Gaia is the city across the River Douro from Porto. This is where all the wine cellars are located. Cross the Luís I bridge and walk along the waterfront. There are amazing bars, restaurants and views of Porto.
WHAT TO DO:
Give your tired legs a break from all the hills! Take the short Teleférico de Gaia (cable car) to reach the waterfront area of Gaia. Nice views of Porto from above. $$
*The Esplanade do Teleferico has a bar, DJ and amazing views of the river and Porto. Take the top walking portion of Luís I bridge to get here or take the cable car from Gaia’s riverfront area. Get the cheese board and come for a sunset drink! $$
Jardim do Morro is a cute hilltop park which overlooks Gaia and Porto. Great spot for wine and a picnic. You can take the teleférico (cable car) from here down to the waterfront of Gaia.
*Cais de Gaia is the riverfront walkway down Gaia. Full of street performers, music, restaurants and energy. Grab a bolinho de bacalhau and soak it all in.
*Quinta do Portal is a winery with an amazing deal of 3 port wine tastings for 2.5€! And the port wines are delicious. Get some olives too. $
If you walk across Luís I bridge, past the Teleferico, down to the river and towards Mercado Beira-Rio you will hit three riverfront bars that have deals for 5 port wine tastings for 5€! Quite the deal. Que Bom! $
Caves Cálem is a huge port wine producer with a cellar in Gaia. Educational tour, two tastings, and a little Fado show for 23€. $$
Sandeman is another huge port wine producer. They have a cute outdoor terrace with food and drinks.
WHERE TO EAT
*Casa Portuguesa do Pastel de Bacalhau – You will see pastel de bacalhau (traditional fried cod pastry) on almost every menu in town. But at Casa Portuguesa it is the ONLY thing on the menu. Not only will you get to experience an exceptional pastel de bacalhau but you will also get to experience it in the most bizarre setting: an old library with a live organ player. Also a good stop for a bathroom break. $
Mercado Beira-Rio AKA Mercado Municipal de Gaia is a food court with different restaurants in Gaia. Has a Da Terra restaurant if you are looking for a mini vegetarian buffet. A Buondi has pastel de nata. Get a Super Bock at “Beer Experience”. Delicious brigadeiro cake at Brigadão! Try the #3 fusilli gorgonzola e cacao pasta at Pasta, Amore & Fantasia. $$
DeCastro Gaia is a restaurant with a rooftop terrace bar that has 360 views. Food was tasty but a little pricey. Definitely check out the rooftop bar afterwards for a drink. $$$
Eat at The Yeatman, a Michelin restaurant at this 5-star hotel with stunning views of Porto. We didn’t get to try this place but the reviews are great! $$$$
* = must do
MORE INFORMATION
For more information on how to get around, health/safety, COVID rules, money/tipping and some Portuguese travel phrases, check out our Portugal General Tips page. Check out our travel guide on Gaia and Lisbon too! Watch our Portugal drone video here for more inspiration.
MAP
Check out our free Google Map here with all of the locations above. This map has recommendations for both Porto and Gaia.
