2025 Vila Nova de Gaia Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in June)

It was a trip to Porto, Portugal 🇵🇹 Porto is a vibrant and picturesque city known for its stunning riverside views, colorful buildings, and rich history 🙌 We kicked off our Porto adventure with an early morning ☀️ stroll through Ribeira, the historic district by the Douro River. The soft morning light ✨ made the colorful buildings along the riverbank glow, and the calm waters of the river reflected the historic architecture. We spent time walking along the cobbled streets, capturing the narrow alleys and vibrant facades. It’s an unmissable spot to start your day, especially for those looking to capture Porto’s authentic charm 🙌 📍Ribeira, Porto, Portugal After exploring Ribeira, we crossed the famous Dom Luís I Bridge 😍 to the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river. The bridge, with its iconic double decker structure, offers some of the best panoramic views of Porto, especially in the late morning light ✨ when the city is bathed in warm tones. From the top deck, we snapped some stunning photos 📸 of Porto’s skyline, including the colorful buildings and the river winding through the city 💯 📍Ponte Dom Luís I, 4000 Porto, Portugal We also visited Jardim do Morro, a lovely park on the Vila Nova de Gaia side of the river. From here, we caught a breathtaking view of Porto’s historic center with the Dom Luís I Bridge in the foreground 🙌The early morning light ✨ was perfect for capturing the sweeping views of the city, and the park itself was peaceful and quiet at sunrise 🌅 This is an ideal spot for wide-angle shots of Porto, especially as the city comes to life 😍 📍Jardim do Morro, 4400-111 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal After a picturesque morning ☀️ we headed to Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world 📖 The ornate staircase, stained-glass windows🪟and wood-paneled walls create a stunning atmosphere, perfect for capturing the charm of this historic bookstore. The afternoon light ✨ streaming through the windows added a magical glow to the space, making it an ideal time for photos 📸 For those with an interest in architecture and design, Livraria Lello is an absolute must-see 🙌 📍Rua das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto, Portugal Porto is a city that offers an endless array of beautiful spots for photography 📸 from its iconic bridges to its historic buildings and stunning coastal views 🙌🙌🙌 #europetrip #Vacation #travel

Porto is the second largest city and the largest port in Portugal. ‣ Porto is a mountain city. Some attractions may seem close, but actually require climbing. ‣ Porto has many attractions, but most are for taking photos outside. ‣ Porto has a high bridge over the river, the Dom Luís I Bridge. You can walk on the upper and lower levels, and there's a good chance of seeing a beautiful sunset from the bridge. ‣ Food and wine are cheap and delicious. It's a great place to visit and relax. ● Spend at least 2–3 days in Porto. We recommend visiting both Lisbon and Porto. Day 1️⃣ Arrive in Lisbon and explore the city. Day 2️⃣ Lisbon Day 3️⃣ Sintra / Cabo da Roca (if you have time, you can spend 2 days in Sintra) Day 4️⃣ Lisbon to Porto, explore Porto Day 5️⃣ Porto Day 6️⃣ Leave Porto ● Famous attractions: ❶ São Bento Railway Station: Blue and white tiles inside, 5–10 minutes for photos ❷ Liberty Square / City Hall / Most Beautiful McDonald's: Landmarks you will definitely pass by ❸ Carmo Church: Blue and white tiles on the exterior, 10–15 minutes for photos ❹ Livraria Lello: Most beautiful bookstore, inspiration for Harry Potter, 30-minute visit, €8 ticket ❺ Clérigos Tower: Climb to the top for views, 225 steps, €8, allow 1 hour ❻ Porto Cathedral: Mainly for the viewing platform in front of the church, 10–15 minutes, no need to enter ❼ Dom Luís I Bridge: Porto's most important landmark, walk on the upper level to the garden viewing platform ❽ Garden Viewing Platform: Jardim do Morro, one of the best places to view the Douro River and the old town on the other side, great for sunsets ❾ New Town Wharf Cable Car & Food Court: Connects the Gaia New Town Wharf at the foot of the mountain and the garden on the mountain, €7 one way, €10 round trip; the food court is next to the cable car station at the foot of the mountain ❿ Monastery Viewing Platform: One of the best places to view the Douro River and the old town on the other side, great for sunsets, higher than the garden ⓫ Church of the Holy Spirit: Blue and white tiles on the exterior, 10–15 minutes for photos ⓬ Church of Saint Ildefonso: Blue and white tiles on the exterior, 10–15 minutes for photos ⓭ Majestic Café: Most beautiful café, where J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter ⓮ Café Santiago: Best restaurant for Portuguese sandwiches ⓯ Bolhão Market: Century-old market, reopened on September 15, 2022, after renovation ⓰ Palácio da Bolsa: 30-minute visit, €12 ticket, €7.5 for students ⓱ Ribeira Square: Area with riverside restaurants and cafés

