Why Porto is the Perfect Girls' Weekend Away

If you’re looking for a European city break that combines beautiful scenery, fantastic food, great shopping, vibrant nightlife and excellent value for money, Porto should be at the top of your list.

I recently spent three nights in Porto with the girls, flying from Manchester, and it completely exceeded our expectations. It’s the kind of city that feels effortlessly cool without trying too hard, relaxed, friendly and full of charm.

Where We Stayed

We stayed at Chic & Basic Gravity Hotel in Porto’s Baixa district, and despite the name, there was nothing basic about it. The hotel was stylish, modern and welcoming, with quirky design touches throughout. The rooms were comfortable, the atmosphere was relaxed, and the location was spot on.

Being in Baixa meant we could walk to most of the city’s main sights, restaurants and bars, which made exploring Porto incredibly easy. It was the perfect base for a girls’ trip.

Exploring Porto

One of our favourite days was spent wandering through the colourful Ribeira district, Porto’s postcard-perfect riverside area. The cobbled streets, tiled buildings and buzzing atmosphere make it one of the most beautiful parts of the city.

From Ribeira, we walked across the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia. The views from the bridge are stunning, especially looking back across the river towards Porto’s skyline.

We also took the Gaia cable car, which gave us amazing panoramic views over the Douro River and the city beyond. While in Gaia, we visited WOW (World of Wine), a really fun and modern cultural district packed with museums, wine experiences, restaurants and bars. Even if wine isn’t your thing, the area itself is worth visiting for the atmosphere and views alone.

A Hidden Gem: Jardins do Palácio de Cristal

One of our favourite discoveries was Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, a beautiful park right in the city. It was the perfect escape from the busier streets, with peaceful gardens, shaded walkways and stunning views across the Douro River.

What made it even more memorable were the peacocks wandering freely around the grounds, alongside chickens and other birds. It felt completely unexpected in the middle of a city and made for a lovely, relaxing afternoon.

If you have a few hours to spare, it’s definitely worth adding to your Porto itinerary.

Shopping Highlights

Porto is brilliant for shopping if you love independent finds rather than big chain stores. We spent ages browsing urban markets and local stalls, picking up costume jewellery, handmade pottery, clothing and accessories.

There’s a really creative, laid-back vibe to the shopping scene, and it felt much more unique than your average city break shopping trip.

Food & Drink

Honestly, the food in Porto was one of the highlights of the entire trip. Every meal seemed better than the last.

Our three standout dinner spots were:

Rua Tapas

Graze Mille

Must

Each offered excellent food, great service and a fantastic atmosphere.

For mornings, we skipped the hotel breakfast and headed out for brunch instead and we didn’t have a bad one all trip. Porto’s café culture is excellent, and brunch felt like the best way to start each day.

And of course, we had to try a Pastel de Nata with a coffee. Fresh, warm and perfectly flaky, they were every bit as good as everyone says.

Cocktails and Sunshine at Bosco

One of the standout bars of the trip was Bosco. In fact, we loved it so much we visited twice.

With incredible views, a cool laid-back atmosphere and excellent cocktails, it quickly became one of our favourite spots in Porto. We spent a couple of very happy afternoons soaking up the sunshine in the garden bar area, enjoying the views and taking a break from sightseeing.

It had a really relaxed vibe, making it the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail and simply enjoy the moment. Between the views, the atmosphere and the drinks, Bosco was definitely one of our favourite finds of the trip.

Nightlife

Porto’s nightlife is such a good balance. It’s lively and fun, but it doesn’t feel over-the-top or chaotic. There were plenty of great bars within walking distance of our hotel, which made evenings super easy.

Some of our favourite moments were simply sitting at riverside bars, cocktail in hand, watching the world go by along the Douro.

A special mention goes to Marlindo 1959, which served some of the best cocktails we had all weekend. Stylish, welcoming and full of character, it’s definitely worth seeking out.

One Thing to Know Before You Go

If you‘re planning a trip to Porto, pack comfortable footwear. The city is incredibly hilly, with steep streets, cobbled pavements and plenty of uphill walks between attractions.

While Porto is very walkable, you‘ll definitely get your steps in, so leave the heels at home and opt for trainers or comfortable flats instead. Your feet will thank you by the end of the day!

The hills are all part of Porto‘s charm though, and the reward is some stunning viewpoints and incredible photo opportunities across the city.

Getting Around

One thing that surprised us was how easy Porto is to navigate. The airport is only about 20 minutes from the city centre, and the easiest way to get in and out is definitely Uber or Bolt.

Our journeys were usually around €10–15 each way, making transfers quick, simple and affordable.

Final Thoughts

What makes Porto so special is the mix of beautiful scenery, friendly people, incredible food and great value for money. It feels authentic and welcoming, with plenty to do without ever feeling rushed or overwhelming.

From riverside walks and city views to amazing meals, shopping and cocktails, it had everything we wanted from a girls’ getaway.

After three nights, we were already talking about going back.

Would I Recommend Porto?

Absolutely.

It’s the perfect city for a long weekend with friends, easy to get to from many UK airports, easy to explore on foot, packed with character and offering something for everyone.

Whether you're wandering through Ribeira, browsing local markets, enjoying a leisurely brunch, sipping cocktails at Bosco or watching the world go by on the riverfront, Porto has a way of making you slow down and enjoy every moment.

We came home with sore feet, full stomachs and plans to return, which is probably the best review any city can get.