Of course I have to (try to) write about Port Wine. Port is an important part of Porto (pun intended). Curiously, the wine cellars or lodges are all located in Gaia, on the other margin of river Douro. The main historical reason is because some centuries ago, the Bishop of Porto charged high taxes to the Port producers, so they moved to the other side of the river, where the Bishop didn't have jurisdiction.
History aside, of course I have to recommend that you go a Port wine cellar. There are lots of them. The most well known brands are probably Taylor's, Sandeman, Ferreira, Calém, among many many others. I'm not writing about the types, brands, or crops of Port, or how to drink it, because I'm certainly not an expert and this is all very well explained during the visits.
I've visited several cellars (and some farms in Douro), and I like all the good quality Port I've tasted. So why Taylor's? Besides being there for 4 centuries, it's just the lodge with the best view of Porto, settled upon the hill facing Porto (contrary to the others located at river level). Sure not the cellar itself which is dark and windowless (as the picture "clearly" shows), but the house, restaurant (good Portuguese dishes!), and gardens are not to be missed.
You'll try the Ports during the visits, ask also for the Tonic white Port. Magnificent!
Check the Yeatman Hotel (bar, view, Michelin-starred restaurant!), up the street, belonging to Taylor's.
Rua do Choupelo 250 Vila Nova de Gaia
Visit:
€
5
223772956
Find your way with 136 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"The Portuguese Centre of Photography" in Porto is located in an ex-prison in the centre. Protip: go all the way down the street at the building's left side.
by
"CC Bombard" in Porto is a small "shopping mall" that will surprise you with its originality, concept and products. My favourite shop there is Vertigo.
by
Foz and Porto's seafront is definitely for me my favourite part of the city! In summer it can get crowded, but that's because it's Porto at its best!
by
"Padaria Ribeiro" isn't just a bakery - it's an icon of the city! I imagine they have been perfecting their pastry recipes since the 19th century...
by
Porto is home to Portugal's most well-known and awarded architect, Siza Vieira. You can find his masterpieces sprinkled all over the city.
by
"Porto Belo" (literally: beautiful Porto!) is a traditional flea market located in a beautiful neighborhood. Enjoy the great weather, the sun and the music!
by
"Café Piolho" has been the centre of Porto students' nightlife for over a century. The first cafe to have electricity and TV, it's a living part of history.
by
The "Edíficio Transparente" in Porto is a strange glass building with 4 floors, pleasant restaurant, cafes - and one of my favorite ocean views in the city.
by
"Parque da Cidade" is Porto's Central or Hyde Park, and it's the only one in Europe with a seafront! It's one of my favourite spots to do outdoorsy things.
by
"Café Santiago" serves perhaps my favorite Francesinha (as healthy as it looks) in Porto. And the "only" drink that goes along with it is Super Bock beer!
by
"Bugo Art Burger" was the first restaurant in Porto to cook special burgers. Even after all that time, it still has THAT twist! Mango chutney burger anyone?
by
"Botanic Garden" in Porto's Campo Alegre is a wonderful oasis in quite a busy part of the city. It's really worth discovering, if only as a relaxing refuge.
by
136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 136 Insider Tips