Morning | Coffee & Cobblestone Strolls

📍 Fábrica Coffee Roasters
Start the day at one of Porto’s finest coffee spots and my personal favorite. Fábrica’s minimalist, industrial-chic space complements its meticulous approach to espresso. Try the single-origin pour-over for a delicate, layered experience or opt for a flat white if you prefer something bolder.

• Red Scale Rating: Fiery Red – a must for coffee snobs and slow sippers alike

📍 Livraria Lello
Before the crowds arrive, step into one of the world’s most stunning bookstores. Its ornate woodwork and winding staircase make it feel more like a film set than a shop.

📍 São Bento Station
A brief pause here to admire the 20,000 azulejo tiles—each telling a story of Portugal’s history.

Midday | A Local Icon & Sweet Indulgence

📍 Gazela
A Porto institution, Gazela’s cachorrinho is anything but an ordinary hot dog. This crispy, buttery baguette filled with spiced sausage and lightly brushed with butter is best enjoyed with an ice-cold Super Bock. Order with fries for a full meal or just grab a sandwich (or two) to hold you over.

📍 Bom Gosto
Just around the corner, this unassuming gem is a sweet tooth’s dream. Pick up Bolas de Berlim (traditional donuts filled with a creamy custard) or a box of handmade Portuguese confections to enjoy later.

Afternoon | The Art of Port Wine

📍 Cockburn’s Port Lodge
Step inside one of Porto’s legendary port cellars, where centuries-old barrels house some of the finest aged tawnies and rubies. Opt for the aged tawny tasting if you are a tawny fan– the 40 year tawny is to die for.

• Red Scale Rating: Fiery Red – A must for port lovers and a great way to learn about Port!

📍 Gondola Ride to Gaia’s Riverside
After the tasting, take the cable car down to the waterfront, where Gaia’s terraces offer an uninterrupted panorama of Porto’s skyline.

Evening | Indulgence Done Right

📍 Brasão Aliados
No visit to Porto is complete without the Francesinha. Brasão’s elevated take on this rich, meaty sandwich—layered with steak, cured ham, sausage, and a decadent beer-based sauce—is a must. Start off with fried onion and pair the dish with a local red wine for the full experience.

📍 Manteigaria
Before calling it a night, grab a freshly baked pastel de nata from Manteigaria. The balance of crisp, caramelized layers and silky custard filling is nothing short of perfection. While this place may seem to scream tourist trap it is worth the hype.

• Red Scale Rating: Fiery Red – Hands down the best Pastel de Nata in the city.

Day 2: Slow Mornings & Indulgent Afternoons

Morning | A Leisurely Start

📍 Nicolau Porto
For a relaxed yet refined brunch, Nicolau Porto delivers. The bacon & fried egg pancakes and eggs benedict are standout options, best paired with fresh squeezed orange juice.

📍 SO Coffee Roasters
A coffee stop is always justified in Porto. SO Coffee Roasters is just a few minutes walk from Nicolau and specializes in fruit-forward roasts, while I always grab a classic latte, I have heard their Ethiopian pour-over is particularly bright and aromatic.

Midday | An Unexpected Delight

📍 The Holy Sandwich Shop
I cannot say enough how much I love The Holy Sandwich Shop! They craft indulgent, gourmet sandwiches and burgers and the staff is such a delight! Make sure to get the garlic fries, I made that mistake and went back a second time to correct it. (Editor’s note: this place is so good, it is getting its own post. Stay tuned!)

• Red Scale Rating: Fiery Red x 100!!! – The best burger and solo dining experience I have EVER had

📍 Cremosi
For a midday refreshment, Cremosi’s is in my opinion the best gelato spot in Porto, they have a selection of port wine-infused gelato as well as classic and other fun flavors to mix and match for a sweet treat.

📍 Stroll Through Ribeira & Across Dom Luís I Bridge
Take your time wandering Ribeira’s colorful riverfront before crossing the Dom Luís I Bridge on foot. The view from the upper deck is one of the city’s most breathtaking views of the Douro River.

Afternoon | Pre-Dinner Wind Down

📍 Ferro Bar
A hidden, speakeasy-style bar offering some of the best cocktails in Porto. Alternatively, if you are looking for a late night spot this is a solid choice, they often have concerts as well.  

• Red Scale Rating: Auburn Glow – really cool vibe for a concert or a drink, would love to go back if I knew more Portuguese to chat with the locals

Evening | A Sophisticated Send-Off

📍 1858 bbgourmet
For a high-end yet understated experience, 1858 bbgourmet delivers a beautifully curated menu of modern cuisine. Expect dishes like grilled octopus with smoked paprika oil and my personal favorite the short rib and parmesan risotto—all complemented by an excellent wine selection. When the weather is nice, nothing beats sitting on their terrace with a glass of wine in hand.

OR

📍 Boa-Bao
For a hip, non-traditional take, Boa-Bao serves some of the best Pad Thai you’ll ever have outside of Thailand. The vibe is stylish, vibrant, and effortlessly cool, making it a great final meal in Porto.

📍 Sunset Over the Douro
Before saying goodbye to Porto, find a quiet spot along the river to watch the sunset, perhaps with a final glass of tawny port or a porto tonico in hand.