Siza Vieira’s pink-hued Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art. True, in recent years, Porto has also drawn more than its share of tourism—seen from above, the Ribeira waterfront can look a bit like a piece of bread being devoured by ants with selfie sticks. But the unpretentiousness of Northern Portugal keeps Porto grounded. With a thriving culinary scene, Porto has the soul of a fishing village, and it’s still the fresh fish, simply prepared with a glass of local vinho verde, that makes eating here so pleasurable. And for all of its changes, Porto is still full of wonder… for those who know where to look. To that end, we asked 14 locals and insiders who know it well to share their favorite places, to eat, drink, shop and stay: from old-school taverns serving exceptional bacalhão and vinho verde, to modern galleries and soulful craft ateliers; vineyard excursions into the Douro Valley to the best places to pick up ceramic cabbage plates, embroidered textiles, and of course, tinned fish. 

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Annelie Augustin is the founder and Artistic Director of Studio Augustin, an interior design and collectible objects atelier based in Portugal. Originally from Germany and now living in Porto, her work is rooted in experimental research and avant-garde craftsmanship. Her latest project is COTRO, which merges her innate connection to nature with designer-led concepts in rural environments.

Ayala Braidman, founder of Lava Earth Objects, is a multidisciplinary designer whose primary material is ceramics. She creates both functional and decorative objects inspired by the desert environment, its unique living conditions, and the philosophical concepts it embodies. Originally from Israel, she came to Portugal with her fiancée to celebrate her 30th birthday, fell in love with Porto, and relocated soon thereafter. 

Célia Esteves was born in Viana do Castelo and now lives and works in Porto. She is the founder of Rug by GUR, which aims to make typical Portuguese rugs more fun, using the same techniques with carefully selected materials. She has collaborated with various artists and artisans and participated in residencies, projects, and national and international exhibitions. 

Chadner Navarro is a travel and lifestyle journalist. He was born in Manila, raised in New Jersey, and has traveled to Portugal nearly 40 times since January 2008. His first trip to Porto was in 2012, and he considered moving there in 2013. It never happened, but he has visited the city over two dozen times and if you asked him at the right moment, he might tell you he likes it more than Lisbon.

Filipe Fangueiro is a Portuguese multidisciplinary artist and creative director whose practice explores transformation through layered materiality, emotional residue, and abstract gesture. Currently the HEC at DSECTION Magazine and a creative at DSECTION Studio, Fangueiro works at the intersection of visual storytelling, fashion, and contemporary art. He lives in the Boavista neighborhood of Porto. 

Gustavo Guimarães is a Porto-based architect whose work explores the relationship between architecture, time, and everyday life. His practice is primarily focused on rehabilitation, engaging with existing structures as a way to reinterpret a place rather than replace it. He founded Gharb, a restaurant in Porto’s historic center, conceived as a spatial project where architecture, hospitality, and atmosphere converge. 

Inês Grosso is a curator for the Serralves Museum in Porto, where she has been working since 2021. Previously, she worked at the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology in Lisbon, and the Instituto Inhotim in Minas Gerais, Brazil. She is also a guest lecturer at Porto’s Escola das Artes. 

Irina Boersma César Machado is a photographer currently based in Porto and Copenhagen.  Her portfolio includes work in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor UK, and The Guardian, and she has done commercial projects for clients like Georg Jensen, Louis Poulsen, &tradition, and the Copenhagen Airport. 

Joana Astolfi is an artist, architect, designer, and founder of Studio Astolfi, which focuses on interior design, exhibition design, window displays, scenography, art direction, and art installations. Their client list includes Ritz Hotel, Torel Hotels Group, Claus Porto, André Ópticas, and De La Espada, as well as private clients. While currently based in her native Lisbon, she frequently works on installations in Porto and has fallen in love with the city. 

Maria Aguiar is the owner of Libatio, a unique wine bar in the Douro Valley located in the wine cellar below her grandparents’ house in Peso da Régua. A lawyer by training, Maria opted instead to pursue a career in wine, transforming the century-old winery at Quinta de Villa Franca into a gathering place for local producers, wine lovers, and curious travellers. 

Matan Valershtein is a Porto-based industrial designer and ceramicist running a studio focused on slip-cast ceramics across scales, from tableware to planters. He guides products from concept through production, preparing them either for serial manufacturing or for crafting in his own studio.

Sarah Nechamkin is a contributing editor at YOLO Journal. Her writing has appeared in New York Magazine, Interview, Elle, Air Mail, and other publications. She’s a frequent traveler who has visited Porto several times, and, aside from her native New York, it remains one of her favorite cities in the world. 

Sílvia Pinto Costa (Lisbon, 1983) is a visual artist, design teacher, and curator. André Ramos (Viseu, 1984) is an architect, researcher, and gallerist. Together, they founded SCAR-ID in 2013, a Porto-based store-gallery specializing in experimental and contemporary art and design.  

Vasco Coelho Santos is a Porto-based chef and founder of Euskalduna Studio, a Michelin-starred restaurant that feels more like a private atelier. Opened in 2016, the intimate space invites guests into an omakase-style journey rooted in Portuguese flavors and shaped by global influences. It anchors the Euskalduna Group, one of the most dynamic hospitality groups in Portugal’s culinary scene.

STAYS

Favorite overall hotel 

Mouco (Jam Porto) – Very easygoing and creative. The design is cool without trying too hard, and it naturally attracts musicians and artists. They also have an auditorium inside with independent concerts and cultural programming, so it feels more like a cultural hub than just a place to sleep. – Filipe Fanguiero. Mouco – A hotel built around music, with a strong identity and a slightly off-center location that still feels connected to the city’s rhythm. –Gustavo Guimarães. Mouco. – Célia Estaves 

Tipografia do Conto – I love this place because it feels relaxed but still very intentional in every detail. The architecture is beautifully done, the outdoor patio is great to hang out in, and the cocktail bar is genuinely good. They’ve also expanded with Casa da Árvore, a more private and intimate space with a few rooms you can reserve, plus a cultural venue and gallery. The whole project feels layered and creative — more than just a hotel. – Filipe Fanguiero. Tipografia do Conto – A boutique hotel, divided into three buildings — for now! Beautifully designed, built, and managed by the architect Pedra Líquida and his studio. For those not staying at the hotel, the bar is still a must-visit. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

The Yeatman – One of the great views in Europe. It connects Porto, the river, and wine culture in a very special way. – Vasco Coelho Santos. More classic in style, but with one of the most incredible spas in the city and a stunning view. It’s a very calm and relaxing place. – Inês Grosso. This old lady of a hotel is one of my favorite stays in town. It’s a bit retracted from the downtown buzz and has an incredible view over the river and the city center. It’s a classic hotel which leans into the city’s history of the port wine trade between Portugal and England, and it has impeccable service, great food and wine, and a very nice spa. – Irina Boersma César Machado. It’s located across the Douro River in Gaia, so The Yeatman has some of the best views of Porto’s historic skyline, including from every guest room. It has a very old-school British aesthetic (so expect lots of florals and heavy drapes), but the hotel’s inventory of amenities is vast: a large, wine-obsessed spa, a two Michelin-star restaurant from chef Ricardo Costa, and an outdoor pool in the shape of a decanter. If you haven’t already guessed, the hotel has some strong ties to the national wine scene so every room design is inspired by a winery, and the cellar houses over 25,000 bottles. – Chadner Navarro

The Rebello, in Vila Nova de Gaia. Highly accommodating for families, if not strictly for them. It is incredibly comfortable, effortlessly cool, and boasts a rooftop that offers some of the best views over Porto. – Joana Astolfi 

