Things to see and do in Porto, Portugal
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal. You obviously heard of Port wine, so if you have yet to visit, you at least know one thing about this amazing city already.
Did you know that it’s city centre has been named a world UNESCO heritage site? Did you also know that it is an amazing city to visit with kids?
We stumbled across so many amazing playgrounds that had our little one running off all his energy. I can’t even begin to tell you all the amazing photo opportunities this beautiful city has to offer. We have pulled together our must see list and photo spots.
Livraria Lello
Probably the most visited bookstores in the world. There is always a line up no matter what time of day. JK Rowling made this bookstore famous. It was the very bookstore that inspired her very successful Harry Pottery trilegies. They have a whole backroom dedicated to the Harry Potter books. We think it is so cool to know that Luca’s first Harry Potter book was purchased here, what a great story for him to tell one day.
Entrance is 5euro that gets discounted off your purchase of a book, so it makes sense to buy a book!!! If you plan to visit we suggest going early morning to purchase your ticket and then go about your day and then come back to visit later in the day closer to just before dinner, as the morning and afternoon visits tend be the busiest. There are two lines one for tickets and one to enter. Another place to bring a whole lot of patience is you want a solo picture, or work your angles magic. This place is very crowded but defintely worth the visit.
Cats Ribeira
The most picturesque parts of the city located in the heart of the old town. It is a very colourful and beautiful part of town offering waterfront views. Let yourself get lost in the tiny alley ways and admire the beautifully coloured buildings, street performers and restaurants lining the water. It is also a place that comes to life at night, so make sure to also visit int he evening and enjoy the night energy.
Capela das Almas
One of the most instafamous and strikingly beautiful buildings. Translated it means the chapel of souls. It is located on one of the busiest streets in Portugal. It’s blue and white tile facade is breathtaking depicting scenes of the death of St Francis of Assisi and saint Catherine.
Igreja de Carmo
Two churches seperated in the middle by a narrow house, this middle house was built to separate the two churches so they do not share the same common wall and to prevent any relations of the nuns. This beautiful church exterier walls are also beautifully decorated with blue and white tile.
Igreja de Santo lldefonso
If you love churches this is a must visit. If you love the white and blue tile that Portugal has made famous this is the place to visit. Unfortunately we could not enter as it was closed for a concert but we took in every opportunity to enjoy it’s beautiful exterior facade.
Jardim do Palacio de Cristal
Enjoy the beautiful gardens, take a stroll and take in your surroundings. If you have a little one they will love the playground. It is also worth making your way to the lookout where we took this incredible photo it was so magical, it may be a little tricky to find so look for Parque da Quinta Macieirinha. Trust us it’s worth it.
Sao Bento Railway Station
This has to be the most beautiful railway stations we have ever stepped foot in. It’s always impressive to see how many people communite to and from the city on a daily. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but step inside and you will be in for a treat. As this is the main station if you are wanting to capture a shot here, it’s best to visit early on the weekend, or midday when it isn’t rush hour. Definitely come with a bag of patience when trying to snap your photo.
Passeio das Fontainhas
Probably our favorite photo capture of Porto. We made our way along the bridge and made our way to the little stairways that take you down to the houses below. We absolutely loved this view.
Avenida dos Aliados
This is Porto’s city centre surrounded with plenty of restaurants and shops. We loved taking a picture with the Porto sign just in front of city hall. This is also where you can find the main ticket booth if you want to venture on the city hop on/off bus. We are huge fans of touring the city this way. We love giving ourselves a day or two to enjoy these types of tours and then doing the rest on our own.
Where To Eat:
Restaurante Flor dos Congredados
We asked a friendly local police officer for his restaurant recommendation, we wanted a Portuguese restaurant and wow it did not disappoint. Tucked away in a small alley way just off the city centre this quaint restaurant was scrumptious and the ambiance just heavenly, definitely a date night kind of place.
Want a quick bite, Stake n Shake is a great place to grab a delicious burger or shake. It’s better than your typical fast food joint, and it’s exterior mural is worth a photo snap.
In need for a gelato? Look no further, Amorino is your spot. So many flavors and made into beautiful rose flowers, you can have every petal a different flavor, and you can top them off with a macaron.
