In the fall and winter it is much more likely that when making a getaway we will find the rain as a travel companion. To visit some beaches (how are you), it may be the best thing that could happen to us, but if we are going to kick a city, maybe the magic will be spoiled. Unless we have waterproof plans.
Porto is one of those perfect destinations for a getaway at any time of the year. It is close, an hour’s flight away (with price low cost) and about 5 hours and a half if we go by car from Madrid, its gastronomy is wonderful, it has a lot of cultural offer and it is a city of Portugal beautiful with much to discover.
Flight Madrid-Porto roundtrip from 48 euros on weekends
And do not think that it loses beauty with the rain. It is one of those places where the sun feels good and that a cloudy or rainy day does not detract from it. Even so, we offer you some plans in Porto that will not be ruined even if it is the rainiest day of the year.
Stroll through the Ribera neighborhood
The Riverside neighborhoodon the banks of the Duero, is a beauty of medieval streets with colorful houses and a historical air that wins points with rain. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the water on its façade causes the colors to become more saturated and offer us a unique, almost magical walk. Don’t get overwhelmed by the rain, all you have to do is get a raincoat like this (which is also pretty), and that’s it.
Sailing 300 Women’s Yellow Waterproof Rain Jacket.
A tasting of DO Porto wines
Whether it’s a rainy day or not, this plan has to be among your preferences when visiting Porto yes or yes. make you a getaway to any of the Duero wineries and cross to Vila nova de Gaia, is an excellent idea. Caves Cálem, which has a fado show with a visit and wine tasting, the famous Bodega Sandeman or the spectacular Graham’swhich has spectacular views of Porto and a fantastic restaurant, are just a few of the options in the city.
Visit the Palacio da Bolsa
This neoclassical building was built on the ruins of a Franciscan convent in 1842, but it was not inaugurated until half a century later, in 1891. It has a lot of history (we recommend the audio guide or the guided tour), but the better is inside.
The Golden Room, covered with gold leaf; the General Assembly Room, covered with wood; Y the spectacular Moorish-style Arab Room (inspired in The Alhambra), are more than enough reason to pay a visit to its interior.
The gourmet market of Vila nova de Gaia
This gourmet market on the banks of the Douro is so close to Porto (10 minutes by car) that it is worth a visit, especially if it is a rainy day and we want to take refuge and enjoy a gastronomic plan. It has a wide offer that goes from traditional Portuguese dishes to burgerssweets and sushi.
The tiles of the central station of Sao Bento
Porto is famous, among other things, for its beautiful tiles. On rainy days they don’t shine as much, but we can enjoy them just the same the São Bento central railway station, whose building is as beautiful on the outside as it is on the inside.
It is one of the most striking stations in all of Portugal, and a must-see place. In its hall more than 20,000 tiles are hidden in which the history of the country is portrayed.
Spend the morning at the Lello bookstore
In addition to the wonderful EdinburghJK Rowling was inspired by Portugal to write the saga of Harry Potter, and this bookstore in a Gothic Revival building built in 1906 is one such example. Antique details, thousands of books, a stained glass window that lets in the sun, and a beautiful wooden staircase in the center make this bookstore a place to stay.
A ride on a vintage tram
Maybe the rain is the excuse we need to launch a great plan to discover the city in a different way. We can use any of the three available lines (line 1, 18 or 22) and enjoy the views comfortably and sheltered from the rain.
A panoramic view of Porto sheltered from the rain
The Clérigos Church, built between 1735 and 1748, has an impressive baroque style and is crowned by the Clérigos Tower, one of the most emblematic monuments of Porto.
It is 76 meters high and has more than 240 steps that will take us to one of the best panoramic views of Porto. We do not recommend going up, yes, if there is a lot of fog or if it rains in a stormy way. You would do all the physical exercise to climb without the views being worth it later.
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Photos | istock, Porto.net, Wendell Adriel and Bruno Martins on Unsplash