Just like a pun about the Londoner Portobello Road Flea Market, this Porto Belo (literally "beautiful Porto") has a whole lot of beauty from the city: within this vibrant neighbourhood (just check all the spots around Clérigos here on the website) the square is lovely with these tiled ("azulejo" in Portuguese) traditional houses now so well restored, a nice garden with the traditional red benches, cool music, and a lot of things to look at and to buy.
Well, it certainly isn't as large as the Portobello, but the weather is so much better for sure! Even though the number of sellers isn't that big here either, their offer is pretty varied and of good quality. You can find old vinyl LP records (mp3... what is that?); traditional Portuguese toys (my favourites), both newly made and really old ones, mostly made of wood or tin; some Portuguese antiques; handicraft; handmade soaps; books and magazines; or organic and homemade food (cakes, desserts, jams, ...) among others. Just pick one from each seller and you'll have a lot of Porto to take home!
In this square you have Pizzeria Tarantino, closeby the Café Piolho, Padaria Ribeiro, the Café Luso (a traditional Porto café, renovated some time ago but I haven't been there yet), and many other spots. Some 50 meters away from the garden/square you can see the amazing walls of the 18th century Carmo Church, totally covered in "azulejos", with a baroque stone front.
Enjoy the great weather, the sun, and the music!
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.
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"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 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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"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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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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"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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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.
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"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" 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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"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" 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 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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136 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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