Secret Guide to Porto: Discover the hidden corners of the city

Secret Guides

Ninety years ago, this café on Aliados had a revolving door and crystal chandeliers; today it is Porto’s most famous McDonald’s

There are historic buildings in Porto that are over a century old and still retain their former splendor and keep their doors open, such as Café A Brasileira or Café Majestic. However, most have not survi...

Culture Secret Guides

In 1914, construction began on the Bolhão Market building; 112 years later, it received 23.8 million visitors in just four years

Construction of the Bolhão Market building began in 1914, and for years it stood propped up by scaffolding. Renovated at a cost of approximately 26 million euros, it reopened in September 2022 and, in fou...

Secret Guides Things to do

In the heart of Porto’s UNESCO-designated Historic Center: discover one of the oldest monuments, cloisters decorated with azulejos, and spectacular views

Porto’s Historic Center was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. This area features several of the city’s landmarks, such as the entire Ribeira district, the Palácio da Bolsa, and, of course,...

Culture Secret Guides Things to do

In 1892, the last nun at the São Bento monastery died and the building was demolished; 134 years later, on the very same site, Porto’s train station welcomes passengers with more than 20,000 azulejos

Today, anyone arriving by train at São Bento Station is greeted by more than 20,000 tiles by Jorge Colaço. But for nearly four centuries, the land in the center of Porto belonged to a monastery of Benedic...

Secret Guides Things to do

Scared out of your wits? The ultimate Halloween itinerary in Porto features epic pub crawls around Fonte dos Leões, cemeteries, and a “witches’ cauldron” dinner for 56€

We’re already counting down to Halloween, but you still don’t know what to do for Halloween in Porto? Don’t worry—whether you’re indoors or out, October 31 is a day to celebrate, whether at a themed part...

Escapes Secret Guides Things to do

In Roman times, fish from the Douro were shipped from here to the emperor’s court; today, these two schist villages—less than an hour from Porto—overlook the river and feature a waterfront pier

On the left bank of the Douro, in the municipality of Castelo de Paiva and less than an hour’s drive from Porto, there are two places so close to each other that they were included together in the same ne...

Secret Guides Things to do

From “laurear a pevide” to the legendary “fino”: the authentic dictionary of Porto’s unique and viral expressions that people living in Lisbon don’t understand a thing about

There are several differences between Porto and Lisbon— and we’re not just talking about cuisine. In fact, there are different expressions and/or typical words that only make sense to those who live in th...

Culture Secret Guides

In 1906, Livraria Lello opened its doors in Porto’s Baixa district; 120 years later, the historic building was visited by Dua Lipa in the library of banned books she created there

On Friday, October 2, Dua Lipa was in Porto and visited the library of banned and censored books that her book club, Service95, opened in June at Livraria Lello. It’s the perfect excuse to go back to Janu...

Culture Secret Guides

In 1886, the Luís I Bridge charged 5 réis to those crossing on foot; 140 years later, the Porto metro runs across it

The Luís I Bridge turns 140 on October 31, Halloween. Inaugurated in 1886, the link between Porto and Gaia then featured a 172-meter metal arch—the largest of its kind in the world—and anyone crossing it...

Secret Guides Things to do

A fairytale setting near Porto: this is the must-do itinerary through the North’s most beautiful fortresses to celebrate National Castles Day

Portugal is one of the oldest countries in the world, boasting countless medieval fortresses from north to south. While some are (almost) in ruins, others stand out for having remained intact. In this co...

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