Fontainhas Porto
Straight from my childhood
Marta from Porto
Fontainhas is a place very close to my heart. My grandparents used to live there and I spent most of my childhood in this area. Fast forward a couple of decades and now I live nearby - talk about circle of life, huh?
When I was young, I was fascinated by the fact that everything seemed close by. Fontainhas seemed to be the epicenter of the city and still it felt like a village. We'd spend our day at the window, greeting the neighbours and friends. Everyone knew everyone. We even had an old lady come by, carrying a big basket full of biscuits, selling them door to door. It was just like a movie.
Then, Infante bridge was built and lots of people were dislocated, including my grandparents, and things changed, a lot.
For a few years, I’d rarely return to Fontainhas and when I did it felt different: my grandparents house wasn’t there and the whole area seemed quite deserted.
Then, recently, Porto became a tourist magnet and many neighbourhoods kind of succumbed to it, becoming a bit uncharacteristic. But Fontainhas managed to keep its local charm. Loud people, small (and slightly stinky) cafes, the old washtub areas where the women used to wash their clothes while either fighting, gossiping or singing. Not to mention the breathtaking views of the river Douro and its beautiful bridges and the rumble of the train going into the tunnels. I just adore the whole picturesque scene and I think you will too.
Porto Spotter Marta
About this spot
Alameda das Fontainhas
- 24 hours daily
€
free
Our Porto City Guide
Find your way with 136 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Porto
Foz Velha
A village inside Porto
"Foz Velha" Porto used to be a village but now it's the posh part of the city. It has kept its charm. Perfect if you feel getting lost during a walk!
by
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Convivio
Special francesinha
"Convivio", next to Boavista in Porto, is a restaurant I go with my friends and wife for francesinha. I love their sauce. Also try their meaty croquettes!
by
Rúben
Pinto
Portarossa
Little Italy
"Portarossa" in Porto is a thoughtfully decorated restaurant with a glimpse of modern Italy - cozy and familiar. Whenever possible I try to stay outside...
by
Sofia
Kendall
Cruel
How cruel can one get?
"Cruel" is a themed restaurant in Porto where I can get my adventure level tested - there are three sorts: the fearful, the cautious and the cruel ones...
by
Sofia
Kendall
Bonaparte
Perfect pub
"Bonaparte", a typical Irish pub in Porto is what we can almost call an institution among locals. I honestly don't remember when I first visited it...
by
Sofia
Kendall
Pimenta Rosa
Home baked cake heaven
"Pimenta Rosa" in Porto is a cafe that has a homely feel to it; it makes me lose track of time. My favorite cake is the cinnamon and apple and the nut one.
by
Sofia
Kendall
7g Roasters
But first... specialty coffee
"7g Roasters" in Porto is an old coffee warehouse that's turned into one of the coolest alternative rustic places. Their roasted coffee is second to none.
by
Camila
Aldrighi
Mercado de Matosinhos
A typical local market
"Mercado de Matosinhos" in Porto is great for lovers of seafood. Nice prices, local lifestyle... that's why you're here, right? Prepare for a feast!
by
Camila
Aldrighi
Café Museu Soares dos Reis
An artsy retreat
"Café Museu Soares dos Reis" is my favorite place in Porto to spend an afternoon and maybe do some reading, while enjoying an espresso and an apple pie.
by
Marta
Macedo
O Porto dos Gatos
All you need is love (and cats)
"O Porto dos Gatos" in Porto is our very own cat cafe! Vegetarian menu, great workspace environment and of course cats you can support. It's meow or never!
by
Camila
Aldrighi
Pombeiro
No-fuss-no-muss: just great food
"Pombeiro" is one of those places in Porto that I'd have missed if it wasn't for serendipity. There is plenty of fish & meat options & they never disappoint.
by
Marta
Macedo
Heading to Porto?
136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 136 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Porto
Our team loves Porto
Get to know our other Spotters from Porto
As featured on:
