Café Museu Soares dos Reis Porto
An artsy retreat
This one takes me back to the time I was an Erasmus student in Rome. A cafeteria hidden inside a museum is a concept I became more familiar with when living in the Italian capital. When the time to bury my head in the books came along, I hunted the city for quiet retreats where I could set up shop and get on with my work. Places that had an artsy vibe, a beautiful scenery and an inspiring atmosphere.
The cafeteria in Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis is like that, and it's there to prove that the saying 'out of sight, out of mind' isn't always true, since there's no hint of it from the outside.
The museum is the oldest public one in Portugal. In 1942 it was transferred to its current address, where it occupies the stunning Palácio dos Carrancas, which dates back to 1795. With a € 5 ticket (regular price) you can visit the main exhibition as well as the temporary ones. You can also enjoy nice walks in the lovely gardens. If you want to skip the museum, head straight to the cafeteria.
This is a lovely place to spend an afternoon and maybe do some reading, while enjoying an espresso and a slice of homemade apple pie (highly recommended). Come sunshiny weather, the cafeteria extends to the patio, making it even more pleasant.
The surroundings and the bucolic quietness make this place special. A retreat in the city, is the best way to describe it.
About this spot
Find your way with 136 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Porto
Chocolataria Equador
Chocolate dreams
"Chocolataria Equador" Porto is more than a shop - it's an experience. Whenever I enter the shop, the smell of chocolate is so dense I can almost taste it...
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Il Pizzaiolo
The real Neapolitan pizza in Porto
Il Pizzaiolo in Porto is one of the best Italian pizzerias around. I heartily recommend their Margherita. It's a classic and one of their best!
By
Camila
Aldrighi
Venham mais 5 (Original)
Keep 'em coming!
Venham mais 5 in Porto is definitely not about a fancy atmosphere. It is all about experiencing the 'prego'. This is a place, where you'll want to return!
By
Marta
Macedo
Gelados Neveiros
Ice cream like it "used to be"
"Gelados Neveiros" is probably the oldest and one of most well known ice cream shops in Porto. REAL traditional recipes, homemade with fresh ingredients..."
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Mercado do Bom Sucesso
New life to the old market
"Mercado do Bom Sucesso" used to be a decaying market for fresh goods in Porto, but now it's got new life: so many restaurants to choose from!
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Two:su.shi
Bargain sushi!
"Two:su.shi" is a Japanese restaurant serving delicious sushi with great service and a cosy yet small atmosphere. Excellent place to satisfy your crave!
By
Tiago
Magalhães
Conga
World class bifanas!
"Conga" Porto is where you can find world-class bifanas, ones that taste the way they should; moist, spicy pieces of pork meat in a bread; delicious!
By
Tiago
Magalhães
Castiço da Sé
Panados is love, panados is life
"Castiço da Sé" in Porto is the perfect place to get some 'panados' -- the Portuguese version of Wiener Schnitzel! And the owners are a delight to talk to.
By
Tiago
Magalhães
The Happy Nest
Hidden garden in Porto's heart
"The Happy Nest" in central Porto is a coffee shop that makes breakfast, lunch or brunch enjoyable. Everything's amazing, but definitely try the croissants
By
Camila
Aldrighi
Portuguese Centre of Photography
Go to jail!
"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.
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
CC Bombarda
Not your regular shopping mall
"CC Bombard" in Porto is a small "shopping mall" that will surprise you with its originality, concept and products. My favourite shop there is Vertigo.
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Foz, Porto's seafront
Beaches north to south
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!
By
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Heading to Porto?
136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Porto?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 136 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
Our team loves Porto
Get to know our other Spotters from Porto
As featured on:
