Europe's Secret Foodie Destination: Porto

For some reason, Porto was not even on my radar as a desired food or travel destination. After a hurriedly booked trip there for a weekend stopover, I fell in love with the city and have been back multiple times. It’s my favorite city in Portugal.

Porto will enchant you. Gorgeous tiled houses line the streets, unique churches are dotted everywhere, and an elegant castle overlooks the city. Even Porto’s massive bridge, which connects this city to Gaia over the Douro River, is a work of art itself.

Everywhere you look, this city is beautiful. But it’s the city’s food and wine scene that keep me returning for more.

Porto is home to some of the most flavorful and affordable food in Europe. Its cuisine will leave a lasting impression. The flavors of this city are much different than elsewhere in Portugal. The Francesinha sandwich, Porto’s most famous delicacy, is stuffed with ham, chipolata, steak, linguiça, cheese, and tomatoes and then is covered in a mouth-watering beer-based sauce. It is by far the most interesting and delicious sandwich I have ever eaten.

Santiago is popular with locals and travelers – there is always a wait. Their Francesinha is one of the city’s finest and is so big you can share it with a friend.

Porto has tons of history and culture to offer travelers. After lunch at Santiago, get your afternoon dessert and caffeine fix at the centrally-located, historic Majestic Café. Then, stop by one of the city markets to purchase some fresh produce or local goods to bring home.

Porto’s gorgeous Majestic Cafe is a great place to have an afternoon espresso.

Tapas in Porto are creative, delicious, and large enough to share. Flavorful Portuguese cheese, sausages, and potato pancakes are items you must try. Portugal’s sausages have unique and mouth-watering flavors, unlike any of the other sausages available in Europe. Share some tapas with locals – it will be an enjoyable delectable outing.

Venham Mais was hard to find, but luckily, I had a local friend take me. This place is famous for this juicy steak sandwich. It doesn’t look like much, but….. wow.

Of course, no trip to Porto is complete without a trip to a port wine cellar. While Sandeman’s and Graham’s tours are the most famous, I truly enjoyed the more intimate experience at Churchill’s. A walking food and wine tour through the city is highly recommended!