Porto Travel Diary: A Day of Porto Charm

Walking Along the Douro River and Relaxing with a Glass of Wine ⸻ 🌞 AM 09:00 – Tile Art Explosion! Arrival at São Bento Station The first stop upon arriving in Porto is São Bento Station. Though it's a functioning train station, it feels like an art gallery made of tiles. The walls are covered with stunning blue azulejo tiles, creating an instant Porto vibe 💙. Visiting early in the morning is recommended to avoid crowds. 📸 Photo Tip: Take a vertical shot from the main hall, including the ceiling. ⸻ 🏛 AM 10:00 – Livraria Lello & Clérigos Tower A 10-minute walk from São Bento Station leads to Livraria Lello, a must-visit for Harry Potter fans! Known as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, its curved staircase and stained-glass ceiling make browsing books feel like a scene from a movie. • Entry ticket required (online reservation recommended). Right next door is Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos). Climb approximately 200 steps to enjoy panoramic views of Porto city and the Douro River! ⸻ 🧀 PM 12:00 – Lunch at Ribeira Street The colorful riverside buildings of Porto are iconic, and Ribeira Street captures this charm perfectly. Enjoy lunch here 🍽. 🍽 Recommended Dishes: • Francesinha: A hearty dish with meat, ham, cheese, spicy sauce, and a fried egg on top. • Bacalhau: Traditional Portuguese codfish dish. • Pair your meal with a glass of wine for the perfect lunch set 🍷. ⸻ 🍷 PM 14:00 – Cross Luís I Bridge to Gaia Winery Tour After lunch, take a stroll along the riverbank to the majestic Luís I Bridge (Ponte de Dom Luís I). The upper level is pedestrian-only, while the lower level accommodates both vehicles and pedestrians. Walking across the upper level offers breathtaking views of the river and cityscape. On the other side of the bridge lies Gaia, home to numerous wineries where Porto wine is aged 🍷. • Recommended Wineries: Sandeman, Calem, Taylor’s. • Most tours include a 1-hour visit and wine tasting, priced around €10–15. ⸻ 🌇 PM 17:00 – Sunset at the Hilltop Viewpoint Head to the Serra do Pilar viewpoint (Miradouro da Serra do Pilar) located on Gaia Hill. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of Porto city, Luís I Bridge, and the Douro River. At sunset, the golden hues create the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos 📸.