7 Hidden Gems of Porto, Portugal that Advisors Need to Know
by Denise Caiazzo
Photo: Shutterstock.com
For several years now, Portugal has graced numerous travel industry lists of top European destinations ─ and its growth and popularity show no signs of slowing down. While everyone knows the capital city of Lisbon, the sister city of Porto should also be on the radar of travel advisors selling Europe. Lisbon is a classic European metropolis; and Porto offers an alternative walkable city with rich history and architecture, charming cobblestone streets, superb food, the finest port wine, and plenty of shops and neighborhood appeal.
We had the pleasure of visiting Porto during an ALG Vacations FAM promoting their City & Sea packages, which pair a few days exploring a vibrant European city with a few days at a sea destination to relax and rejuvenate before returning home. On this trip, we explored Lisbon and Porto in Portugal, and the island of Mallorca in Spain. For the Porto leg of our journey, we took the train (about 2 hours and 40 minutes) from Lisbon to Porto, which was an easy and comfortable experience.
For the rest of this article, we will focus on Porto. Here are seven things that most travel advisors probably do not know about the destination, but should. We have included comments from advisors who experienced this wonderful European city firsthand during the ALG Vacations FAM.
1. Private walking tour is the way to explore
Porto is a very walkable city, with many places to explore in its compact historic center. Within a few hours, visitors can see various sites with historic architecture and cultural significance, including the Sao Bento Railway Station with its over 20,000 azulejos (hand-painted blue ceramic tiles depicting important moments in Portuguese history); Torre dos Clérigos (a landmark tower opened in 1763); the Palacio da Bolsa (built on the ruins of the Saint Francis Convent); Rua Afonso Martins Alho (the smallest street in Porto, at just 30 meters, or 98.4 feet, wide); as well Capela das Almas, Catedral do Porto, Igreja e Museu de São Francisco do Porto, and more.Travelers can safely stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways; shop for treasures; ponder the street art (which is widespread); and enjoy delicious food, Portuguese specialty dishes, and wine at places like the Mercado do Bolhãoopen-air market (I chose the most incredible small plate of beef tartar and carpaccio on crostini that was hand-prepared in front of me by the chef, complete with an explanation of each delectable taste sensation therein – followed by a perfectly prepared cappuccino).
Tonya Matthews, travel advisor, Starstuff Travel, who participated in the ALGV FAM says: “Porto was a dark horse for me … an unexpected hidden gem. I was totally caught off guard with the beauty of Porto. The Medieval looking streets and buildings were filled with such history! The train station was the most beautiful train station I have seen in all my travels. I also found Porto incredibly affordable and safe. Good walking shoes are a must for all the steep hills.”
Kelli Bertram, travel advisor with Come and See Travel describes her experience: “Porto was incredible. I was obsessed with all the tiles. In fact, I purchased a couple to hang in my bathroom. I would say something I discovered was the history and the architecture of the city. Porto is not on everyone’s bucket list, and I feel like it’s a hidden gem. It’s one of those places you don’t think about traveling to, and then you get there, and you can’t believe you ever didn’t have it on your bucket list. I am obsessed with other country’s architecture, so seeing the beautiful tile buildings, churches, carvings, etc., was something I was very pleasantly surprised to see.”
2. Two sides and a river runs through it
The iconic Dom Luís I Bridge (built in 1886) links Port and Gaia, with the Douro River between them. Cais da Ribeira is a lively marina with a pier and boardwalk on the Porto side teaming with restaurants, bars, street performers, and shops. Across the river is Gaia, especially known for its port wine warehouses.
“Porto was an unexpected highlight of the trip, often called the ‘dark horse’ because I didn’t expect to love it as much as I did,” says Kimberlin Arnold, travel advisor, Peacock Travel Group, Frosch Travel. “We did a walking tour through the city’s historic heart, where we explored the stunning Ribeira District, the São Bento Railway Station with its beautiful azulejo tiles, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge that spans the Douro River. One of the things I loved most about Porto was the way the river runs through the city, giving it a unique and picturesque charm.”
David M. Petlin, MCC, managing director, Flair Travel® recounts: “Porto was really surprising. I did like the views of Porto from the Gaia side, but I definitely learned that staying in the Porto side would be key for my clientele. I felt there was more to do and see on the Porto side, and I know my clients like to be in the middle of the action. I also felt that for tours of the city, private guided touring would be the way to go. There is so much to see and do, side streets, and some of it can get long and exhausting when in a large group and trying to cover everything. I think with a private guide you can really customize the experience in the moment for what your clients want to do. Also a great tip when you are at the riverbank and want to get from Porto to Gaia, take the water taxi, it’s 3 euros, and a nice ride on the water.”
3. Livraria Lello (bookstore linked to Harry Potter)
Livraria Lello has been called one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. The neo-Gothic architecture, stained-glass skylights, and ornate wooden staircase make it feel like something straight out of a storybook. Some have linked it to J.K. Rowling’s time living in Porto while she worked on the early Harry Potter manuscripts. But it was founded in 1906, and has been a cultural landmark for over a century, attracting literary minds from around the world. The lines are long, and the bookstore is quite crowded, so it is recommended to buy tickets online and visit early in the morning.
Harry Potter fans may also want to pop into Majestic Café, where Rowlings is reputed to have finished book one in the saga at one of the café’s marble tables. This opulent café is a stunning example of Belle Époque architecture, and has been a gathering place for Porto’s intellectuals, artists, and writers since 1921.
4. A hidden underground river
Porto’s proximity to the Douro River is well-known, but few travelers are aware of the Rio de Vila, an underground river flowing beneath the city. Historically, this river was vital to Porto’s development, supplying water to many of the city’s residents and businesses. However, in the 19th century, the river was partially diverted underground to support modern urban development.
Travelers can explore part of this hidden waterway through a guided underground tour that takes them into the city’s subterranean world, revealing an often-overlooked aspect of Porto’s history. These tours offer a unique perspective on how the city has evolved and adapted over the centuries.
5. Port wine & the spectacular Douro Valley
Porto’s name is synonymous with port wine, but what many travelers might not know is that the wine itself is not produced in the city. The grapes used to make port are actually grown in the nearby Douro Valley, which is about an hour and a half drive from Porto. What Porto does provide, however, is the perfect aging environment. Across the river from Porto in Gaia, visitors find historic wine cellars where port is aged to perfection, and they can take tours to learn about and taste this wonderfully rich, sweet, potent wine, which is actually more like a liquor.
“We took a tour from Porto to the wineries in the heart of the Douro Valley, which quickly became my favorite experience of the entire trip,” relays Arnold. “Porto is renowned for its port wine, and tasting it while surrounded by the breathtaking vineyard landscapes was unforgettable. I would absolutely do this again and highly recommend it to my clients.”
Lynnette Peña Kelly, travel advisor, CS Elements Travel, a Travel Leaders Network Affiliate Agency, reports: “Living Tours [our tour guide on the Douro day trip] was a great discovery. I had done the Douro Valley excursion in the past, but they really nailed the vibe of the group, and I look forward to using them for my clients in the future.”
Michele P. Duquaine, owner, Dream Vacations, also reports picking up some new information on this part of the FAM: “I never knew there were other wines in Porto than port (sweet after-dinner wine). They have many other options, and that Porto is famous for the export of wine. I thought it was Napa or the Rhine region. Surprise.”
Heather Huber, travel advisor, Vincent Vacations, says: “I loved learning about the Douro Valley and getting to visit it firsthand to share with my clients. I didn’t know much about this area before or really anything about Porto. Porto is one of the most charming cities and I cannot wait to add it to my clients’ itineraries.”
6. Fado tells the story of the people
Fado is a deeply soulful music genre that has been traced back to the 1820s in Lisbon, but can also be heard in Porto at places like Ideal Clube de Fado (a traditional Fado house) or at the Calém Porto port wine cellar ─ and all over Portugal. Once you hear fado, you will never forget it, with its haunting and mournful sounds reflecting the sorrows, struggles, and joys of the people. Fado means fate or destiny. Listeners do not need to speak Portuguese to understand the sentiments conveyed. This is a type of music best experienced with wine in hand and in the company of good friends or loved ones.
7. New luxury Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia to open in early 2025
During a private dinner at the beautiful Calem Porto (where port wine tours of the cellar, wine tastings, and even fado nights are held), we heard the news that the newest luxury property in the Porto region, the Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia, is set to open in early 2025.
Tivoli Hotels & Resorts (founded in Lisbon in 1933 and known for emphasizing cultural heritage and connection in its locations) has joined with Kopke (the world’s original purveyors of port), to present a timeless luxury accommodation. The property is located in Gaia on the south bank of the Douro River. The area was home to port cellars and warehouses for centuries and is now a burgeoning wine and dining district, and the Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia is at the center of it all.
“We are delighted to announce this exciting upcoming addition to the Tivoli portfolio in the Porto region with a truly special partnership with Kopke,” says Dillip Rajakarier, group CEO of Minor International and CEO of Minor Hotels, the parent company of Tivoli Hotels & Resorts. “With a beautiful and privileged location, this property will offer exceptional facilities to both business and leisure guests, connecting them with the world of port wine in a very exclusive way. We are honored to be working with the team at Kopke to bring this property to fruition.”
Imbued with understanded elegance, the hotel will feature 150 guest rooms, including 10 suites, and provide facilities for both business and leisure travelers. Amenities will include two restaurants (including the modern gastronomy of Iberia proudly presented with passion by a Michelin-starred chef), three bars, two swimming pools, a Tivoli Shape fitness center, six meeting rooms, and 9,000 square meters of garden space for gatherings and events (including a magical backdrop for weddings). The Tivoli Spa will offer therapies inspired by the natural elements of the region.
Perhaps the most unique feature of the Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia is the historic Kopke Port Wine cellar, providing guests with a one-of-a-kind immersive experience into the world of port wine. Portugal’s finest wines, including the brand’s own vintage ports, can also be sampled at any of the hotel’s restaurants and bars.

