Rua do Almada Porto
The old meets the new
My mother taught me many important lessons. One of them has particularly influenced the way I experience cities: look up as you walk down a street and keep an eye out for details. You'd be amazed by what you'd miss by not looking higher up.
Architecture is the obvious part of the equation, but there's much more. Try peeking inside the windows in the buildings and catching a glimpse of the decorations in people's homes and offices: the centuries-old ornamented ceilings kept intact, the lamp shades, the wall paint, the artwork... It all tells a story, not just about the building itself, or the habitat of a certain individual, but also about the historical, cultural and social character of a place.
Also try paying attention to the signs that identify the stores in the street. They're there for you to look at, strategically placed perpendicularly to the wall so that they face you as you're walking. But how often do you really look at them? Their design: the typography, the colors, the material, the information they provide - there's a story there as well.
Rua do Almada is one of my favorite places to do that in Porto. It may not be a particularly beautiful street in itself, but it is a place where the old meets the new. A place where innovation coexists with tradition. A place where the hip new bar maybe next door to a hardware store that may well be from the 1930s.
Definitely worth exploring.
About this spot
Rua do Almada
- 24 hours daily
€
no-price
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
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
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
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
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
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
Padaria Ribeiro
Pastry perfected over 100 years
"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
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
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
Porto Belo
Beautiful Porto flea market
"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
Vasco
Figueiredo Teles
Café Piolho
A century old students' caffè
"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
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
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Porto
Get to know our other Spotters from Porto
As featured on:
