1. Savouring roasted chestnuts
With autumn, the streets of Porto are filled with the unmistakable scent of roasted chestnuts. Next to the São Bento station and in several spots around the city, you can find vendors that serve you warm chestnuts in paper cones. Celebrated on 11 November, Saint Martins Day is the perfect time for you to be delighted by this delicacy.
2. Brunch tasting
The cooler days ask for comfort meals, and there is no better way to start the day than with a brunch. You'll find several options in Porto, such as the Garden Balthazar Caffe, where the HF Hotels guests benefit from a 10% discount, and can enjoy pancakes or scrambled eggs in a cosy environment. Besides being tasteful, brunches are a great way to relax and enjoy the morning, especially on an autumn day.
3. Going to a concert at Casa da Música
With unpredictable weather, indoor plans become an excellent option. The Casa da Música, one of the cultural icons of Porto, offers a varied schedule, with concerts for every taste. Whether you prefer classic or contemporary music, this is the perfect place to spend a different evening, protected from the cold or the rain.
4. Enjoying the sunset in the city gardens
The days may be shorter, but autumn offers incredible sunsets in Porto. One of the best spots to enjoy this sight is the Virtudes Garden, from where you can contemplate the Douro river and the warm colours of this season. Another charming option are the Gardens of Palácio de Cristal, which offer stunning views over the city.
5. Exploring bookshops and second-hand bookshops
Autumn is perfect to get lost among books. In addition to the iconic Livraria Lello bookshop, famous for its architecture, you can find several used and second-hand bookshops spread all over Portos city centre. Enjoy a quiet afternoon to explore these hidden gems and discover new literary treasures.
6. Visiting Serralves Museum
If the weather isn't appealing for outdoor strolling, the Porto museums are an excellent alternative. The Serralves Museum, dedicated to contemporary art, is one of the most important cultural spaces in the city. Combining art exhibitions and a beautiful park, this is the perfect place for an autumn afternoon.
7. Tasting a warm pastel de nata
No visit to Porto will be complete if you don't taste a pastel de nata (custard tart). In autumn, this typical Portuguese dessert is even more comforting when served warm, right from the oven. One of the most popular places to taste this delicacy is Manteigaria, a bakery known for the quality and freshness of its custard tarts.
8. Visiting the Port wine cellars
Autumn is the perfect season to visit the famous Port wine cellars, in Vila Nova de Gaia. This time of the year coincides with the harvests, and many cellars offer guided tours where you can learn more about the production process of this unique wine, and, of course, taste it.
9. Being delighted by a francesinha
With the cool weather, a francesinha, one of the most famous dishes in Porto, becomes even more tempting. This rich and comforting dish is perfect for a lunch or dinner with family or friends. There are many restaurants in Porto where you can try the typical francesinha, but we suggest you taste it in the comfort of the HF Ipanema Park restaurant.
10. Exploring Douro and its vineyards in the autumn
This season in the Douro region is simply magical. The vineyards on the slopes gain gold and red shades, creating stunning landscapes. During the autumn, you may visit wine farms and participate in the harvests, a unique experience that enables you to better understand the tradition of wine production.
HF FÉNIX URBAN