The One Monumental Palace – A beautiful hotel right in the city center, with a great view and a very pleasant bar. I have a few friends who stay there regularly, and it’s also a great meeting point. – Inês Grosso

Infante Sagres – When it opened in the city center in 1951, the Infante Sagres became the first luxury hotel in Porto. It’s had a lot of lives since and has been renovated and retouched in the last 75 years, but you can still feel the history when you step inside. I personally love all the stained glass. The team at Experimental has just taken over and is in the process of refreshing the property (bringing with it some of the brand’s lauded culinary concepts), so by the end of the year, the Infante Sagres will rise again. – Chadner Navarro

Splurge hotel 

Torel Avantgarde – If you want to treat yourself, this is it. The views over the river are incredible, the restaurant is great, the service is impeccable, and on a hot day you can easily spend hours by the pool. It feels luxurious but still welcoming. – Filipe Fanguiero. Torel Avantgarde – Maria Aguiar

The Largo – This relatively new luxury hotel has beautifully designed interiors by Space Copenhagen and boasts of one the most beautiful views from the rooftop. The service is impeccable and it’s one of the most special places to stay in town at the moment. You can enter through the wine cellar, which is dug into the historic city walls, and they have their own luxury boat for guests to enjoy a trip down the Douro River to visit the closeby Douro wine region. – Irina Boersma César Machado. Designed by Space Copenhagen, The Largo has raised the bar for luxury hospitality in the city. The hotel’s restaurant, Cozinha das Flores, is also worth a visit. – Joana Astolfi. The Largo – Maria Aguiar

Octant Douro – Not in Porto itself, but worth the detour. It’s more about the landscape and the silence than the city. –Gustavo Guimarães

Charming boutique hotel

Rosa Et Al  – Sister and brother duo Patrícia and Emanuel run a townhouse property, design store, and restaurant/café, all in the same Cedofeita neighbourhood. But it all started more than a decade ago with this small, comfortable, well-designed townhouse. The patio restaurant, where you can try Emanuel’s food, is a plus. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos. Intimate, beautifully detailed, and very much rooted in the neighborhood. –Gustavo Guimarães. The Rosa et Al townhouse in the Cedofeita area is a very cute stay and it’s an easy walk to the Miguel Bombarda gallery area and downtown. The food served in the small living room downstairs is lovely. – Irina Boersma César Machado

Casa Cedo – This feels like a little escape within the city. Almost like a quiet refuge. It’s intimate, calm, and beautifully decorated. I imagine a writer staying here for a few days to disconnect and focus. – Filipe Fanguiero. A beautifully renovated place with some bespoke pieces I made for them. – Ayala Braidman. Casa Cedo is a breath of fresh air. It features just eight rooms, a beautiful dining room, and a shop/reception that sells coffee, fresh flowers, and Byredo fragrances. – Joana Astolfi 

Under-the-radar rental 

Anywhere in Bonfim. I used to live there, and it remains one of the most authentic parts of Porto. Less polished, more real. – Gustavo Guimarães

FOOD & DRINK

Favorite café (old-world) 

Candelabro – Somewhere between a bookstore, bar, and café. More about atmosphere than coffee perfection.” –Gustavo Guimarães

Sical – A traditional café right in the center of Porto, with two wonderful ceramic panels by the artist Júlio Resende. One of the few places where you can still go for just an old-fashioned coffee, without any judgment. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

Café Guarany – Old-world charm. Opened in 1933 on Avenida dos Aliados, it carries that elegant café culture energy from the early 20th century. Inside, you’ll find two striking art panels by Graça Morais, “Os Senhores da Amazónia,” which give the space real artistic weight. They also host fado nights, so it’s one of those places where history, art, and music all come together naturally. – Filipe Fanguiero. A visit to Café Guarany in Avenida dos Aliados brings you back in time! Perfect for a break between visiting the sites in the central part of Porto.  – Irina Boersma César Machado

Your Neighborhood Cafeteria – Find one of the simple, old-school cafeterias on almost any corner, sit down, and take your time. That’s the real thing. – Matan Valershtein

Favorite café (modern) 

Época – One of the only places where you can put your day on pause for a while, enjoy delicious and honest food, and just read the newspaper. – Maria Aguiar. A classic I  would never skip, whether for breakfast, lunch, or just a quick coffee. Its communal table, fresh flowers, and comforting vegetarian dishes make it a favorite for both tourists and locals alike. – Joana Astolfi 

Combi Coffee Roasters – A more contemporary side of Porto. Relaxed, warm, and serious about coffee without ever feeling pretentious. – Vasco Coelho Santos

NAVE – A relatively new spot with great coffee. Worth seeking out. – Matan Valershtein

Early – Perfect for a slow morning with your laptop — answering emails, casual meetings, or just enjoying a good coffee in a clean, modern setting. Very laid-back atmosphere. – Filipe Fanguiero 

SO Coffee Roasters – Really good coffee. – Ayala Braidman

Rota do Chá – A lovely little tea house with a serene outdoor patio that actually feels more like the living room of your quirky, well-traveled aunt. With over 300 teas on the menu, this low-key cafe is a great spot to refuel and reset between tile-spottings. – Sarah Nechamkin

Great for seafood/fresh fish 

A Marisqueira de Matosinhos – The Matosinhos area is the place to go for fish and seafood. Close to the harbour of Leixões, and the Matosinhos Fish Auction, the restaurants in this neighbourhood have an incredible variety of the freshest fish you can find in the north of Portugal. The Portuguese like to enjoy the real thing without too much hassle – always look for the places with the highest quality produce. Upon entering this seafood restaurant, you find an impressive selection of seafood, all coming straight from the Fish Auction. You just need to sit down, indicate what you want on your platter, and enjoy with a glass of Portuguese sparkling wine from the Bairrada or Tavora-Varosa wine regions. As with most Marisqueiras, the menu also includes a good selection of fish, meats, and light snacks, so everyone can leave the restaurant satisfied. Don’t forget to book your table ahead of time. – Irina Boersma César Machado

Marisqueira Antiga in Matosinhos – Classic, no-frills, all about the product – Gustavo Guimarães. It’s often where I send artists when they’re in town. – Inês Grosso

Valentim – Matosinhos is said to have 365 fresh fish restaurants, one for each day of the year. But since we only go a couple of times a year, we usually go to Valentim’s. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

Any restaurant in Matosinhos or Angeiras, such as Tito 2, São Valentim, or O Diogo. These are all great choices for a sunny Sunday family lunch. – Joana Astolfi 

Salta o Muro – While technically located just outside the city center in the historic coastal fishing neighborhood of Matosinhos, this is where you go for the true, unadulterated essence of the ocean. It is incredibly local, precise, and entirely focused on the freshest daily catch cooked over fire. – Annelie Augustin 

Ostras & Coisas – A sweet, charming little spot. Sit at the bar if you can. Fresh oysters, great seafood, everything done with care. – Matan Valershtein

Adega do Carregal – This is old-school Portugal at its best. The house wine comes unlabeled in a jug, the tablecloths are paper so you can scribble ideas like poets and artists did decades ago, and the food (especially the bacalhau) is deeply traditional and consistently good. It feels authentic without trying to be. – Filipe Fanguiero 

O Gaveto – For seafood, this is one of the great classics near Porto. Generous, consistent, and always worth the short trip. -Vasco Coelho Santos. Gaveto or Rogério do Redondo in Matosinhos.– Maria Aguiar 

Dom Marisco, Espinho – A personal favorite. The fish is exceptional, the wine list is well-chosen, and the service makes you feel genuinely looked after. The grilled shrimp with tomato-seed butter is reason enough to make the trip. – Matan Valershtein

Habitat – Terra e Fogo – The seafood is excellent, but the paella is the highlight for me. That’s the dish to order. – Filipe Fanguiero 

