Right in front of the Mercado do Bolhão (under maintenance until at least 2020), you can find one of the most important patisseries of Porto, more than 100 years old now. They have fresh breads, croissants, traditional Portuguese pastries, cakes, custard tarts and a typical sweet of theirs called “tigelinha do Bolhão” made with almonds. It costs €1. This is definitely one of my favorite places in Porto because it mixes the local and the touristic aspects of the city and is located in the center.

My traditional order there is one Kraftkorn bread (€0.40) — I highly recommend you to try it — a freshly squeezed orange juice (€1.50) and a coffee (€0.60). But they have lots and lots of options for your personal choice. They also have a diverse lunch menu with really good and inexpensive Portuguese options.

The retro Art Deco atmosphere, the nice and welcoming staff and the delicious – and totally affordable – Portuguese meal makes for the perfect scenario for you to have breakfast or a snack before or after a nice walk on Santa Catarina street. I promise you this: there isn’t a single thing that you’ll taste and won’t fall in love with!

So, shall we talk about life while drinking a nice warm cup of coffee and eating some pastéis de nata (custard tarts)?