Weekend in Porto: the Wie is de Mol route 2025

Caught the first episode of Wie is de Mol's jubilee season? Then you've already glimpsed why Porto is the city break of 2025. From the iconic Dom Luís I bridge to colourful houses lining the Douro river, Portugal's northern capital stole the show. The best part? You can experience it all yourself in one spectacular weekend.

Porto blends rich history with vibrant energy, and after the first WIDM episode, you want to explore for yourself. In this guide, we'll take you along the locations from the programme and share hidden gems you won't find anywhere else.

Day 1: The historic heart & wie is de mol locations 

Morning: Start at Sé do Porto (9:00 - 11:00)
Begin your weekend where the WIDM candidates started their first challenge: at Porto's Cathedral. The Sé do Porto sits at the highest point of the old town, offering spectacular views over the red rooftops. Take your time wandering through the ancient quarter,  here you'll feel history in every street.

Insider tip from our Porto City Guide: Walk via Rua das Flores towards the city centre. This colourful street is packed with boutiques and coffee bars where locals grab their morning brew.

Midday: The Iconic Bridge & Ribeira (11:30 - 16:00)
Now comes the moment everyone wants to experience after WIDM: crossing the Dom Luís I bridge. This double-decker bridge isn't for those with vertigo, but the views are unforgettable. You can walk across both the upper level (with breathtaking panoramas) and the lower level.

Once across, in Vila Nova de Gaia, it's time for lunch with a view. Find a riverside terrace and order fresh seafood, this is where Porto truly comes alive. Afterwards, wander back to the Ribeira district, Porto's colourful heart that you might recognise from the episode.

Afternoon: Explore the Centre (16:00 - 18:30)
Cross the river again and lose yourself in Porto's buzzing centre. Walk to the beautiful Praça de Dom João I and admire how modern and historic architecture blend seamlessly. Nearby sits the Mercado do Bolhão, Porto's iconic market hall recently renovated. Perfect for an authentic snack or souvenir shopping.

Fancy something different? Our Porto City Guide, compiled by locals and Porto experts, leads you to hidden courtyards and vintage shops where tourists rarely venture.

Evening: Sunset at Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar (19:00 - 22:00)
For the most beautiful sunset of your trip (and another WIDM location), climb up to the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar. This 16th-century monastery offers the ultimate panorama over Porto, the river and all the bridges at once. It's where you'll understand why this city is a World Heritage Site.

Afterwards, it's dinner time. Go traditional Portuguese in the neighbourhood around Praça de Dom João I, or choose a relaxed vibe with international influences closer to the centre. The choice is yours, Porto's food scene is surprisingly diverse.

End the evening in style with a visit to a rooftop bar with a pool at The Social Hub. Enjoy stunning views over the city and completely unwind: you can relax by the pool or have a drink at the bar before heading straight down to your room for the night.

Day 2: hidden gems & local secrets 

Morning: Boavista & Casa da Música (9:00 - 12:00)
Day two begins outside the historic centre. Take the metro to Boavista, a lively district where you'll discover Porto's modern side. The highlight is the Casa da Música, an architectural masterpiece where you can simply grab a coffee in the café.

Walk towards the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal for a relaxed morning stroll amongst peacocks and river views. These gardens are a secret many tourists miss,pure Porto without the crowds.

Midday: Port Wine Cellars (13:00 - 16:00)
No Porto visit is complete without port wine. Cross the river to Vila Nova de Gaia, where dozens of port wine cellars open their doors for tours and tastings. Taylor's, Graham's and Sandeman are classics, but smaller cellars often offer more intimate experiences.

Learn how port wine is made, taste different varieties (from ruby to tawny) and take a bottle home as a souvenir. The cellars literally cling to the hillside, meaning you've earned even more spectacular views afterwards. 

Afternoon: Foz do Douro (16:30 - 19:00)
End your weekend where the river meets the Atlantic Ocean. Foz do Douro is Porto's coastal neighbourhood: a relaxed vibe, beach pavilions and locals walking their dogs along the promenade.

This is where you'll discover that Porto isn't just history, but also a contemporary city by the sea. Grab a terrace seat, order a Sagres beer and toast for an unforgettable weekend. 

Evening: Final Portuguese Dinner (19:30 - 22:00)
For your last evening, go all-in on Portuguese flavours. Order bacalhau (salt cod, prepared in hundreds of ways), francesinha (Porto's infamous savoury sandwich) or fresh fish of the day. Find a neighbourhood restaurant where you barely understand the language,those are often the best addresses. 

WIDM locations checklist 

Have you seen them all?

✓ Sé do Porto – The hilltop cathedral 
✓ Dom Luís I bridge – The iconic view 
✓ Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar – Sunset spot 
✓ Ribeira – The colourful quayside 
✓ Praça dos Aliados – The monumental square (walk past for the full experience) 

Complete the experience: download our city guide
Want even more from your Porto weekend? Our Porto City Guide is packed with secrets only locals know. From hidden vintage shops to the best pastel de nata in the city,this is insider info you won't find anywhere else.

The guide is free to download and fits perfectly into your Porto planning. Also read our article about Porto's Best Kept Seacrets for even more inspiration. 

Ready for your Porto adventure?
Just like the WIDM candidates, you'll discover that Porto is so much more than what you see on TV. It's the port wine on a sunny terrace, the tile you won't find anywhere else, the locals proudly sharing their city. It's the river that flows through everything, binding the city together.

Porto is compact yet infinitely surprising. Two days are enough to fall in love, but you'll probably be planning your next visit before you leave.

Whether you're coming for the WIDM locations, the architecture, the wine or simply a proper weekend away, Porto delivers. Portugal's northern capital is waiting for you.

Ready to book? Check the availability and seasonal deals at The Social Hub Porto, a modern hotel and meeting place right near Mercado do Bolhão and the historic centre. A hotel with comfortable rooms, a panoramic rooftop bar with a pool, and a delicious dinner in the restaurant, it's the perfect base for your Porto weekend. 

Inspired by Wie is de Mol 2025? Follow the jubilee season and discover even more beautiful spots in Portugal. Porto is just the beginning. 

Good news for the die-hard fans: in the second episode, the candidates move on to the next Portuguese hotspot: Lisbon. And that’s where The Social Hub will open its doors next year with its second Portuguese location. A perfect base for your future city break! Keep an eye on our channels for the opening date and don't miss any of this stunning city.

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