This viewpoint is worth a visit! If you take the tram to Jardim do Morro, it's just a short walk to the viewpoint where you can enjoy Porto, with only a slight incline in the last 200 meters. Even those with mobility issues can reach here. The view here is stunning at any time of the day, but the sunset is truly breathtaking. This is definitely the best viewpoint in Porto, not only for the scenery but also for taking some great photos. The area can be very busy, but it's much quieter than downtown Porto. Overlooking the river, you can see old riverboats and most of the landmarks on the other side of the river, as well as the colorful old town houses and the beautiful Dom Luís I Bridge. Highly recommended!

#b&B The House of Sandeman Hostel & Suites is the world’s first branded hotel and hostel dedicated to the Porto wine brand. The location is right at the original site of the wine cellar, which is really quite thoughtful and bold. The location is super convenient, not only to enjoy the beautiful views of Porto and the Douro River, but the historic wine cellar architecture itself is a selling point. Available from 7 to 14 bed rooms to exquisite river view terrace rooms. I chose an 8-bed room, which is less than $150 HKD and includes breakfast. The room space is large and the bed space is large, no sense of oppression. The characteristic is that the bed frame is a steel hoop of a wooden cylinder of aged wine, which is very relevant. There is also a storage box with a password, private space can put clothes and their own things are no problem, size enough to fit into a large suitcase. There are two bathroom facilities and a small living room vanity in the room, which is super clean and tidy. Bath towels are free but require a deposit of 5 euros, return on check-out. There is a Wellcome drink in the social room at 7pm every night, and the river view is best on the terrace. Breakfast was at 8am. The breakfast was very rich. There is also a kitchen you can use can cook your own, kitchen equipment everything. The staff are very kind and enthusiastic, smiling A hotel that I will stay at again is really more than 100 points.

#EuropeanTravel 📍Location: Largo Aviz, 4430-999 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal While viewing the Douro River, cross the Dom Luis Bridge and go up to the observatory! The observatory is high, so the night view was really great. They also have busking, so the atmosphere is great👍 I was able to see the best sunset in front of the Douro River before watching the night view! I recommend going before sunset because you can see the sunset from the observatory. Personally, I thought the Pilar observatory was prettier than the Moru Garden! I could see the Dom Luis Bridge at once from Pilar.

#EuropeanTravel #WineryTour 📍Rua do Choupelo 250, 4400-088 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal 🕐 11:00 - 19:00 💵 Audio Tour & Wine Tasting 15Eur If you are traveling to Porto, this is a must-do winery tour! Portugal is a country famous for fortified wine, and Porto has many wineries! In particular, the reason I chose Taylor Winery is that even if you take the tour, you can hear the tour content explained in Korean🫶 You can tour the spacious winery for 30-40 minutes, and at the end, you can finish the tour perfectly with a wine tasting! Make sure to take a winery tour❗️❗️❗️

The Sandeman Winery, located under the Louis I Bridge, has a place to buy wine and an introduction to the history of the winery. The guides are wearing cool black cloaks, which is very characteristic of the mysterious winery. The guided tour time is from 10:00 to 12:30 in the morning and from 14:00 to 18:00 in the afternoon. Please pay attention to the guided tour time when buying tickets on site. The explanation is available in Spanish, French, English, Portuguese, etc. The guided tour explanation time is about 40 minutes. You can taste 3 different Porto wines. The guides are wearing black cloaks, which is very cool. The current fee for the guided tour and wine tasting is 19 Euros. If you have the opportunity, you can come and visit this very creative winery!

