In this post I will write about Porto and Guimarães. One big tourist city and the other smaller and more peaceful city. Both of them are special and are worth visiting. Let’s get into it.
Porto
This is the second biggest city in Portugal. I liked Porto a lot more than Lisbon. In my opinion Porto offers more. More beautiful buildings, views, I think it’s friendlier and easier to walk.
Things to see:
Porto São Bento
This is a train station. Easily the most beautiful station I’ve ever seen. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national monument of Portugal. It is decorated with colorful painted tiles that show the history of Portugal.
Church of Saint Ildefonso
Little blue church you can find standing on a hill. The blue painted tiles called azulejo are making this church very interesting and beautiful.
Igreja do Carmo
Another church with beautiful tile art. This church offers a little museum you can visit for a small price.
Parque da Quinta da Macieirinha
This park definitely should be on your list. It offers beautiful gardens that are also pretty big. It is a very nice place to relax and enjoy the view. You can also find there a big variety of birds from pigeons to peacocks and roosters keeping you company.
Livraria Lello
I cannot write anything about this ‘most beautiful bookstore’. I wanted to visit it. I arrived in the morning when it opened to see a queue as long as the street itself. Changed my mind after seeing how crowded it was inside.
Porto Cathedral
It is a Roman Catholic church located in the historical center. This cathedral is huge and it also has azulejo elements decorating it.
Cais da Ribeira
The promenade of Porto. You can have a beautiful walk or enjoy some food or a drink with an amazing view. It also offers a lot of souvenir shops, besides you can also find a lot of street artists here.
Luís I Bridge
A double deck metal bridge connecting two halves of the city. You can enjoy a walk on both decks with a great view.
O Coelho – Bordalo II
This is an art piece. A painted rabbit on the wall is made of rubbish and it is a must see for every art lover.
Santini Gelados Artesanais
I fully recommend having ice cream here.
Manteigaria
You definitely have to try Pastéis de nata visiting Portugal. This is the best place to do so. You can buy different packages and enjoy the whole manufacturing process of this sweet delicacy.
Mercado do Bolhão
A city market that I recommend putting on your list. It offers a variety of food, drinks and souvenirs for affordable prices.
Piscina das Marés
Located further from the city you can visit the sea. The sea here was a bit cold to swim but it was full of surfers. If you would like to go for a swim anyways there is a swimming pool located straight next to the sea.
Everything wrong with Porto
Even tho I liked Porto, it is not my favorite. Why? Here are my reasons.
- Very overcrowded. To the point you have to push yourself through crowds or stand in queues for hours.
- Metro system. This is crazy. I think I didn’t use the metro worse than this. You have different zones. A metrocard is a card not a ticket. It’s rechargeable but you have to have the right one. It’s quite expensive and they control you often. Not to mention the metro didn’t really take you to the city center, only somewhere close because it’s above the ground.
- Lack of English. We were in situations where in a hotel, shop or a souvenir shop people didn’t speak English at all.
- Hills. Be prepared for a work out.
Tip: Before going to Porto learn about the metro system so you don’t get into problems.
Guimarães
This city is located only 30 minutes from Porto. It’s very easy to get there and therefore you shouldn’t miss it. It is a nice day trip from Porto. Guimarães was my favorite city in Portugal. It was very peaceful and lovely. The atmosphere was irreplaceable.
Things to see:
Castle of Guimarães
This castle was built to defend the monastery. It was built in the 10th century. It has a great vibe, especially walking there at sunset.
Palace Duques de Bragança
This palace is located next to the castle. This place is a museum so if you have time you should pay a visit.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira and Museu de Alberto Sampaio
I was lucky to attend an art light show that was happening in the museum. It was a Monet and Klimt art show and it was an amazing experience.
Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos
Another beautiful church with really pretty gardens from the 18th century.
Tip: Visit Portugal after the season to avoid crowds and crazily hot weather.
When I was in Portugal it was between 30 to 45 degrees. It was overcrowded, therefore not so enjoyable. I would like to come back after the main season to enjoy everything in peace. Portugal is a country you can’t miss while visiting Europe.
I’ll give this trip ⭐⭐⭐
How would you rate this trip?