Porto is known for its friendly people, its rich gastronomy and the wine which it even gives its own name to. But the Invicta (“Invincible”) city, where great names in literature, such as Almeida Garrett and Sophia de Mello Breyner, were born, has many other charms.
Whether it is a short stay or a longer holiday, there are places you really cannot miss.
If you think we are going to tell you to go and visit Avenida dos Aliados, climb up the Clérigos Tower, stroll along the emblematic Rua de Santa Catarina or visit the imposing Serralves garden, forget it. These sights have already been mentioned in all the other blogs.
Here, we will give you other suggestions. Suggestions you will not want to miss.
The Ribeira and the Rabelo boats
We start in the riverside area, considered one of the most emblematic areas of Porto. Here you will find dozens of terraces and, with luck, listen to live music. This is one of the places where locals and visitors alike gather to stroll along the riverfront, have a drink in the late afternoon or even have a meal.
With a panoramic view of Vila Nova de Gaia, and seagulls always nearby, it is the ideal place for photography lovers and for getting to know the typical street shops.
It is also here that you can do one of the most interesting activities: ride on the Rabelo boats, traditionally used to transport barrels of Port wine from the Alto Douro to the cellars in Gaia, but nowadays sail up the river on essentially tourist trips that tell the story of the construction of the six bridges over the Douro river.
In fact, the Six Bridges Cruise is, without a doubt, an experience well worth having. In less than an hour, you can admire Porto and Gaia (almost) from one end to the other.
If you belong to the group of people who get seasick when they go sailing, do not worry, we have another solution. To cross the D. Luís I bridge towards Gaia, try the cable car which gives you a completely unique view over the city of Porto.
The wine, of course
It is also in Gaia that you can visit one of the 50 emblematic Port wine cellars and see where and under what conditions it is produced.
The Calém cellars are one of the best-known and distinguished on the national and international market for the quality of their wines. With a history that takes us back to the 19th century, it is well worth visiting these cellars and, of course, trying the wine.
On a broader register, the Wow Porto – The World of Wine, which was once 55,000 square metres of old cellars, is now a world-class cultural and gastronomic exhibition centre. This is where you can learn about the history of port wine and where you can taste various types of wine.
The gardens
In Porto, there are dozens of gardens that you can visit, but there are two that you definitely cannot miss.
The first one, designed by Emil David, emerged after the construction of the Palácio de Cristal building. Named after the building, this enormous garden is visited daily by hundreds of people, either for a walk, to read or to simply enjoy the views over the Douro river.
The Jardim dos Sentimentos is one of the thematic gardens of the Palácio de Cristal and, for us, the most beautiful because of its location and privileged views.
In the shape of a maze and with some benches so that, alone or accompanied, you can have a good time, it has various plants and flowers related to feelings such as love, pain and jealousy.
Also, for photography lovers, this is another opportunity to register unique moments. The entrance to the gardens is free.
Livraria Lello (Lello Bookshop)
The Lello bookshop is another essential stopping point. Considered an ex-libris of the Invicta (“Invincible”) city and one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world, it has walls completely lined with books, a worked staircase and a stained-glass ceiling, resulting in an unforgettable atmosphere.
Considered a monument of public interest since 2013, there are many days when dozens of people queue to get in.
Capela das Almas (Chapel of the Souls)
Did you know that the municipality of Porto has a total of 40 churches and dozens of chapels? It is true, and if they were once just places of worship, today they are also monuments that everyone can visit and admire their beauty, meaning and history.
Among so many, for us, the Chapel of the Souls (also known as Saint Catherine’s Chapel) is the most special. Apart from the beauty on the inside, on the outside, the 360 square metres of this church are covered with more than 15 thousand “azulejos” (tiles). It is impossible to remain indifferent when passing by.
Mercado do Bolhão (Bolhão Market)
The Bolhão market, which gives its name to a neighbourhood of Porto, is the most important market in the city.
Built in 1850, it has been considered of public interest since 2006. It was closed for restructuring and reopened four years later, in 2022. Here you will find all the fresh products that a market has to offer: from fish, to meat or fruit. However, due to its history, it has become much more than just a market. Those who have been there guarantee that the atmosphere reflects the spirit of the people of Porto.
Galerias de Paris (Paris Galleries)
All along the street, on both sides, you will find several bars and discos.
If you are looking for a bar, we recommend you to start by going to Casa do Livro Bar. With a past as a bookshop, now the books are only part of the decoration. If you are lucky, you can watch a live concert and imagine the stories that those books have seen, while you have a drink.
As a disco, the best one for us is Plano B. The space is divided into three different areas, with totally different music to dance to. It is worth trying it out.
Another thing you will not want to miss is the opening of our Wine & Books Porto, which will happen very soon. Until then, check out our already established Wine & Books Lisboa.
For more information and reservations, contact us at:
winebookshotels.com
+351 211 566 250
bookings@lisboa.wbh.pt
reservas@tascadamemoria.pt
