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a feel good travel blog

7 Museums You Must Visit in Porto, Portugal

12/28/2018

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Porto is a city chock-full of history and astounding architecture that is worth exploring. From its roots of navigation to the creation of Port wine, Porto features a variety of museums to suit all interests. Whether you want to explore art, history or boats, there is a museum for every traveler. 

Soares dos Reis Museum
Founded in 1833, this museum is Portugal's first public museum. The museum features 19th and 20th Century art pieces ranging from paintings to sculptures to ceramics. The building itself, the Carrancas Palace, a work of art where courtyards lined with blue and white ceramic tiles contain perfectly manicured lawns and delicate flowering trees. 
 The oldest art pieces date back to the 16th Century. 
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Casa do Infante
Casa do Infante, the Prince's House, is named after Prince Henry the Navigator, the leader of great expeditions of discovery in West Africa who was born in the house in 1394. The house dates back to 1325 and is one of Porto's most important landmark, especially during the Age of Discovery. Once a royal building, Casa do Infante is now a museum dedicated to the history of the Portuguese navigation and ​Porto's role during the discoveries along with Roman occupation during the 4th and 5th Centuries. The casa is nestled down an old alleyway nearby the Douro River. 
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The National Press Museum
The Museu Nacional da Imprensa is a place to discover Porto's press history alongside with hands on exhibits. The museum features dozens of press machines where guests themselves use manual techniques from pre-printing, printing and finishing. The exhibition gallery displays cultural, social or educational interests. Guided tours are available and guests also get to experience two rooms dedicated to the first Portuguese printer, Rodrigo Alvares, who printed two books in 1497.
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Palácio da Bolsa
The Stock Exchange palace is another historic landmark of Porto. Beautiful on the inside and out, this 19th Century Neoclassical style is open to the public via tours of the building. Built in 1834, the building was burnt down during the Liberal Wars. Inside explore a variety of finely decorated rooms, all with a certain theme including the Golden Room, Assembly Room and the Arab Room. Many people gaze at the awe-inspiring marble and granite staircase and the courtyard, Pátio das Nações. 
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Porto Wine Museum
Porto is the birthplace for Port wine. Located in an old 18th Century Warehouse building, this museum showcases the heart and soul of Porto's viniculture, which dates back to the 17th Century. Since that time Port is the main wine exported in Portugal. In the museum, discover the past and present knowledge of wine from it's history to its production. Guests discover historic bottles and labels, some as old as 200 years. 


Centro Português de Fotografia - Photography Museum
​Housed in a former 18th Century prison, the photography museum features a variety of portraits and images. Each floor of the museum homed different classes, women on the second floor and higher ranks on the top floor. Today, the old cells have been refurbished as rooms where photographs are displayed.

Porto Tram Museum
​Taking a ride on the historic tram is on the top of every traveler's list. Discover more about the history of the tram and Porto's transportation. Located in a former thermoelectric power station nearby the Douro, the collection features 16 electric cars, 5 trailers and two maintenance vehicles.  


This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 7 Museums You Must Visit in Porto, Portugal.  

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The Best Places to Explore in Porto, Portugal on Foot

12/9/2018

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Tourism in Porto is on the rise. A once quiet, small Portuguese town now bustles with the same popularity as in Lisbon. Historic indeed, there is plenty to explore throughout the Porto streets. Whether it's the local ceramic scene or a historic train station, these are some of the must-explore places in Porto while on foot. 
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São Bento Railway Station
This monumental train station is a must-see even if you don't plan to use the station.
 The first train arrived in 1896, but officially inaugurated in 1916. On the walls are "azulejos," or Portuguese tiles, depicting various scenes from the country's history. Since 1916, around 20,000 tiles lay on the walls thanks to the artistic creation of Jorge Colaço. Today travelers from all over the globe come to admire the detailed tile work inside the train station. It feels like stepping back into time. 
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Portuguese Tile Work 
Besides the facade of churches and local buildings, discover the beauty of the Portuguese tile work in random places, like these boulders just outside of the
São Bento train station. The Igreja de Santo António dos Congregados adjacent to Sao Bento is proof of the marvelous art depicted in the tile art. 
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Religious History + Porto Cathedral
Footsteps from São Bento is Porto's main religious landmark and cathedral. Se Cathedral 
is also the starting point for many pilgrims who will walk from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Inside, pilgrims purchase their passport and outside many snap photos in front of the church and the arrows pointing in the direction of walking north to Santiago or south to Fatima. 

Built on the highest point in Porto, construction began in the 12th Century. Mainly Baroque, the Cathedral features various architectural styles due to getting various "face lifts" throughout the centuries. One interesting fact is that the Cathedral sits on a square, which contains a column in the center. Criminals were once hung from this column.

