Reflections From Portugal
While I was in Europe, I went to visit one of my girlfriends who was in Porto. The only thing was, with my busy schedule, I only had one day to spare! And this was my first time ever visiting Portugal.
You see, when you don’t have much time, you want to soak it up and make the most of each moment. This is how I want to live my life. Having just one day in Portugal, that’s what I tried to do in 24 hours.
Trying something new on the menu. Going off the beaten path. Talking to that kind stranger. Ordering ‘bartender’s choice’ on the menu. Getting right up when the alarm went off to watch the sunrise over the mountains (even though I was exhausted). Engaging with the person sitting next to me on the plane… These are the moments that make life interesting. These are the moments that inspire me.
Feeling grateful and inspired in this moment. You see, your life doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours. Keep leaning into the moments that inspire you. This is where the magic is at. F*ck the comparison, social media, and a life that isn’t truly yours. It literally sucks the life out of you. Lean into life. Lean into love. Keep finding the inspiration. It’s all there. It’s all possible.
Itinerary
Porto, Portugal
Accommodation
Airbnb – There are so many amazing and affordable Airbnb options in Porto! I went with this lovely studio apartment with a balcony, right in the middle of the city.
Food & Drinks
Breakfast – I stopped at KI.art.music.coffee, a chill café near the airport with great R&B playing and a whole vibe. The Portuguese cheese was delicious, the croissants were so light and fresh, and it was the perfect spot to hang while I waited for my friend to arrive
Lunch – We had lunch along the Douro River, in the heart of the touristy area. Normally, I avoid such spots, but it was perfect for arriving and feeling the pulse of the city. Literally, they’re your quintessential touristy restaurants—you can’t go wrong with whichever you choose.
Drinks – Later, we grabbed drinks at Flôr, a cozy cocktail bar tucked away in Porto's Baixa district. The ambiance was intimate, and the cocktails were crafted with care. It's a hidden gem worth seeking out.
Dinner – Dinner was at Mistu, a stylish restaurant blending Portuguese, Asian, and South American flavors. The ingredients were so fresh, the setting was chic, and the dishes were inventive and delicious.
Activities
Wine Tour – My friend booked a wine tour for us, and while I don't have the exact details, I can say that experiencing a wine tour in Porto is an absolute must.
Sunrise – The next morning before heading back to the airport, I caught the sunrise over the Douro River. Waking up early was tough, but being able to journal and experience the stillness of the river was completely worth it. After, I found a local Portuguese café where no one spoke English. It was divine.
Must Try
Port Wine – You can’t come to Porto and not try its namesake. Whether you do a full tasting or just sip a glass at sunset, Port wine is rich, smooth, and deeply rooted in the city’s history. It hits different here. A heads up—they can be super sweet and are best had at the end of a meal to sip on.
Francesinha Sandwich – This is the iconic sandwich of Porto. While I eat mainly plant-based at home, when I travel, I’m always open to trying the local food. Think: layers of meat, melted cheese, and a thick tomato-beer gravy poured over the top—served with fries, of course. It’s heavy, indulgent, and absolutely worth trying at least once. Definitely recommend sharing with a friend.
Additional Tips
Uber to/from the Airport – Uber was affordable getting to and from the Porto airport. Super easy and convenient if you're short on time or don’t feel like navigating public transit.
Leave Time at the Airport – Heads up: there’s a separate customs line after security at Porto airport, before you board the plane, so make sure to give yourself extra time—especially for international flights. I had to learn the hard way!
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