Weekend in Porto

HeidiHeidi

I think there have probably been a few threads on this before, so I'll go digging - but said I'd ask on my own behalf anyway.

I've just booked a weekend in Porto in May (tagged onto another trip further south in Portugal, so on the way home).

I'll arrive Friday evening, about 7pm, and leave on Monday at lunchtime.

Any recommendations for places to stay (I'll be on my own, but happy to splash out for somewhere lovely and great location, within reason), and things to do/must-sees would be very welcome.

Go!

HeidiHeidi

Bumping this in the hope that someone out there is familiar with Porto and has a lovely recommendation for me…..

blackvalley

Would certainly recommend a cruise including wine tasting on the Duro river. There are several companies offering the cruise so perhaps look at Tripadvisor for a recommendation. If you’re lucky to get a fine day it’s beautiful.

ondeck

Porto Bay Flores hotel is in a great location and is a lovely hotel. You can upgrade to a castle room if you want to treat yourself. I'd recommend just walking around the centre and adjoining or nearby streets. Lots of beautiful old apartment buildings and small traditional shops specialising in different things which you can't see in most modern cities. Also nice to see the apartment residents off to do the shopping at the local shop. Some of them quite old and obviously doing this all their lives. Numerous brilliant cafes and of course fresh delicious Pastel de Natas.

I can recommend Hotel Vincci, it’s a stylish/ sensitively converted modernist fish market a couple of tram stops along the quay from the centre of town. The lobby and roof terrace are really atmospheric. Breakfast room is beautiful.

IMO the best restaurant in Porto is Taberna Santo Antonio, it’s away from the tourist area but would urge you to go there, it’s an old school locals spot. It’s usually busy and you can expect t to wait a while for a table but you can buy a beer from the restaurant and enjoy the views from the park across the street while you wait.

During the daytime walk around eating francheshinas and drinking port at the bars at the other side of the river near the port cellars. Maybe go to a Fado recital if you like music

HeidiHeidi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123121387#Comment_123121387

That sounded fab - until I got a quote, and it's nearly €1300 for the cheapest room for 3 nights! I'm up for treating myself, but that's more than my entire week in Portugal, flights and all….. don't think I'm worth that, even to myself!!

But thanks for the recommendation, I might visit for a cocktail or glass of Duoro.

ondeck

Fair enough. It was about 3 or 4 years ago I stayed there. Hotel prices in Porto have obviously rocketed since. Great city though and I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time.

HeidiHeidi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123121410#Comment_123121410

That looks like a runner….. will add that to a list for consideration - thanks!

HeidiHeidi

I'm bumping this in case anyone else has any recommendations for me…..

I've booked an Airbnb studio apartment for the few nights, it's very centrally located 1km from Ponte Luis I.

I'll have two full days there, I'm thinking of a bike tour along the river, and/or a boat tour - if anyone knows any companies that are particularly good value I'd love to hear of them.

I'll be on my own, so restaurants/cafes that are good for solo dining would also be good to hear about.

Other than that, I think I'll just be mooching around, so any must-sees in the town that I shouldn't miss?

Thanks!!