This particular post is not a travel guide or suggested itinerary. It’s an essay of why I visited Porto and maybe why you shouldn’t. Let me set the stage. First, Europe is incredibly diverse. Every country, every city, and every neighborhood has a unique feeling and lengthy list of must see spots. But I’ve found that even in all the diversity of the continent, there is a consistent feeling of ease in some way. Don’t get me wrong, this does not mean it’s not lively. But as a tourist, there’s this undercurrent that life doesn’t have to be a mad dash to the finish line, but that you are allowed to relax. People linger. In every European country I’ve been to, there is an air that no matter what, there is plenty of time to take your time. Now, I know that’s not real life for everyone all the time, but it just appears more effortless than what I experience at home. So what does this have to do with deciding to visit in Portugal?
Well, Portugal has three major areas to visit: Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve (or course there are more but these are the general areas most people focus on). Seeing as I went in mid-February, I decided to skip the Algarve region in the south as I wouldn’t be able to take advantage of the coastal activities which it’s known for. But whenever I told people I was skipping the capital city of Lisbon all together…I got some pretty strange looks. But here’s the thing, I completely understand that you can’t see it all when it comes to travel. You just can’t. At least not those of us who have a week or two off at a time. And to think you’ve really “seen” a country in a matter of days is ridiculous. I think I might say I’ve sampled a lot of Europe. And knowing that I had just a few days to sample some of Portugal, I shifted the focus on my trip.
Leading up to my trip, I had been feeling pretty stressed out with life and work in general. I was craving that leisurely pace of Europe and I was torn between wanting to see a lot of stuff and taking time to soak up the atmosphere.Quite frankly, I needed a bit of a break. Porto is Portugal’s second city, and second cities have a lot to offer without being full of too many tourist destinations. I also prefer an older city to a more modern metropolis. I like being able to quickly get to know my way around a smaller area. So instead of focusing on making a detailed plan to see multiple spots on continental Portugal, I decided to focus on Porto.
So what’s to love about Porto? Well, I found you get more of a glimpse of everyday life there because you aren’t standing in line to access any tourist attractions. It’s the kind of location where you can literally just wander around and eventually you will find you’ve wandered upon every site you were supposed to see. I didn’t feel guilty sleeping in and taking my time getting ready before heading out to get my morning coffee. I spent my day walking. That’s it. Just walking. I ambled around just seeing what there was to see. There was no place I had to be, but I saw everything. I saw the rich, green, glossy tiles that made the frame of a barbershop. The modern details in the faces of the blue tiled paintings inside the Sao Bento train station. The grungy soot that covered the gray stone of ornate cathedrals. The multi-colored bricks and tiles of buildings that aren’t as vibrant as they are in edited pictures, but are still beautiful. I saw every detailed door frame of even the most rundown buildings. I saw the way the light dances around the corners of small quiet alleyways. The random stunning viewpoints that pop up when you least expect them. And the vibrant colors of the large assortment of sardine cans lining the stalls of the Mercado do Bolhao.
And it’s not just the things you see. It’s the experiences that reach all your senses. The chilly drizzle that falls on your raincoat as you meander through the city. The sound of pigeon wings flapping through an open market or church courtyard. The almost constant sound of music coming from street performers on what feels like every corner. Guitarists playing acoustic versions of popular 80s songs to little old men who’s gnarly fingers flex as they play an accordion. The crunch of a flaky pastry that gives way to delicate custard in the famous pastel de nata. The clink of espresso cups as waiters move brisky back and forth under cafe umbrellas. The strong smells of fruit, cheese, and fish that waft through the markets. The uneven feeling under your feet as you walk over cobblestones and weave through street detours due to construction. The sound of waves lightly brushing against the Rabelos, the traditional wine transport boats that moved back and forth between the Douro Valley. And the constant hum of multiple languages as you enjoy your day just experiencing the city.
So here’s what I did in Porto. I softened my travel experience. I was just…there. I had no expectations for my time. I just wanted to soak up that effortless feeling that I so often find in Europe. I didn’t see all the things you are supposed to see in Portugal. Maybe I’ll go back and see more of the country, maybe I won’t. Either way it will be ok. Unless I quit my job and take on full time travel, I will never get to see it all. And even then, I would still miss out on the abundance of experiences the world has to offer. Most people’s vacation time is so incredibly limited; therefore, it’s important to pick the right destination.
So, should you visit Porto? If you are craving some of the more iconic spots in Europe, probably not. There are more impressive sights out there for sure. If you plan a trip to Portugal, you could do Porto as a day trip if you want to focus your time in Lisbon. But if you need a respite from the exertion of everyday life in order to slow down enough to look for and enjoy the beautiful details of everyday life, the Porto might be the place for you.
I love this. I love that every trip doesn’t have the same “purpose” behind it and that you listed to what you needed and just happened to go to a great spot to get it!