The charms of Invicta are often extolled across borders, after all, this is one of the best destinations in Europe. For those of us who have lived here forever, that’s no surprise. But the truth is that there are always ‘secret’ (or almost) places to discover in Porto.
Around here, we love visiting the city’s main tourist attractions, strolling through the typical streets of Porto, or simply admiring our gardens. However, another of our favorite activities is (re)discovering Porto in all its fullness. So how about a less obvious tour of the city?
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Lada Lift
The Ribeira do Porto Lift, commonly known as the Lada Lift, has been in existence since 1994. However, it’s one of those places that (almost) goes unnoticed by some tourists and even locals.
Located next to the Luiz I bridge, at a height of over 33 meters, the top offers a breathtaking view of the Douro River.
What’s more, if you’re a Porto. Or Andante card with PRT1 zone, the ‘ride’ is free. If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the time!
Where: The entrance is on Rua dos Arcos da Ribeira, no. 66
More information: STCP website
Quinta da Prelada Garden
Who doesn’t like strolling through a lovely garden? We believe that everyone (or almost everyone) enjoys a walk in the open air, among flowers, trees and labyrinths. Yes, you read that right…
Close to the Carvalhido area, the garden surrounding Casa da Prelada is one of Porto’s ‘secret’ places waiting to be (re)discovered. Designed by Nicolau Nasoni, the architect responsible for the Clérigos Tower, this is a place worth visiting.
After crossing the monumental 17th century armored portal, you’ll want to explore every nook and cranny, contemplate the charming camellias and relax in a kind of refuge from the madness of the city .
From Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Quinta da Prelada Garden is open to the community and visits are free. But beware, this is a place of contemplation… so respect every bit of it!
Where: Rua dos Castelos, 485
More information: Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto website
Rainha D. Amélia Velodrome
This is one of Porto’s best-kept ‘secrets’. The Rainha D. Amélia Velodrome was inaugurated on June 29, 1894 and once hosted cycling events.
With the fall of the monarchy in 1910, the space was abandoned and donated to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia. It was only later, at the end of the 1930s, that it became part of the current Soares dos Reis National Museum (MNSR).
The Rainha D. Amélia Velodrome was refurbished in 2001 and is now the MNSR’s Jardim da Cerca. Would you like to visit this ‘secret’ place? You can do so from Tuesday to Sunday (from 10 a.m. to 6 p. m.) by purchasing a ticket (€3) at the MNSR.
Where: R. de Dom Manuel II, 44
More information: Soares dos Reis National Museum Instagram
Bandeirinha da Saúde
Bandeirinha da Saúde is one of the ‘secret’ places in Porto that you really must visit, if only to contemplate its spectacular view. From there, you can look out over the River Douroand the city of Vila Nova de Gaia.
But do you know what the Bandeirinha da Saúde is? Although today there is only a pillar with a metal flag, from the 15th to the 17th century it functioned as an effective disease control system.
At the time, boats arriving in the city via the Douro bar had to dock in the middle of the river, where they had to wait for the ‘sanitary inspection’. If there were sick passengers on board, they were immediately sent to quarantine. A ‘secret’ and beautiful place that deserves to be (re)visited again and again.
Marquês Church Tower
In Praça do Marquês, there is an imposing tower that offers one of the best views of the city of Porto. This is the Tower of the Church of Nossa Sra. da Conceição, or Torre da Igreja do Marquês as it is also known. Over 50 meters high, this is one of the ‘secret’ places that all Porto residents should visit.
After climbing more than 200 steps, you’ll soon realize that it was worth the effort. After all, from there you have a panoramic view over Invicta, where you can see (on clear days) a vast expanse of land and sea.
If you’re in the mood to visit the Marquês Church Tower and its viewpoint, then you should know that the opening hours are as follows: Monday to Saturday (10:30-12:30 and 15:00-17:30). The ticket price is just €1.
Where: Praça do Marquês de Pombal, 111
More information: senhoraconceicao@gmail.com
Fernando de Castro House-Museum
Although it is gaining ‘fame’ in some media, the truth is that the Casa-Museu Fernando de Castro still remains a ‘secret’ place for many Porto residents. Therefore, this article couldn’t fail to mention this eccentric place.
The Casa-Museu Fernando de Castro is one of those incredible places that goes unnoticed from the outside, but where everything changes from the moment you enter. Paintings, sculptures, books and (lots of) gilded wood adorn the interior of the space, where the collector Fernando de Castro lived .
Visiting this ‘secret’ place is a breathtaking experience that we highly recommend. Believe me, the old saying “seeing is believing” applies perfectly here. After all, this is one of those ‘rare’ places that transports you out of Porto, without leaving the city!
Where: Rua de Costa Cabral 716, 4200-211 Porto
More information: 22 339 3770 / Official Instagram
Gustave Eiffel’s office
The Palácio da Bolsa is anything but a ‘secret’ place, or it wouldn’t be one of the city’s most popular monuments. However, there is a ‘hidden’ space inside that you might not even know exists. That’s why we think that the Gustave Eiffel Cabinet is a ‘secret’ place.
You know who we’re talking about, right? Yes, the man responsible for the famous Eiffel Tower (in Paris). Between 1875 and 1877, the Frenchman had an office on the premises of the Palais de la Bourse. There are letters signed by the engineer responsible for the Maria Pia Bridge.
Where: R. de Ferreira Borges
More information: Palácio da Bolsa officialwebsite
Labyrinth of São Roque Park
Perhaps this isn’t the most ‘secret’ of our suggestions, but there are still those who don’t know about the São Roque Park Labyrinth. The truth is that it’s off the beaten track in Porto.
However, if you decide to visit the incredible Casa São Roque, be sure to wander around the surrounding park and take lots of photos in its perfect labyrinth.
Silva Monteiro Palace
Palacete Silva Monteiro, a 19th century building, is one of Porto’s ‘secret’ places that is well worth a visit. Located on a hillside facing south over the River Douro, the interior of the house is surprising, but the view from its gardens is even more so.
Since 1944, this has been the headquarters of the Comissão de Viticultura da Região dos Vinhos Verdes (CVRVV) and currently some events are held here, such as open-air movie screenings in the summer.
You can also book a guided tour in advance and enjoy a Vinho Verde tasting once you’ve immersed yourself in the history of this 19th-century house.
Where: Rua da Restauração, 318
More information: here
Porto’s smallest street
You already know that at “Porto Secreto” we love to show you every nook and cranny of our city, as well as all its curiosities. For example, do you know what the smallest street in Invicta is?
It’s called Rua Afonso Martins Alho and it connects Mouzinho da Silveira to the famous Rua das Flores. It’s no more than 30 meters long. Despite its small size, this street also ‘hides’ another secret. After all, this is where the expression “thin as garlic” originated .