Traveling to…Porto’s Vibrant Historical Streets

I’ve been coming to Portugal all my life, yet I’ve haven’t seen or experienced nearly a quarter of its historic beauty and rich culture. Porto is the country’s second largest and most famous city, yet I’ve only ever been here in passing from the airport, a brief hour before making my way down to our mountain home. The only other time I found myself close to Porto was visiting family friends in the neighboring famed seafood city of Matosinhos. For the longest time, I’ve been looking forward to finally experiencing this vibrant city for myself. I’m glad Paris didn’t work out, because then I wouldn’t have had an amazing three days roaming around and falling in love in Porto. 

Portugal has been making its way on almost every travel must list, not only for its capital Lisboa, but this vivacious river front city is a must if you find yourself in my native country. It’s been said many times, but if “you’ve tried the wine {port}, now try the city!” Porto is a sea of terra-cotta roofs, blue tiled homes with an amazing character and Baroque historical buidlings that transport you to another place in time all together.

This city has grown, like the capital, its the perfect blend of tradition and modern, over the years having blossomed into a vivacious creative scene. If the city doesn’t already have you swooning, Porto is a picturesque 2-hour drive from the Douro region, one of the worlds oldest wine countries, and one of the most prestigious in the country. And wait until I share the stunning photos from our trip, let’s just say it was pure heaven; my birthday week couldn’t have been celebrated any better. 

Porto is best done on foot. It is a big city, but it’s also quaint and can easily be “seen”, not necessarily experienced, in a day. We arrived in the afternoon, walked for 5 hours, and overloaded ourselves with so much beauty. Take a stroll through this city’s hilly and narrow streets and you’ll be met with amazing traditional painted tiles, magnificent architecture and medieval houses, its lively people and their culture. You’ll walk past the Torre dos Clérigos just casually nestled among rows of homes, local shops and cafes. 

Naturally UNESCO has rated several places in Porto, including the entire area from the old cathedral to the riverfront neighborhood, Ribeira, and once you see the photographs I’ll share soon with you, you’ll clearly understand why. In order to truly understand a new city, it’s best to just roam. And in Porto, you’ll most likely find yourself walking along Porto’s Sé Cathedral, and you should because the view from its square is pretty much Porto. Where else do you see painted tiled homes and a clothes lines look pretty?  Am I the only one who could seriously be happy and content living in this little corner. Beautiful azulejo walls, antique stone work, and lovely open air views; pretty much all I need to feel inspired. Wouldn’t it just be lovely as a little nook in a backyard? At least think so…

If you already haven’t noticed a trend, or already knew, Porto is synonymous with its stunning tradition of azulejos {tiles}. Even the simplest creation, is a work of art. Our country’s history and culture is rooted from this architecture and form of art. I know for me it’s a big reason, I loved this city so much. 
The Sao Bento train station, is what every station in the world should aim to be. I mean, just look at the gorgeous azulejos {tile} walls!! A daily commute through this wonder wouldn’t be so bad.  Porto is a bustling vivacious city, but every so often you’ll get a breath of tranquility especially when walking along the iconic, and gorgeous Avenida dos Alliados. You literally have to just stand still, even for a brief moment, and admire the beautiful architecture of the buildings that surround it! It’s one of my most favorite memories from my trip to Portugal this year. The image has stuck with me, and it’s one I go back to in my mind whenever I get a serious case of saudade. This street is absolute heaven to me!

The only downfall, is that like most of the city currently, the gorgeous view don’t shine as bright because of construction. Although I’ve never been to Paris, it’s always been a dream of mine, and this street practically transported me to Parisiene streets. The architecture, the people, the feel…it is perfection in one of Porto’s famous street. And my new favorite! I understand completely why Liberdade Square is known as the Monument Heart of Porto.” 

This was by far my favorite building. I fell in love with this Neoclassic clock tower, the second I spotted the fist in the air angel statue from a distance.  

This is one of those streets there is so much for your eye to wander. Seriously, take a closer look at the detailed beauty in every nook, but looking upward will be the best view. The Avenida dos Aliados boasts some of the most extraordinary architecture roofs.  

The Igreja Carmelitos, another beautiful example of Porto’s beloved tile designs. 

Yes, J.K Rowling called Porto home for some time. It’s said that the lovely Gothic Art, and intricately built, Livraria Lello, with its amazing wood staircase, inspired Rowling when she taught English here. The very Hogwarts Castle library, where Harry, Hermoine and Ron frequented was inspired by this gem. Anyone would get just a bit giddy visiting something that inspired that great Harry Potter, but for a big fan, like myself, this was just wonderful thing to see. And the black cloaks the students are known for wearing? Well, those are basically what every college student in Portugal wears on special occasions, so you can clearly imagine Rowling was inspired by all her students walking from the University across the street..

But even it this bookstore didn’t have such literary fame, its sheer beauty and history would have made it just a famous spot. It has become quite touristy, but they only allow a certain amount of visitors inside, so you can easily roam the shelves, discovering all its hidden gems. But please don’t forget to look up! The antique stonework and delicate colorful glass art, is quite a sight to  marvel at. The Lello bookshop is a magnificent setting proudly taken fame as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world!  The Palácio da Bolsa do Porto, the stock exchange building, is the stunner at one end of Avenida dos Aliados. We didn’t manage to go inside, but after seeing photos I’m just dying to go back and see its stunning interiors. It’s considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Portugal and a “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO, and you can clearly see why!

Porto is just as lively and vibrant at night, as it is during the day. It’s not only along the Avenida dos Aliados where you get instant Paris feels. Near the Liberdade Square, there are two vibrant streets in the heart of Porto, dedicated as the home to some of the city’s coolest bars, cocktail lounges and hip restaurants, which has naturally lived up to its nickname as “Galeria de Paris“. Even if you don’t drink, it’s pretty much mandatory to walk along this lively area. You’re sure to have a great time having fun taking part in Porto’s nightlife. 

Watching live Fado is one of the top things I wanted to do while in Portugal, but didn’t quite get the chance. To think I’ve watched more Fado here in the states, than in Portugal, but I want to experience the true Portuguese Fado, one in a quaint cafe where the air is simply filled with soulful guitar tunes and the artful words that exude the feeling of “saudade”. If you stumble upon a cafe playing live Fado, you just have to, have to stop in and watch! 

The sights, the architecture, the culture, the art, the food, the wine…Porto will intoxicate you a myriad of wonderful memories.

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