Buildings on R. Trindade Coelho in Porto

Cliktrips contributor Celeste Peterson spent the summer gallivanting around Europe’s best cities and made a pit stop in Porto, Portugal. The city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996 because it’s so pretty to look at it (and it’s one of the oldest cities in Europe), and I don’t disagree. Here’s a few tips on where to eat, drink wine, check out the views and chill in Porto.

Where to Eat

The most delicious coffee I had in Porto was actually at My Ribeira Guest House’s hotel lobby cafe (they also serve some pastries). Now, Porto has plenty of tasty places to eat, but the best meal I had was hands down Taberna Santo António (I still dream of their dishes). And everyone couldn't stop recommending Cantina 32. The most impressive pizza place in Porto is Restaurante Casa D'Oro, and they also have the best view right on the river next to the Arrabida Bridge. And, if you like seafood, eat anywhere in the beach town of Matosinhos… O Valentim and Dom Peixe are two places you can try, but seriously, anywhere in the area is mm-mm-good.

Where to drink wine

View from Jardim do Calem in Porto

Porto is situated along the Douro River and the south side of the river is where you’ll find all the wineries. My faves are Sandeman, Calem, and Burmester.

Where to Take in the City Views

Rose Garden in the Garden of the Crystal Palace in Porto

Jardins do Palácio de Cristal - Beautifully landscaped botanical garden with views of the city and Douro River, free entry.
Felgueiras Lighthouse - Cute lighthouse on the Douro River with very ‘grammable views
Parque da Cidade - Portugal’s largest park, plenty of places to chill
Teleférico de Gaia - The cable car ride is worth it for the view of the city
Sailing 360º - Rent a sailboat here and check out the city from the river

A cute building on R. do Dr. Barbosa de Castro

Where to Stay

Oh! Porto is a collection of six modern apartments connected by bridges and has the best views in Porto hands down. It’s my favorite, but if it’s booked, here are some others places to check out: My Ribeira Guest House is another small apartment style hotel that’s super charming with rustic, modern decor, nice views and lots of stairs (no elevator); The House Ribeira Hotel is located right in the center of town in an old theater and dance school and has a small cafe and bar attached; And Vincci Porto is cute and boutiquey and not too far from the center of town.

Where to Shop

Livraria Lello claims to be the most beautiful bookstore in the world, and it’s definitely the prettiest I've ever seen. Plus it has ties to Harry Potter. Give it a Google if you're a fan!

Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Arrived in Porto

A view of Porto from Gaia

There are lots of hills everywhere! It's hard to tell at first, but because of the hills, it’s difficult to tell where the hotels and restaurants are on a map. You can basically walk everywhere, but be prepared to do some climbing! Also, the entrees are meant to be shared family-style. Twice we ordered entrees for each of us until we realized that these are likely meant to be shared.

Here's a Google map of all these places and more.

Follow Celeste and her travels and cute dogs on Instagram @helloceleste, helloceleste.vsco.com, and celestepeterson.com

All photos by Celeste Peterson