Taberna Dos Mercadores – Famous and for good reason. On a sloped alley overlooking the waterfront, this traditional restaurant specializes in arroz de polvo, octopus rice crisped in the pan, and fluffy apple meringue for dessert. Wine industry locals love it for its comprehensive selection; bottles are stacked on shelves that curve with the walls. Try to get a reservation in advance – it’s a tiny space – and come hungry; the portions are generous. -Sarah Nechamkin

O Forninho da Afurada – In the fishing village of Afurada, Vila Nova de Gaia – Good grilled fish in a family-run restaurant that feels like the best of Portugal. The mother runs the floor; her son and daughter work alongside her. Warm, genuine, and completely unpretentious.  – Matan Valershtein

Anywhere in Matosinhos. Take a walk by the sea after lunch. – Célia Estaves 

Best bacalhau

Pretinho do Japão – A traditional, visually striking grocery store where you can find all sorts of delicacies, including salted and dried cod for cooking at home. We go there mainly for the coffee, freshly ground on site. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

O Rápido, next to the São Bento train station, serves a great bacalhau and is one of our Porto center go-tos. Unpretentious, great Portuguese traditional dishes.  – Irina Boersma César Machado

Buraco – A Porto classic. – Inês Grosso

Spots for a long, lazy lunch

Borboleta – A lovely restaurant with a garden that comes into its own in spring, summer, and autumn. Fresh food, friendly service, and the kind of place where a two-hour lunch feels completely justified. – Matan Valershtein

Gharb – I’m biased since it’s my restaurant, but it was designed exactly for that: slow meals, sharing, and time stretching a bit longer than expected. – Gustavo Guimarães

Cozinha das Flores – Nuno Mendes, who used to win all sorts of awards when he was at Chiltern Firehouse in London, opened Cozinha das Flores a few years ago. And it’s the perfect daytime restaurant. The bright, colorful interiors are lovely, but the food is really the main attraction. For lunch, they serve a set menu, but you can add items from the a la carte menu to keep the meal going. But the exceptional wine list head sommelier Ivo Granja has put together is what’s going to keep your butt in that seat for longer than you anticipated. – Chadner Navarro 

Casa D’Oro – You’re right above the Douro River with a full view of the Arrábida Bridge. It’s a very solid Italian restaurant, but the view alone already makes it worth it. – Filipe Fanguiero. Amazing view, unpretentious. I often go there with artists. – Inês Grosso

Venn Canteen – A beautifully relaxed, industrial corner restaurant that shifts the spotlight entirely to seasonal whole foods and plant-based creativity. It is the perfect spot for an unhurried afternoon paired with their house-fermented beverages, or a bottle from their exceptionally curated natural wine list. Also great at night. – Annelie Augustin

Sabores & Açores is a restaurant that blends Azorean and Indian cuisine. It’s where we have lunch most often, where we schedule work lunches, and where we run into neighbors here in the Bombarda neighborhood. When the weather is good, we sit outside on the terrace. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

Jardim Botânico do Porto – There is an excellent little cafe in the botanical garden where you can relax in the sun (and if needed in the shade), and have a relaxed bite to eat after visiting the garden. A hidden gem. – Irina Boersma César Machado

A Certain Café – They have some of the best French toast I’ve ever had — you have to try it. This place is great for sharing small plates while reading a book. I also love how they balance work and leisure: some tables allow laptops, others don’t, and it somehow feels very natural. – Filipe Fanguiero

You only have one meal in town…

A lunch at Rogério do Redondo or Adega São Nicolau, which brings together the excellence of Portuguese food with the warmth of the Porto community. – Joana Astolfi 

Cozinha do Manel – If a friend had only one meal in town, I would send them here. Honest food, deep flavour, and the spirit of Porto on a plate. -Vasco Coelho Santos

Mistu – Lovely atmosphere and beautifully-presented dishes. It’s Portuguese fusion served in small plates, so you get to taste a lot of different flavors in one meal. – Filipe Fanguiero

Out To Lunch – The best restaurant in the city. Run by a wonderful couple – he’s Japanese, she’s German – who spent years in Berlin and Lisbon before settling in Porto. The lunch menu is simple and focused: katsukaree (curry) or noodles (udon or soba), with chicken, shrimp, pork, or vegetables. Inside, they also run a small, curated shop with pieces imported from Japan alongside work by local makers. Don’t leave without trying the sesame seed ice cream. – Matan Valershtein

Buraco is our winter dining spot because, during the rest of the year (unfortunately for us), it’s already been taken over by tourists. Traditional food, a staff that knows our tastes — sometimes Bruno and Ricardo even guess what we feel like having for dinner — and a welcoming atmosphere. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

Grilled fish in Matosinhos. More than the famous Francesinha, this is what defines Porto for me – proximity to the sea, simple cooking, and respect for the product. – Gustavo Guimarães

Francesinha at Café Santiago – I’m a huge fan of Francesinha. I love it with no egg, lots of sauce, and fries. I think the first time I tried it, I hated it, and then over time it became one of my favorite foods back when I was in college. I don’t eat it often now, but I still love it. – Inês Grosso. Francesinha – This dish is Porto on a plate. Inspired by the French croque monsieur, it’s transformed into something much bigger and richer. Every place claims to have the best one — especially when it comes to the sauce — and honestly, that competition is part of the experience. – Filipe Fanguiero. Every Porto inhabitant has their own favourite spot for Francesinha (though it tends to change over the course of their life). Café Santiago is one of the oldest places serving it. They have three locations, and we prefer going to the middle one, due to the veteran staff, leaving the other locations for tourists. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

I think most Porto residents would answer Francesinha. Even though it is not something I eat often, for that I think you should go to Bufete Fase. For me, though, it would be a grilled robalo in O Valentim in Matosinhos with a side of arroz de grelos or seafood rice/arroz de marisco. O Valentim is right in front of the fish auction, and for me what sums up my culinary experiences in Porto is definitely grilled fish with a squeeze of lemon. – Irina Boersma César Machado

I could eat pastel de nata any time of day. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, second dinner after a few glasses of port wine and some Ginjinha (Portugal’s signature sour cherry liquor), served traditionally in a little chocolate cup from a tiny counter-service bar by the river… Does that count as a meal? – Sarah Nechamkin 

Favorite special-occasion restaurant 

Euskalduna Studio – At chef Vasco Coelho Santos’s Euskalduna Studio, 10-course meals unfold on a counter made of a shiny slab of marble (around which are a handful of tables—but you really want to be on the counter). Chef Santos is known for creatively marrying international cooking techniques with seasonal Portuguese ingredients, but menus aren’t shared ahead of time so you’ll know what you’re eating as soon as the server places it in front of you. – Chadner Navarro 

Portucale – A timeless dining room with one of the best views over the city. –Gustavo Guimarães. Portucale is a traditional restaurant located on the rooftop of the oldest skyscraper in Porto, with an incredible view over the city. Care is the key word here: in the selection of the food, in the attention given to customers by the staff, and in the décor. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

Casa de Chá da Boa Nova – It’s hard to beat the combination of location and food at Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, the two Michelin-starred restaurant from chef Rui Paula in Leça da Palmeira just north of Porto. Designed by renowned Portuguese architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, the property sits on a pile of rocks on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. The menu, which switches up every so often, is similarly influenced by the sea. And if you have the time, the 21-course tasting menu is the very definition of “special occasion.” – Chadner Navarro 

