It doesn't matter how many times I visit Porto in Portugal, it never gets old. I've been there four times now and despite not liking it the first time, I now admire the beautiful chaos of Porto. So here I am, stuck in Belgium, due to the coronavirus, thinking about some of my favourite spots in lovely Porto.
District of south Cedofeita
Livrario Lello is an old library and book store established in 1906 with a marvellous neo-gothic/art nouveau design. Behind the fairytale blueish facade of the row house hides a stunning interior. The wooden spiral staircase stands in the center of the room and is the first prominent thing that draws your attention. On all sides you will find books. The decorative roof window of glass and lead provides light so that you can read the spines of the books. This library is high on my list of most beautiful library's of Europe. The entry however is not free and it's such a famous spot that you can be sandwiched between other tourists!
Location: Rua das Carmelitas 144, Porto Opening hours: Every day from 9.30 – 19 Admission: €5 for adults, free for children up to 3 years
Praça de Lisboa is a green park in front of the Lello library. Actually it's not only a park, it's a rather astonishing construction of a multi-level grass pavilion and various shops. The park is built on top of the shops! On the park level, you see the University of Porto and the Clérigos Chruch rising.
The side streets of Rua das Carmelitas (Livrario Lello's street) holds authentic noncommercial shops like Fernandes Mattos & Ca and Armazéns do Castelo. They sell unique crafts and souvenirs. And during the Clérigos flea market, you can snuffle between antique, local art, vinyl and handmade jewels.
I felt right in place while I was stumbling across the square in front of University of Porto. It's a very down-to-earth part of Porto. The soothing sound of the fountain in the background and students that are skating the square. Good place for a picnic. My older sister and me did an Escape room nearby: Mission to Escape. They have really brilliant puzzles with different rooms-in-the-actual escape-rooms (if that makes sense) and out of the box challenges. We did the Pablo Escobar room.
District of north Cedofeita
Somewhere on a lonely evening I was walking Porto's streets and various art shops around Rua de Miguel Bombarda had their doors wide open. It are small and independent businesses who display collections of very talented artists. Below some of the stores you can find on your way.
Location: Ó Galeria!: Rua de Miguel Bombarda 61, Porto
CRU: Rua do Rosário 211, Porto
Patch: Rua do Rosário 193, Porto
District of Boavista
I have a love-hate relationship with Casa da Música or literally 'the house of music'. It's all about the very unusual shape and size of this building. The futuristic and geometric building counts 11 floors and is designed by Rem Koolhaas from OMA. I didn't expect a warm, cosy feeling with the mix of concrete, aluminium and glass materials and not a single plant! But in a way it gives me "lively" vibes. Maybe because a lot of natural light can enter and the square around is so well connected with the building and usable by many types of citizens. Plus they have a café... I say check it out for yourself!
Old city centre
Sé do Porto, the cathedral of Porto, is constructed in the Romanesque style with Baroque elements. Situated on a high hill, you have a good view over lovely Porto and the Douro river. Mercado Gaia is a roofed food market. It's great for a snack and a drink. There are various food stands like DaTerra, a vegetarian and vegan food chain.
Matosinhos
Matosinhos is a surfer's paradise. I took surf lessons with Fish Surf School and the waves at Porto's coast are nice and high. From Porto's city centre you can take the metro to metro station Matosinhos Sul. You have to walk a few minutes to the surfschool and on the way you pass Terrárea, a plant shop and café in one.
Fish Surf School
Location: Praceta Manuel Carlos Seabra Monteiro 13, Matosinhos Opening hours: Monday till Saterday 9 – 19, Sunday 9 – 18
Website: https://fishsurfschool.com/en/home-en You don't need to provide anything, they ensure you have a wetsuit and board
Terrárea (food, plants and decoration)
Location: Rua de Brito Capelo 1211, Matosinhos Opening hours: Tuesday till Saterday 10 – 18 Website: https://terrarea.pt/
Accommodations and food
As a student I mostly stayed in youth hostels and Best Guest Porto Hostel I really enjoyed. The receptionists were always kind and the reception is open 24 hours a day. They give good advice on what to see in the city and the rooms are clean and bright.
Best Guest Porto Hostel
Location: Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 257, Porto
Website: https://www.bestguesthostel.com/en/
I already pointed out some places to eat. One extra on the list is BAO'S, a Taiwanese fast food restaurant with vegan burgers between boa buns.
BAO'S
Location: Rua de Cedofeita 263, Porto Opening hours: Sunday till Thursday12 – 23, Friday till Saterday 12 – 24
Big thanks to my older sister for some of the photos! x
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