Portugal | Top Value Experiences for a Taste of Porto’s Magic
Lisbon might be Portugal’s most cosmopolitan city, but it was Porto that stole the spotlight during our Portuguese adventure.
Seemingly touched yet not tainted by the spoils of tourism, Porto won us over with its vibrant food and wine culture, welcoming locals, and breathtaking vistas over the glistening Douro river.
Keep reading for my top 3 value experiences for a taste of Porto’s magic (plus some bonus tips at the end!).
This post is not sponsored & reflects my personal opinions.
One. Port Wine Tasting & Tour
Port in Porto
Cross the Douro River via the iconic Luis I Bridge and you’ll step into Gaia, home to Portugal’s historic and alluring port wine lodges. For centuries, rabelo boats transported barrels of wine from the Douro Valley downriver to Gaia’s cool, humid cellars for ageing, producing world-famous fortified wine.
Port wine is one-of-a-kind, as fortified wine produced elsewhere can’t be labelled as port (like how not all sparkling wine can be Champagne). So there’s absolutely nowhere else in the world you’ll get to savour this decadent wine so close to its source!
Graham’s Port Lodge
Both renowned and boutique port lodges are conveniently located along the Duoro River, near the Luis I Bridge.
That said, if you fancy stunning hilltop views (from the terrace pictured above!) and a glimpse into the workings of a prestigious port brand, I recommend trekking up to Graham’s Port Lodge for a guided tour and tasting.
#WoWa tip Whichever port lodge you choose, it’s best to book in advance on their official website (after checking the cancellation policy!).
History, heritage & vintage
After an introductory video, our knowledgeable guide led us through their rustic cellars, providing an overview of the brand’s rich history, the various types of ports and their production processes, and more.
We were even fortunate enough to step into their mysterious, fortress-like cellars, where many treasured bottles of vintage port—some dating back to the 1800s—are literally locked behind bars. Be careful not to set off the security alarm by picking up a prized bottle on display!
#WoWa tip Arrive early to explore the mini-museum at the entrance and allow at least 1.5 hrs for the video (~15 mins), guided tour (~40 mins) and tasting.
Decadence in every sip
My partner and I shared two tastings: ‘Lodge Tasting’ (3 classic ports) and ‘Premium Tasting with Pairings” (1 classic & 2 premium ports, with food pairings).
Every sip was decadently rich and velvety smooth, with the inky ruby ports being a bit less sweet than the caramel-coloured, syrupy tawny ports.
The experience was elevated by the delectable and wonderfully complementary pairings. Even my partner, who typically avoids drinking red wine, became a port fan after trying it with their cheese!
#FYI We booked the English tour & tastings on their website for €60 in total (late 2024). While other port lodges might offer cheaper options, the informative tour and memorable tasting made it worthwhile for us.
Two. Learning to make Portuguese custard tarts from scratch
The ultimate Nata experience
Pastel de Nata, with its buttery, flaky pastry and gloriously creamy custard, is undeniably one of Portugal’s most celebrated creations. Best served warm, it is the perfect comfort food—for breakfast, dessert, or any moment of indulgence.
The ultimate Nata experience though? Learning from a local how to make it from scratch, using base ingredients like flour, eggs, and a sense of fun!
#WoWa tip Where a class doesn’t specify making Nata from scratch, they might use pastry shells or other shortcuts; best to ask beforehand if you’re unsure.
Teamwork makes the Nata dream work
We booked Joana’s Nata-making experience, which is held at her lovely apartment in a quiet residential area. Her warm decor and cosy baking space made us feel like we were at a friend’s home, with 8 new friends from around the world.
Our group had the privilege of baking as one big team, using the treasured recipe from Joana’s grandmother. Joana was friendly yet firm, ensuring everyone had ample opportunities to participate in a clean, fun and supportive environment.
From rolling the crucial layers of puff pastry to whisking up the aromatic cream concoction, it was a truly hands-on class and we relished every moment!
#FYI In a group class, it’s usually a team effort as it isn’t practical for each person to make their own batch.
Sweet tarts of our labour
Once the tarts-to-be were in the oven, we gathered at the dining table to relax with a cuppa, swap travel stories, and learn about local culture from Joana.
The wait flew by, and soon we were enjoying the piping hot Nata that we made together. Were they as good as store-bought ones? Not quite! Still, they were the sweet tarts of our labour and the experience remains one of my fondest memories of Porto!
#FYI The class was hosted in English and we booked on Airbnb for A$45 each. It was ~15 mins from the city centre via Uber/Bolt (maybe car pool with your new friends for the return trip!).
Three. Dinner at a wine bar where food’s the star
‘Natural Wine & Good Food’
Porto’s famous francesinha is certainly worth a try. However, if flavour-packed, creative yet unpretentious modern cuisine is more up your alley, then Genuino should be at the top of your must-eat list.
Don’t let the ‘wine bar’ label on Google Maps or the casual interior fool you. While they serve a curated selection of natural wines in a laid-back, greenery-filled setting, it was their surprisingly refined food that stole the show and wowed us.
#WoWa tip It’s best to book in advance here.
Banana(?!) croquettes
Our first dish, a pair of seemingly simple croquettes, had us wide-eyed at the first bite. The intriguing combo of banana, slow-cooked meat, bacon, cachaça, and cumin was so moreish that we regretted not ordering more.
By the time we finished the next tasty starter—crispy breaded eggplant, thoughtfully paired with refreshing pomegranate and herbs—I was excited by how promising the meal was!
Seafood sensations
Amazingly, our mains continued to impress. The sautéed squid was cooked to perfection (tender, with no rubbery bits) and sat atop a slightly sweet and creamy herb sauce that has just a hint of umami. The smoked stone bass with yogurt and cous cous was also delightful and had such well-balanced textures and flavours.
With four out of four dishes being hits, we just had to order dessert as well.
Five out of five
After polishing off the delicious burnt butter cake with cardamon crème anglaise and pears, I was on a high (partly from the sugar!); we rarely enjoy every single dish at a restaurant but Genuino was one of those rare gems.
As I mentioned to our lovely server, it really set the bar for great dining in Portugal for us. And at €70 for the two of us (including 3 glasses of wine), it was exceptional value!
Bonus. More tips for a value-packed trip
Grab a mouthwatering bifana at Conga, a long-standing spot known for this traditional sandwich that’s packed with thinly sliced, slightly spicy marinated pork.
Don’t miss breathtaking views of Porto from Miradouro da Serra do Pilar in Gaia; the sunset from there is especially magical!
Visit McDonald’s Imperial, dubbed the ‘most beautiful McDonald’s in the world’, where you’ll find chandeliers, stained glass, and art deco—fancy!
Join a tips-based walking tour with Porto Walkers for insider insights into local history and culture. If you’re lucky, you might get Fiel as a guide as well!
Drop by Sao Bento station and wander past the Chapel of Souls to admire Portugal’s iconic blue and white tiles (azulejos) for free.
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