Baixa Porto
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BAIXA (DOWNTOWN PORTO)

Mad About Lisbon   TOP ATTRACTIONS OF DOWNTOWN PORTO

Avenida dos Aliados

Beautiful eclectic architecture and landscaped gardens.

Casa da Música

The beautifully stylish home of the National Orchestra of Porto.

Clérigos Church & Tower

Distinctive Baroque church and bell tower that's a prominent part of Porto’s skyline.

Igreja do Carmo

Portugal's oldest palace which pre-dates the country itself.

Livraria Lello (Bookshop)

An impressive 18th century palace, a homage to the Baroque style.

Palácio de Cristal Gardens

A beautiful 16th century convent harmoniously blended into the landscape.

Soares dos Reis Museum

A place full of mysticism, romance, wonder and magic.

World of Discoveries

Tread in the footsteps of adventurers in this interactive museum and theme park.

BOLHÃO DISTRICT

The Bolhão district is the beating heart of Porto with plenty of shopping areas, squares, churches, interesting places to eat (including the famous Café Majestic), architectural wonders (both new and old) and monuments to satisfy the need of any visitor. The Rua de Santa Catarina is a partially pedestrianised street where you can find most of the city's leading retailers and several attractive boutiques, including the Via Catarina shopping centre. Here too, you'll find many hotels, hostels and holiday apartments for those who wish to stay within the thick of things. The Bolhão metro station will plonk you right in the centre of the street, opposite the attractive Capela das Almas church.

Capela das Almas

Often referred to as the Chapel of Santa Catarina, the 18th-century church of Capela das Almas had its exterior clad in blue and white azulejo tiles in 1929. It is the work of the painter and ceramist Eduardo Leite, featuring scenes that depict the death of St. Francis of Assisi, the Saint in the presence of Pope Honorious III, also the martyrdom of Santa Catarina on Monte Sinai. The work was done in the classic style of the 18th century that suits the architecture perfectly. It's worth a quick step inside to admire the 19th century stained glass windows designed by Amandio Silva and the main altar's panel by Joaquim Rafael depicting the Lord's ascension. | Bolhão.

Monday - Saturday: 07h30 - 13h00/15h30 - 19h00, Sunday: 07h30 - 13h00/18h00 - 19h00
Rua de Santa Catarina 428, 4000-444, Porto, Portugal. | 41° 08' 59.8" N | 08° 36' 20.4" W
+351 222 005 765 |  Website

Capela das Almas

|  Capela das Almas

Bolhão Market

If you find yourself in the area, it's well worth visiting this exciting and vibrant market. As you enter, your senses are bombarded by the wide gamut of colours, sounds and aromas. Established way back in 1850 the market stands on two levels where fishmongers, butchers, greengrocers, florists and many others display their wares.

A Pérola do Bolhão

On the Rua Formosa is the famous delicatessen A Pérola do Bolhão with its art-nouveau exterior lined with tiles with references to the spice route. Founded in 1917 by António Rodrigues Reis, the inside is crammed with sausages, cheeses, olives, tinned fish, wines, teas, regional biscuits, dried fruits and nuts.

Rodonorte Coach Station

It's worth mentioning the Rodonorte Coach Station which is located off a side street to the Rua de Santa Catarina. It's from here one would depart if going on a day trip to Amarante (€5.20, one hour) or Vila Real (€6.40, 1½ hours). Also available are direct routes further afield to Bragança, Coimbra, Fátima, Lisbon and Viseu |  Rodonorte Website

Bolhão Market

|  Bolhão Market

TOP PORTO TOURS

The Best of Porto: 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour

Best of Porto: 3Hr Guided Walking Tour

Delve into the rich history of Porto alongside a professional guide on this immersive Porto walking tour. Experience northern Portugal’s historic city of Porto, known for its winding, narrow streets and blend of Moorish and Roman influences. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic city centre, explore Porto Cathedral and baroque churches, and learn how grapes travelled the Douro River to the coast where winemakers make famous Port wine.

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3-Hour Best of Porto Segway Tour - Guided Experience

Best of Porto: 3Hr Guided Segway Tour

Zip along the UNESCO-listed Ribeira neighbourhood during a guided Segway tour of Porto. Select a small-group or private tour in the morning or afternoon and glide along cobblestone paths lined with historic monuments and attractions such as Ponte de Dom Luis I, Porto Cathedral, São Bento Station, and Clérigos Tower. With your local guide, appreciate architecture and uncover Roman legend all on a sleek electric Segway.

