5 Secret Places to Visit in Porto

Maybe you’ve been to >Porto before or maybe this is your first time.

Either way, you’re pretty sure you’ve seen it all by now: you’ve explored the Ribeira district, you’ve gazed at the tiles in the São Bento railway station, you’ve seen the unique Lello bookstore and the iconic bridges, you’ve visited the Clérigos tower and, of course, you’ve tasted Port wine (perhaps a bit too much).

 

Want to know more about Port wine? Check our article about What Makes Port Wine so Special and Varied

 

While it’s true that these are some of the most famous places that tourists flock to in Porto don’t pack your bags just yet! Despite the touristic boom of recent years there are still a few secret places worth exploring in this city. There’s plenty of history, nature and breathtaking views: let us look into 5 secret places to visit in Porto!

 

Discover our guided tour in Porto and customized with this 5 secret places: Porto Culture and History walking Tour

 

Centro Português de Fotografia

 

Visiting the Portuguese Photography Center is like a two for the price of one kind of opportunity. On the one hand you have the architecture and history of a building from the 18th century that served as a prison until 1974. On the other hand you have a rare collection of photographic cameras, spanning more than 150 years.

This stern looking building held prisioners from all walks of life, rich and poor, men, women and minors. Portuguese 19th century author, Camilo Castelo Branco, and Zé do Telhado (a kind of local Robin Hood) were among the famous inmates of this prison. The museum also holds a series of temporary exhibitions whithin the scope of photography while having a specialized library and a shop.

 

Jardim e Passeio das Virtudes

 

Located in Porto’s historic center, Jardim das Virtudes is one of the city’s secret places. From this garden we have a magnificent view over the Douro river and the imposing Customs House (Alfândega do Porto). One of the things that make this garden so special is the fact that it is spread over terraces along the street, so it’s actually a vertical garden of sorts. Here you’ll find a public fountain from the 17^th century, which also happens to be a national monument. Nature lovers will appreciate the fact that this garden is home to the largest ginkgo biloba tree in the country, measuring about 35 meters.

 

Casa do Infante

 

One of the oldest buildings in the city of Porto, Casa do Infante dates back to the 14th century. It was built by royal decree where a Roman villa used to stand and over time it has served several functions, including that of customs house. It is believed to have been the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator, who played a major role in the Portuguese maritime discoveries. The building is now home to a museum, a library, the city’s historical archive and an interpretation center. The latter focuses on Henry the Navigator’s iconography up until now and on the crucial milestones in the Portuguese maritime discoveries, highlighting the role of the city and of the people of Porto. Visitors can also learn about the Roman occupation, the royal customs house and the Casa da Moeda, (or mint), which began operating in 1369.

 

Farolim de Felgueiras

 

Get your camera ready and prepare to boost your social media! This beacon may be old and no longer functioning but it still works its charm. Built in the second half of the 19th century and located at the mouth of the Douro river this site is a local favourite, no matter the time of the year. Allowing for scenic views over the sea, this highly photogenic beacon is especially sought after at sunset and when the sea is rough, with huge waves splashing against it.

Miradouro da Bandeirinha da Saúde

 

Tucked away between two places full of history this low-key viewpoint has its own share of historical importance. Near the building of Alfândega do Porto and the so called Palace of the Mermaids (Palácio das Sereias), where Jewish quarters used to be, there hides this secret little spot. The viewpoint of Banderinha da Saúde (literally, “little flag of health”) got its name from the granite pyramid where a flag would be hoist, indicating the docking limit in times of plague: everyone in the ships would have to undergo a medical check up before being allowed to continue their journey up river. From here you get a stunning perspective of the Douro, the houses and the city of Gaia, just across the river.