Rogério do Redondo – Fresh and authentic Portuguese food. – Célia Estaves

Pata Gorda – Great classics reinvented with an innovative twist. – Joana Astolfi 

Barôco – Great service, really good Italian-fusion food, and a lively vibe. It’s next to Casa da Música, has a DJ on weekends, and has a great cocktail bar for while you’re waiting for your table. – Filipe Fanguiero. The new Barôco restaurant, close to Casa da Música, has a lovely buzzy vibe and is a popular destination for anyone celebrating something special or just wants to have a fun night out. – Irina Boersma César Machado. Barôco, which opened a few months ago, pairs refined food with standout cocktails in a very elegant space. – Joana Astolfi

Rino – Japanese, definitely my favorite food. – Inês Grosso

Best pastel de nata

Manteigaria – You can watch the entire process as they make them, and they’re always served warm with the pastry dough crisp. Simple and perfect. – Filipe Fanguiero. Manteigaria — Not romantic, but very consistent. – Gustavo Guimarães. Eat it as soon as you get it for optimal warmth and freshness. – Sarah Nechamkin. Manteigaria – Ayala Braidman

Castro and Manteigaria are at the top of the list. At either spot, opt for the slightly more caramelized version with a dusting of cinnamon on top. – Joana Astolfi 

Great pastéis de nata can be found at many places, but I would recommend Confeiteria de Bolhão, where you can enjoy them in a beautiful setting. For Porto-style croissants and excellent pastries, go to Padaria Ribeiro. You will not be disappointed! – Irina Boersma César Machado

Marbella – A tiny and narrow traditional café with less than half-a-dozen tables, where you can enjoy a delicious pastel de nata. It happens to be on Santa Catarina, the busiest street in the country. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

Favorite for pastries, chocolate, & desserts

Porto Rico – A small café-grocery shop filled with all kinds of treats to take home. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

Brites – A beautiful stop for pastries and desserts with personality. Sweet things done with care always matter. -Vasco Coelho Santos. For a great pastry or sweet treat, head to Brites. – Joana Astolfi 

Chocolateria Equador – A traditional approach to chocolate, with its own production. –Gustavo Guimarães. For chocolate, whether as a gift or a guilt-free indulgence, the traditional Chocolataria Equador. – Joana Astolfi 

BBGourmet – Practical, nice location, with a good bakery selection and also some nice lunch options. – Inês Grosso

Best bifanas (sandwich) 

Conga – Direct, spicy, and fast. – Gustavo Guimarães. There’s no better place. Just go. Classic or with cheese — both are perfect. – Filipe Fanguiero. I go to Conga on every trip to Porto to pick up at least two bifanas, which are also my favorite of the Portuguese sandwiches. It’s no fuss, you can get them to-go, and the sauce the pork simmers in is slightly spicy. (But there are bottles of hot sauce waiting around if you want to kick it up a notch, which I always do.) – Chadner Navarro 

Tasca da Badalhoca – I first discovered Badalhoca through colleagues at the museum. During more demanding installations or late workdays, they would go there to pick up the famous sandwiches. – Inês Grosso

Restaurants you go back to again and again?

Adega de São Nicolau – One of those places I’m always happy to return to. Warm, timeless, and full of character. -Vasco Coelho Santos

Almeja – On my visits to Porto, I try to avoid going to many restaurants multiple times so that I can check out all the newest spots, but I’ve eaten at Almeja three times. I love that there’s real intention happening in the kitchen, but João Cura is never precious about what he’s cooking. To me, it’s the perfect combination of a neighborhood stalwart and a restaurant where you’ll learn something new. You can do a fancy tasting menu or order a la carte. If the arroz de forno is on the menu, that’s what I recommend. (The Portuguese know rice!) Plus, the interiors make you feel like you’re stepping into a cozy townhouse! – Chadner Navarro 

Cufra is one of the Porto classics. Here you can get inexpensive meals of all kinds. Sit in the snack bar area for a francesinha and a beer to watch a game of football or in the booths for dinner. The portions are large and shareable and the vibe is informal with fast service. We always come here on the first of January for a hungover francesinha. Tip – you can order half!  – Irina Boersma César Machado

Oito Oitavo – It has that rare, comforting consistency where the intimate atmosphere and the refined, contemporary flavors align perfectly, making it an easy, recurrent choice for locals in the know. – Annelie Augustin

Porto Express – A simple, charming place run by a couple – he’s German, she’s Vietnamese – who have made Porto their home for years. There are only seven dishes on the menu. It’s not strictly traditional Vietnamese in the way you’d find in Paris, but that’s beside the point. There’s something about the atmosphere that makes you feel completely at home. Comforting, consistent, and always exactly what you need. Get the chicken curry, beef stew, or any kind of soup. – Matan Valershtein

Maus Hábitos, Genuíno, O Gaveto, O Buraco – a mix of personal, institutional, and everyday places. – Gustavo Guimarães

Reitoria for their classic focaccias, Cafeína for the best Beef Wellington in Porto, or simply grabbing a coffee at Confeitaria Corcel. – Joana Astolfi 

Shiko – Tasca Japonesa, near the Sé Cathedral, was my favorite place when I first moved to Porto. I’ve gone there many times with artists. I remember one of them saying the place could easily charge much more for the quality of the food, and that they probably didn’t realize how good they actually were. She kept going there almost every day during the installation period. – Inês Grosso

A Certain Café, Donau, and Venn Canteen (vegan) – my go-to places in the Baixa neighbourhood. -Célia Estaves

Honestly, all the restaurants I mentioned above. Clearly I can’t choose just one. – Filipe Fanguiero

Best conservas (tinned fish)

Minerva (Conservas a Poveira) at A Conserveira – This brand is from my hometown (Póvoa de Varzim, on the coast north of Porto), so maybe I’m biased — but it’s truly excellent. They have a huge variety, and it’s all great quality. The octopus in olive oil is my favorite. – Filipe Fanguiero

Conservas Pinhais from Matosinhos. – Maria Aguiar 

Favorite street snack 

Nothing beats a cachorrinho (a typical way to hot dog) from Gazela paired with a “fino” — which is what locals call a draft beer— on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Sliced into bite-sized pieces, it’s perfect for sharing with friends. – Joana Astolfi. Gazela was ruined by Anthony Bourdain. The queue is long, but the secret is finding the right time to go for a steak sandwich and a “cachorrinho” hot dog. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

Grilled sardines on cornbread during summer, especially on São João (June 23). It really doesn’t get more Portuguese than that. – Filipe Fanguiero

I love going to the city center and buying roasted chestnuts. I love the smell and the smoke filling the streets during winter. – Inês Grosso

Late-night bites 

Java – We always visit Java twice on the same day: first for a quick drink and snack before heading to a play at Teatro Nacional São João, and then again for a slow drink and food after the performance. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

McDonald’s Avenida dos Aliados – It might sound unexpected, but it’s famous for its beautifully-preserved Art Deco interior and is widely considered one of the most stunning McDonald’s in the world. – Filipe Fanguiero

Café Velasquez – Simple, reliable, quick, and practical. – Inês Grosso

Markets to eat through 

Mercado Bom Sucesso is a relaxed food court close to Casa de Música, where you find a nice vibe of mainly locals. We come often with our children for a bite to eat, as everyone can get their wishes fulfilled. The wine shop in the back called Vinoteca has an excellent selection of Portuguese wine, both to consume in the moment and to bring home as a souvenir. – Irina Boersma César Machado

Time Out Market – It opened in Porto a couple of years ago (the one in Lisbon was first), and it brings together several chefs and restaurants in one space. You can try different cuisines and specialties all under one roof, which makes it super convenient. – Filipe Fanguiero

Mercado do Bolhão – Ideal for fresh fish, meat, and local produce, as well as breakfast or a casual meal. – Filipe Fanguiero. Even though it’s quite touristy now, I really made the most of it when it first reopened. I used to go there often to buy flowers and pick up a few things. – Inês Grosso. Mercado do Bolhão is worth a visit, whether to grab a bite, buy fresh meat and fish, or browse for spices, cheese, and mushrooms (there are several stalls dedicated exclusively to them). – Joana Astolfi. In the newly renovated historic market Mercado do Bolhão, you find a lot of different food stalls where you can have a bite to eat. Sit on the beautiful stairs with your snack and a glass of Portuguese wine! – Irina Boersma César Machado

Mercado de Matosinhos – Everyone goes to Bolhão, and rightly so, but don’t skip Matosinhos. Easy to reach by Uber or Metro (the stop is right at the entrance), the fish comes straight from the sea, making it arguably the freshest seafood market in northern Portugal. A great place to just walk around. Inside, eat at Mafalda’s – run by a young Portuguese chef with a daily-changing menu built around whatever’s fresh. Great meat, fish, and vegetarian options. A go-to whenever I’m in the area, especially after a morning at Matosinhos beach or a walk through Parque da Cidade. – Matan Valershtein

 Lovely wine bars?

