In need of inspiration?
After a long flight, you will want to stretch your legs on the Foz do Douro waterfront walkway leading to the Felgueiras Lighthouse. Be careful in bad weather, the sea may be raging! About 7 km east is the Porto Cathedral with its monestery, an impregnable 12th century fort built in Baroque and Gothic styles of architecture. The nearby Torre dos Clérigos is the highest belfry in the country. Climb the 240 steps for a beautiful reward: an incredible view of the city.
At the heart of Porto's historic city centre is where you will find one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world: Lello & Irmão book shop. Did you know it was here that J.K. Rowling, the author of Harry Potter got her inspiration? La Casa da Música may also interest you. The accoustics are fabulous. Take the time to listen to the Orquestra Nacional do Porto, the Orquestra Barroca or the Remix Ensemble.
The Neo-Classical impressionist monument Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) has no reason to envy the New York Stock Exchange. Cross the Dom Luís I Bridge near the cathedral. This modern bridge blends well with its antique surroundings! With your buy-back rental car, the Douro Valley is an attraction to add to your list. Meander the river side to various lookouts all offering incredible views.
Here are a few other nearby places that may interest you:
- Museu do Vinho do Porto
- Igreja de Santa Clare & Igreja dos Grilos
- Praca da Liberdade
- Praia do Ourigo
- Castelo do Queijo
- Arte Sacra Museum
- Serra de Estrela Mountains
- Daily covered market in the Baixa district (2 stories)
- Leça de Balio
- Parque natural do Litoral Norte
- Jardim do Calem