Porto is the second largest city of Portugal, just behind the beautiful Lisbon, and it’s popularly considered the second capital of the country. A great city with a huge historical heritage. As a curious fact, we tell you that it has the largest metro in Portugal.
Even if we could talk about this beautiful city all day long, we have picked 6 places that you must see on your visit. Do you want to know which ones they are? Great!
WHAT TO SEE IN PORTO
House of Music
La Casa da Música is a concert hall designed by the archit Rect Rem Koolhaas. It took 6 years to build – from 1999 to 2005- and quickly became an icon of Porto. It is located next to the Rotonda da Boavista, the main traffic point of the city, at the old warehouse of trams out of service.
Although its design gave rise to numerous challenges due to its curious form, it was acclaimed worldwide and even the New York Times architecture critic Nicolai Ouroussoff compared it to the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles and the Berlin Philharmonic Auditorium.
Don Luis I Bridge
El Ponte de Dom Luís I connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia, crossing the Douro River, and is one of the most emblematic places of the city, together with Clergymen Tower. The iron bridge was inaugurated in 1886 and has a length of 385 meters and has managed to be the most famous and important of the many that the Portuguese city houses.
It is formed by two floors, the lower one, through which cars circulate, and the upper one, which supports the subway line D and from which you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of both the river and neighboring villages.
Crystal Palace Gardens
This beautiful and appreciated green space is located in Massarelos and from there you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean. A romantic garden of the 1860s, made by the landscaper Émile David, that enveloped the Crystal Palace, which is currently the Rosa Mota Pavilion.
Among its charms, we highlight the Emilio David Garden, with a wonderful flora, fountains and a set of statues that refer to the seasons of the year, and the Tilos Avenue, the most important axis, where you can discover multitude of viewpoints, strategically located.
Lello Bookseller
Livraria Lello, Livraria Lello e Irmâo or Livraria Chardron are the names by which this beautiful bookstore is known, located in the historical center of Porto, in Rua das Carmelitas, near the baroque bell tower called Clergymen Tower. The bookstore has been named one of the most beautiful because of its artistic and historical value.
Sure that the Harry Potter fans recognize the place right now! Apparently, the famous writer JK Rowling frequented it during her time as an English teacher at the University of Porto, serving as inspiration for her successful novels.
Liberty Square
La Praça da Liberdade ist he most important oft he city of Porto and connects the Old Porto with the New one. It is located at the center of the city, Within walking distance of the Clergymen Tower and San Bento Station. At the most centric point of the square, dazzles a bronze equestrian statue 10 meters high, in which the king Pedro IV shows the Constitutional Charter to the people.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN PORTO
Residencial Cristo Rei:A really good value hotel located in the heart of the historical center of Porto. Prices from 12.50 € per person and night.
M2 Students: A student house during the academic year that becomes a hostel when summer arrives. Prices from € 15.02 per person per night.
Porto Spot Hostel: Spacious rooms with unique decoration, long beds, padlocked lockers and a card as a key. Prices from 20.71 € per person and night.
Oporto Sky Hostel: It is located in Lapa, one of the oldest districts of Porto, less than 5 minutes walk from the metro, which connects directly with the airport and the train station. Prices from 21.96 € per person and night.
Tattva Design Hostel: It is inspired by the four elements of life and is located in two beautiful buildings named Heritage of Humanity that have been recovered. Prices from 21.33 € per person and night.
Porto Alive Hostel: It is located in a historic building on Rua das Flores. The hostel offers private and shared rooms. Prices from 28.36 € per person and night.
If you want to continue your adventure in the Iberian Peninsula you still have time to take a look at the Spanish destinations that we recommend for this month. Hurry up!
Cover photo by Pcdazero
