Hidden Gems in Porto

If you looking for Art museums of international standing? More wine than you could ever consume in a lifetime? Beautiful weather all year, drool-worthy local cuisine, and more architectural marvels than you can imagine? then Porto is worth a visit.

Porto, Portugal’s second largest city, is brimming with interesting history and culture. It is home to one of the largest collections of art nouveau buildings in the world, many of which are still in use today; winding cobblestone alleyways lined with pastry shops, art galleries, and subterranean bars; and a glittering Duomo River shoreline dotted with cafés and restaurants.

• Climb to the top of the Clérigos Tower

The Clérigos Tower (Portuguese: Torre dos Clérigos) is a historic Baroque tower that stands 75 metres above the Clérigos Church, making it the tallest of its sort in the country.

The views from its top (the one to which you ascend the 200 spiral stairs) are a must-see, offering panoramas of Porto’s skyline and surrounding hills, as well as a simple yet intriguing exhibition delving into the tower’s architects and residents’ history.

While you’re there, make a point of visiting the Clérigos Church, which is even older than the tower and routinely astounds tourists with its encompassing domed roof.

• Admire the Carmo and Carmelitas Churches, which are located next to one other.

At first sight, this strange structure may appear to be one of the largest cathedrals you’ve ever seen. However, a closer examination reveals that it is actually two independent churches built on each side of the world’s narrowest house.

Carmo Church (on the right) is famed for its elaborate tile work on its exterior walls; Carmelitas (on the left), which is roughly a century older, is known for its magnificent altar woodcarvings.

• Explore the Foz do Douro neighborhood

The Foz do Douro district, which is popular with both expats and visitors, is a big waterfront area that has been turned over the years into an outdoor sanctuary of bars, restaurants, and stores. Its seafront area is known for its sandy beaches, like Praia da Luz and Praia do Homem do Leme

Along with its consistently lively yet manageable atmosphere, the area is home to a number of notable landmarks: the Pérgola da Foz is a tranquil seaside promenade, and the Fortress  São João  Baptista at the confluence of the Atlantic and Duomo offers a unique glimpse into what was once a mighty 16th-century defence stronghold.

While in the region, be sure to see the Felgueiras Lighthouse.

• Traverse alleys while surrounded by street art.

Porto also boasts a vibrant street art movement, with some of the city’s most attractive murals hidden away off the usual path.

Porto, like every other European city worth its salt, has an excellent collection of modern murals dispersed across the city’s central districts.

While various entertaining excursions are offered to explore this facet of Porto culture — which is often connected with the hipster movement — it is not difficult to locate these pieces on your own.

• Spot sections of the Fernandina castle wall

The Fernandina Wall exemplifies the city’s illustrious cultural legacy; in fact, this cluster of fortifications extends all the way back to the 1300s, with several improvements and extensions (and collapses) along the way.

You may easily lose track of time traversing the city for a week without noticing it. Why? Because a large portion of the historic walls has been smoothly blended into the old town’s structures.

That said, the most prominent piece of the wall is the Guindais wall and tower adjacent to the Guindais Funicular.

• Take a seat in the Majestic Café, a world-famous establishment.

Majestic Café, according to its name, is not simply about the service.

This classic café/restaurant, which has been awarded one of the world’s top ten most beautiful cafés, has glittering chandeliers, a sense of grandeur, and glamorous decorative elements everywhere.

While the cuisine is also well-known for its quality, even if it’s only for a cup of coffee, this should be at the top of your list of things to do in Porto.

• Discover Vila Nova de Gaia’s hidden jewels

One of the intriguing facts that most people are unaware of until they visit Porto is that the majority of the city’s most famous Port wine cellars are located over the river in Vila Nova de Gaia (affectionately known as Gaia), where beautiful vistas of Porto await.

Apart from strolling along the riverwalk’s wine cellars (scroll up to #4) and visiting the UNESCO-listed Monastery of Serra do Pilar, deeper inside the city are a number of important sites, such as the tranquil Jardim do Morro garden and the Parque Biológico de Gaia.

• The  São Roque House & Garden  is a great place to get some fresh air.

The São Roque House & Garden is another must-see in Porto, especially for nature and architectural enthusiasts. It’s a great reason to venture out of the city centre and into the surrounding suburbs.

The site is designed with families in mind, with a playground, hedge labyrinth, fountains and ponds, and a stunning camellias zone among the many features. 

• Visit Casa da Música  and enjoy the architecture.

Porto’s new national orchestra’s new home is the renowned Casa da Música music venue in the suburbs of Boavista, just a few blocks away from the Praça de Mouzinho de Albuquerque square.

It’s a world-renowned performance venue, it’s thats also available to the public for daytime tours so you can take in all of the lavish architectural aspects.

• Dine (or drink) with a view at The Yeatman hotel

One of the most prestigious restaurants in Porto, The Yeatman Gastronomic Restaurant in the Yeatman Hotel is a contemporary interpretation of a classic wine lodge.

With a rooftop bar overlooking the city and spectacular sunset views, Dick’s Bar & Bistro is an excellent place to relax after a long day of seeing the city.