The Cathedral area is a great place to get lost on foot, meandering through ancient city streets overlooking the river. 
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Discover more about Porto's religious and historical sites with these other Lemon Tree Travel blogs. 
9 Historical Attractions You Can't Miss in Porto, Portugal

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7 of the Most Notable Churches & Cathedrals in Porto, Portugal
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Architecture, Shopping + Ceramics
Adjacent to Sao Bento is one of Porto's most historic and luxurious streets, Rua das Flores. Still historic, this street has seen a modern face lift throughout the last couple years. The street originated in 1521 and earned it's title thanks to the many gardens located on the street. Aristocrats settled here throughout time, becoming one of the most luxurious streets in Porto, and it still is today. 

Whether you're searching for an antique book shop or to enjoy a cup of coffee on an 19th Century sofa, you can do so on flower street. Many high end, modern restaurants are popping up, but luckily the street hasn't lost its character yet. The street features civil architecture and baroque styles dating between 17-19th Century. There are plenty of handmade shops, so travelers can take a piece of Porto home with them. 

 I recommend tea or lunch at Joia da Coroa, as seen in the top image. Originally the Goldsmith Alliance building, this cafe and jewelry shop is a blast from the past.


A stone's throw away from Rua de Flores is Rua de Ferreira Borges. Located here is my favorite ceramic shop in Porto. Ceramics is one of Portugal's longest and most historic professions. Zinda Atelier is one ceramic shop you must explore while in Porto. Operated by a brother a sister, the sister makes the ceramics while the brother focuses on the business. They feature a variety of household ceramics and paintings as well as jewelry. 

I bought a ceramic sparrow in October 2015, and during my divorce I broke the necklace. I began my Portuguese Way Camino journey in October 2018 and was able to pick up a few of the necklaces, which only cost 5 euros a piece. 
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Explore the Local Cuisine
No trip to Porto is complete without exploring the local cuisine. I only eat plant-based foods so while I cannot recommend any meat or seafood, Porto is a fantastic place for vegetarian and some vegan cuisine. Most places have a Portuguese salad, which contains oranges and a vegetable soup. The soup is consistent throughout the country, but each region may slightly alter the original recipe depending on produce availability.

I recommend Cris Bar for a modest Portuguese experience with fair prices and  Port wine. There are countless places to explore the viniculture in Porto. Many "hole in wall" places sell a glass for 1.50-2.50 euros. Most wineries are across the bridge and along and nearby Avenida Diogo Leite. 
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Explore the Rio Douro
A few minutes from Cris Bar is the waterfront and Rio Douro. Here you'll discover plenty of cafes, shops and souvenir stands. The street side cafes are a popular place to enjoy a glass of Port wine, and some visitors marvel at the historic boats or simply take a nap on the river wall. For a traditional meal with a. view, try the Restaurante Merceraria, which also serves vegetarian soup and salad.  
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Discover the Luis I Bridge
Whether on foot or tram, cross the Rio Douro to explore the other side of Porto. The bridge features photogenic spots on both sides of the city. From Jardin do Morro head to the riverfront where the majority of wineries operate. For a taste of art, class and history explore Ramos Pintos, a winery established in 1880. 
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The scenic riverfront meanders towards Castelo where you'll discover additional lookout points over the city. Back on the other side of the river, The Port Wine Museum is a place for viniculture lovers to explore. 
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Historical Trams of Porto
If walking isn't an option, explore Porto by tram. In the main part of town, take the historic tram to Porto's seaside. 

I prefer walking. It's the best way to see Porto.  But, I  suggest taking the trolly to Porto's seaside community known as "Foz do Douro." Constructed in 1895, the vintage trams have been restored, and the squeaks and squawks are loud but worth the experience and the 2.50 euros ticket. 

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Pergola de Foz
If Porto isn't laid back enough, wait until you explore the relaxing vibes of Foz do Duoro. The tram terminates next to the seaside and from here, walk a few kilometers toward Pergola, past murky waters crashing on top of shoreline boulders. Inspired by Nice's Promenade de Anglais, the mayor's wife was so enchanted by Nice's walkway that she motivated the contraction in the 1930's. Known as the "
Praia dos Ingleses," symbolizes the close relationship Portugal has with the British. ​This neighborhood is known for its peace and quiet with several beachside cafes available. 
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Jardim Botanico do Porto + Arrabida District
If Porto isn't already beautiful enough. Nature lovers get lost in the local botanical garden. A 19th-Century mansion sits amidst am arboretum equipped with ponds, paths and peacocks. Discover a myriad of gardens such as: the succulent plants garden, the schist garden, the fish garden, the bronze boy garden, and the “J” garden. 

