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Parks, Gardens and Camellias
9 March, 2018 / ,

The parks and gardens are an invitation for one to leisure and rest, to a long break, an invitation to the pleasure of walking and a reunion with the history of these places, many of which are unknown. Just around the corner, this city can surprise you by the beauty of an undiscovered green space.

 

Varied and restful routes can be found in the green spaces of the city, destined to all ages; each with its different charm throughout the seasons. The richness of the natural heritage and the reconstruction of forgotten environments of our rural areas provide very didactic tours. On the other hand, the variety of the existing support equipment offers the opportunity for an extended stay and  the pursuit of other type of activities.

 

The parks and gardens of the city of Porto that we selected for these routes are located in three large areas of the city that we defined as: Historical Center, Baixa and Boavista / (Palácio de Cristal Gardens, João Chagas Garden (Jardim da Cordoaria, Parque das Virtudes, Jardim Botânico, Jardim da Casa da Prelada, among others) Western zone (Parque da Cidade, Parque de Serralves e o Jardim do Passeio Alegre, among others) and Eastern zone (Parque de S. Roque, Parque de Nova Sintra, Quinta de Villar D´Allen, Quinta de Bonjóia and the Municipal Nursery, among others.) Plan the walks for the most pleasant hours of the day and pay attention to the working hours of the various spaces. Comfortable footwear.

 

As spring is just around the corner and the colorful days are sorely missed, we could not fail to highlight the Camellias, protagonists of this time in the city.  Porto was the first city in Europe to be known as the “City of Camellias”. Originating in Asia, the entrance of these flowers have a history in the north of Portugal and Galicia in the century. XIX. We can find them in almost all the gardens and green spaces of the city. In public spaces, in cemeteries or in houses, Camellias are queens from October to April. So that you do not miss out on anything about the celebration of this Asian flower, discover the events that Porto prepared for you on the 3rd and 4th in the Monastery of São Bento da Vitória. Do not miss the set of initiatives that will run in parallel in different places of the city! And do not forget: pass by one of the Oporto Tourist Offices where you can find the itinerary “Porto. City of Camellias “, with suggestions on the best places in town to see and smell these flowers! Do not miss out on all the Porto.CARD discounts dedicated to this season!

 

 

Cooperativa Árvore – A house that breathes art
2 March, 2018 / , ,

In an old noble house in the 60s, near Passeio das Virtudes and with a stunning view over the Rio Douro, Árvore – Cooperative of Artistic Activities was born as a space for the disclosure of art, idealized by Porto’s greatest names in art.

Árvore was founded in 1963 by artists, writers, architects and intellectuals, highlighting Master José Rodrigues, sculptor and author of the famous Ribeira Cube.  He, along with Armando Alves, Pulido Valente and Ângelo de Sousa, got together in an abandoned quinta and began the recovery of the building, adapting it to its new cultural functions.

The gallery and the auditorium were inaugurated in 1971. Despite having been through hardships, which, for instance, forced some of its estate’s artistic work to be auctioned, Árvore survived and has undeniably pronounced the artistic panorama of the city of Porto.

The institution has an intense cultural agenda with exhibitions, conferences, lectures and talks, workshops, competitions, book editing and art installations.  Its purpose is to produce, promote and sell artistic and editorial works, and the development and information of members and the general public in the areas of visual art, the study of art and other areas of production. In the past few decades it welcomed colloquiums, cinema cycles, theatre and music and it presented the work of hundreds of painters, sculptures, photographers, designers and architects. In addition to the exhibitions, you can visit the store, the offices of screen-printing techniques, engraving, lithograph and ceramic (booking in advance required) and enjoy an unrivaled view to the Douro from your garden.

The House
José Pinto de Meireles ordered the construction of the Árvore building, which was concluded in 1763. The family crest can still be seen on the front door. The quinta and the gardens were constructed so those who went by the Rio Douro could see them.

Today, they are a privileged viewpoint and a very enjoyable place to spend a late afternoon, especially in the summer.

Exhibitions to see at Árvore:

  • 23rd February to 3rd April– Emerenciano + Helena Jalles

 

Information:

Rua Azevedo de Albuquerque, 1, Porto

Schedule

Monday to Friday: 9.30-20:00

Saturday – 15:00-19:00

Closed: Sundays and bank holidays

 

 

 

The suggestions of João Espírito Santo
15 February, 2018 / , ,

One of the most famous Portuguese dentists, frequent TV show guest and a with a charitable mission: make people smile and care of their oral health regardless of their economical standing.

