Porto: A City of Hidden Gems

Bolhão Market / Mercado do Bolhão — Visit this traditional market that was recently renovated. You can taste local flavors and meet local vendors. They are there to sell and teach you the best recipes. It's a truly local experience.

Ribeira and Dom Lus I Bridge - Ribeira area is a must-see. It has some beautiful buildings and narrow streets, as well as a great view of the river. You should take the promenade during the day or night. During the stroll, enjoy Dom Luís Bridge that connects Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia — it has great views. For sunset, go to Jardim do Morro (on Vila Nova de Gaia's side) for the best view.

Go to the beach and promenade in Foz — After all the river views, you need some sea views? This is the place where the Douro River meets the Atlantic Ocean. It is a great place to relax by the sea. You can walk along the promenade and have a coffee or a drink in front of the beach.

Port Wine Cellars /Caves do Vinho do Porto — Located across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, a must-visit! There are plenty of wine cellars — some more popular. Some are hidden gems, but most of them have a tour to visit and some wine tasting moments. Also, some of them serve lunch/ dinner. To know more about it, please ask me!

Clerigos Tower/ Torre dos Clérigos - This is our baroque tower in the city center. You can climb the steps to see the city from a beautiful view. It also has a Church, which is worth seeing because of its impressive interior.

Palácio da Bolsa - This is the monument of the former stock exchange palace. Right now, it is known for its stunning neoclassical architecture and opulent interiors, including the exquisite Arab room. It is also the house of a restaurant, if in time for lunch.

Church of São Francisco / Igreja de São Francisco — This is a must-see Gothic church because it is famous for its fancy baroque interior covered in gold leaf. Don't forget to visit the catacombs and museum.

Casa da Música is a concert hall in Porto. It has a cool and bold design and hosts many musical performances, from classic music to rock concerts. The building was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas. It is in the middle of Boavista. You can also take a guided tour.

Serralves Museum /Museu de Serralves — The art-contemporary museum of Porto. It is the house of the best modern/contemporary art. Siza Vieira, one of the most famous Portuguese architects, designed the building. It now has a new building (called Ala Siza Vieira), a movie theater, a special Art Deco villa and a beautiful park where you can walk and have tea.

Livraria Lello — an astonishing bookstore — known as one of the most beautiful in the world. It is known for its Art Nouveau architecture and a famous grand staircase that inspired J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series — expect always a small line to enter.

Time Out Market in São Bento train station — This is a 2-in 1: São Bento station — You will visit São Bento station, famous for its magnificent azulejo panels showing historical scenes of Portugal while entering a modern market of food, with the best Portuguese chefs — you can choose from octopus to pizza or be driven by the most well-know chefs as Rui Paula or Vasco Coelho Santos.

Casa de Chá da Boa Nova - Leça da Palmeira: This restaurant is a Michelin star restaurant for special events. It is located a little off Porto's center and is surrounded by the coast. Alvaro Siza Vieira built it. It feels like you are part of nature and has safe views. The food by Chef Rui Paula is contemporary and delicious, while the ambience is elegant and beautiful.

Cafeína - Foz: Cafeína is a perfect place for both lunch and dinner. It is an elegant place with some of the best Portuguese dishes. If you want some sushi options, head to Terra, on the other side of the street, of the same owners.

O Buraco — Downtown: This is a unique place — very local, very homemade food — don't expect fancy treatment. However, you will find always great food at great prices and a sense of Portuguese culinary.

Taberna dos Mercadores — Ribeira: Hidden in a narrow street in the Ribeira district, this cozy restaurant serves traditional Portuguese dishes with a focus on fresh seafood. Since the restaurant is really small, if this is full, you can try the other restaurants of the same owner - Adega S. Nicolau or Terreiro (all of them in Ribeira)

Majestic - Downtown: It is one of Porto's most famous and historic places, opened in 1921. It is known as a jewel of the Belle Epoque. Go there for a coffee or afternoon tea. You might have to wait a bit or consider visiting outside peak hours.

Maria Dentada in Botanical Garden: This place isn't about the food, which is kind and honest. It's mostly about its location, right in the proximity of Botanical Garden, which is green, beautiful and colorful.

Rosa et Al - Miguel Bombarda: A truly hidden gem in one of the best, cool art areas of Oporto. This small house has a great brunch. You can sit inside or visit their beautiful garden in the backyard. It's really like Porto's downtown house's architecture.