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Porto Downtown and Sightseeing Bike Tour

Porto Downtown: Sightseeing Bike Tour

Get your adrenaline pumping while seeing Northern Portugal on this small-group Porto extreme city bike tour. Cycle through the city and see its history, architecture, culture, and gardens. An expert guide leads the way past historic landmarks. Along the way, break for lunch at a traditional Portuguese restaurant (additional expense). Travellers on this small-group tour are limited to ensure a quality experience. Private tours are available.

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CAFÉ MAJESTIC

Café Majestic

|  Café Majestic

Café Majestic's place in every tour book about Porto is well deserved. Since its opening on the 17th December 1921, it's been delighting its customers with its exquisite Art Nouveau decoration, designed by architect João Queiroz. Inside, the scent of leather upholstery and varnished wood is joined by the magnificent vision of the plaster-decorated ceiling and of the endless Flemish mirrors. The experience is an ensemble that marvels all senses. Add in the combination of marble and metal it becomes truly magnificent. At the back of the café, nature rules in the conservatory. It connects Santa Catarina street to Passos Manuel street. A visit and a step back in time are well worth it. Their selection of pastries and cakes are mouth waveringly tempting and well worth the extravagance. They also have a fine selection of tapas and mains if you wish to push the boat out further. | Old Tram #22

Monday – Saturday 09h30 – 00h00, Sunday: CLOSED
Rua Santa Catarina 112, 4000-442 Porto, Portugal
41º 08' 49.8" N | 08º 36' 23.8" W | +351 915 138 619
geral.salpoente@gmail.com |  Website

TRINITY CHURCH (IGREJA DA TRINDADE)

This 19th-century church is located in the small turtle-shell paved square behind the City Hall and a stone's throw from the Trinidade metro station. Its austere classical façade, complete with bell tower, has a commanding presence looming over the square's 18th-century fountain. The church is the final resting place of its architect Carlos Amarante who sadly never saw the completion of his work. Construction was completed in the early 20th century by Jose Francisco. The interior is teeming with neoclassical gilded woodwork, marble carvings and sculptures. There's one large painting personifying the Baptism of Christ by José Marques da Silva. It formed part of the hospital of the Holy Order of Terceira Trindade (1755) that lends its name to the surrounding area – Trinidade. The Trinity Church now plays host to many concerts and recitals in light of its excellent acoustics. | Trindade | 201, 208, 501

Monday - Friday: 08h00 - 18h00, Saturday: 07h30 - 12h00/14h30 - 18h00, Sunday 09h00 - 13h00/16h00-19h00
Rua da Trindade 115, 4000-220 Porto, Portugal. | 41° 09' 04" N | 08° 36' 36" W
+351 222 075 989 |  Website

Igreja da Trindade

|  Igreja da Trindade (Trinity Church)

TOP TOURS

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OUR RECOMMENDATIONS

The White Box Boutique House

The White Box Boutique House

The building itself was built in the early 20th century which has been respectfully refurbished to a modern standard. Ideally located amongst Porto's pedestrianised Rua de Santa Catarina, a stone's throw away from the infamous Café Majestic, the Bolhão metro station, São Bento railway station, Rodonorte coach station as well as being amongst the cultural centre for shopping and nightlife. Rooms are spacious, bright and well presented. Warm and welcoming staff await you.

Rua de Santa Catarina 575, 4000-453 Porto, Portugal.
41º 09' 04.5" N | 08º 36' 19.2" W

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InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas

InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosas ★ ★ ★ ★

Located in an old listed and atmospheric building, the two-star Hotel Jardim Viana do Castelo provides picturesque views over the river Lima, the city centre or the mountains. The staff offer their guests an equally authentic friendly welcome, so typical of the region. Each room combines traditional features with modern facilities. They all open out on to private balconies with iron railings. Breakfast is served each morning in the homely and friendly dining hall.

Praca da Liberdade, 25, União de Freguesias do Centro, 4000-322 Porto, Portugal.
41º 08' 45.6" N | 08º 36' 41.6'' W

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Hotel Aliados

Hotel Aliados ★ ★ ★

Overlooking the Avenida dos Aliados the hotel is ideally located and in the thick of the action. The building itself is historic. Rooms vary in size and fitted with satellite TV, air conditioning and wifi, although occasionally the decor looks a little tired. That said, this hotel is a great budget option as the prices are very reasonable for its location. Downstairs there's the Guarany restaurant, an excellent spot to spend an evening if feet are sore. Live music is played on a rotating schedule comprising mostly of Fado singers.

