First impressions of Porto

TRAVEL DIARY: PORTO 1

After a brisk journey aboard the Alfa Pendular, Portugal’s flagship Pendolinoa high-speed train, we arrived in Porto just past midday, so we were starving from the trip. Near our Airbnb, we stumbled upon a nearby restaurant where, unsure of what to choose, we trusted the owner’s recommendations for our meal.

Francesinha is a Portuguese sandwich, originally from Porto, featuring layers of toasted bread, beef or pork, sausages, ham, and cheese, all enveloped in a decadent beer-infused tomato sauce. Not my cup of tea, but Jack finished it.

After lunch, we wandered around Porto, casually stopping to explore whatever caught our eye.

We saw this bridge and wondered how we can get down to the river, not realising that it was the famous Dom Luis Bridge.

Passed by the Fernandina Wall which is a medieval city fortification in the Old Town. In front of it is a bronze statue of Arnaldo Gama, distinguished Portuguese novelist, poet and journalist.

Walking downwards to the River, we saw all these public art.

Metro rail train on top of Dom Luis I Bridge, which is also a walkway that spans the Douro River.

Scenes from the Dom Luis Bridge.

Sat for drinks and relaxed for a bit because we wanted to wait for the sunset.

And there it was… at about half past 6 is the sunset over the Duoro River.

Photos from 24 October 2023

Our initial hours in Porto were absolutely captivating, leaving us thoroughly impressed.

15 Comments

  1. VJ says:

    so interesting – on my bucket list.

    1. Teresa says:

      Definitely should be one for the bucket list. Thanks for commenting VJ.

      1. VJ says:

        You’re welcome Teresa

  2. Beautiful snapshots of a wonderful experience Teresa. Thank you for sharing. Now it’s my turn to say, I’ve never been. Thanks for taking me along.

    1. Teresa says:

      Haha the world is so big!

  3. restlessjo says:

    It’s such a vibrant city, Teresa. I absolutely love your last 2 photos down onto the quayside. Many thanks for sharing.

  4. Christie says:

    Gorgeous photos❤️

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks so much Christie.

  5. bushboy says:

    Lovely scenes Teresa 😀

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks Brian…what is there not to love about Porto.

  6. Toonsarah says:

    What a lovely day exploring the city, with a bit of everything – river views, old architecture, street art and a sunset!

    1. Teresa says:

      Was really great to see all of them in one go. Thanks Sarah.

  7. scooj says:

    A wonderful post of an extraordinary city and reminder of one of the best mini-breaks I ever had.

    1. Teresa says:

      Great to have reminded you.

  8. Teresa says:

    5is comment went to spam. I wonder why.

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