In Portugal, he’s mainly known as “Senhor Doutor” (Mr. Doctor) or “Doutor João” (Doctor João), thanks to a television show that offers dental treatment to the less fortunate. Besides his appointments and investigation, he teaches at Portuguese and Spanish schools.

Born in Porto in 1979, João Espírito Santo studied and worked most of his time in the city, where he founded and runs the Medical Art Center clinic. Porto, and mainly Foz, are his base despite having to travel frequently the past few years for academic and business reasons. Here is where he lives and where he has his clinic as well as some of his favorite spots. João Espírito Santo, married and a father of three, enjoys traditional dishes and restaurants, but doesn’t pass up a family stroll along the ocean or close to the Rio Douro.

 

  • Bar 

Casa do Livro (R. da Galeria de Paris, 85 Porto)

Fé Wine & Club (Praça D. Filipa de Lencastre nº1)

  • Restaurant

Cepa Torta

  1. de Gondarém 843, Porto
  • A stroll

The gardens of Serralves

Or a bike ride from Foz to Afurada, crossing by boat and coming back through the ponte D. Luís (D. Luís bridge)

  • Romantic place

Jardins do Museu do Vinho Porto –  Rua de Monchique 94

  • A city secret (a place that is not well known)

Ham rolls at Casa Bacelar (Praça Dom Afonso V, 55, Porto) Hake fillets or Arroz de Cabidela (Cabidela rice) at the Restaurante A Capoeira (Esplanada do Castelo 63, Porto) Capela de Santa Teresinha (Chapel Santa Teresinha)

 

A day in Porto with: Susana Ribeiro
6 February, 2018 / , ,

The author of the blog Viaje Comigo (www.viajecomigo.com), Susana Ribeiro has spent the last few years traveling around the world. But it’s to Porto, her home, where she always returns to and, as you will see from her suggestions, a city that never ceases to surprise her.  Get to know her suggestions for an unforgettable day in Porto.

Breakfast

Carvalhido gathers some of the best bakeries in the city of Porto. Nova Real is one of them and it’s the perfect place to kick start the day with some breakfast made of fresh bread and baked gods. It is difficult to offer any suggestions, whether savory or sweet, as everything available is delicious – it won’t be an easy choice!

 

Mid-morning coffee

I don’t drink coffee. When I travel, I jokingly get told that I must be the only Portuguese in the world that doesn’t drink coffee. However, for a mid-morning tea, I’d say Tavi, in Foz, with its ocean view. And get something sweet on the side to go with it.

 

 

Shopping

One might just say window shopping and Rua Miguel Bombarda, where you can find the Centro Comercial Miguel Bombarda, has several different stores and dozens of art galleries to visit. Nearby, you will also find Palácio de Cristal, a perfect place for a stroll, weather permitting.

 

Lunch

For lunch… a francesinha! That way, you have all day to burn those extra calories.

Rua Passos Manuel has already been named the Francesinhas Street, considering all of the places that serve them… and the delicacy has already spread to the Praça dos Poveiros. Since everyone has a different opinion as to which one is the best, I will leave it up to you… But, if you ask me, the ones from Lado B are very good.

 

Some shopping

At Rua de Guedes de Azevedo, 123, the Mercado Loft Store is a dream for those who like décor accessories, with some beautiful items and very original gifts.

 

Dinner

After shopping and a stroll along the main avenue in Foz, your appetite will flare up and you will be ready for dinner. But how to choose?

I suggest Wish (at the Largo Igreja da Foz) with traditional food and Sushi or BH Foz (Avenida do Brasil) – which serves a little of everything and with an ocean view.

 

Drinks

These days, the nights in downtown Porto are largely spent on the streets. However, when it’s cold, I go to Gin House bar: a great environment and peaceful during the week.

 

Dancing

Recently I discovered the bar Embaixada Lomográfica do Porto (close to praça Carlos Alberto) e Garden’s (in Travessa de Cedofeita). Both are great for talking and dancing.

 

Galeria da Biodiversidade – Centro Ciência Viva
6 February, 2018 / , , , ,

Entirely dedicated to biodiversity, the Galeria da Biodiversidade – Centro Ciência Viva is so much more than a museum. This modern space, which combines science and art, is made to create unforgettable memories.  It hosts the photographic exhibition Photo Ark up until the end of April

The center integrates the Museu de História Natural e da Ciência da Universidade do Porto (MHNC-UP) (Natural History and Science Museum of the University of Porto), which along with the Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden) represents one of the hubs connected to the University of Porto.

