As one of Portugal’s favorite northern cities, Porto is brimming with history and culture, and it is home to arguably one of the greatest sandwiches on earth. Moreover, this vibrant city is perfect for those looking to explore all the best things to see and do in one perfect day.
Check into the Torel Palace
Ready to live out your royal fantasies? Then the Torel Palace is for you. The hotel, housed in a one-time family mansion, has been transformed into a five-star accommodation featuring 24 charming rooms and suites, a delicious restaurant, a spa, and a hidden oasis swimming pool in the back.
Dating back to 1861, Torel Palace Porto has been meticulously renovated to bridge the divide between new and old, perfectly blending modern amenities with old-world charm. Additionally, the hotel houses a stunning library featuring more than 1,000 books waiting to be discovered, and each room is named after a Portuguese literary great to inspire guests to learn more about this wonderful country.
Grab breakfast at O Diplomata
Make sure you have enough energy for a day of exploring Porto by first stopping into O Diplomata, a coffee shop and cafe that has all the fixings for an ideal breakfast. At the shop, you’ll find coffees, juices, smoothies, and plenty of eggs. However, the real star of the show here is its pancakes. You can choose from a pre-selected pancake menu or create your own from a list of batters, dozens of toppings, and even ice creams for a morning sugar rush.
Seek out a 360-degree view at Clérigos Tower
Clérigos Tower is an essential sight in Porto. It is hard to miss as the highest tower in the city. This awe-inspiring building, attached to the Clérigos Church since 1763, is filled with historical artifacts and offers free organ concerts every day at noon inside the massive church.
Are you ready to make your way to the top? All you need to do is climb the 225 steps through narrow passages, past the bells, and finally arrive at the outdoor viewing area where you’ll enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the city below. Once you catch your breath, take your time walking back down to fully appreciate the experience.
Dig into a francesinha at Cafe Santiago
It’s lunchtime in Porto, which means it’s time to savor one iconic dish: Francesinha. Café Santiago is widely regarded as the best place to enjoy this local specialty.
This restaurant, which opened in 1959, has developed a loyal following due to its perfect francesinha sandwich, made with several meats, including sausage and beef, thick sliced bread, melted cheese, an egg on top, and smothered in a secret sauce. This family recipe is closely guarded, making the dish even more enticing. If you’re still hungry, consider ordering a side of fries to soak up the delicious sauce.
Dive deep into vino at the World of Wine
While visiting Porto, you will undoubtedly get to taste some fantastic varietals. However, you can enhance your experience at the World of Wine, a cultural destination located in the heart of Vila Nova de Gaia’s historic Port warehouse district. Here, visitors can explore immersive museum experiences, including the Wine Experience, which offers a hands-on exploration of regions, climates, grape varieties, and winemaking. Additionally, the Planet Cork exhibit allows guests to learn everything possible about cork and its sustainable industry.
The World of Wine also boasts a selection of 12 restaurants, bars, cafes, retail outlets, and even a wine school.
Get a taste of the best at Euskalduna
End your day in Porto with an unforgettable tasting menu at Euskalduna. This intimate restaurant focuses on delivering a remarkable culinary experience. The prime seats are around the chef’s counter, providing a view of the culinary masterpieces being crafted. The menu features 10 exquisite “moments” and some surprises, incorporating flavors from around the globe while sourcing ingredients locally in Portugal. To elevate the experience, consider pairing the tasting menu with a fine wine.
