C Ronaldo, Portuguese egg tarts, Macau, bacalhau, Lisbon, azulejo tiles? What else comes to mind when you think of Portugal?
Porto? Fans of the UEFA Champions League might have heard of this name. This Atlantic-facing port city, with the second-largest population in Portugal after the capital, is the country’s second-largest city. Yet it remains unspoiled by excessive commercialization, with shops of all sizes retaining their unique character. With few new immigrants, authentic Portuguese culture is preserved here in its entirety.
Today, the entire city of Porto exudes a kind of splendid medieval beauty, something that anyone who has visited will surely have felt.
The name "Porto" means "port" in Portuguese. After the independence of the Kingdom of Portugal, it was once the nation’s central hub. During the height of the Age of Exploration, Porto dominated maritime trade and was immensely wealthy. But today, both its political and economic significance have been overtaken by the capital, Lisbon. Yet the refined elegance of its former glory remains, preserved like something dipped in preservative. In the old town of Porto, houses uniformly feature brick-red tiled roofs, crisscrossed by narrow alleys, while church bell towers of all sizes are scattered about — an inescapable medieval atmosphere.
Cannabis
Cannabis is actually quite common in many European cities, and it's even legal in the Netherlands.
But I didn’t expect to be offered some as soon as I arrived in Porto. In Europe, cannabis is seen as the scent of freedom, a source of relaxation. Here, you have the right to choose your own 'freedom,' and no one will stop you from enjoying it. But is this really freedom? I don’t think so, but I did try it in the Netherlands.
This kind of 'freedom' is far from true freedom. For me, the freedom I long for most is to pick up a backpack, visit different cities, experience life, and get to know the people and their stories there — only then can I truly unlock the chains in my heart.
What does your 'freedom' look like?
As the site of Portugal’s largest Catholic diocese, Porto naturally boasts magnificent and ornate churches. The Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto), Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, and Igreja do Carmo are the most significant and distinctive.
Porto Cathedral
At first glance, the Porto Cathedral may not be the most beautiful church in the area. But as the oldest church in the region, it holds immense historical value. Many of Europe’s great cathedrals are tied to key historical events. The Porto Cathedral is the birthplace and baptism site of Prince Henry the Navigator (Infante D. Henrique), who laid the foundation for Portugal’s Age of Exploration.
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso and Igreja do Carmo
Both Igreja de Santo Ildefonso and Igreja do Carmo were built in the 17th century. Their exteriors are decorated with Baroque-style azulejo tilework. Azulejos are those iconic blue-and-white ceramic tiles you often see. The word "Azulejos" comes from the Arabic word الزَّلِيج (az-zulayj), meaning "polished stone." It’s a typical art form of Portugal and Spain, prominently featured in tilework, architecture, and paintings. This art style, popular for five uninterrupted centuries, has now become a hallmark of Portuguese culture.
Livraria Lello (Lello Bookstore)
Ranked among the world’s top ten most beautiful bookstores, Livraria Lello opened in 1906 and is a must-visit attraction in Porto. The bookstore features a Gothic-style façade, but its most eye-catching feature is the stunning spiral staircase inside.
Entry to Livraria Lello used to be free, but since 2016, there has been an admission fee of three euros per person, which can be used toward purchases in the store. Tickets can be bought between 10:00 and 19:30 for photo-taking purposes, with no longer any time restrictions.
It is said that J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, lived in Porto for several years and drew inspiration for scenes in her books from the city and the Lello Bookstore, leading to the creation of her globally renowned work.
Livraria Lello Information:
Official Website: http://www.livrarialello.pt/
Address: Rua das Carmelitas, 144, 4050-161, Porto
Business Hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–19:30, Saturday 10:00–19:00, closed on Sundays.
Azulejo Tiles Tell You Stories
The people of Porto are skilled at using azulejo tiles to document history — beautiful and practical. Most captivating are the azulejos spread throughout the city. Whether on the facades of buildings, street number plaques, shop interiors, or wall murals, they’re everywhere. The São Bento Train Station is perhaps the crown jewel of Porto’s azulejo architecture. A grand tiled wall depicts scenes from Portuguese history. In Porto, the designs, colors, patterns, and motifs of azulejo tiles are endlessly varied, adorning the entire city. Thus, the people of Porto could be called storytellers through tiles.
The Most Beautiful McDonald’s in the World?
At No. 126 near Praça da Liberdade, there is a McDonald’s that many consider one of the most beautiful in the world. In front of the restaurant stands a bronze eagle statue, while inside you’ll find crystal chandeliers and mural designs. If you have time, it’s worth a visit.
Slow Living in Porto
It moves very, very slowly — the single-decker tram that winds through the streets of Porto. Sitting on it and looking at the medieval-like buildings around you feels like traveling through time and space. It’s said that this type of single-decker tram has a history of over a hundred years and was once the main mode of transportation in Porto. But with the passage of time, only three lines still serve citizens today: lines 22, 18, and 1. Lines 22 and 18 mainly operate through the city streets, covering many famous attractions, while line 1 heads westward toward the seaside promenade.
Porto’s most wicked dish – Francesinha
Francesinha, a Portuguese-style wet sandwich, is one of Porto’s signature dishes.
This uniquely Porto creation is said to have been introduced after being refined by a Porto native who returned from France. Francesinha layers bread, ham, bacon, sausages, and steak, then grills it until crispy. A fried egg is placed on top, with melted cheese generously drizzled around the yolk, and it’s served with a sauce made from white wine, onions, and tomatoes. And thus, the wicked Francesinha wet sandwich is born.
DreamTravelworld & SKY Photography