Right in front of the Mercado do Bolhão (under maintenance until at least 2020), you can find one of the most important patisseries of Porto, more than 100 years old now. They have fresh breads, croissants, traditional Portuguese pastries, cakes, custard tarts and a typical sweet of theirs called "tigelinha do Bolhão" made with almonds. It costs €1. This is definitely one of my favorite places in Porto because it mixes the local and the touristic aspects of the city and is located in the center.
My traditional order there is one Kraftkorn bread (€0.40) -- I highly recommend you to try it -- a freshly squeezed orange juice (€1.50) and a coffee (€0.60). But they have lots and lots of options for your personal choice. They also have a diverse lunch menu with really good and inexpensive Portuguese options.
The retro Art Deco atmosphere, the nice and welcoming staff and the delicious - and totally affordable - Portuguese meal makes for the perfect scenario for you to have breakfast or a snack before or after a nice walk on Santa Catarina street. I promise you this: there isn't a single thing that you'll taste and won't fall in love with!
So, shall we talk about life while drinking a nice warm cup of coffee and eating some pastéis de nata (custard tarts)?
Find your way with 136 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"The Portuguese Centre of Photography" in Porto is located in an ex-prison in the centre. Protip: go all the way down the street at the building's left side.
by
"CC Bombard" in Porto is a small "shopping mall" that will surprise you with its originality, concept and products. My favourite shop there is Vertigo.
by
Foz and Porto's seafront is definitely for me my favourite part of the city! In summer it can get crowded, but that's because it's Porto at its best!
by
"Padaria Ribeiro" isn't just a bakery - it's an icon of the city! I imagine they have been perfecting their pastry recipes since the 19th century...
by
Porto is home to Portugal's most well-known and awarded architect, Siza Vieira. You can find his masterpieces sprinkled all over the city.
by
"Porto Belo" (literally: beautiful Porto!) is a traditional flea market located in a beautiful neighborhood. Enjoy the great weather, the sun and the music!
by
"Café Piolho" has been the centre of Porto students' nightlife for over a century. The first cafe to have electricity and TV, it's a living part of history.
by
The "Edíficio Transparente" in Porto is a strange glass building with 4 floors, pleasant restaurant, cafes - and one of my favorite ocean views in the city.
by
"Parque da Cidade" is Porto's Central or Hyde Park, and it's the only one in Europe with a seafront! It's one of my favourite spots to do outdoorsy things.
by
"Café Santiago" serves perhaps my favorite Francesinha (as healthy as it looks) in Porto. And the "only" drink that goes along with it is Super Bock beer!
by
"Bugo Art Burger" was the first restaurant in Porto to cook special burgers. Even after all that time, it still has THAT twist! Mango chutney burger anyone?
by
"Botanic Garden" in Porto's Campo Alegre is a wonderful oasis in quite a busy part of the city. It's really worth discovering, if only as a relaxing refuge.
by
136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 136 Insider Tips