{"id":10025,"date":"2023-12-12T09:21:49","date_gmt":"2023-12-12T09:21:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/?p=10025"},"modified":"2024-01-19T22:02:19","modified_gmt":"2024-01-19T22:02:19","slug":"porto-sights","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/porto-sights\/","title":{"rendered":"Discovering Porto&#8217;s Best-Kept Secrets with Travel Director Kristy"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<p>Located in the picturesque Douro Valley, famed for its port wine, Porto is fast becoming one of Portugal\u2019s most desired destinations. While the most recognisable Porto sights are indeed impressive, beyond the well-trodden paths there are many tucked-away treasures that define the city&#8217;s unique character, history and vibe.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"legacy-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/cd8af66a-1e3a-48ba-8574-185763121e81-2-1.jpg\" alt=\"post image\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Travel Director Kristy is such a fan of Porto she has made the city her home. This week\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/insightful.insightvacations.com\/?_ga=2.120829633.833191790.1700560532-1514804150.1678569802\">Insightful destination expert<\/a> she shares with us some of the city\u2019s best kept secrets which, when coupled with Porto\u2019s\u2019 sights, will see you rubbing shoulders with the locals and making your visit all the more special.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<p><strong>For travel inspiration: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/destinations\/europe\/portugal\">Portugal destination guide<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Port&#039;s Connection to Porto with Travel Director Kristy\ud83c\udf77\" width=\"1080\" height=\"608\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nR7xux59SpE?feature=oembed\"  allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<h3 class=\"legacy-post-title\">A city to fall in love with<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<p>One of the most unique Porto sights, the city is often recognized for its azulejo-covered buildings. Most of these blue and white decorative tiles are centuries old and depict religious events, stories of Portuguese exploration, historic battles and daily life. Some of the most famous ones in the city you can see for free in the Sao Bento train station.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPorto is both architecturally and visually stunning,\u201d says Kristy. \u201cThe city is really finding itself as a tourist destination, so it\u2019s on people&#8217;s radar like it&#8217;s never really been in the past.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;The city is perhaps most famous for Port wine. This famous drink is produced only here in the Douro Valley, the oldest wine-growing region in the world.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe people are lovely, and the cost of living is generous. So, when visiting you can really embrace the spirit of the city and enjoy what it has to offer. It\u2019s a great location for a city break.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>If you like wine, you will enjoy reading: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/portugals-oldest-wine\/\">Bottled history: the enduring legacy of Portugal\u2019s oldest wine<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\"><a href=\"https:\/\/insightful.insightvacations.com\/?_ga=2.120829633.833191790.1700560532-1514804150.1678569802|||\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"legacy-anemos-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IV-BLOG-BANNER-PORTO.png\" alt=\"image\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<h3 class=\"legacy-post-title\">Iconic Porto sights and best kept secrets<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<p>\u201cThree of the main Porto sights, alongside the aforementioned train station, are the cathedral, the bridge and the port houses,\u201d says Kristy.<\/p>\n<p>An architectural icon, the Dom Lu\u00eds I Bridge spans the Douro River, connecting the two sides of the city: Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. Porto&#8217;s famous port houses (wine cellars) line the riverside in Vila Nova de Gaia, showcase the city&#8217;s viticultural legacy via world renowned brands like Sandeman. And in Porto city center, the 12th century cathedral offers a blend of intricate architecture and panoramic views.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou should definitely spend time exploring all of these,\u201d she continues. \u201cHowever, alongside the iconic landmarks, Porto has many other delights in store, often known only to locals.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>You may be interested to read:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/insight-vacations-perfect-porto-trip\/\"> Planning the perfect Porto trip: unmissable sights and museums<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"legacy-post-image alignnone\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Large-General-view-of-Douro-river-and-city-of-Oporto-al-sunset-Porto-Oporto-Portugal-504843424-1.jpg\" alt=\"post image\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333333; font-size: 22px;\">A fun city, made for walking<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<p>\u201cPorto is a city that very much encourages walking over driving,\u201d Kristy tells us. \u201cA lot of areas are pedestrianized and there is a tram system that is currently being extended, connecting downtown to the main suburbs. So, it is easy to get about without a car to see the Porto sights and keep an eye on clocking up those emissions. The city also has a small ferry shuttle to get from Porto to Gaia across the river.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>You may also be interested to read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/2024-resolutions-sustainability-specialist\/\">My 2024 travel resolutions, by sustainability expert Shannon Guihan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<h3 class=\"legacy-post-title\">Enjoy a spectacular light show at Cl\u00e9rigos Church<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cOne of the things I think is really cool and is not really know to visitors is a stunning immersive light show at the famous Cl\u00e9rigos Church, one of the grandest of Porto\u2019s sights.\u201d says Kristy. \u201cIt is something a bit different that will really appeal to the curious more sophisticated traveler.