Porto-North-Portugal.com
The best independent guide to Porto
Porto-North-Portugal.com
The best independent guide to Porto
About Phil Giddings: Your Guide to the Real Porto and Northern Portugal
Olá, I'm Phil. For over two decades, Porto and the Douro region have been a fundamental part of my travels in Portugal. Today, sharing this deep, long-term knowledge is my full-time profession. My goal with this website is to help you explore the true character of Northern Portugal, with practical advice grounded in years of hands-on research.
My journey with Portugal began in 2001, when my wife, Carla, first showed me her home country. I was immediately drawn to the unique atmosphere of Porto. Back then, online travel information was sparse and often unreliable, so in 2009, I launched this website as a passion project to share the kind of advice I wished I could find.
What started as a hobby is now my profession, but that original mission remains. I have had the privilege of witnessing Porto’s incredible transformation firsthand. It is a very different city from the one I first visited. I have clear memories of the old, wonderfully chaotic Bolhão Market before its major renovation. Seeing it evolve into the polished hub it is today, while still retaining its spirit, is a perfect example of the city's journey.
This long-term perspective is what I bring to every guide. My experience extends to watching the Port lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia shift from traditional tasting rooms into the sophisticated tourism experiences they are today. My work is built on a simple process: continuous, personal verification.
- I don't just recommend landmarks; I walk the steep alleys of Ribeira and the oceanfront paths in Foz to ensure my directions and advice are still current.
-I personally revisit restaurants to see if thay are as good as I remember, and to discover new places that are worth your time.
-I regularly review public transport information, from the Metro zones to the regional train schedules for day trips to Guimarães or Braga, so you can travel with confidence.
This site was created to help you explore independently and experience the true heart of Porto and Northern Portugal. Thank you for trusting me with your plans.
or my full story and specific expertise on Lisbon, you can main profile here.
Our most popular guides to Porto and northern Portugal
Expert Insight: These guides are curated by Philip Giddings, a travel writer with over 25 years of local experience in Portugal. Since 2008, Phil has focused on providing verified, on-the-ground advice for the Porto and North Portugal region, supported by deep cultural ties through his Portuguese family. Read the full story here.
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