Contrasts, soul, and strong personality

Running through its veins is the voice of the people, just as the river flows along its melancholic, colorful, and enveloping banks, until it reaches the powerful sea – with its overwhelming beauty that both unsettles and soothes us.

This is the city I carry with me – or that carries me. A city I respect and that respects me. Ever since we are born, we lose ourselves in its deeply rooted traditions, traditions I can’t resist sharing in my daily life with curious and knowledge-hungry visitors, whether they’ve come from afar or nearby. They knock on our door, and we ask: “Who is it?”

Once introductions are made, open-ended questions fill the air. They ask us about places on the map, the landmarks that serve as postcards of Portugal’s second city, that also informally goes by the name of Invicta (the Undefeated): the Lello Bookstore, Clérigos Tower, São Bento Station, the Port Wine Cellars, the Bolhão Market… So many names I’ve heard and known since I can remember my own. Yes, they are the city’s identity, and I was lucky enough to visit these and many more sites during my school years – it was mandatory to know our local heritage.

But others are passed on by word of mouth. They’re part of our upbringing – family outings, visits with friends – that leave a mark like tattoos and become ingrained in our experiences. With every return, we discover something new, as if it were the first time. Their beauty and authenticity deserve to be called Hidden Spots, and they’re perfect for family visits or solo travelers:

This is the path through the city, from the center all the way to one of its most exclusive neighborhoods: Foz. On foot, by bike, or aboard the historic tram, we follow the river and discover the city’s contrasts until we reach the Fortress of São João Baptista (known as Castelo do Queijo).

Along the way, we can’t resist capturing the images we’ll want to keep in our memory – from lighthouses to the small fishing boats that still dot the Douro River as it meets the salty waters of the Atlantic. This place is known as the Passeio Alegre Gardens, with its famous Swiss Chalet kiosk. Since I was little, I’ve never tired of photographing these scenes every time I pass by.

One of the most magical moments you can witness by the sea is the sunset. The sky becomes a canvas of warm colors reflecting on the water and rocks, preparing the city for the enchantment of nightfall.

A bit further along the Atlantic coast, with its wide stretch of sand, Matosinhos Beach – in the city of Matosinhos, immediately north of Porto – has carved out its own identity. A meeting point for generations and diverse activities, this urban beach is especially known for its water sports schools. Here, the bustle becomes local life.

Housed in a historic building classified as a site of public interest, the Matosinhos Market opened its doors in 1952 and has kept its original function to this day. The life of the old markets is still present here, with fresh, local products and traditional fish stalls, where the bond between vendor and customer has also extended to visitors seeking authenticity. Authenticity is further enhanced by the restaurants inside the market itself, promoting direct interaction between visitor and cook: pick your fish at the stall, and the restaurant will prepare it for you. Today, the Matosinhos Market also includes an incubation space for design companies and shops dedicated to various crafts.

It’s also in Matosinhos, right by the beach, that Porto’s City Park starts flowing – entering the city along the Boavista Avenue, which stretches literally from sea to center. The park is ideal for a peaceful moment surrounded by city greenery, perfect for solo strolls, family walks, or outings with four-legged friends. This sanctuary also features an open-air venue with sea views, home to some of Porto’s most iconic events, like the Primavera Sound pop-rock festival, held every June.

Another vibrant, authentic neighborhood in Porto, off the usual tourist trail yet just steps from the city center. A hub of art and creativity, a true open-air museum filled with murals, galleries, design shops, and creative studios from both local and international artists. Bring your camera and get lost in the spaces that shape this artistic scene. Nearby, you’ll also find the Palácio de Cristal park, perfect for extending your visit into its famously beautiful gardens.

These are places to explore slowly, where we forget to press “Directions” on the GPS.