Next stop: Porto!

NEXT STOP: PORTO!

 

Narrow winding streets, hand-painted tile façades, the Cais da Ribeira riverfront, the bridges, the River Douro, the appetisers, the wine and the longing for more . .. this is Porto, the city where you will find the new PortoBay hotel, the PortoBay Hotel Teatro.

Venture out into this unforgettable city! 

 

Stock Exchange Palace

Go on a guided tour around the Stock Exchange Palace which in bygone times was the foremost trading centre in Porto.

Take in the neoclassical beauty of this building and its majestic halls and decoration. Wonder at the huge glass and iron dome of the Pátio das Nações and the Arabian Hall. Amazing! 

Torre dos Clérigos

Visit Porto’s emblematic tower, built in the 18th century in Baroque style. It is 76 metres high. Climb the 225 steps to the top of the tower to get one of the most wonderful views over the city and the River Douro.

Lello Bookshop

The Lello Bookshop was founded in 1906 and published illustrious authors such as Eça de Queirós, a bust of whom is on display inside.
Its decoration is a mixture of Neo-Gothic, Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, and it is considered one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world!
Notice the majestic red staircase. .. It is said to have inspired JK Rowling to create the Hogwarts staircase in the Harry Potter saga!

Bolhão Market (Mercado do Bolhão)

Porto’s most emblematic market, thanks to its fresh products and the bubbly and "sassy” environment created by the stallholders.

It has two floors and neoclassical architecture. It is split into different categorised sections: horticultural produce, flowers, butchers and fishmongers.

Gaia wine cellars (Caves de Vinho em Gaia)

No visit to Porto is complete without getting to know the history of Port. A number of historical wine cellars run guided tours and tasting sessions, especially in the district of Gaia. Cross over the D. Luís I bridge and treat yourself to the taste of this noble wine.

Rua Santa Catarina

This is one of Porto’s busiest high streets, with abundant shops and restaurants. The Almas Chapel (Capela das Almas) is another of its attractions. Lined in its entirety in blue and white hand-painted tiles, the stunning effect makes sure it stands out! Another one of Porto’s attractions is the Café Majestic, which has been open for business since 1921. Travel back in time to the “Belle Époque”, take a Cimbalino (coffee) and try the traditional “rabanada” dessert. 

 

Crystal Palace Gardens (Jardins do Palácio de Cristal)

Stroll around the romantic gardens of the Crystal Palace and admire the sculptures, ponds and geometric forms. The Crystal Palace was demolished in 1951 to make way for the Rosa Mota sports pavilion. The garden houses the Carlos Alberto Chapel and the Almeida Garrett Municipal Library, as well as a homely café.

Cruise under the Bridges of the River Douro

Take a trip down the River Douro on board a typical “Rabelo” boat. Discover the beauty of the city, visit the river and admire its 6 bridges: Freixo, São João, Dona Maria, D. Infante, Luís I and Arrábida. 

 

Foz do Douro

As the name indicates, this is the place where the River Douro flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It is an idyllic spot where one finds luxury houses, restaurants and esplanades, where you can take in the views while strolling besides the river.

Avenida dos Aliados

This is one of the most striking avenues of the city, flanked by imposing buildings.

It is where one finds Freedom Square (Praça da Liberdade), with the statue of King Pedro IV in the middle of it. At the opposite end one finds Praça do Município, a square adorned with the Town Hall and the Monument to Almeida Garrett, a notable politician and poet of Portuguese Romanticism. 

 

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