Exploring Porto by Train, Foot, and Fork
By: Nicole Babiarz (CAS ’26)
GRIP: Legal Research at University of Minho Law School in Braga, Portugal
On Saturday, May 30th, we all took a much-anticipated day trip from Braga to Porto. It was early when we left, probably earlier than most of us wanted to be awake on a weekend, but the excitement of exploring a new city definitely helped. We hopped on the train and watched the scenery shift from the calmer streets of Braga to the more fast-paced and colorful character of Porto. It’s not a long ride, about an hour, but just long enough to feel like a little adventure.
Once we arrived, we headed straight toward the beach for breakfast. We found a spot not far from the water that served one of the best breakfasts I’ve had so far in Portugal. The best plate had poached eggs on a bed of yogurt and tomato jam, drizzled with olive oil and herbs, and served with slices of crusty bread. Sitting there in the morning sun, with the ocean in view and no rush to be anywhere, was the perfect way to start the day.
After eating, we spent a few hours on the beach, which ended up being one of the most relaxing parts of the trip. We laid out towels, listened to music and a podcast about the history of Porto, and even played some volleyball. The podcast helped give more context to what we’d see later, learning about Porto’s role in Portuguese trade and its development over the centuries made walking through the city later feel more meaningful. And honestly, just being able to listen to something educational while feeling the sun and sand was a pretty ideal combo.
When we finally packed up and brushed off the sand, we made our way to a local restaurant that served traditional Portuguese food, specifically fresh fish caught that morning. The flavors were fresh, simple, and really delicious. It felt good to be able to experience something that’s such a big part of local life, not just something designed for tourists. Eating regionally specific food in the places where it actually comes from adds a layer of appreciation that’s hard to get anywhere else.
In the afternoon, we visited the Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves, which is just outside the city center. The museum itself is beautiful and minimalist in its design, surrounded by peaceful gardens. Inside, the exhibits were modern, abstract, and at times, a little confusing, but in the best way. Some of the pieces made us pause and reflect, while others made us laugh or question what we were seeing. It was a great reminder of how art can be interpreted in so many different ways and how important it is to keep an open mind when experiencing new things.
After the museum, we took our time walking around the center of Porto. The weather was perfect. It was bright, warm, and breezy. We strolled along the Douro River, taking in the classic views of the city’s colorful buildings stacked on the hillside. There were street performers, vendors selling art and postcards, and families enjoying the weekend sunshine. One artist was painting riverside scenes on small canvases, and his work perfectly captured the feeling of the city. It’s these little moments that stick with you, the unplanned ones, like pausing to watch someone paint or overhearing a street musician play.
We ended our day with dinner at a cozy and beautifully decorated restaurant near the city center. The lighting was warm, the tables were candlelit, and the whole place felt like a blend of old-world charm and modern design. It was the kind of restaurant where you could sit and talk for hours, which we basically did. The food was delicious, but more than that, the atmosphere gave us a chance to slow down and reflect on everything we’d done that day. We talked about our favorite parts of the trip, what surprised us most about Porto, and what we wanted to explore next in Portugal.
All in all, it was one of those days that leaves you feeling lucky. Lucky to be somewhere new, lucky to be with good people, and lucky to have the chance to learn and experience so much in just one day. Visiting Porto wasn’t just about sightseeing, it was about getting to know a place through its food, its art, its history, and its rhythm. And for a quick day trip, it managed to pack in just about everything we could have hoped for.