They say Porto cannot be explained, it must be felt. And we couldn’t agree more. After all, Invicta is one of those destinations that captivates you from the very first moment. Nestled between the embrace of the river and the power of the sea, Porto is much more than just postcards of the Douro or the classic “Francesinha” tour .
Considered a “trendy” destination, to truly feel the pulse of Porto’s essence , you must go beyond the typical tourist spots. It is in the hidden Porto — among streets and alleys, gardens and viewpoints, but above all, surrounded by its people —that you truly understand you are in a very special place— an authentic Porto of refuge.
If you’re a true Porto native, or have lived in the city for a while, we believe you’d like to avoid long lines. So, forget the obvious itineraries and lace up your sneakers to dive into four micro-experiences carefully selected just for you, which are an integral part of the “Best Micro-Experiences of the Secret Media Network.”
From unusual museums to the best views, not to mention places worthy of a Monet painting, each of these micro-experiences is presented at random. After all, this isn’t a ranking, but rather a kind of vow of eternal love to the “most noble and loyal city of Invicta.” Are you ready to make this commitment?
Forget the tulips: camellias are the true icon
Some people travel all the way to Holland to admire the beauty of tulips. But you don’t need to board a plane to see striking flowers. In Porto, the title of queen of any winter garden belongs to the camellias, and the area surrounding Casa de São Roque is one of their shrines.
Established in the city since the early 19th century, camellias bloom during the coldest season, peaking between February and March. Although it is a brief seasonal experience, it is worth strolling through the gardens of Casa de São Roque to appreciate the beauty and vibrant colors of the camellias.
On an almost meditative stroll, take the opportunity to wander through one of Invicta’s most secret spots: the boxwood maze in the São Roque gardens. An invitation to contemplate nature, without Instagram filters or waiting lines.
Secret Porto Tip: if you want to immerse yourself in a themed tour dedicated to camellias, be sure to also visit the Porto Botanical Garden and the Crystal Palace Gardens.
Everyone knows the silhouette of the Clérigos Tower— after all, it is one of the city’s most famous landmarks —but few have gazed upon Invicta from the Marquês. Far from the crowds of Baixa and the throngs of tourists, you can admire Invicta, as well as one of its best views, from the top of a church.
At the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição, or the Marquês Church as it is popularly known, the climb of over 200 steps takes place in an almost sacred silence, which blends perfectly with the meditation the space invites. The climb is steep, but getting out of breath is nothing compared to the breathtaking view from the top of the tower.
Through a 360-degree panorama, the landscape is utterly breathtaking: from the sea to the mountains that embrace the outskirts of Porto. This is a different Porto, quieter and more introspective, unfolding before your eyes in an image that deserves to be immortalized in the spirit of poetic verses.
Secret Porto Tip: contact the Church of Nossa Senhora da Conceição (do Marquês) to find out how you can visit the Tower; and if you manage to reserve a spot, when you come down, take the opportunity to stroll through this part of the city.
A free (and scenic) “gym” right in the heart of Invicta
Does the blaring music from the gym make you want to run away? Or are you trying to save up for a dream trip? If you cancel your monthly gym membership, you can always work out to your heart’s content on Porto’s staircases. Joking aside, the truth is that Porto offers the perfect setting for an unparalleled (and free) outdoor workout.
Be your own personal trainer and challenge yourself beyond the famous (and exhausting) Codeçal Stairs. In other words, embrace a Porto micro-experience of an open-air gym and explore the city’s various staircases, including the less obvious ones.
You can discover the Escadas da Vitória, which lead you to one of the city’s most beautiful viewpoints. But another suggestion is to raise the bar and escape the tourist radar with the Escadas do Monte dos Judeus. Located in the Miragaia neighborhood , they are a sort of open-air labyrinth, with steep steps, hidden courtyards, and cats dozing in the sun (when it decides to show up). Climbing up or down the Monte dos Judeus Stairs is a high-intensity micro-experience. But in the end, the view is worth it.
Secret Porto Tip: if you run out of breath, there’s a technological “secret” waiting for you —the escalators at Monte dos Judeus, which connect the Miragaia area to the upper part of the city (Rua das Taipas).
Blue and white dominate the city’s tile art, but gold also shines in ‘hidden treasures’ waiting to be discovered. If you’d rather avoid crowds and appreciate the element of surprise, schedule a visit to number 716 on Rua Costa Cabral, in the Marquês neighborhood.
From the outside, the building’s unassuming appearance gives no hint of the high level of eccentricity that characterizes every room of the Fernando de Castro House-Museum. Paintings , sculptures, books, and (plenty of) gilded woodcarvings render logic a non-entity in this place.
A visit to the old post office of collector Fernando de Castro is a journey into the mind of a man passionate about many arts; and proof that Porto has layers that many don’t even suspect exist, like this authentic altar without worship.
Secret Porto Tip: this micro-experience must be booked in advance, and for just 5 euros, you get to “immerse” yourself in a treasure carved in gilded wood.
