In March 2023, Porto was just a stopover for us before flying to Madeira, but even in the rain, we had a great time exploring the city. We arrived around noon and left the next day around noon again. With its historic streets, blue-tiled buildings, and a glass of port by the river, we made the most of our short stay.

São Bento Station – More Than Just a Train Station

We started our walk at São Bento Station, known for its blue-and-white azulejo tile panels. The detailed murals inside depict Portuguese history, making the station more than just a place to catch a train.

Walking Through the City in the Rain

From there, we wandered through Porto’s streets, passing old buildings with colorful facades and small cafés. The rain made the cobblestone streets a bit slippery, but it also brought out the reflections of lights and tiles. We saw the famous book store Livraria Lello, with its wooden staircase and stained-glass ceiling—a unique place, even if quite crowded.

A Short Coffee Break – Pastel de Nata Included

At some point, we needed a break from the rain. We found a small café and had a pastel de nata with a coffee. The warm pastry was exactly what we needed before continuing our walk.

Over the Ponte da Arrábida and down to the Douro River for a Glass of Port

We walked across and around the famous bridge of Porto, the Ponte da Arrábida. Some parts of Porto are quite steep, so be prepared to walk up some hills.

Later, we made our way to the Douro River. Even in bad weather, the view over to Vila Nova de Gaia and the boats on the water were nice to see. We couldn’t leave without having a glass of port wine before our dinner —a good way to end the day.

Porto in the Rain – Still Worth Visiting

Even though the rain didn’t stop the whole day and also not the next, Porto was a great place to walk around and experience. It wasn’t a long visit, but it gave us a good impression of the city before heading to Madeira. We would love to come back another time with better weather.