Avenida dos Aliados, 85/89, União de Freguesias do Centro, 4000-066 Porto, Portugal.
41º 08' 52.3" N | 08º 36' 42.1'' W

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OUR CHOICE

Tapabento

Tapabento

Up a side street close to São Bento railway station lies this popular restaurant whose sole focus is fresh local ingredients with great service. The staff are linguistically talented, they're able to give their customers the warmest welcome in eight languages! Choose tapas or wholes meals off the à la carte or choose one of their prix fixe lunch options. With a wide choice of dishes and wines at reasonable prices and excellent quality, it's small wonder then why this cosy restaurant is so popular. Booking is recommended.

Tuesday – Thursday & Sunday: 12h00 – 00h00, Friday & Saturday: 12h00 – 02h00, Monday: CLOSED
Rua da Madeira, 222, Porto 4000-330, Portugal
41º 08' 45.5" N | 08º 36' 36.0" W
+351 912 881 272
tapabento.porto@gmail.com |  Website


eLeBe Baixa

eLeBe Baixa

Fine cuisine at reasonable prices. The restaurant is light and clean – the staff are courteous and friendly. Serving regional food with an international twist, the food arrives presented nicely and does taste as good as it looks! The extensive prix fixe lunch option is good value whilst also on the menu you can find a large choice of appetisers.

Wednesday - Monday: 19h00 - 23h00, Thursday - Sunday: 12h00 - 15h00/19h00 - 23h00
Rua St. Ildefonso 118 -120, 4000-382 Porto, Portugal.
41º 08' 47.3" N | 08º 36' 17.0" W
+351 222 032 455
baixa@elebe.pt |  Website


Miss Pavlova

Miss Pavlova

A nice bakery and café, good for breakfast, brunch and a coffee shop. A cosy little hideaway where you’re sure to get a tasty meal for a very reasonable price. Sheer heaven if you have a sweet tooth.

Tuesday - Sunday: 10h00 - 18h00, Monday: CLOSED
Rua do Almada 13, Porto 4050-036, Portugal
41º 08' 53.5" N | 08º 36' 43.8" W
+351 221 123 618
porto@misspavlova.pt |  Website

Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport Porto is 17.5km (10.9 miles) North of the Baixa District. Website

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From Lisbon and south:
Take the A1 in the direction of Ponte do Freixo. Take the exit toward Freixo-Gondomar/Entre-os-rios. At the second roundabout, head to Porto (marginal). Follow Douro river and head to the tunnel next to Dom Luis I Bridge and then take the first left.
From Porto International Airport: Take the IC24/A41 and then to IC1/A28.
Latitude - 41° 41' 33.6" N Longitude - 08° 49' 45.9" W


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Linha do Minho
Regular trains to/from the Minho region including Barcelos, Viana do Castelo and Valença from Porto Campanhã, use the Regional train service (comboios regionais) Linha do Minho:
Train Timetable

Linha do Douro
When the line first opened in 1887 it was an engineering marvel as it follows the course of the river and up through the dramatic landscapes of the Alto Douro where vineyards are carved into terraces from the living bedrock. Although the branch lines have closed the Linha do Douro is still very impressive and a great way to spend a day. Regular trains leave São Bento and Campanhã and passes 20 tunnels, 30 bridges and 34 stations. The line becomes more dramatic after the town of Régua on to the pretty wine towns of Pinhão (one of the most beautiful railway stations in Portugal), Tua and terminating at Pocinho, (close to the Cão Valley rock art). A picturesque steam train runs along the Linha do Douro on Saturdays from May to October: Train Timetable

Linha do Aveiro
Urban trains (urbanos) run between Porto and Aveiro along the coast, stopping at resorts such as Ovar, Espinho, and Miramar. Onward connects can be made to Coimbra from Aveiro:
Train Timetable

Linha do Braga
Regular urban trains (urbanos) run between Porto and the Minho's capital city of Braga: Train Timetable

Linha de Guimarães
Regular urban trains (urbanos) run between Porto and the beautiful town of Guimarães: Train Timetable

Alfa Pendular
A high speed train service connecting cities the whole length of Portugal from Faro in the Algarve, Lisbon, Aveiro, Coimbra and Porto: Train Timetable

Comboios de Portugal Website

Metro do Porto. Downtown Porto is well served by the Metro, at it's heart is Trindade a hub for all Metro lines and mainline railway. Website

STCP (Sociedade de Transportes Colectivos do Porto) is the company who run the bus and what's left of the tram service in and around Porto. Website

Rede Expressos run services National services to Porto from various locations within Portugal. Website

Rodonorte is a coach company servicing North & Central Portugal Website