Porto, the perfect city for a weekend of exaltation of friendship
Welcome to Porto, a unique combination of architecture, wonderful landscapes with the Douro as a backdrop, extremely hospitable people and a devotion to partying that make it the perfect setting for your next getaway. And at more than reasonable prices.
1. FIRST INCURSION INTO THE CITY
With its impressive display of 18th and 19th century buildings, its old trams and beautiful tiled churches, strolling through the historic center of Porto, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, is without a doubt, the first thing we should do.
Porto with your best friend
Here is what you cannot miss:
Panoramic view of Porto from the ** Torre dos Clérigos ;** To start to get into the mood, there is nothing like ascending the more than 200 steps leading to the top of this baroque tower , one of the icons of the city and the highest in Portugal. The privileged views will compensate the effort, we assure you.
Livraría Lello e Irm ã o , _(144 rua das Carmelitas) _. "Divine" was the word he used Guardian when in 2008 he described this bookstore as the third most beautiful in the world and where, they say, the writer of the famous saga of Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling was inspired when she described the Flourish & Blotts bookstore in one of her books.
Clerigos Tower
** Mercado do Bolhão.** Close to Aliados Avenue is this market, somewhat dilapidated (and hence its charm), in whose walls much of the essence and soul of Porto is kept. And it is that little has changed in this market since it opened in 1914 , with its fruit, vegetable and meat stalls and its traditional vendors selling their merchandise at the top of their voices. Here you will find typically Portuguese products such as sardines, salpic _ ã ** o_ or the famous queijo da serra**, a true gourmet marvel.
San Bento train station , one of the great treasures of the city. Built on the site of an old convent, its hall is decorated with more than 20,000 tiles in which the history of Portugal is told.
And don't forget to walk around the Rua das Flores , a pedestrian street full of boutique hotels, traditional taverns and cafes whose artistic effervescence makes it a true showcase of Porto trends.
Visiting the Mercado do Bolhão is the best way to soak up the Portuguese smells and flavors
two. THE GASTRONOMIC CAPRICHO
I'm sorry, girls. This is not the time for detox diets or minimalist gastronomy. You come to Porto , (Among many other things) to eat very, very well.
If there's one thing you have to do in Porto, it's steal a Little Frenchie . This is one of the most emblematic dishes of Porto cuisine, a true overdose of calories in a sandwich format filled with sausages and meat and covered with cheese and spicy tomato. You will find them all over the city but we opted for Café Santiago (Rua Passos Manuel 226).
Of course, what is fashionable in the city is leave from petiscos ( that is, Portuguese tapas). We start at Rua das Flores, on the Canteen 32 . With a concept based on “ dishes to share” (more than tapas itself) chef Luis Américo dazzles us with a sautéed octopus in sweet potato, breaded quail eggs or mustard-cured salmon. Attention to its decoration with industrial-chic registers, antique decorative elements and vintage furniture that give it a very special atmosphere. And from "lost to the river", do not miss the ballacha bolus (biscuit cake) that can be ordered by the inch **(who will win?) **.
Of 'petiscos' around the city
We continue our journey petisqueiro in the Rua dos Caldereiros, where we find the petiscos of alheira de caça (a sausage made with white meat and served with a spinach sauce) from Caldeireiros. Not far away we found Thong , which offers a true tapas festival (between 1.5 and 5 euros) .
A complete route of petiscos
3. WINE AND RELAX
We agree, the time has come to give us a (another) tribute. Remember that Porto is the wine capital of the same name and the wine culture is part of its essence, so we are going to ask you to immerse yourself, literally, in a barrel of wine: in the SPA Vinothérapie® Caudalie of the Yeatman Hotel (dedicated to wine culture) offers a unique experience in a barrel-shaped Jacuzzi with exclusive products derived from grapes and with stunning views.
The hotel is located, how could it be otherwise, in the historic center of Vila Nova de Gaia (next to the cellars where the precious Port liquor has been aged in barrels for centuries). And since the matter is about wine, we advise you to taste a good port at nightfall in its bar Dick's Bar very british. Full experience.
