Food

Linha 22, Rua dos Clérigos 23 / Nice for a light breakfast and the sandwiches looked pretty generous if you’ve got an appetite.

G7, Gaia Roaster, Rua de Franca 26 / Big brunches, nice cocktails and really good coffee. Moustache was another great coffee spot.

Bota + Bira, R. do Comércio do Porto 191 / A small space that you will almost certainly have to book. The focus is on meat and the steaks were delicious as were the chips and the bread… Delicious drinks and great service but save your dessert for an ice cream elsewhere.

Casa Guedes, Praça dos Poveiros 130/ Eat at the counter we reckon. We had the famous pork and cheese sandwich and it was not only delicious but the perfect post-drinking dinner. Check out nearby Letraria Beer Garden.

Tabua Rasa, Rua da Picaria 68 / We happened upon the restaurant after drinks at Candelabro and again just great service delicious fish and the chorizo, order it. That’s all.

Pimenta Rosa / A very nice cheap eat when you miss some fruit and veggies. You queue with a tray in this small boutique/arts centre. And they give you a complimentary coffee.

Nicolau, Largo Alberto Pimentel 4 / Another place if you fancy a brunch. Think chia bowls and waffles.

Drinks

Letraria Craft Beer Garden, Rua da Alegria 101 / Thanks to our wonderful neighbours Beercraft we’ve embraced this world! A small bar with a great selection of beers including some Portuguese microbreweries, the garden is really where it’s at. A hidden gem.

Armazem da Cervejea / A nice bottle shop combined with a bar.

Candelabro, Rua da Conceicano 3 / A pretty cool joint. The staff are knowledgeable and keen to advise on wines. It’s affordable yet still central.

Shops

Louie Louie, Rua Do Almada, 536 / A brilliant record store brimming with vinyl. Prepare to lose an hour.

Downtown by Mrjoias, Largo São Domingos 32 / A gorgeous boutique which makes you want to visit sunnier climes (n/a if visiting outside of winter!).

Patio d’as Marias / This was our absolute favourite deli/food store. It’s owned and run by three friends who were so knowledgeable and friendly. We left with award-winning Portuguese chocolate and more Port.

Mercearia das Flores, Rua das Flores 110 / All the tinned fish.

Araujo & Sobrinho, Largo São Domingos 55 / A simply gorgeous stationery shop catering for all levels in terms of interest and price. The lady who runs the store is incredibly knowledgeable too.

Places to Visit

Casa Serralves, Rua de Serralves / We loved it here! The art gallery has a sculpture garden, an Art Deco house, a farm with cows, chickens and donkeys plus a herb garden and a tree-top walk.

Casa da Musica, Av. da Boavista 604-610 / Designed by Rem Koolhaas the building jumps out from the surrounding architecture. Always worth checking the listings.