Forget Lisbon: Why You Need to Visit Porto Instead
I have always had both Lisbon and Porto on my bucket list and, recently, I had the opportunity to visit one and, after some deliberation, I decided to skip the capital and picked Porto. One of the things I found most surprising is that whenever I discussed this trip with people, everyone knew Lisbon but only a handful knew about Porto!
Porto, Portugal’s second city, isn't trying to be Lisbon. It’s entirely its own place: moodier, more historic, and fiercely independent. Here are the reasons I think you should prioritise Porto…
It’s Walkable, Compact, and Intimate
Lisbon is massive, sprawling across seven steep hills that will test the limits of your calves if walking and your patience with public transport.
Porto is also hilly, but it is super compact. You can easily cross the entire centre on foot in a single afternoon. Walking through Porto feels like navigating a bit of a maze; one minute you’re walking down a narrow, cobblestone alleyway flanked by houses covered in azulejos (the blue painted ceramic tiles), and the next, the city opens up to a gorgeous view of the Douro River.
The Francesinha: Comfort Food King
Lisbon has the Pastel de Nata (which is admittedly incredible, though you can get world-class ones at Porto's Manteigaria too). But Porto has the Francesinha.
Translated as "Little Frenchie," this is Porto’s signature sandwich, and it is a culinary masterpiece of pure indulgence. It features:
Layers of toasted bread, steak, wet-cured ham, linguiça (smoked pork sausage), and fresh sausage.
A blanket of melted, gooey cheese.
A thick, secret, spiced tomato and beer sauce poured hot over the top.
An optional fried egg on top, usually served with a mountain of french fries.
It’s heavy, so filling but absolutely delicious comfort food that the city is so proud of. I first heard about it from my taxi man on my way into the city from the airport, then spotted it all over the place since then!
The atmosphere is unbeatable
Porto sits on a dramatic hillside above the Douro River, and from the get go the views are amazing. The place is stunning but, better than that, is the vibe. Everyone is happy and energetic and there just seems to be a buzz in the air. Walking around felt so exciting and positive!
Livraria Lello - the world's most beautiful bookshop
Opened in 1906, Livraria Lello has been called one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world by publications from Lonely Planet to National Geographic and, to be fair, it is justified. It features a sweeping crimson carved-wood staircase and a stained-glass skylight ceiling. It apparently inspired J.K. Rowling during her years teaching English in Porto, which has made it a must-see site for Harry Potter fans, but the building is magnificent quite apart from any literary mythology. Book timed-entry tickets in advance, especially in summer (they can be redeemed against a book purchase) but beware because, it is absolutely packed!
So, should you miss Lisbon entirely?
No! Lisbon is still high on my bucket list. But Porto should definitely be on your list. Give it two full days, minimum. Wander without a plan. Drink port wine as the sun sets over the Douro. And have an amazing city break!
