Porto, Portugal: Wine, Views, and Unforgettable Nights
Spectacular wine, stunning views, and mouthwatering food—that’s Porto, Portugal in a nutshell. This city quickly became one of my favorite stops in Europe, filled with vibrant nightlife, breathtaking river views, and experiences I’ll never forget.
Getting to Porto: A Train Adventure
Remember my friend Jessica? She joined me for my Porto adventure after we impulsively got tattoos and shared a bottle of wine (because why not?). We booked our train tickets online and rushed to the station—only to find out we were too late. Pro tip: when the train ticket says the time of departure, you need to be there at least 30 minutes early. Porto’s train stations are huge, and we literally watched our train leave without us. Luckily, we bought new tickets and caught the next one.
The trains in Portugal are super comfortable—spacious seats, onboard food and wine, and smooth rides. Since we were extremely hungover, Jessica and I spent most of the journey sleeping, waking up just as we arrived in Porto.
Where to Stay in Porto: My Honest Hostel Review
I had booked a mixed dorm at Selina Porto, but honestly, it wasn’t great. The bathrooms weren’t very clean, the dorms were small and musky, and there wasn’t much of a social vibe. The restaurant in the middle of the hostel means you have to buy something to hang out there, which makes it hard to meet people.
Luckily, Jessica booked the last private room at Selina, which ended up being a lofted apartment just two streets away. It was spacious, comfortable, and so much better than the dorms. If you’re considering Selina Porto, skip the dorms and book the private lofted apartment instead.
Best Sushi and Nightlife in Porto
One of my favorite meals in Porto was at Subenshi Sushi. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was the best sushi I’ve ever had in my life—fresh, creative, and delicious.
After dinner, we headed out for a night of dancing. Locals recommended Plan B, a lively bar and club in Porto’s nightlife scene. It was the perfect spot to meet people, dance the night away, and we didn’t make it back until 5am. If you love nightlife, Porto will not disappoint.
Daytime in Porto: Gardens, Peacocks, and Sunset Magic
The next day, we decided to slow down and explore Porto by daylight. We wandered through the Crystal Palace Gardens (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal), which are free to enter and full of stunning landscapes overlooking the Douro River. The gardens are also home to peacocks—majestic, but let me warn you, their calls sound terrifyingly like a person screaming.
From there, we grabbed some food, picked up a few bottles of wine, and joined the crowds by the Douro River to watch the sunset. This was easily one of the best things to do in Porto. Live music filled the air, everyone gathered along the river, and when the sun finally dipped below the horizon, the entire crowd clapped and cheered. It was one of those moments that felt pure magic.
Porto Wine: Don’t Miss These
Of course, you can’t come to Porto without trying its famous wines. Two drinks you must try:
Port wine – Sweet, strong, and a signature of the city.
Vinho Verde (green wine) – Light, refreshing, and unlike anything I’d tasted before.
Both are affordable and easy to find all around Porto, so make sure you sip your way through the city.
