The Ultimate Guide to Porto
Must See & Do
Visit Igreja do Carmo
Igreja do Carmo is not only one of the best places to see azulejo tiles in Porto, but it’s also one of the most beautiful churches in town.This 18th century baroque church had its tiles installed in 1910. With intricate details in blue and white colors, the painting was designed by Silvestre Silvestri and painted by Carlos Branco.The illustrations refer to the founding of Carmelites religious order on Mount Carmel.
Visit The World’s Most Famous Bookshop
Livraria Lello may be the only bookshop in the world where you have to pay an entry fee and queue to get in. But there’s magic behind this level of demand; it’s linked to the Harry Potter series. The exquisite, wood-panelled interior and sweeping red staircase are credited with inspiring JK Rowling.
See The Picturesque Ribeira District
One of Porto’s most beautiful neighborhoods is Praça da Ribeira. As one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, the area is filled with winding medieval streets and small cobblestone alleyways. Ribeira is extremely scenic as it sits on the river front of the Rio Douro and comes complete with numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars.
Stroll Along Cais da Ribeira
This riverfront promenade is postcard Porto, taking in the whole spectacular sweep of the city, from Ribeira's pastel houses stacked like Lego bricks to the barcos rabelos (flat-bottomed boats) once used to transport port from the Douro. Early-evening buskers serenade crowds, and chefs fire up grills in the hole-in-the-wall fish restaurants and tascas (taverns) in the old arcades.
Visit Vila Nova de Gaia
Vila Nova de Gaia has a pretty promenade along the waterfront and is a great place to go for a walk and enjoy the remarkable views of the Dom Luís I Bridge and the picturesque neighbourhood of Ribeira in Porto and its terraced colourful houses. Another great thing to do is to take a cruise down the Douro River or visit some of Porto’s famous wineries and vineyards.
Eat & Drink
Visit Foodie Market Bolhão market
Bolhão is by far THE most famous market in Porto, and also its oldest one. Opened since 1914, Bolhão market has been a constant in the lives of people from porto and, in recent years, in the lives of tourists as well. Bolhão market has 2 floors: on the lower floor there are fruit and vegetable vendors, cafes and pastry shops, cheese, meat, fish and bread vendors. On the upper floor there are several restaurants, with a view of what goes on on the lower floor.
Get Pastries @ Confeitaria do Bolhão
Right in front of the Mercado do Bolhão you can find one of the most important pastalarias (pastry shops) of Porto, more than 100 years old now. They have fresh breads, croissants, traditional Portuguese pastries, cakes, custard tarts and a typical sweet of theirs called “tigelinha do Bolhão” made with almonds. This is definitely one of my favourite places in Porto because it mixes the local and the touristic aspects of the city and is located in the center.
Drink Port @ Taylor's Port House
Cocktails & Rooftop Views
Located on the Vila Nova de Gaia side, Esplanada do Teleférico is probably one of the best terraces in Porto with the best views over the city.
Eat Lunch @ Cantinho do Avillez
Fans of José Avillez in northern Portugal have very good reason to celebrate! The superstar chef, with no less than five restaurants in the trendy Chiado neighborhood of Lisbon, has opened his first location in Porto. Cantinho do Avillez-Porto, at Rua Mouzinho da Silveira, 166, brings Avillez’s modern interpretation of Portuguese cuisine to the foodies of the port city.
Eat Dinner @ Cozinha das Flores
After finding success in London, chef Nuno Mendes has returned to Portugal with Cozinha das Flores, a winning new restaurant that uses new and old techniques. The restaurant focuses on northern Portuguese ingredients.
Drink Coffee @ Flor Bar
Coffee by morning, cocktails by night, flôr is a bar with a contemporary approach, inspired by portugal’s global culture.
Where To Stay
The Largo
The Largo is the latest hospitality offering in Portugal's second city, conceived as an elevated residence with an art programme that connects it to the city’s creative community. Formed across five 16th-century buildings in the city’s Largo de São Domingos neighbourhood, the 18-room hotel is modelled on a traditional Portuguese house. The aim is for guests to leave The Largo, and indeed all Annassurra’s future projects, feeling like they spent time at the family home of a close friend.
Torel Palace
G.A Palace Hotel
Set in the heart of Porto, Hotel G.A Palace blends luxury décor and a homely feel with modern construction birthing new life to this early 20th century building. Often referred to as an Oasis in the city, GA’s sprawling gardens and year round pool are some of the main features of the welcoming outdoor areas.
The Yeatman
The Yeatman is a luxury wine hotel and spa in Porto with spectacular views over the UNESCO World Heritage city and the Douro River.
Casa Azul Santa Marinha
Casa Azul Santa Marinha is a 2 bedroom apartment featuring a balcony and is set in Vila Nova de Gaia, within just 1.8 km of Sao Bento Metro Station and 1.9 km of Sao Bento Train Station.
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