Tourist routes are full of great monuments, busy avenues and art centers. These are even considered must-see places in each city.
And it’s certainly great to experience the palaces and museums on the itineraries. However, it’s even better to discover surprising places and travel without leaving your seat. Some of these places have the power to take us on a journey to other countries and cultures, religions and cuisines, or even fiction.
This article is nothing more than a list of places that, although they are an important part of the city, manage to transport us out of Porto!
Table Of Contents
Florbela Pâtisserie
In the library of the five-star Torel Palace Porto hotel, you’ll find one of those places that makes you travel out of town without leaving: Florbela Pâtisserie.
Operating since 2023, this French-inspired pastry shop pays homage to one of Portugal’s greatest poets – Florbela Espanca.
What’s more, when you walk in you’ ll immediately feel like you’re in Paris, not only because of the classy and refined décor, but also because of the French melodies that echo throughout!
📍TorelPalace Porto, Rua de Entreparedes 42
👉More information: here
Arab Hall of the Palácio da Bolsa
We often associate the south of the country with a stronger Arab presence than the north. However, did you know that you can get a taste of this architecture in Porto? Well, at least a space that reminds us of that!
Since the century. XIX, the Stock Exchange Palace ‘hides’ one of the most beautiful and exquisite spaces in the city: the Arab Hall. This place is a real ode to gold (just look at the photo below). But it’s more than that.
The oval floor plan and stuccoes with Arabic characters fill the walls and ceiling, giving the space a unique look. Want to know more? We’re not going to go into depth, because the intention is for you to get off the sofa!
📍Rua de Ferreira Borges, 4050-253 Porto
🕐Guided tour schedule: 9h00 – 18h30
👉More information: here
Lello Bookshop
Want a one-way ticket to the fantastic world of Harry Potter? Then there’s nothing better than visiting the famous Livraria Lello.
Inaugurated in 1906, number 144 Rua das Carmelitas stands out for its architectural value. But it’s not just her external beauty that is recognized. After all, Livraria Lello has often been considered one of the most beautiful in the world.
When you enter this space, all you have to do is look at the central staircase and you’re immediately transported to Hogwarts. A journey into the universe of fiction!
📍Rua das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto
👉More information: here
Islamic Pharmacy
This space is one of the ex-libris of the Porto Pharmacy Museum. This is an Islamic pharmacy that operated inside a palace in Damascus (Syria) in the 19th century. XIX.
Suddenly, we seem to have been transported to the Islamic world. The beauty of the gilded woodwork and the decorative details capture our gaze.
📍Rua Eng. Ferreira Dias, 728, Porto
👉More information: here
Majestic Café
The Majestic Café is one of the oldest in Porto. Open since 1921, this place has long been a tourist landmark for locals and tourists alike. Located on one of the busiest streets in the city, in Santa Catarina the Majestic Café stands out for its architecture and identity.
This is a true example of Art Nouveau in Porto, and entering it is like traveling to Paris. We’re aware that this is no ‘secret’, but it’s always worth a visit. A journey through time and France, without leaving Porto!
📍Rua Santa Catarina 112, 4000-442 Porto
time: 9h00 – 23h00 (Monday to Saturday)
Fernando de Castro House-Museum
This is one of the most ‘secret’ of the city and, at the same time, one of those places that doesn’t seem to be in Porto but actually is! Why?
If from the outside, number 716 Rua Costa Cabral goes unnoticed, inside it’s a different story. Paintings, sculptures, books and (lots of) gilded wood adorn the interior of the space.
It’s a place that defies the logic inherent in any museum. The apparent ‘chaos’ that sometimes makes us feel like we’re in a sanctuary, sometimes in a ballroom, is the unusual result of 30 years of life for collector Fernando de Castro.
📍Rua de Costa Cabral 716, 4200-211 Porto
👉More information: 223 393 770
Synagogue Kadoorie Mekor Haim
Porto has a strong Jewish community, with a past, present and future worthy of many records. After all, Invicta is home to the largest synagogue on the Iberian Peninsula and one of the largest in Europe. Incredible, isn’t it?
Founded in 1938, at a time when Jewish places of worship were being burned in Germany, the Kadoorie Mekor Haim Synagogue was built with donations from Jews all over the world.
The building is beautiful and unique, but it is also the ‘beating heart’ of the Israeli Community of Porto. A place that stands out for its architecture, but above all for the ‘weight’ of its symbolism. A journey into the Jewish legacy, to contemplate and respect!
📍Rua de Guerra Junqueiro, 340 4150-386 Porto
On the list of places that don’t seem to stay in Porto, another (almost) obligatory stop is the stunning Salão Nobre do Ateneu Comercial do Porto, a century-old building located in the middle of the city Rua de Passos Manuel.
Since the 19th century. XIX, names such as actor Vasco Santana and pianist Maria João Pires have passed through this spectacular space. Today, the Salão Nobre still hosts various events, such as the “Café Concerto at the Athenaeum” or the magicians Candlelight Concerts. What are you waiting for?
📍R. de Passos Manuel, 44
👉More information: ateneu Comercial do Porto officialwebsite
