Curious things to do in Porto
Author: Beena Nadeem
Porto is more than port wine, azulejos tiles and the custard tarts that endanger your waistline. Swap sightseeing for the surreal by sipping fire-lit cocktails in a circus bar, hunt down a giant rabbit, watch an ancient church turn into an immersive evening extravaganza, sip Vinho Verde on oceanside rocks then pedal to a secret cliffside chapel for sunset.
1. Panoramic views
If you liked the views from the Gaia Cable Car, you’ll love taking in the sunset at Foz do Douro
Foz do Douro, 20 minutes west of central Porto, is where the Douro River gracefully tiptoes into the Atlantic. You’ll also find beach bars, fresh sea air and bronzed locals who've cracked the art of relaxation. Grab a chair, order um cafe and embrace the relaxed vibe. For even more peace and quiet, head to Praia dos Ingleses, claim a rock, and pop open a bottle of Vinho Verde for front-row seat to a sunset.
Top tip: While in the area, why not pop by the Serralves Museum, home to world-class contemporary art complete with a massive red trowel in the garden?
2. Museums
If like Porto’s museums, you’ll love this hidden wonderworld of collections
Fernando de Castro House-Museum looks ordinary – just another beige townhouse in a street in Porto. But step inside and you’re transported into a 19th Century collector’s dream of golden carvings, extravagant wallpaper, plethora of dripping chandeliers and even religious relics from extinct monasteries. It could well be the city’s most flamboyant bolthole with its ornate mirrors and carved furniture; what’s certain is this part museum, part historical hoarder’s paradise, is 100% absurdly fascinating.
Top tip: You’ll have to book a tour in advance for an exclusive peek into this obsession with maximalist decor.
3. Nightlife
If you like Porto’s bars, you’ll love tasting Porto’s best wines among the nooks of this former church
Capela Incomum is divine for all sorts of reasons. This central bar is a pocket of calm with a cosy, intimate feel thanks to flickering candlelight throughout. It also happens to be in a deconsecrated chapel, complete with ornate wooden altar and wine list worthy of worship. Pair its good selection of local vinhos with petiscos such as cod croquettes or beef puff pastries for a more heavenly experience.
Top tip: Book ahead if you want to sit inside – by far where it’s best – as it’s a small space and often occupied by those in the know.
5. Sweet treats
If you’re fed up with the ridiculously addictive pasteis de nata (it can happen), you’ll love these other local delicacies
Expand your repertoire of sweet treats along with your waistline – go on, you’re on holiday. Instead of pasteis de nata try rabanadas as an alternative. Made from day-old bread soaked in milk, dipped it in eggs and fried, this party on a plate is a calorific bonanza smothered in spiced syrup made from Porto’s signature wines – or if you’re not feeling the booze, there’s a version with cinnamon.
Top tip: While you’re discovering gut-busting menus, why not take a moment to try another favourite? Porto’s famous Francesinha sandwich features a monstrous stack of meat, melted cheese and tomato-beer sauce, plus a fried egg on top.
6. Art scene
If you like the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, you’ll love Porto’s mischievous street art
Porto’s street artists have been turning walls and buildings into canvases for years. Every evening the Clerigos Church morphs into a kaleidoscope of lights and music in the immersive Spiritus show. Meanwhile Bordalo II’s Rabbit is a giant bunny made of found items, including rubbish, showing how waste can create wonders. You’ll find the huge Perspentico Blue Cat tucked inside the narrow, 30-metre-long Afonso Martins Alho street, while internationally renowned artist ±MAISMENOS± created the huge ‘Quem es Porto?’ mural using 3,000 azulejos tiles.
Top tip: Take a walking tour (or download one) and enjoy the city that actively embraces its street art.
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