Located in the legendary Casa Andresen – which inspired the renowned Portuguese poet Sophia de Mello Breyner – the Galeria da Biodiversidade is also surrounded by the Botanical Garden, an equally mandatory stop for science lovers, It is a place where art meets biology and natural history, stimulating interactivity and sensorial experiences. The permanent exhibition integrates 49 very unique narrative modules and installations, organized by 15 main themes that approach several aspects within biological and cultural diversity. From mechanical models to multimedia platforms, there are several ways of bringing together the visitor and the stories told through science, literature and art.

 

 

Photographic Noah’s Ark

Until the 29th April, the Biodiversity Gallery hosts the National Geographic Photo Ark, based on a project from Joel Sartore.  This photographer set a goal 10 years ago: photograph all existing species held in captivity, to create one of the largest archives of biodiversity in the world. This “Photographic Noah’s Ark” is intended to create public awareness towards the conservation of vulnerable animals. The exhibition already pictures over 7000 species and you do not want to miss on seeing its greatest pictures here.

 

Information:

Galeria da Biodiversidade (Gallery of Biodiversity)

Rua do Campo Alegre, n.º 1191, Porto

Schedule: from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm

Regular Ticket: 5€

 

 

 

 

Essência do Vinho: a toast to Portuguese wine
6 February, 2018 / ,

From the 22nd to the 25th of February, the Palácio da Bolsa welcomes about 400 Portuguese wine producers that will introduce over 3000 wines from all around the country. The Essência do Vinho, now onto its 15th edition, is an unmissable event for wine lovers.

Portuguese wines are becoming more esteemed and internationally recognized. Many centuries ago the way to fame was paved by Port Wine however, from Minho to the Algarve through the Azores and Madeira, there are countless quality wines that are worth getting to know.

The broadcast of Portuguese wines is the main goal of an event that has already become a mandatory stop for the residents of Porto and all visitors to the city during those days.

The 15th edition of Essência do Vinho presents the “TOP 10 Portuguese Wines”, gathering a selection of the highest scored wines by a specialized magazine. A specialized jury of several nationalities will assess and then select the 10 best wines.

 

The event has 50 simultaneous activities, including gastronomy, with the presence of Michelin starred chefs and tapas harmonization. The last edition of the event welcomed over 20.000 visitors, where 30% were foreign.

 

Information:

Advance ticket sale at www.essenciadovinhoporto.com (daily entrance and a tasting glass: 20€). On the day sales will have a cost of 25€.

22nd February / 3pm – 8pm
23rd February and 24th February / 3pm – 9pm
25th February / 3pm – 8pm

 

The Porto of Catarina Beirão
15 January, 2018 / , ,

She is 17 years old and the beaches of Porto and Matosinhos are almost a second home for this promising Portuguese surfer and female regional champion in the U-18 category. Her passion for surfing surfaced five years ago and has already led to many national and foreign beaches, but it is in Porto that are some of her favorite places.

The athlete of Porto Surf Club does not hide her passion for the sea and the beaches of Porto, and shares with the readers of Hey Porto some of her suggestions for days well spent in the city.

Bar: Bonaparte, Avenida Brasil

I like the environment. I like it because it is a traditional bar in the area where I have always lived, because there are great “pregos” (pork steaks), and because I go there with family and friends.

 

Restaurant- Picaba – Edifício Transparente – Healthy food, in front of the ocean and the beach where I started to surf. The employees know us and make us feel at home. It has a Surf menu and because, no matter how many times I go there, I never get tired of it.

 

Stroll:  seaside walkwayl from the mouth of the Douro River to the Ribeira – walking for me has to be on the shore with the ripples caressing my feet. I am fortunate to live in a unique area of ​​Porto, almost in front of the sea, where I can take this particular stroll very regularly. A walk that is never the same, because the uniqueness of the sea is what makes us always see it differently. There is an unmistakable scent of the sea, and even on foggy and cold days the “whistle” sound (sound coming from the lighthouse to warn the boats on foggy days) makes this tour unique.

 

Ideal place for surfing: Maceda beach (Ovar, Aveiro)

I love the access through the middle of the forest, dunes and cliffs that constitute the beach. Looks like a dream surf spot!

