After going to Lisbon at the beginning of last year and falling for it hard, my attention was now on Porto, Portugal’s second largest city.
When I stepped off the plane I was instantly hit by a ray of sunshine. This isn’t exactly unusual for Portugal, but I’m from England and it was November. It’s unusual for me.
My trip was already off to a good start and I hadn’t even left the airport.
After getting a map from the information desk and purchasing a transport card, I caught the train from the airport into the city centre which took about 30 minutes. You’ll be pleased to know that Porto is incredibly easy to navigate. The trains are a breeze to use, but when the weather is warm it’s a waste not to walk everywhere if you can.
Making friends in Porto
The only time I attempted to get a bus, it didn’t turn up. However, making the most of the situation, I got talking to this incredibly charismatic Portugese woman who was also waiting for the bus.
Then, as we were waiting an Italian guy who was waiting for the bus joined in, and instead of catching the bus (we had already been waiting and chatting for about an hour at this point), we decided to go for a drink.
Being a local and knowing what’s-what, the girl took us to a place called Maus Habitos. Located at the top of a run-down building, everything about it was really eclectic with a low-key and creative atmosphere.
The venue consisted of several small rooms, a club with live music, bar, roof terrace and an art space. I would never have found this place had she not taken me there so it was a good call.
As well as an unreliable bus service, we bonded over our love for travel so our conversation was never short. Amid several diverging topics, we joked about our cultural differences.
She told me that she found it strange that British people shook hands upon meeting friends and peers and I was in total agreement, it’s far too conservative, we should definitely start a kissing revolution!! (Thought admittedly, I do find myself shaking hands with people lol!)
Meeting more friendly locals
Over the next few days I met other people, including a girl who approached me asking if I could give her 20 cent so she could put it in a parking metre. She appeared really embarrassed to ask me but pointed towards a man at the top of the street who was checking all the cars. I searched my bag and pulled out €1 but she refused to accept it.
“That’s too much money”
“Please take it” I urged.
“That’s really kind of you but I can’t” she said with an anguished expression and began walking away.
I rooted around in my bag and pulled out 50 cent and hurried after her, “I’ve got 50 cent!”
“That’s still too much, I only need 20 cent”
“Look, if you don’t take this 50 cent that’s in my hand, I will throw it at you, so it’s your choice!”
My firm response did the trick and she accepted.
Now that she didn’t have to worry about getting a parking fine, she had all the time in the world to talk to me. She had bags of personality, and because she was borderline over-friendly I questioned whether this was a form of repayment (which she really didn’t need to do). She gave me loads of recommendations about the city and asked what kind of things I liked and seemed genuinely keen to ensure I saw the best side of her city.
After discovering that I was travelling by myself, her face lit up and she began telling me about her own travels and how she also loved travelling solo. She had just come back from India herself and it just seemed incredible to me how I’d now met another girl who I instantly felt a kinship with. I can go months in London without meeting a single new person who I can truly bounce off, yet in Porto I meet two people in the space of 24 hours! Though maybe I simply need to get out more when I’m in the UK….
I asked her if all people from Porto were as friendly as those I’d met on my short trip here and she told me that people from Porto have a reputation for being really warm and friendly.
That’s something I can definitely attest to.
There’s a lot of truth in the saying “People make the place”, so when you’re in Porto, do yourself a favour and talk to the locals!
Making the most of my time in Porto
Whilst the friendliness of the locals is what I’m taking away most from my trip, the food, sunshine, historical buildings and open green spaces ensured I left the city with a huge, contented smile.
Indulge in the food & Port wine
Enjoy scrumptious food at Italian and Portuguese fusion restaurant, La Ricotta. I went there twice it was so delicious. And of course, no trip to Porto is complete with indulging in Porto wine.
If you want to get a full introduction to this port producing region, why not join one of the Port tours which includes wine tasting and pairings?
Enter the world’s most beautiful bookshop
Be inspired at Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookshops.
Explore the city’s green spaces
Relax at Jardim dos Sentimentos, known as the ‘Garden of Feelings’.
Catch contemporary architecture & music
See contemporary architecture or catch live music at Casa da Musica.
Read more: Architecture in Porto: 5 Contemporary Buildings You Should See
Experience world-class art
Get cultured at the Serralves Foundation.
While catching a bite to eat in the museum’s cafe, I ended up in another conversation with a local who invited me out to dinner. This city is seriously friendly!
For more things to do in Porto, check out this post: 15 Fabulous Things to do in Porto
4 Responses
Love this blogpost, and incredible photos once again Shing! Two very gorgeous ladies on the third one indeed 😉 Already wanted to go to Porto (badly), and after reading this even more so. Hope I’ll be able to combine it with either Madeira or the Azores as there are no direct flights there from Holland, and it would be a waste to stopover at Lisbon when I haven’t yet been to Porto!
I really want to go to Madeira as well, but the Azores even more so! The Portuguese girl I met was talking about how mystical and beautiful they apparently are, and of course, as you state, the fact they are difficult to reach makes them even more appealing!!
‘Love it Shing! I went to Lisbon 8 years ago (Gosh! I can’t believe it’s been that long…!) but we’re going again next year and Porto is one of the destinations that I’ve already booked for. ‘can’t wait to read your take on the city!
Time flies, eh? Great to hear that you’re going to Portugal again Victoria! Hopefully I can put a decent Porto guide together for you to read before you go!