Hidden Gems for Porto

1. Hidden Gem Porto: Zenith Brunch and Cocktail

Every city has that one spot where you can get breakfast all day long. In Porto, that spot is “Zenith.” After all, who decided that there was a specific window of time for brunch? Their amazing breakfast offer spans your classic avocado-over-salmon toast, to the unique and decadent oreo pancakes. If you come here a little bit later in the day, you should definitely try the cocktails – the Mojito in particular is insane! Zenith is the perfect combination of café, bar and restaurant.

2. Hidden Gem Porto: Douro Lounge

This rooftop bar and restaurant, complete with a breathtaking view of the famous bridge can be found at the Vincci Porto Hotel. The Douro Lounge is perfect for sunset views and signature cocktails and light bites if you’re feeling peckish. Over the weekend, you may also get lucky enough to enjoy live music to top off the experience.

3. Hidden Gem Porto: Cantina 32

On Rua das Flores, one of Porto’s most historic and colorful streets, you can find this romantic, and hip restaurant serving lunch, tapas and dinner with healthy proportions of traditional Portuguese delights and modern cuisine. Cantina 32 is housed in a former perfume factory, and has preserved, the dark vintage look and feel of the original space. The industrial chic furniture, old treasures and luscious plants create an exclusive ambiance you won’t find anywhere else.

4. Hidden Gem Porto: Esquina do Avesso

Esquina do Avesso can easily become a top contender for one of the best restaurants in Porto. Everything is prepared with incredible attention to detail. All their entrees, main courses and desserts are worth experimenting as well as photo deserving. Many of them include their famous matured beef tartare with truffle hollandaise sauce, or a delicious octopus tentacle marinated with a homemade sauce and rice. Its atmosphere is also wonderful, it’s nicely decorated making it really pleasant to be in. Finally, its 5 star service makes this spot worth every penny.

5. Hidden Gem Porto: Noshi Coffee

This cafe is one of the new hot spots in Baixa, Porto. Dubbed by its creators as a “Coffee Garden,” this unique cafe combines an undoubted devotion to quality coffee, the serenity of nature and a true appreciation for health and well-being. The interior courtyard space is decorated with natural elements to curate a connectedness to nature and promote relaxation. For a deliciously healthy breakfast they offer, for example, chia pudding, overnight oats, pancakes and açaí bowl, etc.

6. Hidden Gem Porto: Lello Bookshop

Rumors say that J.K. Rowling’s inspiration to write Harry Potter began in Porto, particularly at this bookshop. The moment you walk through the doors you will notice the marvelous grand stairway, the dark wooden walls and the detailed glass ceiling – a truly spectacular sight. The atmosphere here is old-school amazing! Until a few years ago, the entrance was free of charge. Unfortunately, you now have to buy a ticket but believe us when we say it’s worth it!

7. Hidden Gem Porto: Bop Cafe

Bop is a great addition to Porto’s small but growing speciality coffee scene. Not only is the coffee special – the entire cafe’s concept is, too. The coffee bar has a collection of more than 2,000 records and you can listen to all of them in the cafe on a record player with headphones. As soon as dusk falls, this place offers good cocktails as well. ⠀

8. Hidden Gem Porto: Boa Nova Teahouse

This lovely restaurant was built on the rocks just a few meters from the sea. It´s located a bit outside of Porto, making it perfect for a little get away after you’ve already explored everything that the city has to offer. It has capacity for 40 people maximum and offers exquisitely fresh fish and seafood. Just sitting here, people-watching and listening to the sea is the epitome of an enjoyable vacation.

Vacation rentals in Porto