The Jardim do Morro is the best view in Porto and conveniently located near the most famous double deck bridge, Luiz I. you will find many couples and families come here to enjoy the glorious sunset. There are many vendors nearby that sell snacks and drinks for you to enjoy. The view across the river is truly stunning and one of my best memories of Porto. #europe #porto #portugal #mountainview #sunset

There’s so many port winery in porto. Augusto’s wine can drink only in porto. It was small winery but you can taste 4flavors of portwine for free. And tour price was only 5euros, bang for the buck though. Especially this winery got like private wine so good for satisfaction. When you wanna go port winery i recommend here :)#porto #Portwinery #portwine #portugal #winery #Augustos

This is the Moru Garden, known as a sunset spot in Porto. When I went there, I saw that Europeans came a few hours before sunset and enjoyed their leisure time until sunset! Maybe because the weather was cool, there were a lot of people..! The 6th or 7th is a monastery next to the Moru Garden, which is another sunset spot. ㅎㅎ #sunset spot #Porto travel

#sunset #porto #portugal #viewrestaurant I regretted so much not coming yesterday when it was clear ㅠㅠ I really gave up because my legs hurt sooooooo much after coming this close to the entrance....;;;; Just go here during the day, at sunset, and at night~ (You absolutely don't have to go inside)

The perfect spot to end your day in Porto is Jardim do Morro. This park is connected to the upper level of the Dom Luís I Bridge, which spans the Douro River, offering one of the best panoramic views of the city. Upon arriving at the park, you'll be captivated by the terracotta-roofed buildings of Porto and the graceful curve of the Dom Luís I Bridge stretching over the river. During sunset, the sky turns a brilliant orange, bathing the entire city in a golden glow—a breathtaking sight that leaves a lasting impression on many travelers. Jardim do Morro is conveniently located near the upper station of the Gaia Cable Car (Teleférico de Gaia), making it easily accessible. Additionally, it’s just a short walk from the Jardim do Morro station on Porto Metro's D Line, making it simple to visit via public transportation. After sunset, consider taking a stroll along the upper level of the Dom Luís I Bridge to enjoy Porto's nighttime scenery. The city lights and the shimmering reflections on the Douro River offer a completely different charm. If you're visiting Porto, watching the sunset from Jardim do Morro is a must. The moments you spend here will undoubtedly be a highlight of your trip. 📍Jardim do Morro, 4430-210 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

Enjoying a lovely sunset while in the cable car. Gaia, Porto is a best place to experience the lovely sunset in portugal while sipping a wide selection of wine and cocktail. You can also enjoy local Portuguese cuisines and delicacies. You can also enjoy the different bridges in Porto which is the landmark in Porto city. #travel #romantic #porto #portugal #wine #sunset

If you're Japanese, you'll love Porto! It's different from Lisbon, and it's close to the sea! There are a lot of famous things! Lello Bookstore is called the most beautiful bookstore in the world! They sell books like normal! Even though it's a bookstore, you have to line up and need an admission ticket to get in! But once you go inside, it's so beautiful! The station building with the beautiful Azerejo! This is a station...! It's so beautiful, so please go and see it! Speaking of Porto, Porto wine is also famous 🍷 There are several wineries, so you should definitely visit them! Tasting and find your favorite port wine! Finally, gourmet food! If you go to Porto, the gourmet food you should try is Francesinha! It looks like a freto, but it's huge! It's a calorie bomb with sausage, ham, cheese, egg on top and sauce 💣 It may be difficult to finish it, but please give it a try! #Let's go abroad #Porto #Portugal #Porto trip #Portugal trip #Winery tour #Porto wine

