Travel in 10: Travel Podcast

Portugal continues to surge in popularity with travelers, but while many visitors focus on Lisbon or the beaches of the Algarve, Porto offers a distinctly different side of the country. Set along the Douro River in northern Portugal, Porto blends maritime history, steep hillside neighborhoods, world-famous port wine, and a deeply rooted culinary culture into one of Europe’s most rewarding urban destinations.
In this episode of Travel in 10, Tim and David explore what makes Porto such a compelling city for both first-time visitors and returning travelers. From historic riverfront views and centuries-old port lodges to vibrant markets, late-night dining culture, and unforgettable food experiences, Porto reveals itself as a city best explored slowly and on foot.
The episode also highlights Porto’s role as a gateway to the Douro Valley, one of Europe’s great wine regions, and discusses why getting out onto the river is essential for fully appreciating the city’s dramatic landscape and atmosphere.
Topics Covered
• Port Wine Culture – Exploring Porto’s historic port lodges, tastings, and the traditions behind fortified wine production.
• Douro River Experiences – Why river cruises and waterfront views are central to understanding Porto.
• Food Scene – Traditional Portuguese sandwiches, tinned seafood culture, markets, and local dining traditions.
• Neighborhood Atmosphere – Porto’s steep hills, riverside districts, and residential neighborhoods.
• Where to Stay – Hotel recommendations ranging from wellness-focused luxury to modern lifestyle stays.
Top Things to See & Do
Douro River Cruises
Seeing Porto from the water is one of the city’s defining experiences. Short sightseeing cruises, sunset sailings, and full Douro Valley river cruises all provide dramatic views of Porto’s bridges, hillside architecture, and historic waterfront.
Port Lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia
The famous port houses across the river from central Porto remain one of the city’s biggest draws. Visitors can walk between legendary producers including Sandeman, Taylor’s, Churchill’s, Graham’s, and Ferreira while learning about the production and aging of Portugal’s iconic fortified wine.
Mercado do Bolhão
One of Porto’s most beloved food markets, Mercado do Bolhão combines traditional produce vendors with casual dining stalls serving everything from seafood to pastries and wine. The lively atmosphere makes it an ideal midday stop.
Rua de Santa Catarina
Porto’s main pedestrian shopping street offers cafés, boutiques, and historic gathering places. It remains one of the city’s best areas for wandering and people-watching.
El Corte Inglés
This massive Iberian department store became one of the episode’s surprise recommendations. Beyond shopping, the Porto location includes an expansive food hall and upper-floor dining options that showcase how department store culture still thrives in Portugal and Spain.
Where to Eat & Drink
Majestic Café
A historic café on Rua de Santa Catarina known for its elegant Belle Époque atmosphere and long association with Porto’s intellectual and cultural life.
Conga
A local favorite for the traditional bifana sandwich featuring slow-cooked pork simmered with garlic, paprika, and white wine.
Minerva
A standout stop for discovering Portugal’s tinned seafood culture, including sardines and tuna prepared with regional sauces and olive oils.
Mercado do Bolhão
The market’s food stalls provide an excellent introduction to Porto’s casual dining culture and local specialties.
Port Tonic Cocktails
Listeners are encouraged to try Porto’s refreshing port tonic, typically made with white port, tonic water, citrus, and mint.
Where to Stay
Sheraton Porto Hotel & Spa
A polished luxury hotel known for its extensive spa facilities, including pools, steam rooms, and wellness areas. While slightly removed from the historic riverfront, it offers a relaxing retreat after long days exploring Porto.
Renaissance Porto Lapa Hotel
A modern lifestyle hotel in Porto’s Lapa neighborhood featuring rooftop views toward the Atlantic Ocean, contemporary Portuguese-inspired design, and a destination-worthy restaurant led by Chef Miguel. The hotel’s “Navigator” concierge concept also helps guests build highly personalized Porto itineraries.
Can’t-Miss Experiences
Touring Porto’s historic port lodges and sampling different styles of port wine.
Cruising beneath Porto’s six bridges on the Douro River.
Trying a traditional bifana sandwich.
Exploring Mercado do Bolhão with a glass of Portuguese wine.
Sampling Portugal’s famous tinned seafood culture.
Watching sunset views over the Douro River.
Enjoying a rooftop cocktail overlooking Porto’s hills and waterfront.

