Portugal
Long lay-over in Porto
We were flying from Belgium to Madeira via Porto. So why not staying a night and visit the city?! Stroll along through the city center to end the day in one of the many famous Port Wine cellars.
Miradouro da Vitoria
We start our stroll through the city at one of the most famous viewpoints: Miradouro da Vitoria. This little park overlooks the terracotta roofs of downtown Porto and the Douro river with its famous Port Wine cellars on the border.
Strolling along the city center
From Miradouro da Vitoria we strolled all the way down to Armazem - a vintage shop near the Alfândega do Porto - but unfortunately it was closed (permanently?). Nevertheless we continued or stroll back up in the direction of Livraria Lello.
12 o'clock: Porto Tonic & Aperol time!
In the middle of a green rooftop park across Livraria Lello you'll find a summer bar called BASE. The perfect spot to sit down on the grass and enjoy a Porto Tonic or an Aperol.
Visit the magical Livraria Lello
This world famous bookstore is known to be one of the places that inspired J.K. Rowling to create the world of Harry Potter. And when you'll enter, you'll understand why. The curling red staircase and the old wooden book shelves takes you immediately to Hogwarts. Order your entrance tickets online.
Lunch at Mercado do Bolhão
We are suckers for food markets. And today we've planned to visit 2 of them, starting with the Mercado do Bolhão for lunch. We've read online that you can buy fresh lobster tales for just a few euros. So we head over to this market. To be fare, it is a beautiful market, but the food offering is (except for the lobster tales), not so great. So don't make it your must go-to lunch spot, but if you're in the neighborhood you can always go and check it out.
Pastel de Nata to go
There are many bakeries where you can buy the traditional Portuguese 'Pastel de Nata'. You can't visit Portugal without having one of these.
Walk down the Escadas dos Guindais to the river
We walk down from the city center all the way to the river Douro. Use the famous staircase "Escadas dos Guindais" with its view and street art.
Tour & tasting at Ferreira Port Wine Cellar
You can't visit Porto without joining a Port Wine tour & tasting. We booked our tour online, made a reservation for a time-slot near apero-time and headed over to Ferreira Port Wine Cellar near the border of the Douro river. You'll be guided through the cellars by a great English speaking guide with lots of expertise of both the history of this Portuguese family owned Port House and the different types of Port Wine. At the end of the tour you'll be presented with a tasting of 3 wines to taste it yourself.
