Why Now Is The Perfect Time To Visit Porto

Porto’s culinary scene is one of Portugal’s best, with a new generation of chefs elevating traditional flavours and techniques. At the top of the list is Cozinha das Flores, the debut Porto restaurant from Nuno Mendes of Lisboeta fame. Located in the city’s historic centre, it offers a tasting menu that’s both nostalgic and avant-garde – think giant squid noodles, shrimp and egg cake and turnip pastel de nata. The adjoining bar, Flor, is perfect for pre-dinner cocktails or a nightcap with a twist.

For Michelin-level dining, Le Monument is a must. Set within the Le Monument Palace hotel, it’s headed up by Julien Montbabut, who reimagines Portuguese classics with French precision. The tasting menu is a journey through the country’s regions – from oysters with green strawberries to aged sirloin with marrow and bordelaise sauce. 

Seafood lovers should head to Gruta, a Bib Gourmand-awarded spot known for its elevated simplicity. The all-female chef team, led by Rafaela Louzada, whips up dishes like octopus carpaccio, langoustine bisque and cod fillet with olive oil – each one a celebration of local produce and technique. Perfect for a romantic meal.

Another standout is Euskalduna Studio – a smart, intimate space where the tasting menu changes daily and the open kitchen brings guests into the heart of the action. Expect bold flavours, seasonal ingredients and a level of detail that rivals Europe’s best. It’s ideal for those who want to experience Portuguese cuisine through a modern, elevated lens.

For something more atmospheric, head to Casa de Chá da Boa Nova. Set dramatically on the rocks above the Atlantic, this two-Michelin-starred restaurant by chef Rui Paula offers panoramic ocean views and a menu that celebrates the sea. Dishes are precise, poetic and deeply rooted in Portuguese tradition – all served in a building designed by Álvaro Siza Vieira, one of the country’s most celebrated architects.

Porto’s cultural offering is as rich as its wine, and there’s no shortage of high-end experiences to fill your itinerary. Start with a visit to Serralves, a sprawling cultural institution that includes a contemporary art museum, 1930s art-deco villa and 45-acre landscaped gardens. The treetop walk offers sweeping views of the city, while the exhibitions showcase both Portuguese and international artists.

For a deeper dive into the city’s heritage, explore the Old Town – a Unesco World Heritage Site where neoclassical buildings tumble down towards the river. São Francisco Church is a highlight, with its gilded interiors and baroque flourishes, while the Dom Luís I Bridge offers one of the best views in town.

No trip to Porto is complete without a port wine tasting and autumn is harvesting season in the Douro Valley. This is the oldest wine-growing region in the world, where terraced vineyards blaze with colour and port wine houses open their doors for tastings and tours. 

Head to WOW in Vila Nova de Gaia for a deep dive into Portuguese wine culture. For those venturing into the valley, Quinta do Crasto and Quinta da Pacheca offer vineyard walks, cellar lunches and a front-row seat to the winemaking process – all best enjoyed with a glass in hand.

If you’re craving nature, the Crystal Palace Gardens are a serene escape. Set on a hill in the city centre, they offer panoramic views, ornate fountains and a diverse range of flora, from olive trees to giant magnolias. It’s the perfect spot for a morning walk or an impromptu picnic.

For those who want to venture further, continue your trip to Matosinhos, a coastal city known for its beaches and seafood. Walk the Avenida da Liberdade coastal path, stop for grilled fish at a local restaurant, and soak up the relaxed, sun-drenched vibe. During a longer trip you might also want to explore Peneda-Gerês, Portugal's only national park, where dramatic peaks give way to lush valleys, centuries-old villages cling to hillsides, and wild horses roam freely through forests dotted with waterfalls and thermal springs.

And there are the charming cities of Braga and Guimarães, both rich in history, heritage and architecture. Expect baroque churches, leafy squares and centuries-old facades, all wrapped in a distinctly modern energy. Both are an easy day trip from Porto – less than an hour by train or car.