Porto's a Blur: Rain, Sardines, and Seriously Weird Vibes
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm espresso. i landed in porto yesterday, and honestly, it’s… a lot. like, a beautiful, drizzly, slightly unsettling lot. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the humidity is clinging to everything - my camera, my socks, my sanity. it’s 1010 pressure and 56% humidity, which, you know, feels like being wrapped in a damp towel.
I was immediately hit with this smell - not bad, exactly, but like… intensely salted fish and something vaguely floral. it’s the sardine thing, obviously. porto’s obsessed. i saw a guy selling them straight from a cart, glistening in the rain. it was… a choice. i’m sticking to pastries for now.
I’m staying in this tiny Airbnb near Ribeira - it’s basically a converted warehouse with exposed brick and a seriously questionable plumbing situation. the landlord, a guy named Ricardo, keeps leaving cryptic notes about ‘the spirits of the river’ and ‘respecting the flow.’ he’s a trip. someone told me that he used to be a competitive pigeon racer. wild.
Spent the afternoon wandering around the Luís I Bridge - it’s insane. like, seriously, the scale of it. you can practically feel the history radiating off the ironwork. i snapped a ton of photos, naturally. my camera’s already screaming at me.
Then i stumbled upon this little tasca - ‘Casa Guedes’ - and it was everything. the tripas à moda do Porto was… an experience. let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart. i’m not gonna lie, i mostly just drank vinho verde and stared at the rain.
I overheard some drunk tourists at the bar last night saying that the best place to see the sunset is actually from Vila Nova de Gaia, across the river. they were pretty insistent, and honestly, they seemed genuinely enthusiastic. i’m adding it to the list.
Here’s the lowdown on what i’ve got so far:
Camera Gear: Sony a7iii, Rokinon 35mm f/1.4, a bunch of batteries (seriously, bring backups), and a waterproof bag. Don’t forget extra memory cards - you’ll need ‘em.
*Essentials: Rain jacket (obviously), comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones are a thing), and a phrasebook. Portuguese isn’t easy, trust me.
*Food & Drink: Vinho Verde, Francesinha (a massive sandwich - you’ll need a bib), and as many sardines as you dare.
*Local Tips:* Don’t be afraid to get lost. That’s where you find the good stuff. And definitely check out the Livraria Lello - it’s supposedly one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
I heard that the Serralves Museum is worth a visit - contemporary art and a stunning gardens. Yelp says it’s 4.5 stars, which is pretty solid. https://www.yelp.com/
And if you’re looking for a good place to grab a coffee, ‘Café Majestic’ is supposedly the place to be. It’s a classic, all dark wood and serious coffee snobbery. https://www.tripadvisor.com/
Speaking of locals, there’s this family who runs a little shop selling handmade ceramics just down the street. They’re incredibly friendly, but they also seem to be guarding a secret about the city’s history. I overheard them talking about a hidden tunnel system beneath the streets - something about smugglers and lost treasures. It’s probably just local folklore, but… intriguing.
Someone told me that the best way to experience porto is to just wander aimlessly and let the city surprise you. I’m trying to follow that advice. It’s… working, sort of.
Seriously, if you’re ever in porto, don’t miss the Mercado do Bolhão. It’s a chaotic, vibrant market filled with everything from fresh produce to antique furniture. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. https://www.portugalvisitor.com/porto/mercado-bolhao/
I’m officially exhausted, but also strangely captivated. porto is weird, it’s rainy, and it’s definitely not boring. i’m gonna go find a place to crash and dream about sardines. goodnight (or good morning, depending on when you’re reading this).
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