#EuropeGuide 10:00 AM - Arrive at São Bento Station Arrived at São Bento Station by train from Lisbon, it is a work of art in itself. The walls inside the station are covered with azulejos (traditional tile paintings) depicting scenes from Porto's history. Even though it is a train station, it feels like a museum. I left my luggage at my hotel and headed straight to the city. 11:30 AM - Walking across the Luis I Bridge The Luis I Bridge, a representative structure of Porto, can be crossed on foot from both the upper and lower levels. I chose the upper level. The Douro River is visible the entire time I was walking on the bridge, and the cityscape of red roofs on both sides was truly impressive. The sight of the cable car moving and the yachts slowly crossing the river... It was a picturesque scene. 1:00 PM - Graham's Port Winery Tour I had to climb a bit of a hill to reach Graham's Winery, located on a hill in the Gaia region across the river. Even before entering, the scent from the wine cellar stimulates the tip of the nose. I participated in a guided tour and learned in detail about the history and manufacturing process of port wine. There were rows of oak barrels that were over 100 years old, and the interior had a quiet yet solemn atmosphere. At the end of the tour, there was a tasting on the terrace. I tasted a glass each of 10-year-old and 20-year-old port wine, and the sweetness was deep and the complex aroma lingered for a long time. The view of Porto from the terrace was a photo zone in itself. I wished time would stop for this moment. 4:00 PM – Douro Riverside Walk & Cafe I went down to the Gaia Riverside and took a leisurely walk. The performances of street musicians, the whispers of lovers, and the music coming from the wine bar all came together to make the entire city feel like a concert hall. I people-watched while drinking an espresso at a small local cafe. I felt the leisureliness of the Porto people was contagious. 6 PM – Dinner on Ribeira Street I came back and had a local dinner at a riverside restaurant on Ribeira Street. I ordered Bacalhau (cod dish) and white wine. There were many tourists, but there were also quite a few local families. I finished my meal quietly looking at the Douro River as the sun set. 8 PM – Watching the sunset at Morro Gardens I crossed the Luis I Bridge and headed back toward Gaia to **Jardim do Morro**. I sat on the lawn and saw people gathered in small groups, drinking beer and listening to music. From here, I could see the entire Porto city at a glance. As the sun set, a red light covered the entire city. The red roofs of Porto, the orange sky, and the lights turning on one by one were strangely hazy. It was one of the most memorable moments of my trip. #Porto #European travel #Portugal #Port wine #Night view spot

#Dragon Boat Festival good places #波图 There are many century-old wineries on the river bank. Came to #Portugal and had to try #Protwine. The winery here is quite friendly and you can go in at any time without making an appointment. We have been to wineries in different countries. There’s no need to visit the brewery area, just try the bar! 🗓️Itinerary: After crossing the bridge, walk down to the river bank. We started from the winery at the end which has the longest history. Walk in offers the option of tasting a set of three wines or ordering them by the glass. 💰Average consumption: €2-4/cup, can be shared #winetasting #PortugalTravel #PortugalFood #PortugalWineTasting

#Dragon Boat Festival Good Places It’s easy to get from #Santiago in Spain to #Porto in #Portugal . It only takes a few hours by car. Porto is great for walking, with beautiful architecture everywhere . The churches here are decorated with blue murals unique to Portugal. It is completely different from churches in Italy and other European countries! 🗓️ Itinerary: 🌟 Don't miss the most beautiful bookstore in the world Entrance fee is €5. Scan the code to buy tickets, you can buy while waiting in line 🌟Authentic Portuguese tart must try! Almost every cafe has it, about €2/each #PortugalTravel #PortugalFreeTravel #porto #Top 10 Most Beautiful Bookstores in the World

Porto, also known as Oporto, is a vibrant city in northern Portugal, celebrated for its rich history, stunning architecture, and renowned Port wine. Located on the Douro River estuary, Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers. The city's historic center, with its narrow streets and charming buildings, offers a glimpse into its past, while modern amenities and a growing culinary scene make it a captivating destination. Visit Sandeman to find one of the best Port wine maker, with the iconic logo figure of a cape man, and learn about the interesting facts and details on Port wine! Prices are very affordable too! Porto often has many street artists performing along the river side, and small stalls sell souvenirs and handcraft items. They also have a cable car to bring you to higher ground and have a great view of the whole Porto as well. It is truly a great place to spend the afternoon drinking and enjoying a good meal while absorbing in the scenery and atmosphere! #travel #thingstodo #couplestrip #afternoonteatime #localfood #relaxingtrip #wine

