August 31, 2022
Porto is a big city that still manages to ooze small-town charm. The more laid-back sibling to the capital city of Lisbon, visitors are captivated by its authentic flair and old-world aesthetic. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this historic metropolis is brimming with medieval architecture and iconic landmarks.
Rua Santa Catarina (Santa Catarina Street) is the most stylish area in the city. The bustling boulevard is lined with high-end boutiques as well as more affordable international brands. As they stroll, shoppers and non-shoppers can grab a bite to eat at one of the numerous restaurants or cafes, the most famous being Café Majestic.
This thoroughfare is not only home to shops but boasts historic sites along its route. Starting from the historic city center, visitors can drop by the Igreja dos Congregados and the Chapel of Souls, both laden with famous Portuguese decorative tiles.
Locals say Rua Santa Catarina is the best place to go for some retail therapy and people-watching.
São Bento Train Station is often hailed as one of the most beautiful train stations in the world. Built in the 1900s, its beaux-arts style architecture transports visitors to a grander era of travel.
Even more impressive than the exterior are the 20,000 azulejo tiles (traditional painted tiles) that cover the inside walls. Artist Jorge Colaço spent five years on the tiled mural, which depicts the Battle of Valdevez (1140) and the Conquest of Ceuta (1415).
São Bento is one of the most intricate displays of this distinctive tile-work in the city, but not the only one.
Panoramic views are plentiful in Porto, but none more iconic than Clérigos Tower. Constructed in 1754, this time-worn building remains the city's highest tower.
For those daring enough to make the 230-stair hike, the top provides a breathtaking 360 view of Porto and the surrounding Douro Valley. Locals advise that the climb is not for the claustrophobic, as it's a tight squeeze inside.
If you don't want to brave the cramped stairway of the tower, visitors can step into the attached Clérigos Church. Noontime churchgoers are treated to a free organ concert, which competes with the hourly gongs from the bell tower.
This Neo-Gothic bookstore feels like it came straight out of a, well, book. Established in 1906, Livraria Lello has consistently been ranked as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world.
Designed by Xavier Esteves, the store features a magnificent, winding staircase that extends throughout. Above the book shelves, the ceiling is bedecked with elaborately carved wood paneling and vivid stain glass.
The whimsical aesthetic of the shop is rumored to have inspired the Hogwarts library in Harry Potter. In the early 1990s famed author, J.K. Rowling worked in Porto as an English teacher and would drink coffee on the second floor of Lello.
The locals agree that for literature lovers this spot tops the list of best places to visit in Porto. Don’t leave without a visit to this otherworldly bookstore.
Unlike other palaces, this opulent national monument is dedicated to merchants instead of royalty. Established in 1842 Bolsa Palace was built on the ruins of St Francis Convent.
Inside the building, prepare to be wowed by grandiose rooms like the geometric-floored Pátio das Nações (Hall of Nations) and, the gilded Salão Árabe (Arab room). The ornate room was inspired by Granada’s Alhambra Palace and is covered in 18kg of filigreed gold.
Elaborate enough to compete with the rooms at Versaille, the ornate rooms impress both visitors and locals alike.
Ribeira is among the best places to visit in Porto for sightseeing. One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city, this historic quarter is chock-full of famous attractions.
Explore the elaborate architecture of the Palacio de Bolsa; or the immense Romanesque Sé cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century.
Set on the Douro River, antique Rabelo boats loaded with port wine line the bank. If you want to explore the Douro or discover nearby towns, Ribeira is the best place to catch a tour boat.
The locals explain that the allure of this lively neighborhood is not just due to its famous sights, but its picturesque streets. Paved with time-worn cobblestone lanes, and lined with pastel-colored houses, this walkable neighborhood is the ideal place to spend an afternoon.
While northern Portugal is not as renowned for its beaches, Porto does have a coastline where city-dwellers can catch some sun. According to the locals, Matosinhos is a local favorite for beach-goers.
The largest easy-to-reach beach in Porto, Praia de Matosinhos draws in crowds of all kinds. Due to the strong waves, it is especially a favorite among surfers, kite surfers, and bodyboarders. However, with lifeguards patrolling the beach during the summer it is still a very family-friendly option.
A boardwalk lines the beach, populated with restaurants and cafes so visitors can conveniently grab a bite without leaving the strip.
Visit for the sightseeing and stay for the nightlife. Packed with well-known landmarks, most Porto excursions will bring you to this historic district. Here visitors can find the panoramic Clerigos Tower, the whimsical Livraria Lello, and the stunning Sao Bento train station.
While this central district has many notable sights, locals come to Baixa for its vibrant nightlife. During the weekend the bar-lined Avenida dos Aliados comes alive with people hopping from one place to the next. And after hours the excitement continues on the streets and plazas.
Aliados is Porto’s main celebratory hub. The area is notorious for hosting festivals and is where you will find locals on New Year’s Eve. There is no shortage of bars, restaurants, and clubs on the boulevard.
Porto is a hotbed for artists, and there is no better way to admire the city's talent than in the eclectic arts district of Cedofeita.
Bursting with galleries, bespoke local shops, and obscure street art, this district is a mecca for creatives.
Rua de Cedofeita is littered with traditional stores where you can buy authentic items made by local craftspeople. Locals recommend shoppers come to this street if they want to buy one-of-a-kind souvenirs.
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