I spent a month working remotely in Porto, and it quickly became one of my favorite cities. From the vibrant streets and scenic river views to beach days and wine tours, Porto has the perfect balance of chill and charm. Here’s my guide for making the most of your time in this beautiful city.

Walking Tour with a Local

I kicked off my trip with a walking tour—and I highly recommend it. It’s the perfect way to get your bearings while soaking in Porto’s rich history, architecture, and fun little quirks you’d probably miss on your own. 
We met at Praça Gomes Teixeira, and over the next two hours, wandered through some of the city’s most iconic spots with plenty of stories and local insight along the way.

Some of the stops included on this tour:
- Porto's City Hall
- São Bento Station
- Aliados Avenue
- Torre dos Clérigos
- Livraria Lello (the stunning bookshop said to have inspired JK Rowling's Harry Potter series)
- Miradouro da Vitoria
- Sé Cathedral
- Rua das Flores
- Praca Da Ribeira
- Luis I Bridge

Time to Work! Cowork at Outsite Cafe

Tucked in the Bonfim neighborhood, this cafe quickly became my go-to coworking spot. Good coffee, reliable Wi-Fi, and a laid-back vibe— it's a perfect place for taking calls or knocking out a few hours of focused work. The beautifully designed interior made it easy to settle in—and by evening, the space transforms, occasionally hosting live concerts making it a great place to transition from work mode to unwind mode.

Day Trip: Douro Valley Wine Tour

A must-do! I booked a day tour to the Douro Valley that included vineyard visits, wine tastings, lunch, and a boat ride along the Douro River. It was a relaxing way to explore the region’s wine culture—and the views were next level. As the birthplace of Port wine, you can expect to sip some of the best right where it’s made. The whole experience was both scenic and super chill—perfect for a weekend reset.

Beach Break

On weekends, my friends and I would hop in an Uber to the Foz do Douro neighborhood for a proper beach day. Restaurante Praia da Luz is a bar and restaurant perched right by the ocean, and we managed to snag a comfy sofa in the sand. We ordered food, kicked back, and spent the afternoon in the sun watching the waves crash. It’s a solid beach spot to lounge, read a book, and catch the sunset.

Where to Eat & Drink in Porto

Of course, you have to try the delicious classics —pastel de nata, fresh seafood, cachorrinho, and the iconic Francesinha. However, I opted to cook most of my meals during my stay. There was a grocery store just a short walk from my place—my go-to pickup was a rotisserie chicken (add some piri piri sauce!) and a few random bottles of wine to try. When I didn’t feel like cooking, I relied on the Glovo delivery app—it was super fast and convenient. For a quick bite, a coffee and sandes de frango from a local café always hit the spot!

A few memorable places I’d eat again:
- Italian Dinner @ A Despensa – Cozy spot with fantastic pasta dishes (worth the 30-minute wait to be seated).

- Ramen @ Nood – Perfect for when you’re craving spicy, comforting Asian flavors.

- Frango Assado @ Pedro dos Frangos – An OG chicken spot that's been serving up classics for over 50 years.

- Drinks @ Curioso Cocktail Bar – Laid-back atmosphere with solid cocktails 

And for late nights? Don’t miss the McDonald’s - Imperial. Not for the nuggets, but for the architecture! Located in a historic 1930s café building, it’s considered the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world, complete with art deco stained glass windows!

Can’t-Miss Sunset: Jardim do Morro

For one of the best views in Porto, take the Gaia Cable Car (Teleférico de Gaia) up to the upper city, the Dom Luís I Bridge, and Jardim do Morro—it’s around €7 one way and totally worth it. Skip the overpriced drinks at the bar and bring your own (there are a few convenience stores nearby to stock up). Get there early to grab a good spot on the grass and soak in the sunset vibes—it’s a favorite hangout for both locals and travelers.

Local Culture: São João Festival

If you’re in Porto in late June, São João is an unforgettable experience. Think fireworks, street parties, grilled sardines, and plastic hammers (yes, it’s a thing!). It’s one of the city’s biggest celebrations and the energy is unreal.