#springitinerary Why Must Visit: Sometimes, the only way to truly feel a city’s heartbeat is to climb above it. In Porto, that means rising to miradouros (viewpoints), tower tops, and bridges, where the city unfolds like a patchwork of terracotta roofs, winding alleys, and the glittering Douro River carving through the hills. From the top of Clérigos Tower to the upper deck of Dom Luís I Bridge, Porto’s best-kept secret isn’t hidden in its streets—it’s soaring in its sky. Up here, the colors are brighter, the sounds softer, and the romance of Porto wraps around you like the golden light of sunset. 🌅🏰🌉 ⸻ Best Spots to Zoom Down on Porto from Above: 1. Clérigos Tower (Torre dos Clérigos) • Climb 240 steps to reach Porto’s most iconic panoramic perch. • Get a 360° view of the city’s rooftops, churches, and riverbanks. • Best at sunset for golden hour magic. 2. Dom Luís I Bridge (Upper Deck) • Walk the pedestrian path above the Douro, linking Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia. • Watch the boats float below, the colorful Ribeira unfold, and the whole city shimmer. 3. Miradouro da Vitória • A free, slightly hidden viewpoint, perfect for relaxed moments with fewer crowds. • Offers stunning views of the Douro, Gaia’s wine cellars, and the sea beyond on clear days. 4. Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar (Gaia side) • Cross the bridge and climb to this UNESCO-listed monastery terrace for perhaps the best sunset over Porto. • The view of Porto’s colorful old town framed by the river is postcard perfection. ⸻ Tips for Sky-High Moments in Porto: • Best visited early morning or golden hour for magical light and softer crowds. • Always keep an eye on the changing weather—misty Porto can make the views even more dramatic. • Take your time—don’t just snap photos, breathe it all in. • For a romantic touch, bring a small picnic or grab a glass of port at a rooftop bar.

#springitinerary Why Must Visit: Step into the legendary world of Sandeman, where the iconic Don in the black cape and wide hat invites you to taste the soul of Portugal in every glass. Set in the historic cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, Sandeman is more than a winery—it’s a journey through the rich, golden, ruby, and tawny hues of port wine, aged to perfection in vast, fragrant barrels beneath ancient stone arches. 🍷✨ Here, history meets mystery, and every sip tells tales of the Douro Valley’s sun, soil, and spirit. ⸻ Tips for Visiting Sandeman Cellars: • Book a guided tasting tour to explore the atmospheric cellars and understand port wine’s aging magic. • Choose the premium tastings to sample older vintages and rare blends. • Don’t miss a photo with the Don Sandeman silhouette—a Porto icon! • Best enjoyed in the late afternoon, when the cellars are cool, and the wine is velvety smooth. • Pair the tasting with cheese, chocolate, or nuts—divine combos for port lovers. ⸻ Suggested Itinerary: An Afternoon at Sandeman Cellars 2:00 PM: Arrive at Sandeman Cellars, cross the famed arched gates, and step into the dim, aromatic world of port wine. 2:15 PM: Join a guided cellar tour—learn about the Don’s legacy, the art of blending, and the history soaked into every cask. 3:00 PM: Indulge in a premium tasting session, savoring the different personalities of White, Ruby, Tawny, and Vintage Ports. Let the guide walk you through each sip’s story. 3:45 PM: Relax in the tasting lounge or terrace, gaze across the Douro River toward Porto’s colorful skyline, with a glass of your favorite port in hand. 4:30 PM: Visit the Sandeman gift shop—pick up a bottle (or two) to bring the velvet memories home.

#springitinerary Why Must Visit: When you think of Vila Nova de Gaia, you might imagine port wine cellars and riverfront strolls—but beyond the barrels and boats, Gaia’s streets have become a canvas of colors, stories, and rebellious creativity. Hidden in plain sight, the city’s walls pulse with urban poetry, giant murals, and bold street art that breathe fresh life into old alleys and riverside promenades. For the art lover, the wanderer, or the Instagrammer—this is a side of Gaia you can’t miss. 🎨🖌️ Every mural tells a tale of Portugal’s past, dreams of its youth, or global messages painted in vibrant defiance. ⸻ Tips for Exploring Gaia’s Street Art Scene: • Wear comfy shoes—Gaia’s hills are sneaky but rewarding. • Start at Cais de Gaia and wander toward the Largo dos Aviadores and Rua Cândido dos Reis for striking murals. • Don’t miss the WOW (World of Wine) district, where art, design, and creative spaces collide. • For serious art hunting, join a local street art walking tour or grab a digital art map online. • Best light for photos? Early morning or golden hour by the riverfront. 🌅 ⸻ Suggested Itinerary: Street Art & Riverfront Rhythms in Gaia Morning: Colors of Gaia Begin • 9:00 AM: Begin at Cais de Gaia, coffee in hand, admire the small hidden works on back alleys and doors—many local artists leave their playful marks here. • 10:00 AM: Stroll uphill toward Rua General Torres and Rua Cândido dos Reis—spot large murals blending modern messages with local heritage. • 11:30 AM: Visit the WOW district, admire murals, urban art installations, and creative spaces nestled among the old port warehouses. Midday: Art & Taste Collide • 12:30 PM: Lunch at a funky riverside eatery—many places now feature artsy interiors and graffiti walls, blending food and art into one vibrant scene. Afternoon: Alley Wanderings & Wine with Views • 2:00 PM: Continue your wander to Jardim do Morro, spotting street art on the way, and enjoy epic river views of Porto’s tiled facades across the water. • 3:30 PM: End the day at a rooftop bar near Gaia’s cable car station—sip port cocktails while gazing at the colorful murals below and the Douro sparkling under the golden sky. 🍷✨

