11 Feb Escape the Crowds: 17 Porto Secret Spots
Situated at the mouth of the Douro River, Portugal’s second city is a colourful jumble of architecture rising on both banks. Less manicured than the capital Lisbon, Porto entices with its heady mix of historic districts, contemporary art and culture, and superb food and wine.
This is a city made for wandering, its rambling streets lined with buildings of faded grandeur, many adorned with azulejos, interspersed with grand baroque churches, terracotta rooftops and impressive bridges. While the city has a well-worn tourist trail, it’s possible to escape the crowds and experience its authentic charm.
Join us as we step away from tourist hotspots like the Livraria Lello and the historic Ribeira district and take you on a journey of under-the-radar treasures and Porto secret spots.
1. Casa Museu Fernando de Castro
Located on Rua Costa Cabral, this humble house is a veritable treasure trove. The former home of Fernando de Castro (1888–1946), it displays the vast collection of paintings, sculptures, books and objects d’art collected by this Porto businessman and poet in the first half of the 20th century. Usually closed to the public, it can be viewed only by private tour.
2. Livraria da Baixa
While people flock to Livraria Lello for a glimpse of this iconic bookstore, its little-known neighbour offers a more relaxed ambiance. Set in a former 1920s bookstore, Livraria da Baixa is a cultural spot and tapas bar where you can pull up a chair, sip a cocktail and peruse a wide selection of books while nibbling on delicious petiscos.
3. Rua de Miguel Bombarda
Lined with art galleries, design boutiques, trendy cafes and secondhand and vintage shops, Rua de Miguel Bombarda is the heart of Porto’s contemporary art scene. A gathering place for artists and creatives, take a wander along this vibrant street, soaking up street art, browsing exhibitions, watching street performers and musicians, and immersing yourself in Porto’s artsy atmosphere.
4. Conservas Pinhais Factory
Established in 1920, Conservas Pinhais has been at the forefront of Portugal’s canned fish industry for over a century. Located in Matosinhos, just north of Porto, it has outlasted its competitors (at one point there were up to 54 factories here alone) to produce artisanal tinned fish in vintage packaging. Tour the factory floor before sampling the goodies in the café.
5. Serralves Foundation
Set within a magnificent 18-hectare park, this renowned cultural institution comprises a contemporary art museum, a 1950s house, and stunning gardens. Explore cutting-edge exhibitions and a fine permanent collection in the museum, admire the Art Deco architecture of the delightful pink house, and wander amongst fountains, lily ponds, rose gardens and sculptures in this Porto secret spot.
6. Observatório Astronómico de Gaia
Perched atop Monte da Virgen in Gaia, this astronomical observatory offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of astronomy and timekeeping. Established in 1948 to complement astronomy studies at Porto University, visit here for guided tours by physics students, hands-on demonstrations and stargazing through advanced telescopes. The views of Porto and the Douro River are pretty spectacular from here, too.
7. Café Porta do Olival
Opened in 1853, this humble café is the oldest coffee house in Porto. Located near the Torre dos Clérigos and built along the old city wall, it’s also home to a Porto secret spot – an ancient city gate. Through here Philippa of Lancaster entered the city for her marriage to King Joāo I, thus establishing an alliance between Portugal and England. It serves traditional Portuguese cuisine and great coffee, too.
8. Casa da Música
Designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas in 2005, this contemporary, minimalist structure is an architectural icon of Porto. Home of the Porto National Orchestra, the sharp lines and pure white concrete exterior conceals a shoebox-shaped concert hall, renowned as having some of the best acoustics in the world. Tour the structure by day or enjoy one of the almost daily concerts, covering a range of musical styles.
9. Carmo and Carmelita Churches
Appearing as one enormous church in downtown Porto, this extravagant building comprises three structures. On the left is the Igreja dos Carmelitas Descalço, built in the 17th century for Carmelite nuns, while the Igreja do Carmo built in the late 18th century is on the right. In between is a well-hidden Porto secret spot, a one-metre-wide house, once the dividing line between the nuns and monks. Occupied until the 1980s, you can buy a ticket to see inside one of the world’s narrowest houses.
10. Restaurante A Regaleira
Home of Porto’s signature dish, A Regaleira has been serving francesinha (little French girl) since the 1950s. Inspired by the French croque monsieur, this hearty sandwich features various meats and cheeses, smothered in melted cheese and a piquant beer sauce. Recently reopened a few doors from the original restaurant, head downstairs to see a selection of francesinha-themed art.
11. Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
Perched on a bluff with stunning views over Porto and the Douro River, these enchanting gardens offer peace and beauty. Stroll amongst fountains, sculptures, trees and an array of flora including ginko, giant magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons and rose gardens. And keep your eyes peeled for peacocks on the former site of Porto’s Crystal Palace.
12. Restaurante Semea by Euskalduna
Set on the riverside, Semea is the latest project by chef, Vasco Coelho Santos. Serving classic Portuguese fare with modern flair, it’s perhaps best known for its twist on rabanadas. This French toast-inspired dessert is a cube of bread soaked in eggs, cream and milk, encased in a thin, crispy, caramelised exterior, served with tart ice cream made from raw sheep’s milk cheese, offering a mouthwatering combination of tangy/salty/sweet tastes.
13. Boiler Studio
Visitors to Porto are wowed by the hand-painted azulejos adorning the façade of buildings, churches and palaces. Often blue and white, these glazed ceramic tiles are one of Portugal’s most important artistic treasures. Learn about their history, influences and colours in a workshop at Boiler Studio before painting your own, unique tile while sipping a cocktail or glass of bubbly.
14. Miragaia Neighbourhood
Quieter than the neighbouring Ribeira district, Miragaia is no less picturesque. This medieval neighbourhood features brightly painted houses sloping down to the riverside, adorned with strings of freshly washed laundry and plants draping over balconies. Wander labyrinthine cobblestone alleyways, stopping to admire viewpoints, historic bars and family-run tascas, searching for Porto secret spots as you soak up the authentic charms of this traditional neighbourhood.
15. Rota do Chá
Set in a charming 19th century townhouse, this delightful teahouse was one of the first to open in Rua de Miguel Bombarda. Take your seat in the cosy living room or Asian-inspired outdoor garden and settle in to choose from approximately 300 tea references from around the world. With a menu comprising sweet treats and light snacks, it offers a calm escape from the sightseeing trail, as well as tea workshops and tasting sessions.
16. Poças Vinhos
Home of port wine, wine tasting is a must-do activity when visiting Portugal’s second city. Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the river is the main home of the port wine cellars. For a more intimate experience, skip the bigger producers and head to Poças, a Portuguese family business (most brands belong to English companies) and small-scale producer with a wonderful range of tawny, white and ruby ports.
17. Quinta de Villar d’Allen
Escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Porto with a trip to this peaceful oasis just outside the city. One of the few surviving leisure mansions from the 18th and 19th centuries, this private property belonging to the Allen family is like a living museum, replete with antiques and artefacts from the 19th century. Tours are conducted by a family member and include a trip around the extensive and lush gardens plus a visit to their port cellars.
Discover Porto Secret Spots with Just Explore
Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Porto’s historic centre has a scattering of tourist hotspots. But if you’ve got time to spare, this magical little city begs exploration with an array of lesser-known treasures and off-beat gems to discover.
Whether you’re booking our Highlights of Portugal tour or wish to arrange a tailor-made trip to Portugal, we’ll help you unearth Porto secret spots and uncover this city’s numerous charms. Contact Just Explore today to book your holiday in Portugal.