Gateway to Northern Portugal
Porto serves as the perfect gateway to the Douro Valley and northern Portugal. Many travelers begin river cruises here before sailing toward Salamanca in Spain, while others use Porto as a base for exploring vineyards, wine estates, and smaller towns throughout the region.
Final Thoughts
Porto delivers a rich combination of history, food, wine, and riverfront beauty without feeling overly polished or manufactured. Its walkable neighborhoods, strong culinary identity, and connection to the Douro Valley make it an ideal destination for travelers seeking culture, atmosphere, and a more layered experience of Portugal.
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Disclosure
Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. If you use them to book, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the production of the Travel in 10 podcast.
Mentioned in this episode:
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Amman is a city that reveals itself gradually. Beyond the Roman ruins, bustling souks, and classic Jordanian street food lies a modern creative capital shaped by artists, musicians, winemakers, chefs, and entrepreneurs redefining the city’s cultural identity.
In this episode of Travel in 10, the focus shifts beyond the standard sightseeing checklist to explore the neighbourhoods, cafés, bars, wine experiences, and local gathering places that define contemporary Amman. Through conversations with locals, listeners discover everything from Jordan’s emerging wine scene and independent music venues to favorite cafés, hidden restaurants, and the city’s thriving street art culture.
The episode also explores the deeper social and political stories reflected through Amman’s urban art scene during an immersive experience with Underground Amman, a locally founded tour that uses street art to explain Jordanian identity, regional politics, and daily life in the capital.
Topics Covered
• Jordan’s Emerging Wine Scene – Exploring local wine production through St. George Winery and wine tastings at 13C Wine & Spirits.
• Neighborhood Life in Amman – A look at districts like Jabal Al Weibdeh, Rainbow Street, Abdali, and Sweifieh Village.
• Food & Café Culture – Local recommendations for Jordanian cuisine, coffee, nightlife, burgers, pizza, and desserts.
• Street Art & Social Commentary – How murals and public art reflect water scarcity, identity, and social issues in Jordan.
• Music & Creative Spaces – Discovering live music venues, independent cafés, and cultural gathering places.
• Travel Beyond the Tourist Trail – Experiencing Amman through local voices and community-led tours.
Top Things to See & Do
Underground Amman – A locally led street art and culture tour exploring the political, artistic, and social stories shaping modern Amman. The experience offers a deeper understanding of Jordan through murals, public art, and conversations with local creatives.
13C Wine & Spirits – One of Amman’s standout wine destinations, offering curated tastings featuring Jordanian wines from St. George Winery alongside thoughtful food pairings.
St. George Winery – A pioneering Jordanian winery helping establish the country’s emerging wine reputation through vineyards in northern Jordan.
Sweifieh Village – A lively outdoor shopping and dining district filled with cafés, restaurants, and nightlife spots popular with locals.
Abdali Boulevard – A modern pedestrian-friendly district with fountains, restaurants, cafés, shopping, and nightlife in central Amman.
Rainbow Street – One of the city’s best-known gathering places for cafés, local events, and nightlife.
Jabal Al Weibdeh – A walkable neighborhood known for cafés, bars, galleries, and creative spaces.
Where to Eat & Drink
Bar in the Back – A highly regarded restaurant connected to 13C Wine & Spirits offering elevated food and wine experiences in a relaxed atmosphere.
Lebanese House Restaurant – Recommended for authentic Lebanese cuisine in Amman.
Ned’s Pizza – A favorite local delivery pizza option frequently recommended by residents.
Rumi Café – A popular café for coffee and tea in Jabal Al Weibdeh.
Manara Coffee – Known for panoramic city views and a relaxed café atmosphere.
Dali – A casual bar with music, beer, and a laid-back local crowd.
Maestro – One of Amman’s go-to live music venues featuring local bands and performances.
Rustic – A relaxed bar and restaurant known for burgers, drinks, and casual evenings with friends.
Jerusalem Restaurant – A longtime downtown favorite serving classic Jordanian dishes at approachable prices.
Tawahin al Hawa – One of Amman’s best-known restaurants for traditional Jordanian cuisine and mezze.
Abu Zaka – A recommended local restaurant for traditional Jordanian food.
Habibah Sweets – An iconic Amman dessert institution famous for serving fresh kunafa since 1951.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Jabal Al Weibdeh – A creative neighborhood filled with cafés, galleries, bars, and independent businesses.
Rainbow Street – A lively social hub ideal for evening walks, cafés, and local events.
Abdali – A modern district blending shopping, dining, and urban development.
Sweifieh Village – One of the city’s most popular contemporary lifestyle and dining areas.
Downtown Amman – The heart of the city’s traditional food scene and historic commercial streets.
Can’t-Miss Experiences
Explore Amman’s street art scene through a locally led Underground Amman tour
Experience Jordanian wine through a tasting at 13C Wine & Spirits
Try traditional Jordanian dishes and mezze at Tawahin al Hawa
Eat fresh kunafa at Habibah Sweets in downtown Amman
Spend an evening café hopping through Jabal Al Weibdeh
Catch live local music at Maestro
Discover local restaurants and nightlife in Sweifieh Village
Walk the modern pedestrian spaces of Abdali Boulevard

Gateway to Jordan
Amman serves as both Jordan’s cultural capital and its primary gateway for exploring the country’s most iconic destinations. From here, travelers can continue on to Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, and Madaba while using the city itself as a base for discovering Jordanian food, art, music, and contemporary culture.
Final Thoughts
This episode highlights a side of Amman many travellers overlook. Beyond the historic landmarks, the city offers a deeply local experience shaped by creativity, hospitality, food culture, and community. For travellers interested in understanding modern Jordan through its neighbourhoods, artists, cafés, and everyday life, Amman rewards curiosity and time.
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Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
Disclosure
Some links in these show notes are affiliate links. If you use them to book, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the production of the Travel in 10 podcast.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.