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<p>\u201cPorto has a fantastic nightlife scene, with excellent food, great bars and so forth. But that&#8217;s not always everyone&#8217;s cup of tea. In terms of alternative nighttime sightseeing, at first glance everything seems closed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHowever, what may people do not expect is that inside the Cl\u00e9rigos Church, by night, they hold a spectacular 30-minute show. Called \u2018Spiritus,\u2019 lights and lasers bump and dance off the architecture and the paintings. Music echoes off the church\u2019s arcades. According to the show\u2019s creator \u201cthe best way to travel is to feel\u201d and I love this sentiment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI also love that it is such a rewarding and renewable experience, a real opportunity to \u2018take only memories, leave only footprints.\u2019\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong>Bookmark for later: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/travel-to-portugal-with-insight\/\">All the ways you\u2019ll experience the Insight difference when you travel to Portugal<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"legacy-anemos-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Large-Meadow-Cork-Trees-Evora-Alentejo-Portugal-1296207023-1.jpg\" alt=\"The cork trees for which Portugal is famous.\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<h3 class=\"legacy-post-title\">For the souvenir you never knew you wanted<\/h3>\n<p>\u201cIf you want to buy something from Porto, but you don&#8217;t know what you want, there\u2019s a fantastic shop downtown called \u2018Almada\u2019 which is located at Rua do Almada 13,\u201d Kristy tells us. \u201cIt&#8217;s the type of shop that has an eclectic mix of one of everything and something for everyone.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cTo the unknown eye, it just looks like a regular shop front, but when you go in it just gets bigger and bigger. You can buy clothing, local handmade jewelry, books and toys. It&#8217;s impossible to leave empty handed.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey&#8217;ve also got a spectacular array of cork products; you&#8217;d be surprised what you can buy! I have a cork umbrella; I even have cork shoes.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Portugal accounts for just over half of the world&#8217;s cork output, producing 157,000 tones annually. Cork is made from the bark of the cork oak, which is the predominant tree species in the country.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You might also enjoy reading: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/spotlight-on-evora\/\">The chapels of blue tiles and 5,000 bones: a spotlight on Evora<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"legacy-post-title\">Picnic on Portuguese cheese in City Park<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<p>\u201cWorld renowned for its port wine, what many people do not know is that Portugal also produces some delicious cheese, mostly soft, goat or sheep cheese\u201d says Kristy. One of the most famous and distinctive varieties is the \u2018Queijo da Serra\u2019, which made with sheep milk from the heart of Portugal.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere&#8217;s an excellent place, Queijaria, that literally translates as the cheese factory. This store sells all local cheeses, and they also have local meats and wines. It\u2019s perfect to stock up for an authentic picnic. Then head over to City Park on the outskirts of Porto for a great relaxing break from the city bustle.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cPorto has a large City Park right on the outskirts which goes almost all the way to the beaches,\u201d she tells us. \u201cIt\u2019s one of the well known Porto sights by name, but not a lot of visitors go there, and you should. You can sit and have lunch in a gazebo, or you can admire the little international gardens.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>To tempt the taste buds even further, read: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/10-traditional-portuguese-foods\/\">10 must-have traditional Portuguese foods to try on your next trip<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\"><a href=\"https:\/\/insightful.insightvacations.com\/?_ga=2.146094388.1830506026.1701684142-1514804150.1678569802&amp;_gac=1.124568952.1700894536.CjwKCAiAsIGrBhAAEiwAEzMlC_rFLYNKqYR48zGkx8DQbN5dK0kTwO98Y1BsrUbMIMXxqyZpiEn7pRoCNswQAvD_BwE|||\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"legacy-anemos-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/IV-BLOG-BANNER-GENERIC.png\" alt=\"image\" \/><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<h3 class=\"legacy-post-title\">Talk a walk through the past in Miragaia neighborhood<\/h3>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<p>\u201cThere are still some places in Porto that take you back in history, showing how things used to be,\u201d Kristy says. \u201cThe neighborhood of Miragaia is one such place, just a short walk from downtown Porto and full of olde world charm.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe streets are quiet, the ladies are hanging laundry from their balcony and there&#8217;s men sitting in the park, chatting or playing cards. On Sundays, all of the restaurants are packed with huge extended families enjoying long, leisurely lunches, which is such an important part of Portuguese culture.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHere you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019ve gone back in time and get a taste of how Portuguese life used to be.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"legacy-post-image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Large-Girl-walking-in-Porto-azulejos-wall-in-background-1136401968-1.jpg\" alt=\"post image\" \/><\/p>\n<p>You may also enjoy: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/best-of-spain-portugal\/\">9 reasons why Best of Spain &amp; Portugal is a simply unmissable tour<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<h3 class=\"legacy-post-title\">Enjoy a very sustainable seafood experience<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<p>\u201cThe seafood section of the Matosinhos Municipal is huge and always busy with locals, and the restaurants around the outside are a must visit.