The Botanic Garden is very close to my place. So, one of these pleasant sunny afternoons (yes, we have a lot of them this year) I went there. The area of Campo Alegre is quite busy during weekdays, but not so much in the weekends, and the Botanic Garden is a wonderful oasis anytime.
There's a beautiful house, small-palace style, typical from this area of Porto in late 19th century to early 20th, owned by a rich family of Port wine merchants until the mid 1900s. Sophia de Mello Breyner, probably the most famous Portuguese female poet, part of that family, has a statue in the garden. The house has been under renovation, and usually hosts exhibitions.
The garden has been a Botanic garden since the 1950s, and has many different species from all around the world, two ponds, and a greenhouse. It's really worth discovering, either for its botanical feature (paid guided visits), or just as a relaxing refuge.
In the surrounding area there are several of these amazing Porto houses worth discovering, like in Rua Antonio Cardoso. One of them is Casa das Artes (cinema, photo, exhibitions) at no. 175.
The garden doesn't have a cafe (yet?) but you can find nice places to eat in the area, like Alicantina and Petulia (Rua do Campo Alegre 814 and 654) or BB Gourmet (Antonio Cardoso 301).
Going down Rua Campo Alegre you'll reach the river shore not far away.
PS - the National Geographic photo exhibition there very worth checking!
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"The Portuguese Centre of Photography" in Porto is located in an ex-prison in the centre. Protip: go all the way down the street at the building's left side.
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Foz and Porto's seafront is definitely for me my favourite part of the city! In summer it can get crowded, but that's because it's Porto at its best!
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"Padaria Ribeiro" isn't just a bakery - it's an icon of the city! I imagine they have been perfecting their pastry recipes since the 19th century...
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Porto is home to Portugal's most well-known and awarded architect, Siza Vieira. You can find his masterpieces sprinkled all over the city.
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"Porto Belo" (literally: beautiful Porto!) is a traditional flea market located in a beautiful neighborhood. Enjoy the great weather, the sun and the music!
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"Café Piolho" has been the centre of Porto students' nightlife for over a century. The first cafe to have electricity and TV, it's a living part of history.
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The "Edíficio Transparente" in Porto is a strange glass building with 4 floors, pleasant restaurant, cafes - and one of my favorite ocean views in the city.
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"Parque da Cidade" is Porto's Central or Hyde Park, and it's the only one in Europe with a seafront! It's one of my favourite spots to do outdoorsy things.
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"Café Santiago" serves perhaps my favorite Francesinha (as healthy as it looks) in Porto. And the "only" drink that goes along with it is Super Bock beer!
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"Bugo Art Burger" was the first restaurant in Porto to cook special burgers. Even after all that time, it still has THAT twist! Mango chutney burger anyone?
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Running in Porto is a great idea: there are many races, from 5km to marathons. I've done them all and it's a unique experience. On your marks...!
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136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters