My goal is simple: to share experiences that truly capture the spirit of Porto, from the food that locals actually eat to the places that give this city its charm and character.
Olá!
I'm Ysabelle
Who is Ysabelle Alesna
Hi! Ysabelle, a German-Filipino food and lifestyle creator who now calls Porto home. After living in 6 different countries, I’ve finally found my place in this city and can’t imagine life anywhere else.
I moved overseas at 19 and had to figure out the world around me on my own. Along the way, I discovered something even more valuable—the hidden treasures that make a city feel like home.
Connecting with locals and supporting small businesses has always been something I’ve believed in because that’s where the real heart of a city is.
I’ve always wanted to be the friend who knows all the cool and fun things happening in the city—the ones that don’t always get the spotlight or recognition they deserve. And that’s exactly what I bring to Oh My Porto!—a way to share the real Porto, beyond the obvious.
Why I Started This Blog
I started Oh, My Porto as a place to share and document my love for this city. I wanted to show the kind of stuff that doesn’t always make it into the guidebooks.
It wasn’t some big master plan, just a natural extension of how I already lived. Friends would visit, I’d send them long lists of places to eat, activities to check out, the little things to notice that make Porto what it is. Eventually, I figured, why not just put it all in one place?
To me, Porto isn’t just another city, it’s my home. It’s more than the famous landmarks or the picture perfect viewpoints or delicious wine.
I want to do my part to deepen the experiences that people have while in Porto. To help them see beyond the surface and really connect with the culture, the people, and the little moments that make this city special.
What You Can Expect
Expect authenticity, always. Oh, My Porto isn’t about cookie cutter tourist traps or generic recommendations—it’s about the real Porto, the one that locals know and love. This city may be Portugal’s second largest, but it’s second to none when it comes to a city rich in history, food, and culture.
Why Porto?
If you’ve ever felt like a country was calling your name, you’ll understand how I felt when I visited Portugal for the first time.
I first set foot in the country, drawn by the promise of sunshine, incredible food, and maybe a little spark of inspiration — What I found was so much more!
One trip turned into another, and before I knew it, I packed up my life and made Porto my home.
Fast forward, and I’m now the voice behind Oh, My Porto a blog that peels back the glossy pages of travel brochures to reveal the heartbeat of the city.
Through Oh, My Porto I share everything you need to make your time in Portugal unforgettable, from cultural deep dives to travel tips you won’t get anywhere else.
Whether you’re planning a weekend in the city or just dreaming of your next adventure, I’m here to help you make it happen.
Oh, My Porto is a Porto & North Portugal-focused travel, food & lifestyle blog by writer Ysabelle Alesna.
Ysabelle shares her guides and recommendations to help travellers discover the heart of Porto and fall in love with the city just as she has.