For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.
Voyascape Podcast Network
Check out the Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
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Amman is often overlooked as a culinary destination, but those who visit quickly discover a city defined by generous hospitality, deeply rooted food traditions, and a vibrant street culture. From humble breakfast dishes to elaborate celebratory meals, food in Jordan is not just sustenance, it is a shared cultural experience that brings people together.
In this episode, we explore Amman through its kitchens, markets, and local neighborhoods with insights from a local food tour operator, Lindsay Nieminen from AmmanFoodTours.com. The conversation highlights how stepping beyond hotel buffets opens up a more authentic and memorable understanding of Jordanian cuisine and culture. With its welcoming atmosphere and accessible food scene, Amman stands out as one of the Middle East’s most rewarding cities for culinary exploration.
Top Things to See & Do
Amman Food Tours – Guided culinary walks led by local female guides offering insight into Jordanian food, culture, and daily life.
Iraq Al-Amir Women’s Cooperative – A hands-on cooking experience showcasing traditional recipes while supporting local women.
Rainbow Street – A lively stretch of converted homes filled with restaurants, cafés, and shisha lounges, especially vibrant in the evening.
Where to Eat & Drink
Habiba – A famous alleyway dessert shop known for its iconic kunafa, often with lines of locals waiting.
Windmills Restaurant – A classic spot for mezze-style dining with an extensive selection of traditional appetizers followed by hearty mains.
Abu Jbara – A popular casual eatery blending street food and restaurant dining, known for dishes like fatteh.
Hashem Restaurant – A legendary, no-frills vegetarian institution serving falafel, hummus, and tea around the clock.
Can’t-Miss Experiences
• Trying mansaf, Jordan’s national dish, typically served during celebrations
• Watching maqluba flipped tableside and shared among a group
• Sampling ful for a traditional Jordanian breakfast
• Indulging in fresh kunafa from a local sweet shop
• Exploring late-night markets and tea culture across the city
Amman rewards travelers who are curious, open, and willing to engage with local culture through food. It is a city where meals are shared, conversations flow easily, and visitors are welcomed with genuine warmth. For those seeking an authentic and approachable Middle Eastern experience, Amman delivers with depth and character.
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Instagram: @voyascapemedia
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.

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This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
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The Peruvian Amazon offers one of the most immersive and accessible ways to experience the world’s largest rainforest. Centered around the remote gateway city of Iquitos, this region delivers a unique blend of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and river-based exploration that feels far removed from conventional travel.
In this episode, we break down the logistics of planning an Amazon river cruise, from flights into Lima and onward connections to Iquitos, to what life is like onboard a small expedition vessel. With insights from experienced traveler Chris Christiansen, host of the Amateur Traveler Podcast, the conversation highlights how surprisingly approachable this journey can be, even for those new to adventure travel.
Topics Covered
• Getting There & Logistics – Flying into Lima, connecting to Iquitos, and accessing remote river ports.
• River Cruise Experience – What to expect onboard a small expedition-style Amazon vessel.
• Daily Life in the Amazon – Excursions, wildlife viewing, and cultural interactions.
• Accessibility & Comfort – Why this trip is easier and more comfortable than many expect.
• Cost & Planning – Typical pricing, trip duration, and how to structure your itinerary.
Links referenced in this episode:
amateurtraveler.com

Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.

For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.
Voyascape Podcast Network
Check out the Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
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The Amazon Rainforest remains one of the most iconic yet least understood travel experiences in the world. In this episode, David Brodie and guest Chris Christensen from the Amateur Traveler Podcast explore what it actually feels like to arrive in the Amazon, moving beyond expectations to uncover the scale, rhythm, and reality of life in one of Earth’s most remote regions.
Drawing on firsthand experiences from both the Peruvian and Ecuadorian Amazon, the conversation highlights the immense size of the rainforest, the seasonal shifts that shape daily life, and the balance between wildlife encounters and cultural immersion. From river level changes to village life, this episode offers a grounded perspective on what makes the Amazon such a distinctive and transformative destination.
Topics Covered
• Cultural Identity & Atmosphere – A living landscape shaped by river cycles, indigenous traditions, and evolving modern influences.
• Getting Around – River-based travel and seasonal accessibility define movement through the region.
• Food & Local Life – Agricultural cycles, fishing practices, and subsistence living tied to water levels.
• Wildlife Expectations – A realistic look at biodiversity, including birds, reptiles, and occasional mammals.
Final Thoughts
The Amazon is not a conventional travel destination. It rewards curiosity, patience, and openness to a different pace of life. For travelers seeking meaningful encounters with nature and culture, the Peruvian Amazon offers an experience that is both humbling and unforgettable.
Follow Us & Stay Connected
Instagram: @voyascapemedia
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music
Links referenced in this episode:
voyascape.com
gadventures.com
amateurtraveler.com

Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.

For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.
Voyascape Podcast Network
Check out the Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
Smart Travel Podcast