Time to reach the final destination of this tour, the Northern Portuguese city of Porto.  I’ve heard so much about it, from its iconic Eiffel-inspired Dom Luis bridge, to its walkable (but hilly) center, to its enticing riverfront. Today was a day to experience it all. 

But first, a high-speed train from Coimbra. Portugal has a system just as fast and comfortable as other European trains I’ve used, whisking us to Porto in about an hour. 

We arrived at Campanha station and taxied to the hotel to drop our bags and begin an orientation walk. 

Porto is definitely hilly, but luckily the heat wave had broken and it was a very comfortable 75f as we saw the Bolhão Market, the tile work of São Bento rail station and the plaza in front of the Sé do Porto cathedral with sweeping city views.

Lunch was next at the Time Out Market. After a few days of Portuguese food, I was ready for a delicious Margherita pizza. 

Continuing on, we walked by a number of landmarks, including the very instagrammable (and very crowded) Liveria Lello bookstore,  stopping for gelato and finishing in the Ribeira neighborhood on the banks of the River Douro. 

I went back to the Bolhão market for a pasta made in a Parmesan wheel and some other tasty tidbits before venturing to the Dom Luis I bridge to cross at sunset. Crossing the top deck is chaotic, with selfie-takers dodging the trams which frequently cross. 

Spent a little time on the other side of the river, and stopped off for a pic in front of city hall’s Porto sign to end a great first day in Porto.