Porto: Rain, Rum, and Really Weird Vibes
okay, so i’m pretty sure i’m running on caffeine and regret. i landed in porto yesterday, and honestly, it’s… a lot. the air smells like salt and something vaguely floral, like someone’s grandma’s closet. it’s 25.28 degrees feels-like, and 24.74 temp, with 1015 pressure. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. humidity’s at 77, sea level is 1015, and ground level is 1012. it’s a weird combo, ya know? like, perfectly stable but also unsettlingly precise.
i was aiming for a chill, ‘discover portugal’ vibe, but porto’s throwing me a curveball. it’s not the postcard-perfect pastel de nata city everyone talks about. it’s gritty, it’s loud, it’s… alive. i’m staying in this tiny place near Ribeira - it’s basically a converted warehouse, smells faintly of fish, and the walls are paper-thin. i can hear everything.
i stumbled into this bar last night, ‘O Galo,’ and someone told me that the owner, a guy named Ricardo, used to be a competitive ballroom dancer. seriously. he’s got this intense stare and a tiny silver cane. it’s the kind of thing you only hear in porto. i also overheard a heated debate about the best pastel de nata - apparently, the one at Manteigaria is a myth. someone swore they tasted sadness in it. wild.
i spent the morning wandering around the Luís I Bridge - it’s insane. like, seriously, a massive iron bridge connecting the Ribeira district to Vila Nova de Gaia. you can walk across it! it’s a bit of a tourist trap, but the views are killer. i checked out TripAdvisor and they recommend grabbing a vinho verde from Vila Nova de Gaia - apparently, it’s the local specialty. i’m gonna try that.
the rain started again about an hour ago. it’s not a torrential downpour, just a persistent, drizzly kind of rain. it’s the kind of rain that makes you want to curl up with a book and a glass of something strong. i’m thinking rum. lots of rum.
i’m trying to map out some other stuff to do. i found this cool little street art tour on GetYourGuide - it’s supposed to be really good. and i need to check out Livraria Lello, the bookstore that apparently inspired J.K. Rowling. i heard that it’s ridiculously crowded, but it’s a must-see.
if you get bored, Braga is just a short drive away. it’s a bit of a pilgrimage spot, apparently. lots of churches and stuff. i’m not really into that, but hey, it’s an option.
i’m also trying to find some decent coffee. porto’s not exactly known for its coffee scene, but i’m determined to find a place that makes a decent espresso. i’m checking out some Yelp reviews - so far, the results are mixed.
i’m starting to think porto is a city that reveals itself slowly. it’s not about ticking off a list of sights; it’s about getting lost in the narrow streets, stumbling upon hidden gems, and soaking up the atmosphere. it’s chaotic, it’s messy, and it’s utterly captivating.
here’s a quick gear list, because i’m obsessed with lists:
Rain jacket (obviously)
Comfortable walking shoes (essential)
Camera (duh)
Portable charger (my lifeline)
Phrasebook (portuguese is a beast)
A healthy dose of skepticism
and a reminder to check out the local board for events: https://www.visitporto.com/en
i’m officially exhausted. i need more coffee. and maybe a nap. porto, you’re a trip.
p.s. someone told me that the best time to visit is in the fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. but honestly, i’m just happy to be here.
p.p.s. i heard that the local seafood is incredible. i’m going to investigate.
You might also be interested in:
- https://votoris.com/post/lisbon-portugal-a-whirlwind-of-numbers-and-rain
- https://votoris.com/post/manila-mayhem-humidity-jeepneys-and-questionable-street-food
- https://votoris.com/post/balikpapan-the-place-where-humidity-wins-every-argument
- https://votoris.com/post/the-local-food-scene-in-fort-worth-what-the-residents-actually-eat-3
- https://votoris.com/post/prayagraj-holy-rivers-mughal-history-and-a-whole-lot-of-dust-probably