Porto holidays

Just like the rest of Portugal’s main tourist spots, Porto’s plot puts it right beside the sea. That means you’ve got the best of both worlds, and it’s possible to hop between beach and city in a flash. There are trams that cut down the journey time, and the options are pretty varied. You’ve got pebbly stretches that are tailormade for seaside strolls, sandy stretches for sunbathing, and spots where historic landmarks edge up close to the ocean.

For a spot that channels the Algarve’s sunbathing prowess, make tracks for Praia de Matosinhos beach. It’s got all the tell-tale signs of its southern counterparts seafronts – picture a thick belt of cheesecake-coloured sand, plus waves that are great for surfing. And when you’re on the sand here, there’s the added boat-spotting bonus of having a port close by, so you’ll see ships coming and going while you relax.

For a spot that’s tucked away from the tourist trail, Praia do Paco fits the bill and then some. This dinky beach is hidden away behind dunes, and has a backing of open green fields, so you’ll feel completely removed from the city. It’s about an hour’s drive north of Porto, which is why it’s a little less known, but the journey’s more than worth it. Weather-worn rocks stud the shoreline, and there’s hardly a manmade structure in sight from most spots along the cream-coloured sand.

For shopping that hasn’t changed for generations, check out Mercado de Bolhão – or Bolhão Market. This place has been the place for picking up the essentials since the 1800s. It’s split into loads of sections, so a walk amongst the stalls will take you past everything from florists to fruit sellers and fishmongers to butchers. And don’t be alarmed if you hear people crying out while you shop – it’s a technique the sellers use to garner attention, and compete for sales.

The Mercado do Bom Sucesso has undergone a real renaissance of late – this shopping centre had become a bit rough around the edges, but a renovation has put it back on the map. It’s now home to street food stalls, mini live music sets and sellers peddling fresh fruit and veg.

For the best shopping in the city, head to Rua Santa Catarina. This street’s loaded with big-name fashion stores, swanky cafés and a huge mall – the ViaCatarina. Some of the brands on show along the street include Pull & Bear and Adidas, and there are loads of lanes splintering off where you can get your exploring fix.

For a chilled evening tipple with impressive surroundings, you want to pick one of the bars in the Ribeira neighbourhood. Its colourful waterfront buildings are fronted by a terrace which is illuminated after dark, and there are wine bars and restaurants with views of the Dom Luís I Bridge. This part of the city’s a great pick if you want to blend in with the locals for a chilled night.

Bars and clubs are Galerias Paris street’s bread and butter. The road’s one of the most buzzing nightlife areas in the city, with loads of party spots gathered together in a small area. You’ll see the street rammed with people after dark, because locals prefer to order their drinks and head back outdoors to sup them. It makes for a great atmosphere, whether you’re inside or out.

Porto dishes don’t come much more famous than the francesinha sandwich. Thick wedges of bread are filled with heaps of beef steak, bacon and smoked sausage, but the recipe doesn’t end there. Lashings of melted cheese envelope the outside, and a fried egg’s baked into the top of the sandwich. It’s already the sort of sandwich you’ll need cutlery for, especially as the sandwich is served in a pool of tomato-and-beer-based sauce.

Nothing beats a cold bottle of beer after a day’s exploring, but there’s some important info you need to know if you want to drink like the locals. There’s some low-key city rivalry when it comes to the brew of choice in Portugal, with Super Bock and Sagres going head-to-head. Both will do the trick when it comes to quenching your thirst, but in Porto the locals are loyal to Super Bock.

Sandwiches are something of a staple in Porto, and one of the tastiest creations is the bifana. It’s essentially a traditional take on the steak sandwich, where slow-cooked cuts of pork are seasoned in garlic and spices and served in a bread roll. It stews in big pots for hours, so the filling’s always juicy and tender. And some places even dip the roll in the pot, which makes for a messy but tasty outcome.

This local stew’s a true local favourite, despite not being the most glamorous dish around. Centuries ago, when all of the good meat was shipped away from the city, people were left with options like tripe. To make the flavour better, it’s stewed with smoked ham, carrots, onions and spices, then served with a portion of rice. It’s not to everyone’s liking, but for a taste of the traditional it’s a must-try.

Sweet treats don’t come much tastier than pasteis de nata. These bite-sized custard tarts aren’t necessarily unique to Porto, but they’re a big favourite across Portugal. Flaky pastry cups are filled with glossy egg custard, and are topped with a sprinkling of cinnamon after they’ve been baked. Try and pick up a freshly baked one, as they’re even nicer warm.