#April2025 The Yeatman Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Porto** 📍 **Location**: Vila Nova de Gaia, Douro River 🌟 **Features**: - The only five-star wine-themed hotel in Porto, with rooms named after Portuguese wineries - Infinity pool overlooking the Douro River and the old town, with free port wine at dusk - Grapeseed essential oil treatment at Caudalie Spa 🍽️ **Food**: The Michelin two-star "The Yeatman Restaurant" features Portuguese seafood and wine cellar pairing menu Dick’s Bar has a collection of over 2,500 bottles of wine ⚠️ **Note**: - Advance booking is required for River View Suite - From the old town, you need to cross the Dom Luis I Bridge (15 minutes walk)

#EuropeanTravel 🇵🇹Porto, Portugal 📍Taylor's Winery Tour 🍷The only Korean audio guide available during the Porto Winery Tour 🍾Self-tour of the 300-year-old Port wine cellar 🍷There is also a course tour that includes meals 🍾Tasting available at the tasting room 🍷Taylor's wine and wine supplies available for purchase 🍾Outdoor terrace seats recommended for the view of the Douro River

#EuropeanTravel #Porto Porto is a port city in northern Portugal, and it is a city that represents Porto along with the capital, Lisbon. I will introduce the Porto that I experienced 😉 💙 Dom Luis Bridge It is a bridge that connects the hills between the Douro River and was said to be the longest bridge in the world at the time of its expansion. It is said to have a very unconventional form, and it can be said to represent Porto. ♥️ Moru Garden If you cross the Dom Luis Bridge and climb the hill, you will come across Moru Garden, a famous sunset restaurant. You can see many people sitting on the lawn to watch the sunset. Busking, singing, and people from different countries gathering in groups to talk, happy voices, and the sunset of Porto. Where could be a more romantic place than this? 💛 Port Wine When you talk about Porto, you can't leave out Port wine. Fall in love with Porto with this wine with high sugar and alcohol content. 💕Egg Tart Portuguese representative dessert, egg tart!! I had 4 egg tarts in one day 🥰 Be sure to try the egg tarts that go so well with port wine 💙 Surfing Porto is famous for its great waves and surfing. Don't miss out on the 1-day surfing experience lesson

Even before I went and after I came back, I thought about Porto A city full of romance The scenery around the Douro River was nice even though the atmosphere changed depending on the weather There were too many souvenirs to buy, but the unique buildings created a wonderful scenery Porto in winter was nice #Portugal travel #Porto #Europe travel #European sensibility

