It is always worth returning to Porto. The city is getting more and more beautiful and surprising, and it is easy to find a good excuse to go there for a weekend. Be it exhibitions, new restaurants, hotels, or new boutiques …
You have to make the most of all that the city has to offer, and if you haven’t been to Porto in a long time or it’s your children’s first time, for example, be sure to (re) visit the biggest attractions, such as the Clérigos Tower, which you can climb to the top, let there be breath for the 225 steps. Lello Bookstore, which Harry Potter fans will not miss, or the beautiful Praça Lisboa, right in front, where you can sit on the Base esplanade, among the most popular in the city.
Likewise, if you’ve never been, stop by São Bento Station to admire Jorge Colaço’s 20,000 tiles, with striking scenes from the history of Portugal and transport, and also through the frantic Rua das Flores where you can take a leap to the flagship Claus Porto store and leave with a handful of hand-wrapped soaps. Nearby, also, on Rua do Almada, is the no less historic (and sweeter) flagship of Arcádia. Which have a studio open to the public where you will be able to watch a master craftsman preparing the country’s favorite chocolates.
The Palácio da Bolsa, a huge neoclassical building built in the early 20th century, is another of Porto’s most visited monuments. Its high point is the exotic and luxurious Arab Hall, stage for dinners, conferences and concerts and deserves a visit at least once in a life.
The Serralves Foundation, in turn, is a place to return to often. From the 18 hectares of gardens to the museum itself, there is always a lot to see and do. And of course, you can’t miss a trip to Gaia to visit one of the cellars where Port Wine history was made (Taylors or Real Companhia Velha offer, in this chapter, memorable experiences), leaving time to have a drink in one viewpoint bar like the Terrace Lounge 360 °, with stunning panoramic views over Porto.
Be sure to stop by Bairro das Artes, a block full of galleries, ateliers, cafés and designer shops. This is the case with Banema, a concept store for those who like architecture, design and beautiful things in general, since in this space – 300 m2 of an old bakery – you will find an exclusive curatorship of brands and furniture, lighting, decoration and lifestyle. For vintage fans, another good idea is to go to the lively Rua da Cedofeita to continue a shopping session, where you cannot miss the store of the famous Couto medicinal paste, a company that celebrated 100 years with the opening of the first commercial space in its own name in all country.
