Invicta is a reference across borders, a scene that attracts many tourists. But here, there is still a Port of Tradition that lives on in each of our historic stores.
If there used to be a store for each product category, today we have hypermarkets and shopping centers that concentrate a bit of everything. Although this is practical, it also ends up being somewhat out of character. The essence of Porto lies in its people and also in these places that have managed to resist these transformations.
Fortunately, there are still some of these stores in operation, just as there used to be, which still keep alive the memories of an Invicta from another era. Discover some of these stores with us and pay them a visit!
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Pretinho do Japão
Pretinho do Japão, inaugurated in 1947, is a widely recognized establishment among Porto residents, standing out as a reference in the city’s traditional commerce, especially in the sale of ground coffee and dried codfish.
Nowadays, as well as offering groceries, the place also has a restaurant and cafeteria with a terrace, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a break.
Where: Rua do Bonjardim, 496 A
Pérola do Bolhão
Founded in 1917, Pérola do Bolhão is a century-old store worth visiting in Porto. This family-run business has become a tourist attraction in the city due to its spectacular Art Nouveau façade.
As a result, this grocery store is also one of the most Instagrammable places in Porto. And entering the store is synonymous with traveling back in time. A place where products such as:
- Port wine;
- Canned food;
- Codfish, especially at Christmas;
- Dried fruit;
- Cheeses, among many others.
Where: Rua Formosa, 279
Casa Chinesa
Open since 1938, Casa Chinesa is a typical and very old grocery store in the city of Porto. It is, therefore, one of the historic stores that still keep alive the essence of other times.
There are specific products there that are hard to find elsewhere. In addition, you can find many high-quality items from various regions of the country.
Where: Rua de Sá da Bandeira, 343
Bazar Paris
This is one of the oldest and best-known toy stores in Porto. It is a family business that has been around for over 100 years and continues to this day.
Here, you’ll find a bit of everything, from the best Christmas gifts to traditional toys such as dolls, trains, miniature cars and LEGO, among others.
As well as its physical space, Bazar Paris also has an online store, where you can take a closer look at the immensity of its products.
Where: Rua Sá da Bandeira, 190
Armazém dos Linhos
In this list of historic stores in Porto, we couldn’t miss Armazém dos Linhos. The shop was founded in 1905 in Rua Passos Manuel and is still open today.
It began as a tailor’s shop and since the 1950s has been dedicated to reproducing Portuguese textiles and prints. The products are 100% Portuguese and the furniture is still original.
Where: Rua de Passos Manuel, 15
Escovaria de Belomonte
If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter universe, then you’ll love this place. There are brushes and brooms everywhere, in various colors and shapes.
Founded in 1927, Escovaria de Belomonte is one of the historic stores in Porto that you can still visit.
Where: Rua de Belomonte, 34
Casa Botónia
In 1936, a haberdashery opened that would become one of the favorites of the people of Porto.
Fortunately, this business has passed down from generation to generation and we can still visit and buy from this store, which is located right in the heart of Porto.
Where: Rua de Cedofeita, 23
A Favorita do Bolhão
A traditional store that has been serving the people of Porto since 1934. Here you could find, and still find, the best groceries, from cheeses to chocolates, jams and nuts, among many others.
Where: Rua de Fernandes Tomás, 783
Casa Granado
Casa Granado is a store selling household goods, tools and hardware. There you’ll find vacuum cleaner bags, for example, but also other tools for the plumber’s shop or drugstore.
It began operating in 1913 and still has its doors open today in the following locations:
- Rua de Cedofeita nº354/360 (hardware, tools, drugstore, paints and accessories for painting, key service, etc);
- Rua de Cedofeita nº 412 (Home and Decor).
Casa Januário
From groceries to confectionery and wine, at Casa Januário you’re sure to find what you need, just like in the old days.
This house, which has belonged to the same family for several generations, was founded in 1926 and has been in operation ever since.
Where: Rua do Bonjardim, 352
Moreira da Costa Bookshop
If you love reading, then you really must visit one of theoldest bookstoresin Porto. That is, the Moreira da Costa house .
In operation since 1902, this place had to be on our list of historic stores in Invicta. Here, the love of books is always a constant!
Where: Rua de Avis, 36
Café Majestic: a piece of the Belle Époque
Café Majestic, which opened in 1921, is a historic icon in Porto, known for its Belle Époque architecture and charm.
This café, located on the famous Rua de Santa Catarina, has been a meeting place for intellectuals and artists over the years. Today, the Majestic is recognized as one of the most beautiful cafés in the world and continues to attract tourists and locals who want to experience a piece of the city’s history.
Where: Rua Santa Catarina 112, Porto
Editor’s note: But that’s not all. As we mentioned, these are just a few of the many historic stores you can still find in Porto.