A One-Day Itinerary in Downtown Porto (2/2)
Ready for the second day of discoveries, culture, and fun in downtown Porto? This itinerary will take you through the city's most iconic and interesting points, complementing the first itinerary published here on The Best of Porto. Let's start?
Our tour begins at the emblematic Torre dos Clérigos. Climbing the 240 steps to the top is worth it for the breathtaking panoramic views. Take the opportunity to take incredible photos and feel on top of the world.
Then, we go down to Livraria Lello, one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, to appreciate its unique architecture and purchase some souvenirs. Some say that this was the inspiration for the writer J. K. Rowling to describe the Hogwarts stairs in Harry Potter, but don't be fooled, they are equally magical but it's just a coincidence!
After visiting the bookstore and possibly choosing a book for the next few days, we head to Cooperativa Árvore,an art gallery where we can enjoy contemporary exhibitions and explore the work of local artists.
After visiting these places, it's time to give our feet a rest. Nothing better than Jardim das Virtudes, where we can relax and enjoy the stunning views over the Douro River and Gaia. As there is no beautiful view without two, we continue to the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, where we can find some of the most wonderful views of Porto as well as explore the beautiful gardens, lakes, and sculptures, accompanied by various animals such as peacocks and other birds.
It's time to dive back into Porto's culture and so, let's now visit the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis which houses an impressive collection of Portuguese art, including sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts. It is a must-visit for lovers of this industry.
We continue to the stunning Igreja do Carmo, known for its impressive exterior covered in blue and white tiles, which illustrate religious scenes and are a true landmark of Portuguese Baroque architecture. The next stop is the Portuguese Photography Center, where we can explore photographic exhibitions and learn more about the history of photography in Portugal.
The day couldn't be complete without a relaxed break at Base Porto where we can enjoy a refreshing drink, with a view of the tower we climbed in the morning, Clérigos! For dinner, the ideal would be to choose a place nearby, among the varied options that Porto offers. There is something for all tastes, from traditional Portuguese food to all other world cuisines.
Finally, we will head to the lively Rua das Galerias de Paris, where we can enjoy a night with lots of dancing, cocktails, and fun, at Bar do Ginásio, the newest on this street and which delivers everything it promises!
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