The Arrabida District contains Porto University so here travelers will discover a young, vibrant crowd, walking the streets and enjoying the local cafes. 


Where is your favorite place to discover Porto on foot? Be sure to check out our other Porto blogs: 
9 Historical Attractions You Can't Miss in Porto, Portugal
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7 of the Most Notable Churches & Cathedrals in Porto, Portugal

This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to The Best Places to Explore in Porto, Portugal on Foot.  
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7 of the Most Notable Churches & Cathedrals in Porto, Portugal

12/4/2018

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Whether you are looking enlightenment or historical artifacts, Porto features countless places of worship, with 30 main churches to be exact. Services are offered throughout the day with some churches closing during the mid-afternoon. Although Braga is Portugal's religious epicenter, Porto is not too far behind with its religious and spiritual history rooting to the Catholic faith. These are some of the most prominent spots in Porto, so travelers with limited time should make these churches a priority above the rest. 
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Church of Santo António dos Congregados
Known as Igreja de Santo António dos Congregados, this Catholic church is adjacent to the Sao Bento train station and a short distance to Porto's main cathedral. Named after Saint Anthony, he was a 12th Century saint from Lisbon who was known for his preachings. Built in the 17th Century, locals used a different chapel in 1662 that was the seat of the Confraria de Santo António de Lisboa, but this construction terminated in 1680. The exterior captivates locals and travelers alike with its traditional blue and white tiles depicting scenes from Saint Anthony's life, which ironically also matches the sky. The Baroque facade also features a statue of Saint Anthony. 
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Porto Cathedral
Sé Cathedral is the most important cathedral and religious building in Porto. This is also the starting point for many pilgrims who will walk from Porto, Portugal to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. Inside, pilgrims purchase their passport and outside many snap photos in front of the church and the arrows pointing in the direction of walking north to Santiago or south to Fatima. 

Built on the highest point in Porto, construction began in the 12th Century. Mainly Baroque, the Cathedral features various architectural styles due to getting various "face lifts" throughout the centuries. One interesting fact is that the Cathedral sits on a square, which contains a column in the center. Criminals were once hung from this column. 

Entrance into the cathedral is free, but three euros to visit the cloister, a place of the Cathedral's most prized possessions. 
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Clérigos Tower
The main Porto Cathedral features several lookout points over the city. In the distance, one notices a large spire towering above the rest of the city. This religious place of worship was built between 1754 and 1763 by Nicolau Nasoni. The76-meter tower features six floors and 255 stairs that leads to the top of the tower. At the top, there is a 360-degree, birds-eye view of the city. 
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St. Lawrence Church
The Porto Cathedral features a viewpoint overlooking the Doruro and Ribeira. Here travelers marvel at the towers of the St. Lawrence Church. Known as Convento de São Lourenço, the locals refer to this church as Igreja dos Grilos, meaning Cricket’s Church. This name came about as when the Jesuits settled in Lisbon in the 16th Century they established their headquarters on Rua do Grilo (Cricket Street). The Jesuits congregated to Porto in 1577 to construct a new church. The locals joked about the origins of the priest, naming them Padres Grilos (Cricket Priests). This 16th Century Baroque church also contains pieces of Roman history. 
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The Carmo Church
The Carmo and Carmelitas are two  churches separated by one of the world's most narrow houses, a place to separate the nuns and the monks. The classical facade looks traditional, but what makes this church unique is the blue and white Portuguese tile on the Carmo side of the building. Constructed in the 18th Century with baroque architecture, the church was used as barracks during the French invasion between 1808-1814. ​
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Sao Francisco Church
From the exterior, what looks like an ordinary church is home to something extraordinary once you walk inside the 13th Century church. Construction began in 1244, and throughout the years of reconstruction architects integrated Gothic and Baroque designs. Covered in gold, this maybe one of the most precious churches in all of Europe. The museum housed in the catacombs features ancient remains of past monasteries.

Church of Santa Clara
Located near 
the Fernandina Wall, and the Guindais Funicular, this old-stone church is a Baroque masterpiece. Construction began in the 15th Century, with an original Gothic facade. The Renaissance era made several changes including wood work and a portal.  

Want to discover more about Porto? Check out my popular, 9 Historical Attractions You Can't Miss in Porto Blog, or follow my Camino de Santiago journey where I started in Porto on Youtube. 


This Lemon Tree article is now featured on GPSmyCity.  To download this article for offline reading or travel directions to the attractions highlighted in this article, go to 7 Most Notable Churches and Cathedrals in Porto, Portugal.
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    Elizabeth Rae Kovar is a Fitness Trainer, Author of Finding Om, Presenter, Yogi, Vegan & lover of the World. View her portfolio at www.elizabethkovar.comor health-based blog at mindbodysoul-food.com

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