10 things to like about Porto
Recent trip to Porto reminded me of all the things I like about it. First stop, as usual,
1. Bolos de Berlim at Leitaria Da Quinta do Paço
These are so terrifyingly good that it makes me shake like a junkie just looking at the pictures.
2. Rua Da Galeria de Paris
While in Vitória make a detour for this street full of art nouveau charm and the restaurante/bar Galeria de Paris. Also some cool shops and Made in Portugal.
3. Alvaro Siza’s Serralves Foundation Museum Contemporary Art
Great art gallery in stunning Siza building, surrounded by a sculpture studded gardens and the Casa de Serralves, another museum with a Jaques Tati air.
4. Palácio da Bolsa
A truly remarkable bit of neo-classical mish-mash architecture, take the tour so you don’t miss the Salão Arabe. I also adore the bar of the Telegrafo restaurant, with its gorgeous purple/blue velvet furniture against blue tiling. Luscious. Great for a dessert and a glass of expensive port.
5. Les Cafes Grandes
The Majestic (although ever so touristy) and the Brasileira are gems and will fix you up with a decent coffee too.
6. Abadia.
Our favourite restaurant in Porto. Classic, yum.
7. Estadio do Parque do Palácio do Cristal.
Just love the space ship. No idea if it´s still a functioning stadium. Please advise.
8. While on funky modern architecture, I love the airport.
9. São Bento train station.
Knockout tiles, suitably old fashioned layout. The way all train stations should be.
10. Espinho.
No, not in Porto, but your first stop south. The thunderous roar of the Atlantic and the restaurant BaiaSol (on the seafront) which has twice saved my life with its prawn omelete. Oh yeah.
Oh yes there’s plenty more to like about Porto. The Eiffel Bridge. Casa da Musica. Ikea. Let me know your favourites.
If you´re looking for something in Porto, check out this cool blog. Very cool. http://oportocool.wordpress.com/
