In the back of Porto's Court, an amazing garden called "Jardim das Virtudes" is patiently waiting for hundreds of people to occupy its lovely lawn. For many years, it fell into the oblivion among Porto folk, but now, due to a recent trend (that also includes riding bicycles and used clothing), the garden is slowly regaining the life that it deserves.
Not far from the river, this garden is, even to a lot of locals, a hidden place, and not worthy of attention. And, to be fair, for as long as can I remember there were other popular choices to walk around, like the fabulous Serralves gardens, Palácio de Cristal gardens or even Parque da Cidade, the city's main park. The popularity of those places, combined with the preference given to the beaches rather than green spaces (and probably a bunch of other factors), resulted in this: one of the greatest wastes of public resources there is in memory in the city of my heart!
Fortunately, things are changing, and it's notable that people enjoying themselves on picnics and park strolls have increased, and it's way more common to see people running or riding a bicycle now than it was a few years ago.
The topology of its grounds, almost in peels (and slightly reminding me of the beauty of the riverside of the high Douro) combined with the view to the Douro and Gaia shore is truly inspiring, a little bit of Eden, ready to make you happy.
Rua de Azevedo de Albuquerque
€
no-price
Explore Porto like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Porto guide.
"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
"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
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
"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...
By
Porto is home to Portugal's most well-known and awarded architect, Siza Vieira. You can find his masterpieces sprinkled all over the city.
By
"Porto Belo" (literally: beautiful Porto!) is a traditional flea market located in a beautiful neighborhood. Enjoy the great weather, the sun and the music!
By
"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.
By
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.
By
"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.
By
"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!
By
"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?
By
"Botanic Garden" in Porto's Campo Alegre is a wonderful oasis in quite a busy part of the city. It's really worth discovering, if only as a relaxing refuge.
By
136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters