The "Transparent Building" is a somewhat strange (and mostly) glass building with 4 floors with pleasant restaurants and caffès with one of the best ocean views in the city. It was built when that whole area was re-arranged some 10 years ago, with long sidewalks stretching along the ocean, from Matosinhos until Foz. It is intended to be "transparent" not to block the ocean view from the Parque da Cidade (in the back).
The restaurants and caffès are quite trendy, with mostly outdoor seating areas to enjoy the sun and the ocean. The area can be very windy, from the North, but the chairs and tables are well protected, so there are people there all year round... as long as it's not raining. During the sunny weekends it gets very crowded and busy, so I prefer to go there during the week.
One of my prefered caffès is the one in the corner, called Picaba (in the picture), serving real icy açaí from Brasil (€3 to €5 a bowl), along with other healthy dishes, salads, sandwiches, wraps and juices. I've tasted quite a few dishes here, but my favourite one is definitely the açaí.
There are also other caffès and restaurants, like a pizzeria, or an ice-cream shop at the ground floor. On the top floors there are other restaurants, the most well known is a large Cufra Grill (francesinhas), adding to its original location in Avenida da Boavista no.2504. There's also a good bike shop, the Bang&Olufsen space, and a surf school/shop.
Find your way with 136 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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"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!
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"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
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"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.
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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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"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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"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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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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"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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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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