Fall Is Here: Discover What to Do This Weekend In Porto ♦ Ask as many time as you want, but the best time to come to Porto is during the Fall. The temperature is mild, the wonderful smell of roasted chestnuts is in the air, the city has fewer tourists, do you need more reasons? With Fall comes Halloween, Fall Fests in Serralves, cosy nights in amazing restaurants or theme bars. Secrets From Portugal brings you all the alternatives if you’re planning on going out this weekend in Porto.
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Climb the Clérigos Tower
Clérigos Tower is the ex-libris of Porto and the tour throughout the city wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this wonderful landmark. The project for a bell tower was presented by the architect Nicolau Nasoni in 1753. Construction started the following year and took nine to finish. The inauguration happened in 1763 after the iron cross was placed at the top and the image of Saint Paul in the niche above the door. In a Baroque style, this tower was built on an uneven street. One of the best views of the city is at the top of this 75-meters-high tower, but to enjoy it you will have to climb 225 steps. It will be worth it, we promise.
Step in Livraria Lello
Livraria Lello is one of the most emblematic bookstores in the country — and the world. It is right in the centre of Porto and it’s part of the city’s historical heritage. The bookstore opened in 1906 and remains a landmark to this day, with the neogothic architecture that characterizes it, the carved wood, the golden columns and the ornate ceilings that form a unique calling card. But this historic building is not only there to be admired, since about 300 thousand books per year also come out of the high shelves distributed on both floors. If you are a fan of the Harry Potter saga, know that this bookstore served as an inspiring setting for author J.K. Rowling, who lived in Porto.
Discover ‘A Vida Portuguesa’
As the name implies (it means “The Portuguese Life”), this store, in the heart of Baixa, sells only branded products, some of the centennial, and always 100% Portuguese. ‘A Vida Portuguesa’ is the is the perfect place for those who do not want to take home magnets as souvenirs. On the two floors of this store, the variety is plentiful and goes from toys from the pre-electronic era to stationary. In addition, you will also find fragrances, jewellery, clothing and various delicacies. There you can buy some Portuguese classics, such as Confiança soaps, Minerva preserves and Couto toothpaste.
Enjoy the Smells of Claus Porto
Claus Porto is a brand of soaps and fragrances that survived monarchies, republics, dictatorships and revolutions, with over 130 years of history. The first thing you see when you enter this space, where the Porto Marionette Museum once operated, is the store. It is there that you will be able to buy all the brands products, from the classic soaps to the body creams and the colognes. On the second floor, there is a gallery where, through hand-drawn drawings, lithographs, photographs and newspaper clippings, the history of the brand is told over four generations.
Eat Pancakes at ‘O Diplomata’
‘O Diplomata’ is one of the busiest places in Porto‘s downtown area. And why is that? Because they make the best pancakes in the city. It is the perfect place to end your Fall afternoon after strolling around the city.