\u201d Kristy tells us. \u201cHere you can enjoy a very unique, and sustainable, dining experience,\u201d<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe suburb of Matosinhos is not downtown &#8211; but a seaside suburb with its own \u2018small town within a big city\u2019 kind of charm. About a 30 minute tram ride from the centre, it shows up on most guide books for its seafood and there are plenty of amazing and famous restaurants, but the market is such a cool and local way to do it.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWhat&#8217;s different is that these restaurants work together with the market. You tell the restaurant what you want, such as white fish, sea bream or salmon for example. They\u2019ll then take you to the market, walk around the vendors with you to pick your fish. Then you take it back to the restaurant and they cook it for you.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cNot only fresh and delicious, its sustainable in that you cut out the middleman and there\u2019s no food waste. And if you don\u2019t know what you want, they&#8217;re experts and will help you choose. Everyone&#8217;s a winner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<div class=\"legacy-blog-column\">\n<p>To discover the well-known and secret Porto sights for yourself, take a look at our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/en-eu\/destinations\/europe\/portugal\">collection of premium tours<\/a>. Don\u2019t forget to play our <a href=\"https:\/\/insightful.insightvacations.com\/?_ga=2.120829633.833191790.1700560532-1514804150.1678569802\">Insightful Travel Trivia game<\/a>, test your knowledge for the chance to win great travel prizes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Located in the picturesque Douro Valley, famed for its port wine, Porto is fast becoming one of Portugal\u2019s most desired destinations. While the most recognisable Porto sights are indeed impressive, beyond the well-trodden paths there are many tucked-away treasures that define the city&#8217;s unique character, history and vibe. Travel Director Kristy is such a fan [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42,"featured_media":874403,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1166,1826,1148],"tags":[65,551,1568,1136,162,620,1240],"class_list":["post-10025","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-europe","category-experts-insiders","category-travel","tag-destinations","tag-history","tag-insightful-travel-trivia","tag-porto","tag-portugal","tag-sustainability","tag-travel-director"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.2 (Yoast SEO v27.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Discovering Porto&#039;s Best-Kept Secrets with Travel Director Kristy<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Beyond the impressive Porto sights lie many tucked-away treasures. Discover how these define the city&#039;s unique character, history and vibe.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/porto-sights\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Discovering Porto&#039;s Best-Kept Secrets with Travel Director Kristy\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Beyond the impressive Porto sights lie many tucked-away treasures. Discover how these define the city&#039;s unique character, history and vibe.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/porto-sights\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Insight Vacations\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-12-12T09:21:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2024-01-19T22:02:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/Large-Porto-Portugal-River-View-937375722-2-1.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1281\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Leanne Williams\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:title\" content=\"Discovering Porto&#039;s Best-Kept Secrets with Travel Director Kristy\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:description\" content=\"Beyond the impressive Porto sights lie many tucked-away treasures. Discover how these define the city&#039;s unique character, history and vibe.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Leanne Williams\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.insightvacations.com\\\/blog\\\/porto-sights\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.insightvacations.com\\\/blog\\\/porto-sights\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Leanne Williams\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.insightvacations.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/8bfc025a2a102842518b14da71ba537f\"},\"headline\":\"Discovering Porto&#8217;s Best-Kept Secrets with Travel Director Kristy\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-12-12T09:21:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-01-19T22:02:19+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.insightvacations.com\\\/blog\\\/porto-sights\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1529,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.insightvacations.com\\\/blog\\\/porto-sights\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.insightvacations.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/Large-Porto-Portugal-River-View-937375722-2-1.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Destinations\",\"History\",\"Insightful travel trivia\",\"Porto\",\"Portugal\",\"Sustainability\",\"Travel Director\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Europe\",\"Experts &amp; Insiders\",\"Travel\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.insightvacations.com\\\/blog\\\/porto-sights\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.insightvacations.com\\\/blog\\\/porto-sights\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.insightvacations.com\\\/blog\\\/porto-sights\\\/\",\"name\":\"Discovering Porto's Best-Kept Secrets with Travel Director Kristy\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.insightvacations.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.insightvacations.com\\\/blog\\\/porto-sights\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.insightvacations.com\\\/blog\\\/porto-sights\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.insightvacations.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2023\\\/12\\\/Large-Porto-Portugal-River-View-937375722-2-1.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-12-12T09:21:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2024-01-19T22:02:19+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.insightvacations.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/8bfc025a2a102842518b14da71ba537f\"},\"description\":\"Beyond the impressive Porto sights lie many tucked-away treasures. 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