One of the biggest advantages of working remotely is the freedom to work from anywhere. As long as you’ve got a good Wifi connection and the potential to plug in and go, you’re set. So, when it comes to choosing your next stop as a digital nomad, cast your search engine to the sunny shores of Porto, Portugal.
Why Porto for your Solo Trip?
If travelling solo is new to you, Porto is a great place to start. Besides being a stunning backdrop for your photographs, with its historic cityscapes and natural beauty, Porto, Portugal has many pulls for the solo traveller.
With its welcoming atmosphere and manageable size - Porto is an ideal destination for those venturing on their own. The city's compact and walkable layout allows you to easily explore the historic streets and drink in its offerings (yes, that includes the infamous port wine!). That, coupled with its reputation for safety, ensures that solo visitors feel comfortable and at ease. So that you can relax and enjoy your solo adventure.
Accommodation for the Solo Traveller
First things first, let's talk about accommodation in Porto, Portugal. There are plenty of accommodation choices for every budget in Porto, Portugal - from boutique hotels, holiday lets or hostels. So, try to find something that fits your budget as well as your vibe.
No matter whether you’re working remotely or taking a trip purely for yourself, it’s vital that you stay connected to the outside world. Solo trips are amazing and, as well as spending quality time with yourself, they give you the opportunity to explore at your own pace. But, it’s also key for your work to stay connected, so, pick accommodation that caters for remote workers - look out for places with a specific working desk space and a good wifi connection.
Also, consider the location. The colourful Ribeira District is known as much for its safety as for its multi coloured buildings. Boavista is also up there - being only a 10 minute ride from some of the top attractions and being a safe, cosmopolitan haven for solo travellers. Wherever you book, do your research in advance.
An Itinerary for the Solo Traveller in Porto, Portugal
Ok, now, let's explore. But, for a solo traveller it can be a little daunting. Don’t worry though, we’ve got you covered with some top activities for the solo traveller in Porto, Portugal.
Morning
Set your alarm bright and early to experience a quiet, calm throughout the streets of Porto, Portugal. Stroll around the Cais da Ribeira Waterfront to drink in the peace and quiet before the city comes to life.
A great breakfast spot is Hakko - and, when we say great, well, the reviews speak for themselves. With French Toast that has been declared to be life changing and breakfast options that claim to be some of the best there is around, it’s well worth a visit.
What’s a morning without a good cup of coffee? Put a spring in your step at C’alma Coffee Room - the perfect vibey joint and any coffee lover's dream, with a variety of coffees to sample, you and your laptop can set up shop here and get to work on those deadlines early on so that you have the rest of the day to explore.
Afternoon
Now that you’ve checked your inbox and nourished your soul with exceptional coffee, let’s talk about food. No trip to Porto, Portugal is complete without sampling a pastel de nata (a Portuguese baked custard tart to you and I). You’ll find this sweet treat on almost any corner in Porto, but for some of the best, you want to head to Mategigaria, where this delicious pastry is far more than baking, it’s an art. An art you’ll want to enjoy in spades.
With your tastebuds satiated, take your pick of afternoon activities for the solo traveller. Here are some of the musts for you to experience whilst on your trip:
- The Gaia Cable Car Ride offers views over the city, where you can gaze along the terracotta roof tops for just 6 Euros a ride.
- A day trip out to Dodo Valley for an afternoon wine tour where you can sample Porto’s famous port wine. Careful, it’s a lot stronger than the usual wine but goes down just as well!
- Book a boat trip along the Douro River and experience Porto from the water.
Evening
With golden hour upon you, you’ll see Porto in a whole new light. Literally. If you want to hide away from the hustle and bustle, wander to Miradour Da Igreja De Sao Lourenco - a viewpoint that lets you enjoy the scenery without the crowds. Or, if you want to get in the midst of it all, head to Jardim Do Morro to get a feel for the evening city vibe.
For dinner, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Porto, Portugal, but if you’re after something a little different head to Barrica for a truly unique dining experience. Here, you’ll be given an envelope and the choice is yours… dine in secrecy with a surprise menu from their chef, or, open the envelope and find out what’s in store. Either way, you’ll enjoy the feast they present to you.
Porto Top Travel Tips:
Ok so, what kind of guide would this be if we didn’t give you some top tips for whilst you’re in Porto, Portugal.
- Bring a good pair of shoes - whilst the cobbled streets are very instagrammable, they can also be steep and uncomfortable under-foot. So, bring a pair of shoes that offer good grip and ankle support so that you can enjoy discovering the city in comfort.
- Book your activities ahead - Porto, Portugal is becoming increasingly popular, so book any attractions or activities as far as 2 weeks in advance so you don’t miss out. One app to use is GetYourGuide.com.
- Avoid the crowds - if you want to enjoy your solo trip without the crowds, set an alarm, get up early and go enjoy the most popular attractions in the quiet of the morning.
- Leave space for shopping - if, like me, you can’t resist a holiday haul, make sure to leave space for some of the Porto offerings. There’s loads of great artisan boutiques, homewares, ceramic and alcohol goods that you’ll be wanting to take home as a memento.
With a ton of things to do, and its recognition for being one of the safest cities to travel to, Porto, Portugal is a no brainer when it comes to seeking out the perfect travel destination for remote workers and solo travellers. I hope this blog has helped you to discover more of what Porto has to offer so that you can take a working holiday that offers work and play in equal measure. Ok, so maybe a little bit more play, but hey, “when in Rome Porto”.