Capela Incomum – Drinking wine in an old chapel, near the altar? Sounds good to us! And the food helps, too. A handful of tables outside, under a tree, is the perfect setup for late afternoon. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos 

Genuíno is a wine bar packed with excellent natural wine options, where you can graze on delicious small plates to share. I recommend arriving early, around 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM, as the vibe is perfect for long conversations and dinners. – Joana Astolfi

We like a small wine bar called Botella Food and Wine in Foz, the residential neighborhood by the sea. Excellent selection of Portuguese and Spanish wines. It’s a more calm place, but the wine speaks for itself. Go and see the sun set into the sea from the tables outside. Another great place for purchasing Portuguese wine, and where you can also consume a glass, is Garage Wines in Matosinhos. These two spots are very local and you will most likely not see any tourists around.  – Irina Boersma César Machado

Prova – A great place to explore Portuguese wine in a relaxed way. You can learn something here without feeling like you’re in a lesson. – Vasco Coelho Santos. Prova – The place you want to go, whether you’re a wine geek or just curious. You’ll learn so much about wines and open your mind with whatever the team challenges you to taste. – Maria Aguiar

Funq – This is the place to meet people, and if you care about natural wine, one of the places in town with the best vibe. – Ayala Braidman. Funq Wines – Filipe Fanguiero 

Candelabro – If Fiasco is the most interesting bar on the other side of the city, Candelabro is our own trendy bar on this side of town. It has a great terrace and a very good music selection. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos. Outdoor tables on the street, a cozy interior, and what feels like an endless wine list. Casual and unfussy, the kind of place you can drop into any evening without a plan. – Matan Valershtein. Somewhere between a bookstore, bar, and café. – Gustavo Guimarães

Cave Bombarda – Jorge knows everything about the wines he selects for his Cave Bombarda cellar. It’s the ideal place to head out with a bag full of excellent natural and local wines. You will leave well-informed. It also has a beautiful terrace under a century-old tree to taste the wines. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos. Tucked inside a small shopping center in Miguel Bombarda, Cave Bombarda is part wine bar, part wine shop. So it’s casual enough for a midday break, but you know that the team takes vinho seriously. The selection is vast so don’t hesitate to ask all the questions (like what’s palhete?) and if there’s a bottle you’re curious about, just buy it, pop it open, and take what you don’t finish back to your hotel. – Chadner Navarro. Cave Bombarda is one of the best wine shops in the city, with an ample selection of unique natural wines. – Sarah Nechamkin. Cave Bombarda – Ayala Braidman. 

Libatio – Maria Aguiar [one of our Porto guide contributors] launched this independent wine bar in the cellar below her grandparents’ house at the Quinta de Villa Franca family winery in Peso de Régua, a small town in the Douro Valley. With the help of her architect cousin, she transformed this century-old space into one of the coolest hangout spots in the region, where you can saddle up to the counter and try all kinds of interesting wines from independent producers around the world. – Team Yolo

Favorite wineries/wine producers 

From the Douro, of course. All good. Quinta do Vale Meão, Quinta do Noval, Luís Seabra Vinhos. – Inês Grosso 

This is a difficult one to answer, as Portugal has incredible wines to discover. If I could choose one producer from the Vinho Verde/north of Portugal, I would look for wines from Anselmo Mendes. Great work, especially with the Alvarinho grape, with both fresher and more mature wines. Antonio Maçanita also makes very interesting wines. – Irina Boersma César Machado

My friend Afonso, who is a snowboarding instructor in Gstaad during the winter, runs day trips to the Douro Valley when he’s back in Portugal in the summer. He’ll pick you up, drive you to Douro, and organize a bunch of vineyard visits and tastings. If you’re not planning on a whole separate visit to Douro, this is the perfect introduction. – Chadner Navarro 

@Winedering_porto – The best guy that does amazing wine tours in Porto and around it. Super recommend. – Ayala Braidman

NIGHTLIFE

Best cocktail bar 

Fiasco is the coolest bar at the moment. Beyond the bar itself, the space serves pizzas at lunchtime, sells vinyl records hung up along the walls, and has an art gallery in the basement. The interior design by Diogo Aguiar is outstanding. The music selection is amazing, with the added detail of a fantastic sound system that allows you to enjoy good music while still being able to talk – something rare in a bar. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos. Fiasco – A red vinyl bar with a great vibe. At night (usually until around 9pm), they serve very good pizza from local spot Generosa, some of the best in Porto. The cocktails are serious and well-crafted. Good crowd, good energy. Works equally well for an afternoon or a late night. – Matan Valershtein. Fiasco – Contemporary, understated. – Gustavo Guimarães. A striking visual experience wrapped in deep red tones and warm lighting, but the real draw is the soul. It is a haven for vinyl enthusiasts, where you can sip immaculate cocktails and natural wines while listening to a beautifully curated selection of records spanning jazz, funk, and electronic beats. – Annelie Augustin. Fiasco has become the new hotspot in the Bonfim neighborhood, blending great cocktails, pizzas, and an extensive vinyl selection—which are played by various rotating DJs and are also available for customers to buy. – Joana Astolfi. Fiasco in Bonfim. – Filipe Fanguiero. Fiasco. – Célia Estaves. Fiasco. – Ayala Braidman

Bosco is a bar and restaurant with a beautiful garden with a view over the river. Great vibe and very central, it is beloved by locals for partying or just enjoying a nice break with a beautiful view in the afternoon. – Irina Boersma César Machado. Make your way to Miradouro das Virtudes or to Bosco, a bar right next to it, and grab a beer to watch the sunset. A postcard view will stay with you forever. – Joana Astolfi

Torto, Terraplana, Base, Bosco, Toa, E Agora, Panóplia. – Ayala Braidman

Tascas (taverns) & local pubs 

A Tasquinha, Taberna de Santo António, and Pipa Velha – an old-school wine bar with a lively mix of younger and older locals. – Filipe Fanguiero. Pipa Velha – The ideal place for a relaxed, carefree drink, with a selection of small plates to go with it. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

Esplanada Barraca do Ouro – Simple toasts and cold beer. The food is beside the point. What matters is the location: sitting right on the river. Pure, uncomplicated joy. – Matan Valershtein

Tasquinha d’Ouro along the Douro River is a lovely place for a simple bite and a small Portuguese beer. – Irina Boersma César Machado

Donau – Located in the eastern, creative hub of Bonfim, Donau brings a distinct, authentic neighborhood energy with a wonderful Austrian twist. It’s unpretentious, vibrant, and deeply woven into the local art and design community fabric— perfect for a relaxed evening. – Annelie Augustin

