Invicta is a reference across borders, a scene that attracts many tourists. But here, there is still a Port of Tradition that remains 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 it’s practical, it also ends up being somewhat uncharacteristic. 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 visit them!
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Pearl of Bolhão
Founded in 1917, Pérola do Bolhão is a century-old store worth visiting in Porto. This family business has become a tourist attraction in the city due to its spectacular Art Nouveau façade.
For this reason, 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:
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- Canned food;
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- Dried fruit;
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- Cheeses, among many others.
Where: Rua Formosa, 279
Crocodile House
Around here, the Port of Tradition it’s still what it was. In this historic store you’ll find soles, leathers, belts, purses, slippers and skins, among other products.
In the same family for three generations, Casa Crocodilo has been in business for over 70 years. One of its main attractions is its unusual mascot. In other words, the ‘famous’ embalmed crocodile.
Where: Rua de Cimo de Vila, nº63
Chinese House
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 retains the essence of other times.
There are specific products there that are difficult to find elsewhere. What’s more, you’ll find a range of high-quality items from various regions of the country.
Where: Rua de Sá da Bandeira, 343
Paris Bazaar
It is one of the oldest and best-known toy stores in Porto. It is a family business that has existed for over 100 years and continues to this day.
Here you’ll find a bit of everything, from best gifts for Christmas to various traditional toys, such as dolls, trains, miniature cars, LEGO, among others.
As well as its physical space, Bazar Paris also has an onlinestore, where you can take a closer look at the immensity of its products.
Where: Rua Sá da Bandeira, 190
Linen store
In this list of historic stores in Porto, we couldn’t miss Armazém dos Linhos. The space was born in 1905, in Rua Passos Manuel, and the establishment 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 then you’ll love this place. Around here, 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
Botonia House
In 1936, a haberdashery was opened that would become one of the favorites of the locals porto.
Fortunately, this business has been 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
Bolhão’s Favorite
A traditional store that has been serving the people of Porto since 1934. Here you found, and still find, the best grocery products, from cheeses to chocolates, jams and nuts, among many others.
Where: Rua de Fernandes Tomás, 783
Casa Granado
Casa Granado is a home appliances, tools and hardware store. 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 is still open today at the following locations:
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- Rua de Cedofeita nº354/360 (hardware, tools, drugstore, paints and accessories for painting, key service, etc);
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- Rua de Cedofeita nº 412 (Home e Decor).
Casa Januário
From groceries, confectionery or wine cellar, at Casa Januário you will certainly find what you need, just like in the past.
This house, which has belonged to the same family for 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 the bookshops and/or booksellersoldest in the city of Porto. In other words, the Moreira da Costa house.
In operation since 1902, this space had to be on our list of historic stores in Invicta. Around here, the love of books is always a constant!
Where: Rua de Avis, 36
But that’s not all. As we mentioned, these are just a few. Beyond history Café Majestic there is also Casa Oriental, among many others.