Over the years, Rua Miguel Bombarda has emerged as a vital artery, pumping blood from Porto's (he)art and feeding the surrounding areas with creative fuel.
Contemporary art galleries started opening in the street. Trendy stores and hip bars followed. Suddenly, Miguel Bombarda - a previously 'forgotten' street in the Cedofeita area - became relevant, modern and extremely appealing to the young, art-hungry generation.
It was a time of growth for Porto. It evolved as the people started to crave a more vibrant city, sizzling with new talent. Porto became truly European.
Soon after the rise of Miguel Bombarda, the adjacent streets followed. The whole block became Porto's art center.
Inaugurações Simultâneas (Simultaneous Openings, translated) is an event designed to feed the artistic movement and keep the streets alive. The ground zero is Rua Miguel Bombarda but the event has been spreading further and further into Porto's downtown. Six times a year, on Saturdays, art galleries simultaneously premiere new exhibits, featuring works that range from sculpture to photography, from illustration to installations – all artistic expressions are welcome and available to be appreciated by the general public. Shops are open during the evening and there's music and entertainment on the streets. It's a free cultural day. The event occurs a hand-full of times throughout the year and it's best to check the official Facebook page (link is below).
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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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"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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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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"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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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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"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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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.
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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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"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!
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"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?
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"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.
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136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌
✓ 136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters