PERFECT WEEKENDS
Our Perfect Weekend in Porto
Portugal was the second country we visited outside of America. It was a brief 13 hour layover, a day full of unfortunate twists and turns...from getting completely lost on the narrow streets of Porto to eating mediocre food and missing the opportunity to try authentic Portuguese wine. It didn't leave the best impression on us.
But somehow we made it back a year and a half later. We learned from our mistakes and made sure we did research on restaurants, places and activities when in Porto. This is where we discovered the freshest seafood just an hour by bus out of town. This is the city where we indulged in the highly addictive pastel da nata, a pastry that can easily compete with the best croissants in France. And this is the only place where you can get a proper glass of fortified wine so special that it can not be called port wine unless the grapes originate from the Douro Valley. If we didn't give Porto a second chance, we wouldn't be here discussing how you can have one of the best weekends of your life in this often overlooked travel destination.
Many experts will tell you can't fully appreciate an area until you have spent a least a week there. In our perspective, all you need is a few days of good food, amazing drinks and a couple of fun activities; things that truly define the area. Our Perfect Weekend is just a mere suggestion. Our goal is to spark your curiosity...and we hope you live to tell someone your perfect weekend in Porto.
First stop is Casa Ribeiro, a local joint that serves pizza, seafood and pastas. They have an extensive menu but out of all the items, the stand out dish is their iconic suckling pig sandwich. If weather permits, enjoy this specialty outdoors with an ice cold beer. You will blend in with all Portuguese and they will be very impressed with your good taste.
Francesinha is the number one dish you must try when visiting Porto. Nearly every restaurant has their own version, but Cafe Santiago's meat fest sandwich has won multiple awards including the best francesinha in Porto. Between two slices of white bread are layers of every meat you can think of, topped with a cheese beer sauce and a fried egg.
Take a little stroll to Casa das Tortas to indulge in a traditional Portuguese pastry called pastel de nata. It's an egg tart served warm from the oven with a dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar. Our airbnb host recommended this local favorite and believe us, it does not disappoint.
Every good town and city has an outdoor market that sells seasonal produce, fresh meat and seafood. Unfortunately the Mercado do Bolhão is under renovation and their temporary market is located in the basement of a shopping mall. It's still worth visiting the various stands and discovering what Porto has to offer in the culinary realm. Grab some fruit! Enjoy the bread!
Venture outside of Porto for lunch. To fully appreciate the fresh seafood of Portugal, one must eat the shellfish platter at Esplanada Marisqueira Antiga. For a hefty price, you are presented with a monstrous array of giant prawns, clams, shrimp and gooseneck barnacles, another speciality of Portugal. Anthony Bourdain would be so proud of you.
Before you head back into town, catch a bus to one of the many beaches outside of Porto. Lay on the sand at Praia das Pastoras. If you didn't bring your swimsuit, you can still admire the waves while walking on the paved Promenade Foz do Douro. Several outdoor bars are conveniently located nearby with comfy lounge chairs for you to relax and enjoy the beach weather.
Time for a snack. Stop by this "cervejaria" for their famous cachorros. This Portuguese hot dog in a toasted bun is layered with cheese and top with a spicy oil and finished on a panini press. Along with fries and beer, it's a perfect little meal that keeps you satisfied until dinner. If you order the sauce on the side, be prepared for their corny question "which side?"
If you can describe Euskalduna Studio in one word, it would be surprise. Using finesse French techniques combined with Japanese style, Chef Santos and his team transform local Porto ingredients into exquisite dishes that you can not get anywhere else in the world. Although their menu changes seasonally, there will always be consistent freshness like we saw in the tuna and rice, savory delicious notes like in the oxtail and kimchi and unique tastes like the shallot tarte tartin. Surprise may be an understatement.
From the server's attire to the decor, Cafe Majestic is one of those establishments that have remained unchanged since the 1920's. We recommend just having something small like a cup of coffee/tea and a pastry or their french toast. Many locals and tourists agree that their food is nothing spectacular. However it's the "belle époque era" look and feel of the 20's that they capture and retain so well.
Hike to the top of the hill where you'll find the well known port lodge, Cockburn's. Their name is synonymous with top notch vintage ports, wine that has been fortified with alcohol. It's one the largest cellars in the old part of Porto, holding over 6,500 oak barrels of aging wine. For 15 euros, you get 3 classic port tastings and an in-depth tour of their cellar and winemaking.
The Portuguese really like their pig, so head to Casa Guedes for one last bite...their famous roasted pork sandwich. If you can't handle spicy food, you may want to order the sauce on the side. The Sande de Pernil is served with a highly addictive black pepper dressing that burns in a good way.
