A Perfect Day in Porto: Cable Cars, Port Wine & Gelato Roses

I’ve booked so many trips to Porto for clients over the years, but I’d never actually seen it for myself… until now. We only had one day, and I finally got to experience the magic that keeps people coming back again and again. Here’s how our family spent a quick but unforgettable day in Porto.

Up, Up and Away: The Cable Car Experience

We kicked off the day with a ride on the Teleférico de Gaia, the scenic cable car that glides above the river on the Vila Nova de Gaia side. It was such a fun way to start the day - especially for the kids, being that it was their first time on a cable car. It’s honestly the best way to get a first impression for Porto – and a bargain for EUR22.50! As we drifted above the rooftops and port wine cellars, the Dom Luís I Bridge stretched out ahead of us, and the Douro River shimmered in the sun. It was fun to spot and recognise the warehouses for UK port brands like “Taylors”, “Grahams” and “Cockburns”.

Livraria Lello: A Storybook Come to Life

Knowing the queues can build up early, we headed straight to Livraria Lello, one of the most stunning bookshops in the world. It’s spectacular, like a real-life version of Belles library from Disney. There is a winding red staircase, stained-glass ceiling, and carved wooden shelves, just beautiful. The bookshop is often linked to Harry Potter lore, and even if that's just a rumour, it certainly felt like the kind of place J.K. Rowling might have dreamed up. It was busy, but worth every minute. We picked up a few souvenirs and took in the incredible architecture before heading off to our next stop — which, luckily, was only a few steps away.

A Gelato Flower from Amorino

Just a couple of doors up from Livraria Lello, we found Gelato Amorino, and with Margot fast approaching a sugar-low heat-induced meltdown there was no question we had to stop. For me it was Stracciatella and Strawberry, my 2 favourite flavours, beautifully sculpted into a delicate rose. It was almost too pretty to eat… almost.

Port Tasting at Esplanada do Teleférico (For the Grown-Ups)

After an afternoon spent wandering the streets and taking in the architecture (and sardine shopping!), we made our way back toward the cable car station. Before descending down on the cable car we spotted a bar named “Esplanada do Teleférico” with an awesome view of Porto an the Duoro. While the kids played cards, Chris and I each sampled a glass of Port wine. Sipping slowly while overlooking the river and the colourful Ribeira district across the way is a memory I won’t forget. There’s also something about eating olives abroad - they’re just better. Fresh, flavourful, and always perfectly seasoned. Well, the kids weren’t quite as convinced, but Chris and I were very happy to polish off the bowl.

I definitely would go back, and now having seen it first hand I will gladly impart my wisdom to my clients who have trips booked there for the future.