Hello from Porto, Portugal!
Once again, it’s great to be back in a city that holds so many fond memories for me. I was last here during the pandemic in 2021, and while life has certainly changed since then, the attraction of Porto remains. From the moment I arrived, I felt that familiar pull—this place has a hold on me.
My Airbnb is in the heart of Old Town, in the same neighborhood where I stayed before. Knowing my way around has made it easy to dive right back in, revisiting some of my favorite spots. While a few have closed over the years, I’ve already discovered some fantastic new ones to add to the list.
Porto feels like the perfect fit for me. It’s smaller than Lisbon but offers everything I want—peaceful moments by the Douro River watching boats drift by, an incredible and affordable food scene, and a charm that makes every walk through the city special. My loft is tucked away in a quiet corner, yet steps from all the action, with all the comforts I need.
While the cooler, wetter weather of Porto is a change, I’ve been lucky to enjoy plenty of sunshine and mild temperatures. The only downside so far is not finding a gym with monthly memberships like I had in Istanbul or Tirana, so I’m sticking to at-home workouts. On the plus side, there are plenty of restaurants and coffeeshops where I can plug in, edit videos, and work on social media projects.
Returning here has been a mix of nostalgia and discovery, and it feels so good to be in a place that still feels like home.
Christmas in Porto
Porto during Christmas is pure magic. The markets are alive with the scent of roasted chestnuts, the glow of twinkling lights, and the buzz of holiday cheer. Wooden stalls overflow with handmade crafts and gifts, and there’s always a cup of mulled wine to warm your hands as you wander through. Families, couples, and friends fill the streets, soaking in the festive spirit, and every corner feels like it’s been wrapped in the magic of the season. The decorations? Next level. Lights strung above the narrow streets and vibrant displays in shop windows make the city feel like a living postcard.
But Christmas Eve? That’s when Porto really took my breath away. The streets, usually alive with people and chatter, were completely still. Quiet, peaceful, and unbelievably beautiful. With no one around, it felt like I had the entire city to myself. The lights sparkled against the dark, empty streets, and their reflections danced softly on the cobblestones. It was a moment to just pause, take it all in, and feel the true heart of the holiday—calm, stillness, and the kind of beauty that stays with you.
Porto Cable Car
Exploring Porto is always a treat, but the cable car on the Gaia side of the Douro River takes it to a whole new level—literally! The short ride offers some of the most breathtaking views of the city. Gliding high above, you can take in the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, the historic Ribeira district, and the terracotta rooftops that give Porto its signature charm. It’s a quick trip, only about five minutes, but it feels like time stands still as you soak in the beauty of the Douro River and the bustling city below. Plus, the ride is super convenient to access, just a short walk from the bridge.
Once you reach the top, the experience doesn’t end. You’re greeted with one of the best viewpoints in the city—a perfect spot to snap photos or simply marvel at the scenery. From here, you can head to the nearby Gaia wine cellars to indulge in a glass of port wine or stroll back down to the riverfront. Whether it’s your first visit to Porto or you’re coming back for more, the cable car is an experience that’s as memorable as it is stunning. It’s a must-do that will give you a whole new perspective of this magical city!
Clérigos Tower and Chapel
Clérigos Tower was one of the first landmarks I visited in Porto, and it completely lived up to the hype. Standing tall in the heart of the city, this Baroque masterpiece immediately grabs your attention with its intricate design and historic charm. The climb to the top is no small feat—225 narrow steps winding through stone walls—but every step is worth it. Once I reached the top, I was blown away by the panoramic views. From the red-tiled rooftops to the sparkling Douro River and even the distant Dom Luís I Bridge, it felt like I had all of Porto at my feet.
Before the climb, I took some time to explore the Clérigos Chapel, which is connected to the tower. It’s smaller than I expected but no less impressive, with its ornate altar, golden details, and peaceful ambiance. It’s a great spot to pause and reflect before tackling the tower. Together, the chapel and tower offer a perfect mix of history, art, and adventure. Visiting Clérigos isn’t just about the view—it’s about experiencing a piece of Porto’s soul, and it’s a memory I’ll always cherish.
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Finally...
The past year has been a whirlwind of emotions and experiences. I’ve spent time in the UK, Germany, Turkey, Albania, and now Portugal. For the last five years, I’ve been living as a digital nomad, never staying in one place for too long before packing up and moving again.
But as I look ahead to 2025, I’m ready for a big shift: I’ve decided to apply for a visa and residence permit to make Portugal my home base! The process has already started (and it takes some time), but by May, I plan to officially call Portugal home.
I’ve loved the past five years of life on the move—it’s been incredible—but now feels like the right time to put down some roots. Portugal checks so many of the boxes for me: inspiring creativity in filmmaking, mild winters, stunning architecture, a fantastic food and restaurant scene, and of course, the Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean.
There’s so much more to come, and I can’t wait to share this next chapter with you!
I really appreciate those who have been reading this blog. Thanks for following along!
ACTOR // FILMMAKER // TRAVEL BLOGGER
Bob Tapper
actorbobtapper@gmail.com
Outside US: +01 9494846275
Inside US: (949) 484-6275
Congrats to you Bob...so many people love Portugal...I have a friend who moved to Lisbon. I will come and visit you for sure. Let us know what type of activities you will be doing. Acting? And another question....will you be learing Portuguese? Yikes!