Feel like a local in Porto

Time is short when we travel and there is always a certain detail that we didn’t get to know in this or that city. People say: "You were not in Porto if you didn't go or you didn't try... this or that, “ and after all is said and done you can’t fight the feeling that you did not truly live the city that you have just visited.

It can be hard to take time off work and to afford to travel, that is why you should make the most of your trip!

Here are some tips to make you feel like a real local in Porto and feel that your trip was worth it.

1. The Power of the word "obrigado/a “

So you don’t speak Portuguese? No worries! People here are extremely kind and will help you out even if they don’t know any english, they will probably point or do something in the most expressive way possible to make you understand. If you want to avoid this awkward interaction, here are some words that might help you out:

BOM DIA: Good morning

BOA TARDE: Good afternoon

BOA NOITE: Good night

POR FAVOR: Please

OBRIGADO / MUITO OBRIGADO: “Thank you”/ “thank you so much”, if you are a man.

OBRIGADA/MUITO OBRIGADA: “Thank you”/ “thank you so much”, if you are a woman.

We speak Portuguese and that doesn’t mean we know Spanish, so avoid saying gracias.

Simple phrases that will make you feel like a local.

2. "Lanchar" in the morning or in the afternoon

"Tripeiro" - as people who were born in Porto are called - that respects himself takes a break at midday and in the afternoon, always with a good coffee and a typical snack such as a "Lanche, a" Rissol ", a" Portuguese Croissant " , a "Nata", or some "Hungaros", etc. This action is called "lanchar", and is very common in the daily life of a Portuguese. What better excuse than "lanchar" to try the local pastry!

3. Portuguese coffee and Port wine is not always what we think.

Although it seems logical, we have to know exactly what we order in any place in Porto, especially when it comes to coffee and wine

- Coffee: when you order a coffee in Porto you have to know that the coffee in Portugal is served in "expresso" format - short and strong -, if you are looking for an "American" styled coffee, you have to ask by specifying that what you want is an "American coffee " or a "coffee with milk", because asking only for "a coffee" you will always get an espresso (and let's be honest, not everybody likes strong coffee).

- Port Wine: It often happens that travellers arrive at a restaurant or bar and order a glass of Port wine to accompany their food, but when they taste it they realize that the wine that the waiter brought to them is sweet, with a high alcohol content and a very small serving; Many times they complain to the waiter, who has to explain to them that what he has brought is exactly what they asked for.

This misunderstanding happens more times than you can imagine ,this is why you should know the difference between a normal table wine and Port wine. The first one we have all tried and we know different varieties that go well with meat, seafood, or with cheese. However, Porto wine is sweet with high alcohol content and is usually paired with dessert or works very well as a digestive.

Small details that make a big difference when tasting these products and that will improve your experience.

4. We love the viewpoints and the sunsets

Porto is a city that has incredible places to enjoy sunsets, but a local doesn't do it anywhere, since there are perfect places for it:

For example, spending the afternoon at "Palacio de Cristal", finding a place to sit and enjoy until the end of the afternoon, is typically frequented by young university students. This place closes at 7:00 pm, so it is advisable to go early.

On the other hand, we recommend visiting and sitting at "Passeio das Virtudes", with a "fino" -a glass of beer- and "Tremoços" - a Portuguese snack - while you enjoy the sunset and its wonderful view in an relaxed environment, where we recommend to take a blanket to set on the grass and some warm clothes as it gets quite chilly at night. Just sit and enjoy the sun set with your friends.

5. Remember: those that endure are the people

We suggest that you always look for local companies and local guides who do free walking tours or private tours (if you have the budget), because there are places that you won’t miss when you are with a local that knows the city like the back of their hand and can truly express the essence of the city and its people.