Vila Nova de Gaia

The port wine cellar side of the river. Come for wine tours and views of Porto. Safe and less crowded than central Porto, though also less happening at night. Jardim do Morro viewpoint attracts pickpockets.

Across the river from Porto (technically a separate city), this is where the port wine cellars are - Taylor's, Graham's, Sandeman, Cálem. If you're into wine, you'll end up here. The waterfront has good views looking back at Porto's buildings on the hillside, especially at sunset. During the day it's tourists doing cellar tours and tastings. Evenings have some couples and families at the riverside restaurants. Eating alone works fine with the terrace seating overlooking the water. Quieter than Porto's side with fewer crowds. English is common in the wine cellars and tourist restaurants. Feels safe day and night with lighting along the waterfront and some police around, though the streets going up to the cellars are steep. Most people go back across the bridge to Porto for nightlife since Gaia is quieter at night.