Postcards from Porto: A City That Felt Like a Hug

If I had to sum up my trip to Porto in one word, it would be: wholesome. This little city by the Douro River completely stole my heart—with its colorful tiles, cozy streets, heavenly food, and sunsets that made me stop and just breathe it all in.

I didn’t go in with a big checklist or a strict itinerary. I just wanted to walk, eat well, sip wine, and see what the city had to offer. Spoiler: it offered a lot.

Wandering Through Wonder

One of the best things about Porto is that it’s made for walking. Every corner feels like a photo waiting to happen—buildings in soft pastels or bold reds, balconies draped with plants, steep streets that suddenly open into wide river views.

I spent most of my time just wandering with no destination in mind, and honestly, those moments were my favorite. I’d stumble into a tiny square, find a cute café, grab a pastry, and just sit. No rush. No pressure.

Cod, Peppers & Natas (My Porto Food Pyramid)

Let’s talk food. Because wow. My first meal in Porto was grilled cod with a side of padron peppers, and I still think about it. The fish was flaky and buttery, the peppers just salty enough with that occasional spicy surprise, and paired with a glass of vinho verde? Pure joy.

And let’s not even pretend I didn’t eat pastel de nata every single day. Those custard tarts are tiny bites of heaven—crispy on the outside, warm and silky inside. I’m still dreaming about them.

Port Wine & Riverside Magic

One of the biggest highlights? Port wine tasting in Gaia, right across the river. After crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge, I ended up at a charming little cellar called Augusto’s, where I tried a few different styles of port. Sipping wine with a view of Porto’s rooftops and the river sparkling in the background? Absolute perfection.

It was quiet, cozy, and the kind of moment you try to stretch out just a little longer.

Livraria Lello: Where Bookworms and Wizards Meet

As a book lover, visiting Livraria Lello was non-negotiable. The place is pure magic—literally and figuratively. The staircase is this stunning, curvy red marvel, and the stained glass ceiling? Gorgeous. But here’s the coolest part: J.K. Rowling used to live in Porto, and it’s said that this very bookstore inspired parts of Hogwarts! You walk in and totally get it—it feels like a place where spells might actually be real.

Sure, it was a bit touristy and crowded, but I was too enchanted to care. It felt like stepping into a fairytale.

Bridge Views That Stay With You

The Dom Luís I Bridge became my unofficial hangout spot. I crossed it again and again—morning, afternoon, golden hour. The views are unreal every time. One side looks out over Gaia’s wine cellars, the other over Porto’s colorful hillside, all hugging the Douro River.

If you go, make sure to walk the upper level at sunset. The light hits the city just right, and everything slows down for a minute.

São Bento Station: A Surprise Favorite

You might not expect a train station to be a trip highlight, but São Bento Station is something else. The inside is covered in these stunning blue-and-white tiles (called azulejos) that tell stories from Portugal’s history—so detailed and beautiful, I could’ve stood there for ages.

It’s a quick stop, but one that really sticks with you.

Leaving, But Not Really

Porto gave me everything I didn’t even realize I was craving: slower mornings, easy days, delicious bites, and views that made me feel lucky just to be standing there. It’s a city that feels like a friend—warm, welcoming, and quietly full of magic.

If you ever go, don’t overthink it. Walk around. Try everything. Watch the sunset from the bridge. Let yourself get a little lost. That’s where all the good stuff is hiding.

And whatever you do—grab a pastel de nata while it’s still warm. Then grab a second one.