Porto surprised me. I expected charm — I got overwhelmed by it. The tilework, the wine, the light on the Douro in the late afternoon. Three days is not enough, but it is enough to fall completely in love.
Where to Stay
The Bonfim neighbourhood offers an authentic local feel with excellent guesthouses and easy access to the centre. For something more central, the Aliados area puts you walking distance from everything.
What to Eat
Francesinha at Café Santiago — the iconic Porto sandwich with a hangover-curing sauce. Pasteis de bacalhau everywhere. Wine from the caves of Vila Nova de Gaia across the river.
Where to Wander
São Bento station just to see the azulejos. The Ribeira waterfront at golden hour. Livraria Lello bookshop. The Foz neighbourhood where the Douro meets the sea.