INTRO HERE
Where to stay ?
The easiest way, especially for a first discovery, would be to stay in the center of the city. This would allow you to be close to the main tourist places and to be able to visit on foot mainly.
How to get around ?
Porto is well connected by tramway and buses, but it is the kind of city that is more enjoyable by foot. I designed this itinerary so you can do everything by foot.
Day 1
Let’s start your Porto journey with the central station, where you will admire the Portuguese architecture. Estação de São Bento is beautiful to see, it will be a great start of your day since it is in the city center.
At 5 minutes walk, you will find the famous Majestic café, where you can have your breakfast or head up to the Mercado Temporário do Bolhão, where you will also find variety of food, pastries and coffees.
Walk to the Câmara Municipal do Porto to see this beautiful building in black marble with its clock tower. If you continue down the street, you will arrive at a grand boulevard with a lot of buildings, it is the Avenida dos Aliados. You will find a plaza that often hosts events, the Liberty Plaza.
On your right, you will have a Mcdonald’s. I’m not a big fan of the brand and usually when I am in a country I don’t know I rarely stop by Mcdonald’s, but that one is one of the most beautiful I have seen in my life.
Porto has a beautiful library in the historical center. It has been considered the third most beautiful library in the world by The Guardian, so don’t miss it.
Next to it, you will find Igreja do Carmo, a well conserved church that is well known for its facade. In the same area you will also find the Clerigo tower, a 76m-high baroque bell tower which offers a wide view of the city.
Continue your way down to Miradouro da Vitória. The miradouros are usually the best way to have a scenic view of the city. On that one you will see the river and the famous bridges that connect the city.
Finish your day on Ribeira do Porto, the walkside along the river. Enjoy a nice dinner with a rich Portuguese atmosphere.
Day 2
Let’s start your second by a cruise on the river. I can recommend this tour.
Then, you will continue your way to the Cathedral of Porto. An hilltop romanesque style cathedral with a fortress-like interior. Next to it you will find the Igreja de Santa Clara.
This time, to continue your day, you will spend the afternoon on the other side of the bridge. You will have to cross the Ponte D Luis Porto, a beautiful bridge that also offers an observation deck.
I didn’t have the chance to visit it, but a lot of people recommended WOW Porto – The Cultural District. It is an area with a lot of museums, restaurants and bars. It is mostly wine focused, if you are into it, but you will also find other museums that are great to spend your time with.
The best way to finish your time in this amazing city will be at Jardim Do Morro. It offers a nice view of the city and the atmosphere in the late afternoon is so nice. A lot of people like to spend time there with some drinks to catch the sunset.
Day 3 (Bonus)
If you have a bonus day to spend in the city. I can recommend you to take a tour in the Douro Valley, like this one for example.
A few more adresses to eat
- A Loja dos Pastéis de Chaves
- Nata Lisboa
- Rooftop Sta. Catarina
- Hamburgueria DeGema
- Nicolau Porto
- Sabores do Sebouh Sirian food
- Espaço 77
- Lazy Breakfast Club
- Lareira – Baixa
- Zenith – Brunch & Cocktails Bar
- Pimenta Rosa
- Rota Do Chá
- Francesinhas Al Forno da Baixa
- Graça Rooftop Bar
- Confeitaria do Bolhão
- Santa Francesinha
- Manteigaria
- daTerra Baixa
- Mercador Café
Have a nice trip !
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