Azul e Branco – Right by the Fontainhas Lookout over the Douro, there are a few traditional tascas. My favorite is Azul e Branco, a warm, unpretentious little place run by a local couple. He works the terrace, she cooks: small traditional dishes, toasts, bolinhas, bifanas. Cold beer. Hand-cut potato chips, sliced right in front of you. One of those places that stays with you. – Matan Valershtein

Musa Das Virtudes for craft beer and snacks. – Maria Aguiar 

Casa Expresso, Copofonia, A Cozinha do Manel, Guindalense, Restaurante Adega a Viela, Tasca da Badalhoca. – Ayala Braidman

Best dance floor 

Passos Manuel – There isn’t much left to say about Passos Manuel. The space – with its aquarium behind the bar, facing its cinema/concert hall – and its founder, Becas, make it a true institution in the city. Oh, and the bathroom! – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos. Passos Manuel – Still one of the most relevant spaces in the city. –Gustavo Guimarães. Passos Manuel. -Célia Estaves. Passos – Maria Aguiar 

Not my thing anymore, but there is Pérola Negra and Plano B. Still the coolest. – Filipe Fanguiero. Plano B or Pérola Negra are beloved destinations for dancing. Check which DJs are playing because entrances might be sold out at Perola Negra for the popular DJs like Moullinex. – Irina Boersma César Machado

Another fun idea is going on a boat party up the river organized by RDZ. Find RDZ music agency on Instagram and check out their events. – Irina Boersma César Machado

Live music venues 

In terms of intimate venues for emerging artists, Escola Normal and RCA – Rádioclube Agramonte. For larger concerts, the famous Casa de Música and Coliseu do Porto. For traditional fado, head to the Ribeira area, where many restaurants host live fado performances during dinner. – Filipe Fanguiero 

SHOPPING

Favorite boutiques & specialty stores 

Good Things Will Happen Soon – Catarina Portas, the founder of Yolo favorite A Vida Portuguesa – where you’ll find the absolute best selection of products made in Portugal (and a contributor to our Lisbon Black Book) – recommends this shop in Porto run by Joana Ramos Pinto. It’s chock-full of lovely home goods: objets d’art, candles and matches, wall hangings, embroidered tablecloths and pillows, and more, plus a very cute dachshund. – Team Yolo

Claus Porto – This shop kind of doubles as a museum of the historic brand, which was founded in 1887 and remains one of Porto’s most popular exports. In the gorgeously-tiled shop, which looks in parts like an old, wood-paneled apothecary, you’ll find vintage ads for the brand and old bottles of their fragrances, many of which remain sold in the shop today – albeit with updated Deco-inspired packaging courtesy a recent creative rebrand. Just because Claus soap is the quintessential Porto gift doesn’t make it a bad one. Claus Porto proves smelling good is not a lost art after all. – Sarah Nechamkin 

Óptica Ildefonso – The historic neighborhood of Santo Ildefonso has held onto its precise, traditional character. A visit to this incredible optical shop for timeless, beautifully crafted eyewear offers a beautifully tactile, authentic glimpse into the city’s design history. – Annelie Augustin

Vavá Eyewear — A Porto-based eyewear brand with a contemporary design approach and strong collaborations, including with architect Álvaro Siza. They recently opened a new space in the city center.  –Inês Grosso

Fernandes Mattos Companhia – On Rua das Carmelitas you’ll find Fernandes Mattos Companhia, which has a selection of small independent Portuguese designers and all kinds of curiosities. It’s a great place to find a local souvenir. The beautiful wooden interior also saves you a visit to the touristy Livraria Lello! – Irina Boersma César Machado

Matéria Prima – They carry music, books, illustration prints, and sometimes ceramics or art objects, but it’s mainly independent, experimental, and rare music. Matéria Prima was founded more than 35 years ago, but thanks to its curation, it feels like it opened today. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos. Matéria Prima – Art books, niche magazines, and rare vinyl. – Sarah Nechamkin

Térmita – Skip the crowded lines of Livraria Lello and head to Térmita for an exceptional, deeply curated selection of indie literature, art, and poetry books. The bookstore shares a space with Candelabro (an amazing bar) and has a brilliant, raw, independent-archive energy filled with small presses and zines. – Annelie Augustin

Flaneur – Cátia and Arnaldo love books, and their passion is reflected in the selection of their bookshop, located behind the Casa da Música. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

La Paz, A-Line, Banema Studio, and Early Made Cedofeita are among my favorites, each offering a curated selection that spans from fashion to furniture and design. – Joana Astolfi

Flórida Studio – Filipa has created something truly exceptional here. It is a masterfully curated space defined by an extraordinary, highly sophisticated selection of rare interior objects, blending distinct vintage finds with contemporary design pieces. It’s an absolute must-visit for unexpected, rare picks from Portugal that you simply won’t find anywhere else. – Annelie Augustin. A shop with a soul and plenty of great finds. I’ve bought a lot of treasures there! – Ayala Braidman. 

Galula Studio – It wasn’t that long ago that the only things made of cork you’d see around Portugal are ugly crossbody bags in souvenir shops. But there are in fact many, many Portuguese designers reimagining what you can do with the stuff. Go set up an appointment at Galula Studio to see the light fixtures, stools, and bowls they make out of all types of cork. (Did you know that cork comes in different colors?) – Chadner Navarro 

Best markets  

CCBombarda – The heart of Bombarda — a vibrant neighbourhood with design stores, art galleries, and street cafés — is strangely a shopping centre. But CCB (Centro Comercial Bombarda) is more like an anti-shopping centre. It’s a space for alternative and independent projects, curated by Marina Costa, who has been one of the most important figures in Porto’s cultural, artistic, and commercial life for decades. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

Praça Carlos Alberto Market – On Saturday mornings, independent artists gather here and sell handmade pieces as well as vintage clothing. – Filipe Fanguiero 

Mercado de Matosinhos and Maçaroca, a traditional grocery store with organic provisions. – Inês Grosso

Ceramics & pottery

SCAR-ID – I go to Scar ID on every trip just to see what Sílvia Pinto Costa and André Ramos have in stock. They were among the very first in Porto to open a concept shop that exclusively championed Portuguese makers and designers. You’ll find decorative ceramics, colorful knitwear, weird jewelry, and skincare. Plus, they’ve started designing and manufacturing an in-house line of leather accessories. – Chadner Navarro. We are not the right people to talk about SCAR-ID, but we curate a lot of ceramic young brands and artists. One of them is Sílvia, SCAR-ID´s co-founder. Since we work with local brands with small collections and often one-of-a-kind pieces, it’s likely our customers will take home something they wouldn’t find anywhere else. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

Lava Objects and Matan Valershtein – Both are foreign artists with their own ateliers in Porto, creating distinctive contemporary ceramics. – Filipe Fanguiero 

Brâmica – Before I had my studio I used to go and work here. Teresa has amazing hands. I love her style and her space is really inspiring. You can buy great gifts here too. – Ayala Braidman

Vista Alegre – This is where you get your traditional Portuguese cabbage plates – plus high-end crystal- and bar-ware, handpainted tea sets, and other luxuries for those who live to host. – Sarah Nechamkin. You should visit the beautiful Vista Alegre Shop on Rua das Carmelitas. If you have time, it’s possible to visit the factory 45 minutes south of Porto, where you can get insight into the history of the brand and shop at their outlet. – Irina Boersma César Machado

At Ó Ceramica and Nü Concept Store, you’ll find regular workshops and great souvenirs if you are just passing through the city. – Joana Astolfi

TUWATERRA – Earthy, minimalist pottery and textiles in an elegant light-filled space. Everything made in Portugal, naturally. – Team Yolo

Favorite spots for vintage & antiques 

Mão Esquerda – A fantastic selection of vintage clothing and accessories, very well-located in the central area of Praça dos Poveiros. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos. Mão Esquerda Vintage – A beautifully curated sanctuary for vintage lovers. It completely bypasses the typical secondhand clutter, offering instead a highly sophisticated, handpicked selection of garments and timeless pieces with distinct character and history. – Annelie Augustin

Sotterranea – Run by a Portuguese woman and her partner, who is originally from Naples. They bring over high-quality, premium vintage pieces directly from Italy – heavy jackets, shirts, trousers, serious stuff. It’s on Rua de Alegria, a street you won’t stumble across by accident, so check their Instagram for opening hours before heading over. – Matan Valershtein

Vintage Laranja – A nice selection of designer midcentury furniture, owned by Noia, a Portuguese industrial designer. – Sarah Nechamkin. 

