Looking for a mini break destination that won’t break the bank? Head to Porto pronto! Only a short flight from the UK and a brisk thirty-minute transfer, it’s an ideal 2 night getaway. Amazing art, an incredible bridge, a larger-than-life rabbit and of course copious quantities of port to quaff, what’s not to love?
How to get to Porto
Porto is well served from London, (Gatwick, Stansted and Luton airports), and from regional airports spanning: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and Liverpool. Once there it’s a 30-minute breeze into town. We didn’t experience any delays at passport control in May 2026, though others arriving after us were not so fortunate.
Where to stay in Porto
We stayed slightly out of town in the Boavista / Cedofeita area of the city – approximately 30 minutes’ walk from the historic centre. This’s a much quieter area than the town centre or riverside but still has an abundance of trendy restaurants and cafes. We stayed at the recently renovated Palacete Severo boutique hotel and art gallery. The outdoor heated swimming pool being the major draw for our visit in mid-May.
What to do during a short break to Porto
Porto has an abundance of places to squeeze into a two-night stay. But be warned, it has plenty of hills so good walking shoes are a must. Prepare to be dazzled by the unexpected, quirky elements that hit you around every corner. Like the giant half rabbit and this handy outdoor escalator that propels you from one steep level to the next. Why has this not been thought of before?!
Porto is definitely a short-break destination on the rise. However, amidst all the cranes, it was surprising to see so many dilapidated houses. Roughly one in every five houses in Porto is abandoned due to a mix of complex inheritance laws and prohibitive restoration costs. Whether this will change in time remains to be seen.
Marvel at the Sao Bento train station
Nestled in the historic centre of Porto is the Sao Bento railway station. Covered in 20,000 of Porto’s signature blue and white tiles, it’s a living work of art. The station was originally built on the site of a 16th century Benedictine monastery before being transformed into a station by the architect, José Marques da Silva, in 1916. The huge murals depict wholesome, pastoral scenes as well as pivotal moments in Portuguese history. It certainly beats Clapham Junction and would certainly make my daily commute far more enjoyable.
The Giant Half Rabbit of Villa Nova de Gaia
Next on our must-see list was the famous half rabbit. This giant sculpture made of trash suddenly peers down at you from the quiet back streets of neighbouring Villa Nova De Gaia. The epic scale of the work and its apparent 3-D appearance make this one of the quirkiest stand-out features of the City. It’s situated at the corner of Rua Guilherme Gomes Fernandes and Rua Dom Afonso III.
Avoid the queues at the Livraria Lello bookshop
Boasting the most beautiful bookshop in the world, the Livraria Lello is another of Porto’s famous landmarks. However, the eight Euro entrance fee and the constant queues outside did not tempt us in. Queues can range from 15 to 45 minutes as the bookshop carefully monitors crowd control inside. If you love books, it may be worth the wait but as time was of the essence on our two-day mini break we gave it a miss.
Tiptoe across the Dom Luis bridge
From bookshops to bridges, the Dom Luis bridge does not demand any charge and is a feat of engineering brilliance. Built on two levels, this double-decker masterpiece connects the historic centre of Porto to the adjacent Villa Nova De Gaia. Pedestrian-friendly, aside from the railway which trundles down the centre, it offers sweeping panoramic views across the city. We were lucky enough to make our first crossing during a brilliant sunset.
Quaff some port in Vila Nova de Gaia
No trip to Porto could be complete without tasting the nectar of the gods. Once you cross across over the bridge into Villa Nova De Gaia, you enter a world of bacchanalian indulgence. Boasting up to twenty historic port cellars, it would be rude not to have a tipple while here. The tastings are generous with a large half glasses served – causing tipsy effects if you opt for the traditional six tastings. Some port cellars also offer cheese and charcuterie to help ease the passage of the port. While some cellars recommend advance bookings, we had no problem dropping into both Taylor’s and Graham’s port cellars.
Eating and drinking in Porto is generally cheaper than other European countries particularly if you opt for cafes outside the historic centre. We enjoyed a coffee and a pastel de nata for under 5 Euros in a “locals bar.” There’s also a wealth of good quality vegan restaurants offering healthy dishes for less than you’d pay in the UK.
Wander through the Jardins de Palacio de Cristal
When the hustle and bustle gets all too much, seek sanctuary in the Jardins De Palacio de Cristal. Here a startling array of birds roam freely unperturbed by their human companions. Here, strutting peacocks take centre stage to conduct their elaborate courting rituals. There’s also manicured plant beds and the most stunning views onto the River Douro. Every hectic short break needs a place where you can truly unwind and this garden has it all.
Climb to the top of the Rosa Mota Pavilion
Once you get your energy back, the park’s Rosa Mota Pavilion, (Super Bock Arena), offers further adventure. Designed as a multi-purpose building for conferences and sporting events, you can now clamber onto the roof. The building’s rotund shape means you can walk round the full circumference taking in views of the city from every angle. Although the climb only takes 20 minutes, it’s a novel way of viewing the city from a different perspective. (Cost 9 Euros per person). And the best thing is there were no queues while we visited.
If you’re craving an affordable break that offers quirky surprises around every corner, Porto won’t disappoint. Just watch out for the giant half rabbit!