A Weekend of Flavours in Porto: A Gastronomic Itinerary for 48 Unforgettable Hours

Francesinhas, tripe, Gomes de Sá cod, and we are only just getting started. A visit to Porto is always a feast of food, and there is no way we will leave disappointed.

First recommendation: take your time. Summer invites a slower pace, and the capital of the North is one of those cities that gradually gets under your skin, until we find ourselves hopelessly won over by its colours, the robustness of its old buildings and the surprises waiting around every corner.

If you only have a weekend, the best thing is to let the gastronomy set the pace of the trip. Prepare comfortable footwear, light clothing and make sure you have a secure internet connection during your visit. Use an eSIM to check maps, book restaurants, check opening hours and discover new places.

Saturday: markets, snacks and Port wine

The Bolhão Market, which today is more of a tourist attraction than an authentic market, is a good starting point. Take the opportunity to have breakfast at one of the pastry shops in the market or the surrounding streets, such as Confeitaria do Bolhão or Confeitaria Aliança.

From here, make your way through downtown at a leisurely pace. Pass by São Bento Station, admire the famous tile panels, climb the Clérigos Tower and walk along Rua das Flores. The historic centre is compact and easy to explore on foot, helping to work up an appetite for lunch.

And lunch in Porto is almost inevitably synonymous with francesinha. The city's most famous dish continues to divide opinion over where the best version can be found, but there are several historic establishments (such as Café Santiago, O Afonso or Brasão Aliados) that have turned this sandwich, filled with meats, covered with melted cheese and a slightly spicy sauce, into a true institution.

After lunch, cross the Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia. This is where the historic Port wine cellars are located, where you can learn about the ageing process of this fortified wine and take part in a guided tasting. From Ruby, Tawny, White or Vintage, each style reveals a different personality and helps explain why this drink has become one of the region's greatest symbols.

For dinner, move slightly away from the more touristy areas and look for a restaurant where Portuguese cuisine continues to take centre stage. From roasted cod to octopus rice, grilled octopus, aged veal or fresh Atlantic fish, all of these are safe choices. Douro wine is, naturally, the most appropriate, but no one will mind if you prefer a nicely chilled Vinho Verde.

Sunday: tradition, sea and good flavours

On the second day, it is worth waking up early and heading down to Ribeira before most visitors arrive. The narrow streets, colourful façades and activity along the river reveal a quieter and more genuine Porto.

If you like to snack throughout the day, take the opportunity to try typical specialities such as codfish cakes, alheira, cured ham, Portuguese cheeses or preserved fish, accompanied by a glass of wine.

If you are still hungry and prefer something more refined, Porto has recently increased its number of restaurants with one Michelin star. There are currently eight, including DOP, Éon, Gastro by Elemento and In Diferente, which were recognised this year. Vítor Matos' Antiqvvm is the only one with two stars and is located next to the Crystal Palace.

During the afternoon, take the opportunity to visit City Park, the true green lung of this urban area, with regular cultural and sporting activities. Foz do Douro is just a short distance away, and the meeting point between the river and the Atlantic completely changes the atmosphere. With the weekend coming to an end, we imagine that saying goodbye will leave you longing to return. Plan your next visit for the rainier months, and you will then discover another Porto, with the same delicious food.