For vintage furniture and decor, I like Atelier Tartaruga, Vintage Laranja, Antike, and Do Arco da Belha. – Ayala Braidman

Bonfim is packed with antique shops filled with wonderful artifacts, but it’s also worth walking down Rua Mártires da Liberdade, where several shops hide treasures ranging from vintage furniture to decorative objects and lighting. – Joana Astolfi 

The Lapa area is a cluster of antique and vintage furniture stores where you can often find hidden treasures. – Filipe Fanguiero 

For independent fashion (mens & womenswear) 

LOT (Labels of Tomorrow) – A great multi-brand store featuring many Portuguese designers. It’s owned by the same people as The Feeting Room. – Filipe Fanguiero 

A-Line Clothing – Impossibly chic, minimalist boutique on Rua Miguel de Bombarda, flanked by contemporary art galleries. Everything is designed and made in Portugal. Think crisp button-downs, slouchy trousers, oversized bags, and cocoon coats. – Sarah Nechamkin 

A-Line for womenswear, La Paz for men’s. – Ayala Braidman

La Paz – On my first visit to Porto in 2012, I had the opportunity to interview the guys behind La Paz, and I’ve loved them ever since. The clothes are inspired by Portuguese fishermen so nothing is ever too trendy. But there are enough details to make whatever you buy interesting, whether it’s a chunky wool sweater or a pair of linen drawstring pants. Oh, and the quality is fantastic. Case in point: I got a velour sweater back in 2012, and I just wore it a month ago. – Chadner Navarro 

Portuguese Flannel – This family-run menswear brand, founded right outside Porto in the coastal city of Guimarães, has made waves among best-dressed guys the world over. They specialize in easy, breezy button-down shirts with playful embroidery, handcrafted by master artisans in towns north of Porto. – Sarah Nechamkin 

Souvenirs and bring-backs

Portuguese conservas, port wine, good olive oil, local ceramics, and Claus Porto soaps are always great (and very Portuguese) options to bring home. You can also try Castelbel Porto, a Portuguese fragrance and beauty brand with its own shop. – Filipe Fanguiero.

Vinho do Porto (port wine). –Inês Grosso

Wine, coffee, olive oil and conservas would be the things we would always bring from Portugal when we still lived abroad, and which we still think is the supreme produce of Portugal. We would usually find them in normal supermarkets, where they are less expensive than in souvenir shops or the airport. – Irina Boersma César Machado

Copo d´Uva – Ana and Daniela have a fabulous selection of wines, sweets, preserves, candies, teas, and biscuits. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

Handpainted tiles and ceramics, Ginginja (sour cherry liqueur), or conservas (tinned fish) from the Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines, which kind of feels like if Willy Wonka expanded his business enterprise to tinned fish. The walls are lined with brightly-colored cans organized by year. Though the fish wasn’t harvested or packed in that year, because that would be kind of gross, it’s still a fun, delightfully gimmicky gift for someone with an upcoming birthday or anniversary. Who doesn’t want to snack on some smoked trout or cod in olive oil to remind them of the glorious passage of time? – Sarah Nechamkin

CULTURE & OUTDOORS

Favorite museums  

Serralves Museum – One of the most beautiful buildings in Portugal. The surrounding park and gardens are worth the visit on their own. If there’s a good exhibition on, that’s a bonus. On a sunny day, have lunch at the museum’s terrace buffet. Sit outside, catch some sun, then wander through the park. – Matan Valershtein. The Serralves Museum is one place you cannot miss in Porto. Here you have great art exhibitions, incredible modern architecture by Álvaro Giza Viera, and a beautiful garden to enjoy. The original Art Deco villa is an endless source of inspiration for me as an interior photographer and I come back often. Must be experienced! – Irina Boersma César Machado. Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art is a breathtaking intersection of cutting-edge contemporary art, pristine architecture by Álvaro Siza, and lush, expansive greenery. Walking through the pink Art Deco villa and the stunning park grounds offers an incredible sense of space, scale, and visual harmony. – Annelie Augustin. Serralves is the place to go – no other space bridges art and nature so seamlessly. – Joana Astolfi. The pink, Art Deco villa that is the centerpiece of Serralves is one of my favorite buildings in Portugal. The museum itself has rotating contemporary exhibitions, which are worth seeing, but even just walking around the park is a great way to spend the afternoon. The museum shop is exceptional. Most of what it stocks is by Portuguese creatives. – Chadner Navarro. Serralves – Art, gardens, architecture, and space to breathe. It always reminds me that cities need beauty and calm too. – Vasco Coelho Santos

Beyond the Serralves Museum, I would definitely mention the Galeria Municipal do Porto, Casa da Arquitectura, and the Escola das Artes da Universidade Católica Portuguesa. – Inês Grosso

Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis – A national museum with a permanent collection of art up to the 20th century, plus many temporary exhibitions. An institution that is always looking to engage with its neighbourhood. Sílvia, together with the Bombarda Association, is currently preparing an exhibition on “contemporary graphic practices” for July 2026. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos. Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis – I did a 3–4 month internship here when I was still in college, researching engravings of saints. I love this museum, both the collection and the building. – Inês Grosso

Casa São Roque – A beautifully-restored Art Nouveau house museum with intricate tiling, stained glass, and parterre gardens. Once-abandoned, the house originally belonged to the noble Ramos Pinto family, and is a portal into the past lives of Porto’s wealthiest families. Worth the visit for the architecture alone, but it also houses an art collection and some contemporary site-specific installations. – Sarah Nechamkin

Galeria Municipal is an interesting space for contemporary and experimental art. It’s located above the city’s public library in the Palácio de Cristal Gardens, among lakes and peacocks, with a stunning view over the Douro – especially at sunset. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos.

Casa da Arquitectura – As Porto has a prestigious academy for architecture, the city boasts of being home to internationally-renowned architects as well as a lot of talented upcoming architects. Casa da Arquitectura in Matosinhos offers very interesting exhibitions at the intersection between architecture, design, and art. – Irina Boersma César Machado

Galleries & where to find them 

Bombarda Neighborhood – Bombarda is the neighborhood where SCAR-ID is located, an “art district” known for design stores, art galleries, street art. For us — though we are biased — it is the most vibrant neighbourhood in the city, where the most interesting people, projects, businesses, and artists are based. From the local café to the supermarket, even the hairdressers, florists, and bookshops, everything happens here. It’s still a local neighborhood even though it has a cosmopolitan atmosphere, thanks to its international visitors, many of whom are art and design experts and enthusiasts. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos. Rua Miguel Bombarda – A street lined almost entirely with galleries and independent art spaces. – Filipe Fanguiero. The Miguel Bombarda area is great for discovering small galleries and artistic shops. There are also lots of possibilities for a bite to eat in between the visits. – Irina Boersma César Machado. Rua do Bombarda – Every 2-3 months all the galleries change their shows concurrently, and there will be street parties with a lot of art. – Ayala Braidman. Miguel Bombarda creative quarter is a must-visit, defined by its diverse mix of small galleries and independent artists. – Joana Astolfi 

