Clérigos

Porto is a blend of traditional and contemporary architecture and offers a wide variety of points of interest.

Ribeira, the medieval quarter, is the heart of the city. From here, in the 15th Century, the first boats set sails to Africa, starting Portugal 's golden age of the discoveries. Prince Henry the Navigator ordered the expedition and his house is now a museum open to the public (Casa do Infante). Explore the area and visit nearby Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Building), the baroque gold cladded S. Francisco Church, the old Customs House (Edifício da Alfândega), cross the century old D. Luíz bridge to Gaia and visit the Port wine cellars (be sure to taste the wine!). The best view to the city is from here, so indulge yourself at lunch in one of the many terraces or restaurants and take a boat cruise (there is a one hour trip, a day and a week trip up the fantastic Douro valley).

When back in Ribeira, head to the Funicular dos Guindais (check out fares at http://www.metrodoporto.pt) and hold your breath while you go up! Grab your camera because the three minute trip is well worth it! Once in Batalha Square , follow to Rua de Santa Catarina for some shopping and have a coffee at the century old Café Majestic. Another (good) option for a break is Café Guarany (downtown) at Avenida dos Aliados. Be sure to visit the tower of Clérigos (and climb all the 225 steps for a breathtaking view of the historic centre) and Livraria Lello at nearby Rua das Carmelitas - the most beautiful bookshop you've probably ever seen.

On your way to Boavista, take some time to explore the romantic gardens at Palácio de Cristal. Go all the way to the end, because the views over the river are (again) a good excuse to use your camera! 

If you're into art, don't miss the nearby Rua Miguel Bombarda, home to the highest concentration of art galleries in the city.

Head to Boavista and find the newest (and most amazing) addition to Porto's architecture portfolio: the Casa da Música ("House of Music"). Designed by architecture guru Rem Koolhaas, it is the place to be if you love music (check out the link - available only in portuguese for now -  www.casadamusica.com ).

The Serralves Contemporary Art Museum at Avenida Marechal Gomes da Costa (by Porto's top architect Álvaro Siza) and the spectacular gardens surrounding the art deco masterpiece Casa de Serralves are the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Have a slice of pie and a cup of tea at the tea house. Huuuum!...

If you love football, here you can have a good time too. Welcoming the Euro2004 are the two new stadiums built in the city: the new Bessa stadium, home to Boavista FC, and the impressive Dragon Stadium (Estádio do Dragão), home to UEFA European Champions FC Porto. You can get to the stadiums by bus or metro.

Don´t miss a ride on the new metro line (yellow line) from S. Bento Station to Jardim do Morro Station (in Gaia). First you go underground, and when you notice you'll be crossing the century old D. Luiz I bridge on the upper deck, enjoying one of the best views over the two cities. When in Gaia (the first stop after the bridge), head to Serra do Pilar Monastery and enjoy the views. You'll be on a cliff, 100 meters above the river, facing Porto medieval centre. Grab your camera again and shoot...

If you're into experimenting different dishes, you came to the right place. From the most traditional options such as Tripas à moda do Porto (tripe), you can try the typical Francesinha (a heavy but delicious sandwich containing beef, sausage, cheese and a spicy sauce) and, of course, codfish in its many ways: Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá, Bacalhau à Bráz,… For the freshest fish treats head to nearby city Matosinhos (take the metro from downtown). The restaurants near the fish market are unbeatable!

You can also enjoy the ocean view at Foz. With some nice beaches and a renovated waterfront you can go for a walk at the city park (parque da cidade) and, on your way south along the coast, be sure to stop at Praia da Luz beach for a beer (and an unforgettable sunset…)

Transportation within Porto is better made by bus, although the brand new metro system (part of which is still under construction, with new lines opening later this year) has proven to be quite helpful.

Porto is a well kept secret, but I guess it won’t be for long…