A Solo Traveller's Guide to Porto

Stays in Porto don’t get much more glam than this luxury stalwart in Vila Nova de Gaia. It’s not just the spacious rooms, with sun-drenched terraces opening up to views of the Douro River and the jumble of buildings. It’s the facilities, including a two-Michelin-starred restaurant and a vino-inspired spa where you can get a massage with grape-infused oil. Service is impeccable, the wine cellar is among the finest in Portugal and the must-see WOW cultural district is barely a five-minute walk away.

Architecture buffs will swoon on glimpsing this cool property, set within the old art deco waterside fish market. A soaring arched ceiling, lined in windows, vaults over the lobby, while bedrooms come in steely blues with pops of juicy orange. There’s on-site parking if you’re driving (great if you’re planning on exploring further afield in the Douro Valley) and a terrace for evening sundowners. There’s a tram stop right outside.

Hostels aren’t normally synonymous with style, but like most things in Porto today, the Gallery has design cred. Mid-century furniture meets black-and-white vintage pics and all the mouldings of an atmospheric old-world townhouse. There’s a sunny terrace for morning coffees or downtime with a book, and you’re only a short walk from the Clérigos Tower and some buzzing nightlife streets.

Take a seat at one of the small wooden tables and get ready to feast on reimagined Portuguese classics from one of the top chefs in the country, José Avillez. Start on octopus tartare with ginger and garlic mayonnaise, then carry on to your main: a delicious twist on Portuguese duck rice made with red curry and coconut milk. The decor – vintage plates on walls, cherry banquettes – combines old-world vibes with signature Porto cool.

After a day exploring the cultural district WOW, feast on octopus carpaccio, scallops with lemon foam or seafood stew at this glass-lined restaurant overlooking the landmark Luís I Bridge. On warmer nights, once darkness falls, grab a seat on the sprawling terraces for the impressive light show that illuminates the exterior of the WOW complex. Vegan? Order from the plant-packed menu of the next-door restaurant, Root & Vine, and have your food delivered right to your table.

When thoughts turn to weekend lunch, it’s hard to imagine a better spot than this laid-back assortment of food vendors on the riverfront. Get yourself a Super Bock, the locals’ favourite beer, and take your pick from pizza, seafood rice and charcuterie. Try also francesinha, the signature Porto sandwich stuffed with meat, covered with melted cheese and doused in sauce. If the inside is crammed, look for seats outside around the back – many visitors miss them.

Inhabiting converted old port houses in Vila Nova de Gaia is this new cultural district stuffed with museums, shops and restaurants. You could lose an entire weekend here, never mind an afternoon. Join a tutored chocolate tasting, see how bottle corks are made by way of an interactive display, learn about the history of Porto or dive into a pink ball pit in an outlandish space dedicated to rosé wine. There’s even an on-site wine school.

You can’t leave Porto without trying port, the sweet fortified wine that’s synonymous with the city. Imbibe proper old-world atmosphere at Graham’s Lodge, where a guide will steer you past the giant old wooden barrels in their historic cellars and show off dusty bottles dating back to the early 1900s. Afterwards, settle into the tasting area overlooking the river and sip through a range of fresh and fruity ruby ports and nutty, aged tawnies.

You’ll get the best view in Porto from the Clérigos Tower, an opulent baroque structure on a hill in the centre of town. Scale the narrow circling steps to the summit, then take in the 360-degree view of huddled terracotta rooftops below. Entry is timed and there is often a wait, particularly when the light is golden later in the afternoon, so aim to book in advance. Don’t forget to check out the opulent stylings of the adjoining church – entry is free.