Edíficio Transparente Porto
Glass building at sea side
The "Transparent Building" is a somewhat strange (and mostly) glass building with 4 floors with pleasant restaurants and caffès with one of the best ocean views in the city. It was built when that whole area was re-arranged some 10 years ago, with long sidewalks stretching along the ocean, from Matosinhos until Foz. It is intended to be "transparent" not to block the ocean view from the Parque da Cidade (in the back).
The restaurants and caffès are quite trendy, with mostly outdoor seating areas to enjoy the sun and the ocean. The area can be very windy, from the North, but the chairs and tables are well protected, so there are people there all year round... as long as it's not raining. During the sunny weekends it gets very crowded and busy, so I prefer to go there during the week.
One of my prefered caffès is the one in the corner, called Picaba (in the picture), serving real icy açaí from Brasil (€3 to €5 a bowl), along with other healthy dishes, salads, sandwiches, wraps and juices. I've tasted quite a few dishes here, but my favourite one is definitely the açaí.
There are also other caffès and restaurants, like a pizzeria, or an ice-cream shop at the ground floor. On the top floors there are other restaurants, the most well known is a large Cufra Grill (francesinhas), adding to its original location in Avenida da Boavista no.2504. There's also a good bike shop, the Bang&Olufsen space, and a surf school/shop.
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Portuguese Centre of Photography
Go to jail!
"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.
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CC Bombarda
Not your regular shopping mall
"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.
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Foz, Porto's seafront
Beaches north to south
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!
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Vasco
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Padaria Ribeiro
Pastry perfected over 100 years
"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...
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Siza Vieira’s Porto
The city as sketch book
Porto is home to Portugal's most well-known and awarded architect, Siza Vieira. You can find his masterpieces sprinkled all over the city.
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Porto Belo
Beautiful Porto flea market
"Porto Belo" (literally: beautiful Porto!) is a traditional flea market located in a beautiful neighborhood. Enjoy the great weather, the sun and the music!
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Vasco
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Café Piolho
A century old students' caffè
"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.
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Vasco
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Parque da Cidade
The wonderful City Park
"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.
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Café Santiago
Old-school Francesinha
"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!
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Vasco
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Bugo Art Burger
Burgers with a Portuguese twist
"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?
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Botanic Garden
Small and beautiful oasis
"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.
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Running in Porto
Get in shape!
Running in Porto is a great idea: there are many races, from 5km to marathons. I've done them all and it's a unique experience. On your marks...!
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Vasco
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