The second-largest city in Portugal, Porto, is the epitome of nostalgia. Stroll around centuries-old cobblestone streets, admire Baroque-styled churches, and experience a slow life on the banks of the Duoro River. Thus, Porto invites you to explore beyond the famous and touristy. So, to know this charming city better by exploring the hidden gems in Porto.
Hidden Gems in Porto – Summary
- Casa da Musica
- Rue Miguel Bombarda
- Miragaia Neighborhood
- Fernando de Castro House
- Livraria Da Baxia
- Conservas Pinhais
- Boiler Studio
- Semea
- Flor Dos Congredados
Casa da Musica
Standing among Porto’s intricate Baroque buildings, Casa da Musica boasts modern innovation. The music hall dates back to 2005 as a masterpiece of Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. It features a futuristic architectural style involving sharp lines and pure white concrete. Moreover, the interior comprises a shoe box-shaped, sleek concert hall accommodating 1,300 people. Casa da Musica is home to the famous National Orchestra of Porto. Although concerts are not held daily, the building’s striking facade is a reason to visit. Therefore, Casa da Musica is one of the most unique hidden gems in Porto to check out.
Rua Miguel Bombarda
Discover the locals’ love for art in Porto’s hidden district. Rua Miguel Bombarda is a street untouched by crowds of tourists. It has witnessed Porto’s thriving art scene, providing a creative space for artists. Rua Miguel Bombarada houses a dozen art galleries, ranging from the ones created by maestros to spaces for young artists.
You can even find a glimpse of Porto’s artistry outside the galleries. Rua Miguel Bombarda’s walls are decorated with murals you can see while strolling through. Moreover, a few times a month, the artists invite visitors to an open art exhibition. The artsy scene and dynamic atmosphere make Rua Miguel Bombarda an interesting place to stop by.
Miragaia Neighborhood
If you think the Ribeira district is too packed, head to the Miragaia. The clock ticks slower in this picturesque neighborhood. Although it sits in the heart of Porto, Miragaia offers unmatched traditional charms. It displays a series of colorful narrow houses sitting by the Duoro bank. The houses were narrowed to adapt to floods that frequently happened in the 17th century, making it historically significant.
Humble family restaurants and laidback shops can be found in Miragaia today. Visitors can also enjoy a crowd-free view of the Duoro River from Miragaia’s seaside balconies. Therefore, it is one of the most relaxed hidden gems in Porto.
Fernando de Castro House
Nobody would guess that the humble house in Rua Costa Cabral is a treasure trove. Fernando de Castro House once belonged to a 15th-century Portuguese nobleman. He had a hobby of collecting antique goods from around Europe. The rustic-styled house is lavishly decorated with paintings created by Portuguese painters, artistic carvings, ceramics, sculptures, and more. Thus, its hint of exclusivity makes it in the list of ‘hidden gems in Porto’. You can visit Fernando de Castro House by booking a tour. Better cross your fingers, as only a very few people have visited the house in the last 80 years!
Livraria Da Baixa
Are you considering yourself as a bibliophile? Then, this secret bar is for you to visit! Livraria Da Baixa offers the best of a library’s serenity and a bar’s relaxation. It thrives in a 1920s bookstore, maintaining its chic rustic interior. Moreover, the bars are known for their great cocktails. From the classic Aperol spritz to tasty house specials, Livraria Da Baixa can exceed your expectations.
Whether you want to have a relaxing afternoon drink with your travel buddies or a quiet time for yourself in the library, it is that place. Sitting in the trendiest neighborhood, Livraria Da Baixa is a noteworthy hidden gem in Porto.
Conservas Pinhais
When talking about hidden gems in Porto, we also look for everything out of the ordinary. That is why we recommend visiting Conservas Pinhais Factory. It has produced canned seafood since 1853, undoubtedly a legend in Porto. The factory opens a tour for visitors to see behind the scenes of their products. You can see traditional methods of preserving seafood, like tuna and octopus, to canning practices. At the end of the tour, you get to sample Conservas Pinhais’ seafood. Moreover, the factory takes place in a gorgeous Art Noveau building. Imagine getting a unique tour in an aesthetically pleasing location – such a win!
Boiler Studio
One of the best things about Porto is the azulejo tiles. The artistic blue-white ceramic tiles have made travelers fall in love. Then, you would want to bring one home for yourself. Make it come true by visiting Boiler Studio in Rua dos Caldeireiros. The art center offers unique workshops that adopt Porto’s best products. You can create your version of the beautiful tile in an azulejo workshop.
Besides that, you can learn how to make Portuguese proud snack pasteis de nata. Attending an art or cooking workshop can be one of the best things you can do while visiting a new city. Also, it is one of the hidden gems in Porto that you would not want to miss.
Semea
This parlor takes rabanada, a Portuguese beard-based dessert, to the next level. Tucked on the bank of River Duoro, Semea offers a sweet treat in the middle of a stroll. Semea’s best dish comprises frozen rabanadas served with ice cream and whipped cream. Moreover, it also offers semea, a cream puff-like treat. Interestingly, Semea has its well-deserved Michelin star but stays out of the tourists’ radar. So, make sure to pay a visit to Semea and grab a cool dessert.