Galeria Nuno Centeno – Arguably one of the most compelling and internationally relevant contemporary art galleries in Portugal. Housed in a beautifully converted space, it consistently presents uncompromising, vanguard exhibitions that challenge institutional boundaries. – Annelie Augustin. I like visiting the gallery of Nuno Centeno, who has a great eye for local talent and always has shows of very high quality. – Irina Boersma César Machado. Galeria Nuno Centeno – Maria Aguiar

Galeria Nuno Centeno, Galeria Presença, Lehmann, Mais Silva, or Kubik. – Joana Astolfi 

There are many commercial galleries, and it wouldn’t feel right to single out just one. Porto has a very interesting and vibrant art scene, especially because of its many independent and artist-run spaces. They are the result of a great deal of effort and resilience, which I really admire. We are all part of the same ecosystem, and, one way or another, we have all contributed to making the city increasingly interesting from a cultural perspective. – Inês Grosso

Tile-spotting 

Sao Bento Train Station – Even if you’re not leaving Porto (and why would you?), make sure to stop by Sao Bento to see some of the most gorgeous azulejos, or blue-and-white tiles, the city has to offer. A close rival: The Chapel of Souls, or the Chapel of Santa Catarina, in Bolhão, famous for its handpainted tile facade depicting the saints. – Sarah Nechamkin. The São Bento train station building somehow still surprises me. – Inês Grosso

All over the city — just look up. Porto is filled with stunning azulejos. – Filipe Fanguiero 

Most interesting architecture

From São Bento until the end of Sá da Bandeira, but also Pedreira and the area around Galeria Nuno Centeno. Also worth noting: Serralves Museum and other works by Álvaro Siza, such as the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Porto, Boa Nova Tea House, or the Santa Maria church in Marco de Canaveses. I also think that whole area by Avenida da Boavista and the Rotunda da Boavista is often overlooked. There are many abandoned buildings there, which is actually something very characteristic of Porto—this feeling of beauty, neglect, and transformation existing side by side. – Inês Grosso

Where to go for theater, film, & live performance 

Teatro Municipal do Porto – One of the most vibrant performance venues in the city, with a highly alternative program. Contemporary dance is one of its strongest offerings. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos. Teatro Municipal do Porto has been curating an increasingly diverse lineup. A prime example is the Dias de Dança (Dance Days) festival, which takes place every April and continues to draw both Portuguese and international enthusiasts. It’s also well worth checking out the programming at Teatro Nacional São João. – Joana Astolfi 

Casa de Música – I highly recommend visiting Casa de Música for any genre of music. The program is always high quality and the beautiful architecture itself makes it worth a visit. – Irina Boersma César Machado

Cinema Trindade – One of our greatest pleasures is being able to decide to see a film on the spot and walk to a cinema. Cinema Trindade reopened in 2017 after a long history dating back to 1913, and has an excellent programme largely based on independent and non-commercial films. No popcorn or XL sodas, obviously! After the film, we head to Candelabro to process it over a drink. – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

Mala Voadora – A brilliantly independent, multidisciplinary cultural space on Rua do Almada. It functions as a theater, residency hub, and experimental playground, bringing a raw, highly precise narrative and structural energy to Porto’s performing arts scene. – Annelie Augustin

Favorite gardens & parks 

​​Jardim da Cordoaria – A leafy garden in the middle of downtown. A great place to laze about with a book or a picnic, shaded by the trees. – Sarah Nechamkin 

Fontainhas Lookout (near the bridge in Bonfim leading down to the river) – A viewpoint over the Douro where locals gather, especially in the evenings. Bring your own wine or beer and just sit with it. – Matan Valershtein

Make your way to Miradouro das Virtudes or to Bosco, a bar right next to it, and grab a beer to watch the sunset. A postcard view will stay with you forever. – Joana Astolfi

Jardim do Morro – Great views from the Gaia side of the river. Locals love to post up here for picnics and gatherings with friends and family. It’s a peaceful way to spend an afternoon; walk back over the bridge just in time to catch the sunset. – Sarah Nechamkin 

A walking/running route you love

A walk along Foz do Douro. – Inês Grosso

Pick up a Lime or Bolt scooter and ride around the Douro in Gaia. It’s a great loop with lovely views of the bridge and the port wine houses along the river. – Sarah Nechamkin 

Best activities for families

An afternoon in Parque da Cidade do Porto. – Inês Grosso. Parque da Cidade – Maria Aguiar 

Serralves – The garden is the best! A good activity for families. – Ayala Braidman

Favorite day trips & beaches 

Praia da Luz – During spring and summer, it’s always worth heading down to Praia da Luz in Foz for a coffee with an ocean view or a stroll along the Molhe area. – Joana Astolfi. Perfect at sunset. – Filipe Fangueiro

Piscinas de Marés de Leça da Palmeira – Municipal pools designed by Álvaro Siza. A trip through the Douro Valley is also a must – truly unique landscapes. Absolutely breathtaking. – Inês Grosso

Foz to Matosinhos Sul – In Porto, it rains quite a lot, and sunny days are not as common as in the rest of the country. So whenever possible, all Porto residents take a slow walk by the sea, have fish in Matosinhos, and walk through the Parque da Cidade. As for swimming in the sea, that’s more complicated — the water is freezing! – Sílvia Pinto Costa & André Ramos

My friend Afonso, who is a snowboarding instructor in Gstaad during the winter, runs day trips to the Douro Valley when he’s back in Portugal in the summer. He’ll pick you up, drive you to Douro, and organize a bunch of vineyard visits and tastings. If you’re not planning on a whole separate visit to Douro, this is the perfect introduction. But if you have more time and can include an overnight, I really love the center of Portugal, which doesn’t get a ton of love. Maybe visit the village of Santar, which recently received some attention thanks to its gorgeous gardens. Plus, this is right in the heart of the Dao wine region, which has remained largely under-the-radar. And if you can do an overnight, do it at Valverde Santar. Surrounded by gardens and vineyards, it’s one of the best new hotels in the country. – Chadner Navarro 

A day trip down to Aveiro is a lovely outing when staying in Porto. The town is beautiful, and close to the sea you’ll find the very charming seaside village of Costa Nova, where you can enjoy great fish and seafood, see the cute fishermen’s houses, and enjoy beautiful beaches. – Irina Boersma César Machado

Viana do Castelo – The beautiful city where I’m from. Home will always make me feel good. -Célia Estaves

If you have an extra day, drive or take the bus to Amarante, a quaint riverside city that sits right between Porto and the Douro Valley. Take a walk along the river and admire the lovely 18th-century buildings, then stop at the famous Confeitaria da Ponte for quintessential Portuguese pastries al fresco on a balcony right over the water. The perfect way to spend a quiet afternoon. – Sarah Nechamkin

MISC.

Keep in mind…

Porto is full of steep hills, so every walk turns into a bit of a hike. Make sure you bring comfortable footwear, stretch your calves, and look around! It feels like there’s something to discover here around every corner. – Sarah Nechamkin

Uber is the easiest way to get around if you don’t want to bother with public transport. It is very safe and inexpensive. Porto is a small town and within half an hour you can usually get everywhere. – Irina Boersma César Machado

When I’m in Porto, I walk. To me, part of getting to know what this city is like is experiencing the physicality its hills demand. Like in Lisbon, it’s always leg day in Porto. For places that are farther away, like Foz or Matosinhos, you can Uber. – Chadner Navarro 

In the city center, always on foot; otherwise, Uber or the metro. Just keep an eye out for the steep hills—it’s not a city for cycling lovers, but it will certainly win your heart. – Joana Astolfi