Between wines and with views
Four. A BIT OF SHOPPING, RIGHT?
Porto has not traditionally been the ideal city for shopping, but the artistic explosion of recent years has led to the opening of very interesting spaces where you can find unique and original pieces:
Ribeira it hosts ** Armazém **, an old dilapidated warehouse, today converted into a multicultural space where a cafe with retro airs, an art gallery and several design shops coexist where you will find vintage furniture, without forgetting the colorful ethnic-style clothing of the Portuguese brand Mexxa.
Not far from the famous Torres dos Clérigos is Feeting Room, a concept store that sells beautiful clothing and accessories from Porto brands such as Maria Palette.
And to buy the souvenir of the trip: do not hesitate, port wine will give you a lot of play. Vilanova de Gaia houses more than twenty wineries from port wine , where you can taste and buy different port wines, from white, tawny or ruby. Attention: chocolates made with the precious elixir are a fantastic souvenir.
And we love the brand ** Portus Cale ** that offers fragrances for the house inspired by the aromas of the Douro city. And of course, among them could not miss a tribute collection of Port wine, Port Ruby : Port wine scented candles packed in wooden boxes. However, we warn you, it is not easy to find them. Gentlemen of "Portus Cale", what are you waiting for to open a store? If the search is unsuccessful, our internet friend is always there to help us.
The essence of Porto bottled up
5. THE TOAST
In the old city of the Douro the night is vibrant and above all social. Here you will never be alone the portuenses honoring their well-deserved reputation as hospitable and late-night people will show you without hesitation every secret of one of the most exciting night panoramas of the Portuguese country.
For a first drink you will find endless options between the Rua Galeria de Paris and Rua Cândido dos Reis . We recommend ** Baixa **, a bar with an intimate and bohemian air at the entrance that leads to a hi-tech club to dance until the wee hours. And if you are of my generation, you will shed tears with the musical selection sprinkled with themes by Duncan Dhu and Dangerous Friendships (incredible but true). Already at the bar must , the Cosmo Porto, a combination of port wine, cointreau and red fruit juice.
Lower Bar
To continue, go to PLAN B , at Rua Cândido dos Reis 30. Occupying a old textile workshop , Plano B, one of the most innovative clubs on the Porto scene. With retro decoration, Plan B is divided into two floors. At the top, a room for art exhibitions and a café . In the lower part, different spaces offer a eclectic program with theatrical performances, musical performances of the most varied genre, gatherings and film cycles.
What do you still want more? we propose dance until dawn in front of the ocean in the exclusive district of Foz do Douro , one of the favorite enclaves of staunch night owls determined to end the night only when the first light of dawn appears in the sky
Here you will find one of Porto's cult addresses for almost 20 years, Industry at Avenida Brasil 843. Every weekend an average of 1000 people dance tirelessly on the dance floor animated by renowned national and international DJs.
6. THE PERFECT EXPERIENCE AFTER A NIGHT OF EXCESSES
Stroll towards the Atlantic in a centennial tram. Take Tram number 1 _(Plaça do Infante) _ and walk with your lazy rattle your way to the ocean. In Foz do Douro , the last stop, you will find several terraces where you can have a Super Bock beer (the city's beer) and a good seafood dish.
7. WHERE DO WE SLEEP?
Porto has a first class hotel infrastructure. We suggest you explore the concept guest house , very fashionable in the city: small hotels located in historic buildings, with a family atmosphere and full of good vibes, where the owners share the secrets of the city with their guests.
Yours Guesthouse is the personal project of two Porto lovers, André and Luisa, whose goal is to provide a unique and personalized experience to the traveler through this guesthouse full of details. Cozy rooms with beautiful views of the city and family rooms that allow share the experience. Unmissable breakfast on the terrace with scenic views of the cathedral.
Gallery Hostel. A glass of port welcomes us in the pleasant patio while one of the managers explains us with a map the “hot spots” of this city in full swing . They have chosen for us (a group of 5) a room with two bathrooms. The room is spacious, immaculate, perfect for a weekend of confidences and good experiences between friends.
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A perfect weekend with your friends