Musement takes a look at 11 places in Porto that warrant a slot in your Instagram feed.
While this Portuguese city’s namesake fortified wine is worth the trip alone, Porto has plenty more going for it. Due to its strategic location on the Duoro River and the Atlantic Ocean, Porto was known as Portus Cale (sheltered port) in Roman times. Narrow winding lanes are etched into the steep hillsides which conceal azulejo-adorned facades, lively cafes, charming restaurants and plenty of fodder for your Instagram feed. Here’s a look at eleven of the most Instagrammable places in Porto.
1. Igreja Capela das Almas
The “Chapel of the Souls” is known for its exquisite blue-and-white tiled facade depicting the lives of the saints.
2. Ribeira
Located in the heart of the old town, the Ribeira district of Porto sits on the riverbank and is known for its colorful facades and lively outdoor cafes.
3. The tile mural by Joana Vasconcelos
Portuguese artist and Venice Biennale participant Joana Vasconcelos installed an immense snap-worthy tile mural on the wall of Steak ‘n’ Shake on Praça Guilherme Gomes Fernandes.
4. Teleférico de Gaia
Make sure to keep your camera handy on this aerial cable car, which offers sweeping views of the city during a five-minute ride each way.
5. Pérola do Bolhão
Locals have frequented this gourmet shop since 1917 and its distinct tiled facade most certainly draws the Instagram crowds.
6. Largo da Pena Ventosa
This colorful little plaza will brighten up anyone’s Instagram feed.
7. Mercado de Bolhão
Although it closed in 2018 for a major renovation, we’d be remiss if we omitted the Mercado de Bolhão from this list. This multi-level wrought iron market that opened in 1914 seemed to get better by the day and we can’t wait to see the revamped version, which is currently scheduled for a 2020 unveiling.
8. Capela do Senhor da Pedra
This seaside chapel is just a 20-minute drive from the Porto city center and well worth a visit as it looks like it jumped right off the page of a storybook!
9. Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
A wonder to behold! The facade of this 18th-century Baroque church was gussied up with azulejo tiles in 1932. At times, it blends right into the sky!
10. Livraria Lello
Calling all Harry Potter fans! It’s been said that this adorable 1906 bookstore inspired Flourish and Blotts and the Hogwarts Library, as J.K. Rowling lived in Porto during the early nineties. Be prepared to queue up–you must buy a ticket for five euro, which you can apply to a book purchase.
11. A port cellar
Last, but most certainly not least, your Instagram feed wouldn’t be complete without some barrels in which the city’s namesake spirit are aging. Head to the Vila Nova de Gaia and take your pick! Of particular note are Cálem’s, Churchill’s, Sandeman’s, Graham’s and Taylor’s.