Source: Best Design Guides
Welcome to Porto!!! Just like Paris, Porto is one of the most important cities of its respective country and it’s also one of the finest destinations for design enthusiasts. Many sites in Porto have already been declared World Heritage by UNESCO and it’s also the home of two Pritzker prize winners, architects Álvaro Siza Vieira and Eduardo Souta Moura. But perhaps know this city best for its extraordinary vineyards and iconic Port wine. Today, Paris Design Agenda takes a different approach and shares with our readers, some of the best locations one should visit in Porto that are quite similar to the ones that can be found in Paris, seeing that both cosmopolitan cities are deeply rooted in history and culture.
One may wonder what do Paris and Porto have in common besides that, well, one aspect that immediately jumps the eye its the cities’ iron structures, especially Porto’s Maria Pia and the Dom Luís I Bridges and Paris’ Eiffel Tower.
From architecture to arts and music, Porto is a wonderful city where you can marry the busy working life with the joy of its maritime weather, combined with the tasty and traditional food. Inclusively, last year, Porto was named the Best European Destination, and now you’ll get to see some of the best spots to visit in this whimsical city.
If you’re a true design lover, you can’t miss this location. Just a few minutes away from the Ribeira, Covet Douro is the ultimate experience of lived-design specially conceived for all design lovers worldwide. The house – an ancient three-floor waterfront mansion – is filled with remarkable architectural details that hold the glory from the noble past and traditions of Portugal. In this timeless scenario, a unique showroom was born and each room was decorated with prestigious design brands like Boca do Lobo, Brabbu, Essential Home and DelightFULL. Enjoy the view, architecture and design while having a wonderful drink at Covet Douro’s Covet Club, an exquisite lounge bar. The visits are by appointment only so don’t miss your chance and schedule now! Just for your consideration, Covet Group also has a showroom in Paris dubbed as Covet Paris and located Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen.
Address: Avenida Clube de Caçadores 4604, 4515-654 Porto, Portugal
While you’re at Foz, take a walk to the stunning Serralves Foundation‘s surroundings. It’s composed of the museum, a masterpiece building by architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, the Art Deco Villa and its gardens, scattered with pieces of art.
Address: Rua Dom João de Castro 210, 4150-417 Porto
Palácio de Cristal/Pavilhão Rosa Mota
The Palácio de Cristal was a building that had existed in our city, later demolished. Nevertheless, it gave rise to the current Pavilhão Rosa Mota that receives diverse shows. But the best part is the beautiful romantic gardens, lakes and animals that surround the building. It is a place full of several avenues, woods and belvederes that contemplate the city of Porto.
Address: Rua de Dom Manuel II 282, 4050-378 Porto
Miguel Bombarda Art Block
It’s a must-see for all the art and design lovers. Very well-known for its art galleries and new commercial trends from bookshops, retro alternative clothes or innovative design. There are always new exhibitions turning the street into a dynamic and attractive place.
Address: Rua Miguel Bombarda, 4050-522 Porto
São Bento Train Station
The amazing building dates back to 1893. It is majorly famous for the tile panels on the inside, depicting historical scenes. The tiles were installed between 1905 and 1906 by Jorge Colaço, a renowned Portuguese artist.
Address: Praça Almeida Garrett, 4000-069 Porto
Torre dos Clérigos
Standing at 75 meters tall, it’s the biggest tower in Portugal. It was built at the beginning of the 18th Century, with a staircase with 240 steps that lead to a balcony with a stunning panoramic view of the city and the Douro river.
Address: Rua São Filipe de Nery, 4050-546 Porto
Near Torre dos Clérigos, Lello Bookshop has been voted as one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. Dating from 1906, the building has an Art Nouveau façade and Neo-gothic details. The magic place that inspired J.K. Rowling and the Harry Potter saga.
Address: Rua das Carmelitas 144, 4050-161 Porto
The concert hall and home of the symphony orchestra is a remarkable architect Rem Koolhaas’ building. It is four stops away from Trindade’s metro station, a five-star stunner.
Address: Avenida da Boavista 604-610, 4149-071 Porto
Galerias de Paris
This whimsically decorated spot has toys, thermos flasks, old phones and other assorted memorabilia lining the walls, it even has an amazing mid-century chandelier! It’s the ideal restaurant for a light meal during the day or a sophisticated dinner followed by cocktails and draught beer at night.
Address: Rua da Galeria de Paris 67, 4050-284 Porto
This is a 5-star hotel near Douro River, located in an 18th Century palace. This luxury hotel will provide you with an unforgettable stay. With decorative and figurative elements that emphasize the country’s nobility, this hotel offers history in all of its corners.
Address: Estrada Nacional 108, 4300-316 Porto
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Source: Best Design Guides
