My walk through Porto

Night in Porto

The great thing about Porto is that the centre is so wonderfully compact that everything is within walking distance. You can have endless walks and you see so much. The town is very historic and hilly and provides continuously different views.

Carmelitas church

Capela de Santa Caterina

An Art Deco building

And if you walk around you see that Porto has grown a lot during the Baroque period, the second half of the 19th century and the beginning of the twentieth century.

The facades change with every step. And with every step you move into a different style. From Baroque to Belle Époque and then on to Art Nouveau and Art Deco. Until you descend towards the river and end up in the steep, narrow, authentic old streets.

The exterior of Porto causes already a special impression. Some buildings also offer the ability to look inside. Which is more than worth it.

One of the first examples of historic interiors will take place on the Via Catarina. It is an attractive shopping street where you will find the gorgeous Café Majestic. It is a very special experience to be able to just relax there with a glass of port. Menu itself is not really special and the prices are quite high for the Portuguese terms. But a dessert with a matching port is definitely worth it. And the service is very good!

Café Majestic

The next must see is the most beautiful bookstore I've ever visited. I love bookstores and libraries. I can entertain myself for hours with browsing and reading books. But this store is different. Livraria Lello is so beautiful that you do not even see the books around you. The incredible staircase in the middle, the ceiling, cabinets and walls. It's all abnormally pretty. Thinking back to this store makes me want to go there again.

Livraria Lello

Another walking place in Porto takes place on the metal bridge named Ponte Dom Luís I. This bridge is not just for crossing the Douro river, it brings you to the other side of town: Ribeira. It is an old neighborhood where many port wine cellars are present.

Douro river and Ponto Dom Luis

Eventually it doesn’t matter where in Porto you stand, sit or walk. Every corner is beautiful, very authentic and photogenic. I certainly enjoyed the many beauties here. And I haven’t even seen them all.

Door knockers

Magnolia tree on Aliados square

And me in Livraria Lello