 

A secret of the city: Jardim das Virtudes (Garden of Virtues) – has been less known … but remains a place with some magic. I remember the first time I went there and realized the wonderful view that this garden has. A view to our river Douro and, at the same time in the middle of Baixa, with the court and the garden of Cordoaria at the back. I have no doubt that whenever someone goes there for the first time they will be surprised to have one of the most beautiful views of our city.


12 REASONS TO BUY PORTO.CARD
9 January, 2018 / ,

Find out why Porto.CARD may be your best buy for 2018!

 

1 – Attractive price

It is possible to buy the pedestrian Porto.CARD from 6 € and if you opt for the digital version, you only pay 5.70 €. Moreover, is it advantageous to buy a one day card without access to public transport? Here’s an example: on the 1-day cruise ticket on the Douro you get a discount of up to 20%. In fact you save more than € 10.00 on the price of the card.

 

2 – With or without public transport

Porto.CARD exists with the option of having public transportation or not. This pedestrian version is an excellent option for those who already have a car or want to rent a car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc. Everything is available in Porto.CARD. If so, you can get discounts of up to 57% of SABA car parks.

 

3 – Unlimited free access to public transport

If you choose to use public transport, in any of the different choices with transportation from € 13, (1, 2, 3 and 4 days), you have unlimited access to all Metro lines without restriction, as well as on the bus lines of STCP and urban CP Trofa-Valongo-Espinho. What you cannot forget is to validate your Andante Tour ticket whenever you change lines and / or transport.

 

4 – Diversified cultural and tourist attractions

Porto.Card offers you the most current and diversified cultural and tourist attractions: from museums to monuments, tourist circuits (by foot, by car, bicycle, motorcycle, minibus, classic car, boat, sailboat, helicopter, segway, tuk tuk, and rickshaw), there are umpteen ways to get around Porto with generous discounts. Restaurants and shops are among the more than 170 points of interest to discover in Porto.CARD

 

5 -Ease and convenience when shopping

Did you know that you can buy the Porto.CARD in advance at short.visitporto.travel/portocard, at the Official Tourist Offices or at the Nova Câmbios (New Currency Exchange) office at Porto Airport? You can also buy the Porto.CARD digital at buyportocard.visitporto.travel or on the app (Porto Card – Official City Pass) and start using your card as soon as you arrive at your destination. There are several options for your trip: Metro, STCP buses or the reservation of a transfer with discount from Porto.CARD. Just choose the most convenient option!

 

 

5 – Restaurants with a variety of cuisine types

In Porto.CARD you will find restaurants from traditional cuisine to signature cuisine, the latter awarded with a Michelin star. Obviously, the traditional “Francesinha” is present in three specialty restaurants, as well as other types of cuisine. Discounts up to 15%

 

6 – A world of tourist circuits

Did you know that with the Porto.CARD you get discounts on more than 80 tourist circuits, which include trips to Porto, to the Douro River and Minho? Day or Night Tours? Panoramic bus or cable car? From Gastronomy to literature? Contemporary architecture or the Historic Center? What becomes difficult is the choice. Discounts up to 25%

 

7-The most authentic way to learn about Port Wine

With Porto.CARD you have the opportunity to tour the 9 Port Wine Cellars, get to know their history and to taste this internationally acclaimed wine. The card offers you one cellar with free entrance and on the remaining cellars your discount can reach 30%, from November to March.

 

8- Families with children

There are many places to visit with family and to entertain the little ones with discounts of up to 50%. Take the time to relax or have fun with the kids while saving a lot of money.

 

9-For the romantic tourist

If you are looking for romanticism in Oporto this is the city of choice. With Porto.CARD you have the most romantic places to visit, to enjoy good gastronomy and to shop and surprise those who you most love! Discounts up to 20%

 

10 – For the youth

Activities for young people are present in Porto.CARD.  There are many options for the younger travelers who seek challenges! From surf lessons, Jet Boating, Cannoning, Rafting to jeep trails in the Douro and Gerês national Park.

 

11- Modalities adapted to different needs

The Porto.CARD exists in 8 modes: 1, 2, 3 and 4 days, with or without transport, which allows you flexibility in choosing the most convenient card. Being the official card of the city offers you security and confidence.

 

12- Personalized advice at tourist offices

If you choose to buy Porto.CARD at the official tourist offices, you will be personally attended to by attendants who know the city very well and are able to advise the best solutions and options for your enquiry. Be sure to visit us and be pleasantly surprised!

