Porto is an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway, where you can indulge in the flavours of rustic port houses and delicious Portuguese restaurants.

Top things to see & do;

• Make sure to reserve a day to visit the beautiful Douro Valley and embark on a wine tasting adventure. The incredible views of the vineyards clinging to the steep hillsides of the valley, with the Douro River running below, will leave you in awe. Numerous tour companies offer similar packages that include visits to 2-3 vineyards and a scenic boat ride along the river. The wine tour offers the perfect combination of sampling a delightful selection of local red and white wines, along with the renowned port whilst soaking up in the sun and enjoying the stunning scenery. 
• For a picturesque cycling day trip, rent bikes and pedal along the coastline towards the charming fishing village of Matosinhos. Take the small road near the market known as Rua Heróis de França, where you’ll find local restaurants offering deliciousBBQ’d fish and affordable yet excellent wine.
• Visit Porto’s port houses located south of the river and sample a wide range of port variations. Porto completely changed my perception of port wine, as I discovered dry and sweet options, along with pink, white, orange and the classic ruby and tawny varieties. There’s something to please every palate and preference.  

Where to eat & drink in Porto

• Vinhas d’Alho – Another cosy wine & port bar located by the riverside
• Traça – Situated in a charming square near Largo São Domingos, Traça is a fantastic choice for traditional Portuguese cuisine and an extensive wine selection.
• Porto Cruz – Located south of the river, Porto Cruz is a port house with a rooftop bar offering great views of the city and the Dom Luís I bridge. Perfect spot for sunset drinks. Along this same stretch of the river, you’ll find plenty of vibrant bars and cosy cafes to soak up the sun and enjoy a drink or two. 
• Mercardo Gaia – After exploring the southern part of the city, head to Mercardo Gaia, an indoor market with a wide variety of international and local cuisines. It’s a great spot for a casual lunch.
• Zenith – Start your day at Zenith, a popular breakfast/brunch spot in Porto.
• Base bar – Situated on the roof of a car park, Base bar is a trendy hangout spot with ample green space and a central bar. It’s an ideal place to unwind with a cold beer after a day of sightseeing.
• Tito 2 – A seafood restaurant serving fresh and simple BBQ’d fish with a great selection of portuguese wine
• Restaurante Praia da Luz – Enjoy a laid-back beachside dining experience near Foz at Restaurante Praia da Luz, where you can sit and enjoy open sea views.
• Wine Quay Bar – Enjoy the cosy ambiance of Wine Quay Bar while enjoying a scenic view of the river.

Staying in Douro Valley

If you’re looking for a more immersive wine and port experience, consider staying in the Douro Valley at one of its many wineries. I stayed at the modern MW Douro Wine & Spa, a hotel with breathtaking views of the valley and excellent facilities, including a swimming pool, gym, and spa. From here, you’ll have hundreds of wineries right on your doorstep. Here are a few I visited:

Quinta do Beijo, Celeirós do Douro region
This family-run winery, with over 100 years of history and more than 40 acres of land, is known for its exceptional DOC wines and ports. You can book wine tours and tastings directly through their website.

D’Origem, Casal de Loivos region
Famous for its olive oil museum and olive oil production, this winery also offers wine tastings with spectacular views of the valley from their terrace.

Quinta de Marrocos, Baixo Corgo region
Situated on the left bank of the Douro, this is one of the oldest estates in the region, producing renowned Port and wine. The estate’s terraces, built with traditional dry stone walls, offer panoramic views. Accommodation is also available here.

VintageTheory Boutique Porto Winery, Sabrosa region
I stopped here for a delicious three-course lunch as part of a wine tour. The winery includes beautiful gardens to explore, a pool with vineyard views, and a lodge where you can stay overnight.

How to get to Douro Valley:

• By Car: Renting a car is straightforward and takes about 1 hour from Porto or 3 hours from Lisbon.
• Private/Group Tours: Porto offers several tours that include hotel or accommodation pick-up and drop-off