🧙♂️Porto in 48 Hours｜Enter Harry Potter's Magical World + A Douro River Wine Journey ✨Tram rides/Wine cellar exploration/Blue tile art overload 🚇 Transportation Tips ▫️Metro day pass €7 for unlimited rides + free elevator access ▫️Old town requires walking, cobblestone streets not suitable for high heels ▫️Taxi from airport to city center €15/15 minutes 📸 Must-visit Photo Spots Livraria Lello Bookstore One of the world's 3 most beautiful bookstores! Spiral staircase reminiscent of Hogwarts, €9 entrance fee can be used toward book purchases, arrive at 8am for fewer crowds Dom Luís I Bridge Sit with a glass of port wine at dusk to catch the sunset, breathtaking moment when the steel dragon lights up, perfect for caramel-toned filter photos São Bento Station Epic murals made of 20,000 blue and white tiles, wear solid colors for silhouette photos Clérigos Tower Climb 230 spiral steps for a 360° panorama of red rooftops, perfect for aerial-style shots! 🍷 Wine Moments ▪️Vila Nova de Gaia wine cellar tour Taylor's winery includes wine tasting + river view terrace, €15 to unlock century-old oak barrel chamber ▪️Douro River cruise €19/1h crossing six bridges, accompanied by traditional Fado music 🍴 Food Highlights 🔥Francesinha Cheese waterfall covering steak and sausage, a calorie bomb but worth every bite! 🔥Portuguese roast suckling pig Crispy skin + orange dipping sauce at Café Santiago 🔥Pastéis de nata Near Clérigos Church at Confeitaria do Bolhão, crack the caramelized crust to reveal the creamy center ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Tourist Traps ▪️For blue tile souvenirs, look for the Vista Alegre brand ▪️Weekend market at Campo Alegre has prices starting at half off "When the tram bell rings as it passes by the church casting patches of light, you'll feel like you've stepped into an old movie 🎞️"

Here's a draft of a Trip.com post about your visit to the Porto wine cellars: A Sip of History: Exploring Porto's Iconic Wine Cellars Porto, a city that charms with its colorful buildings and Douro River views, is synonymous with one thing: Port wine. No trip to this vibrant Portuguese gem is complete without venturing across the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia, the traditional home of the Port wine cellars. On a sunny April day, we decided to immerse ourselves in the world of this fortified wine. The hotel concierge assured us that a spontaneous visit to the cellars was feasible, and as we strolled along the riverside promenade, the imposing names of famous Port houses like Sandeman, Taylor's, and Cálem emerged one after another – you certainly can’t miss them! Our initial attempt at the first cellar proved unsuccessful as all English tours were fully booked, a testament to the popularity of these experiences. Undeterred, we continued our exploration and found a welcoming spot at Cálem. Opting for a guided tour with a tasting (priced around €25), we were eager to delve into the secrets of Port wine production. The tour itself offered a fascinating glimpse into the aging process, the different grape varieties used, and the distinct categories of Port – from the ruby red to the tawny hues. While the historical and technical details were informative, I must admit that the tour felt a little drawn out for my personal taste. However, learning about the intricate craft behind this celebrated drink was undoubtedly worthwhile. The highlight, as expected, was the tasting. We sampled three distinct styles of Port wine, each with its own unique character and aroma. It was a delightful introduction to the nuances of this Portuguese specialty. Afterwards, we explored the extensive on-site shop, a treasure trove of Port wines ranging from very accessible bottles (around €10-€15) to prestigious vintage selections commanding prices of €50 and upwards. It's easy to get carried away with the sheer variety on offer! Here's a little tip we discovered afterwards that might be helpful for fellow travelers: it's often possible to opt for a Port wine tasting experience without committing to the full guided tour. If, like me, you prefer a more direct route to the flavors, this could be an ideal option. Perhaps a simple inquiry about "tasting sets" at the cellar reception could save you some time and cater to a more independent exploration. Despite the slight detour in our plans, our visit to the Porto wine cellars was an essential and enriching part of our Porto adventure. It's a journey through history and flavor that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for this iconic Portuguese drink. So, when in Porto, be sure to raise a glass (or three!) to the legacy of its celebrated wine. Have you visited the Port wine cellars in Porto? Share your favorite experience in the comments below! #thingstodo #porto #portugal #wine #localfood #travel

On the hillside of Porto, Portugal, Taylor’s Winery is located beside the long river of history, full of historical witnesses from ancient times to the present. This visit is not only a wine tasting experience, but also a cultural exploration through time. The large oak barrels neatly arranged in the winery exude a rich aroma of wood and wine. The air is filled with the unique sweet aroma of aged port wine, making you feel as if witnessing the unique story of each bottle of wine. The guided tour is easy to understand, with explanations of everything from brewing techniques to storage details, allowing every visitor to have a deeper understanding of the winemaking process, demonstrating the winery's commitment to quality and history. The wine tasting session was particularly exciting. From the younger Ruby Port to the 10- and 20-year-old Tawny Port, each wine has its own unique flavor and personality. The aroma progresses from red fruits, caramel to nuts and leather. The taste is rich and full, with a long aftertaste, which is impressive. #Porto