Sobrinho Simões – An Oporto citizen who is a reason of pride for the city
5 December, 2017 / ,

In 2015 the magazine ThePatologist chose him as the most influential pathologist in the world. Manuel Sobrinho Simões is a passionate about Porto and one of the great reasons of pride of the city where he was born in 1947.

Recognized worldwide not only for his work done in the area of ​​thyroid cancer, but also for the pathology schools that he assisted in establishing around the world. Founder of IPATIMUP (Institute of Molecular and Cellular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto) – an internationally recognized research unit that annually conducts hundreds of diagnostic consultations for hospitals and oncology institutes in Europe and America – he is a real workaholic, but always attentive and concerned with the great issues of the world around him.

He was born into a medical family: his great-grandfather and grandfather had been doctors and his father was a professor and researcher in the field of biochemistry. He was born in Paranhos, studied in the area of ​​Antas and Alexandre Herculano Lyceum, before enrolling in medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto. He continued excelling as he had been in high school; his academic career was always marked by excellent marks, having won several awards of merit.

An avid member of FC Porto, he also played hockey in Estrela and Vigorosa Sport and was champion of ping-pong at university.

It was at the University of Porto that he took a liking to Pathology. His love of travel had grown since he was young, thanks to prizes of academic merit and some help from his grandfather. After his marriage, he did a post-doctoral in Oslo, Norway and it would be from this international experience that he would become known internationally.

In addition to collaborating with universities and hospitals around the world, he is the author and co-author of hundreds of articles. At the age of 70, he continues to have an intense rhythm of work, but without neglecting his grandchildren and the rest of the family, with whom he likes to spend his free time. As a child he played in the garden of Arca d’Água, but currently he prefers cycling in the City Park.

Port Wine: A Christmas Tradition
5 December, 2017 / ,

In Portugal, Christmas is always a good excuse to drink, buy or gift someone with Port Wine. Visiting the Port Wine Cellars is the best way to have the best wines, at the table or on the Christmas shopping list.

The diversity is great and each type of Port wine is suitable for specific dishes and specific moments, as it is best way to know this wine well, because only then will you be able to enjoy it in its plenitude.

The best place to learn everything about Port Wine are the cellars, located in Vila Nova de Gaia. It was there that, until the last century, the Rabelo boats, coming from the Douro estates with kegs of wine, were docked and stored. In these enormous warehouses located by the river where light and humidity help the taste, color and texture of the wine can be perfected.

Today, the cellars are must see places for those who visit the city of Porto. In addition to getting to know the complete history of Port Wine and the journey made by the grapes from the Douro to the moment they arrive in your glass, you will also have the opportunity to taste and buy various types of wine.

We highly recommend a visit to the Ferreira cellars and the Sandeman Celllars.

 

CELLARS

Ferreira

 

 

Avenida Ramos Pinto, 70, Vila Nova de Gaia

Hours: 10h00 – 12h30 / 14h00 – 18h00

 

 

 

Classic Visit | Price € 10 pax:

Visit to the Cellars, including the Room of the Belongings of Dona Antónia and the Museum, with two Port Wine tasting.

Visit Dona Antónia | Price € 20 pax:

Visit for small groups, with extensive wine tasting and a selection of 5 Port Wines, in a reserved area.

Visit Casa Ferreirinha | Price € 14 pax:

Visit to the Caves, with three Douro Wines Casa Ferreirinha DOP winetasting, producer of the famous Barca Velha.

 

Sandeman

 

 

Largo Miguel Bombarda, 3, Vila Nova de Gaia

Opening Hours:

Every day | 09h30 – 12h30 / 14h00 – 17h30

 

 

 

Classic Visit | Price € 10 pax:

Guided tour with wine tasting of two Reserved Porto wines

Visit 1790 | Price € 20 pax:

A guided tour that begins at the Sandeman Museum and ends with a wider winetasting of Port wine at 1790

Visit “100 Years of Old Tawnies” | Price 40 € pax:

A visit to discover the long tradition of Sandeman in the aging and blend of Port Wines. At the end of your visit, a comprehensive winetasting of a century of Tawnies – tasting of 10, 20, 30 and 40 years – in a reserved and intimate area that also houses the Sandeman Antique Bottles Collection.

Visit Premium | Price 13 € pax:

A guided tour of the Sandeman Cellars, with winetasting of three superior wines (White, Ruby and Tawny).

Points of interest:

Sandeman bottle collection – more than 60 samples of handmade English bottles from the 17th and 18th centuries.