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What you really can’t miss when you are in Porto:
- Casa da Música to explore the incredible work of Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, both inside and out.
- Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by the award-winning Portuguese architect Siza Vieira, and lose yourself in the Serralves Park, with about 3.5 hectares.
- Botanical Garden of the University of Porto, which holds great botanical, historical, artistic, and literary interest, featuring interventions from the late 19th century and the second half of the 20th century. Its history evokes important works of 20th-century Portuguese literature by authors such as Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen and Ruben A. The garden also includes the Biodiversity Gallery, a Ciência Viva Center dedicated to the dissemination of biological sciences, evolution, and biodiversity.
- Futebol Clube do Porto Museum, inaugurated in 2013 on the club’s 120th anniversary, to dive into the history and excitement of football’s world.
- Bairro das Artes, also known as the “Bombarda Quarter”, where you can find all kind of art galleries, contemporary or vintage decor shops, as well as coffee shops, grocery stores, and artist studios, that bring a special charm and vitality to this neighborhood.
- Rent a bike to enjoy a ride along the bicycle path by the sea and river, from Parque da Cidade to Foz da Ribeira da Granja (5km). It’s also a safer option to avoid the many hills in the city that might be challenging for less sporty people.
- Jardins do Palácio de Cristal, not only to appreciate the flora and fauna (with peacocks strutting around comfortably in the gardens) but also to enjoy the incredible panoramic view of the city.
- The Royal Cocktail Club to discover amazing cocktails, including some made with Port wine.
If you’re with children, it’s essential to take a good break to let them burn off energy at the Homem do Leme playground, in Foz do Douro, right by the sea, or on the other side of the city at Quinta do Covelo, where little ones can find exciting slides, a zipline, and a sand area, ensuring a few hours of fun and entertainment.
TOP Restaurants:
- Casa de Chá Boa Nova, in Leça da Palmeira, perched above the sea, offers an excellent gastronomic experience. It has been awarded with 2 Michelin stars and is housed in a building constructed on the rocks, one of the first works by the well-known portuguese architect Siza Vieira.
- Mito,in Porto’s downtown, offers a delicious and surprising contemporary dining experience, where you can also find a special attentive service.
- Rogério do Redondo, a good proof of portuguese traditional Portuguese cuisine’s quality.
- Zizi,right in front of Praia da Aguda, in Vila Nova de Gaia, where seafood and fresh fish delight all visitors.