So
this year’s field trip was in Porto, some city in Portugal. The trip to
Copenhagen last year was super backlogged, but while Porto’s memories are still
fresh in mind, I shall update Porto first and then Copenhagen when I have the
time.
To
be honest, I wasn’t expecting much from this trip cuz I have been travelling
Europe during the summer, covering 4 countries and 5 cities so… I kinda had low
expectation for this field trip and I haven’t heard much about Porto to begin
with. But when I was there, the first day had already proven me wrong! Turns
out that it happened to be the best trip of my life! (for now).
Apparently
there’s so much to see and do, and I think spending a week there was just nice
to cover everything while relaxing as well. The city just gives out a very local,
colourful and lively vibe, doesn’t even feel like a typical European country. When
one of my ex-colleague told me that Porto was one of his favourite city, I was skeptical
at first, but now I totally agree with him on this page. So I have listed down some of my favourite places of this city, sharing out some love to whoever is keen to give this city a try!
SHOPPING STREET (Rua de Cedofeita and Rua Santa Catarina)
MAJESTIC CAFE
Apparently this cafe is where J.K Rowling sipping some tea while drafting Harry Potter or some sort. This cafe is unbelievably packed during any time of the day, so couldn't even give it a try and considering the outlook of the cafe and the services, assuming that the price won't be cheap.
Click here for more info.
Passed by a gelato shop - Amorino Porto along the way while heading towards the Majestic Cafe. I've tried rose ice-creams for a few times now, but this is the best one yet. This was so good I had this twice in two days, the flavour was so good and on point.
LIVRARIA LELLO
This bookstore is a MUST visit! Had to pay 3-4 euros for entrance fee though, but what's there to lose when Harry Potter's inspired staircase is just right in front of your eyes? This iconic red staircase was the main highlight of the bookstore, and considering its 110 years old (and cantilevered), I'm kinda impressed of the whole design and structure of the stairs. They have some good amount of books in there, so book lovers can go have a look.
FONTE DOS LEOES
Stumbled upon this fountain while waiting for friends who are still so engrossed with the bookstore. A pretty nice spot to just chill and enjoy the view. University of Porto is located just right in front of this fountain. What caught my attention though, was the view of the church behind, Igreja do Carmo. The blue tiles are just so eye-catching, probably can't get anywhere else in the world (or I might be wrong). The architecture here just felt so authentic and different, very local feel.
PRACA DE LISBOA
I'm not really sure if this is a tourist spot? But whatever it is, this place is worth checking out, especially for anybody who is interested in architecture. This building is just located across the bookstore and I think its pretty cool, just because I like how it merges with the slopes, and accommodating an underground car park, a commercial area on the ground floor and a green roof with a pub on top called BASE with some pretty good playlist.
Stumbled upon this empty land that has this magnificent view of the city.
One of the MUST visit churches. I've visited too many churches during my summer trip, so this one is out for me. But I did have a peek of the interior and it was so delicate and intricate, and later when I was finding for my friends and step out of the entrance, to only find out that I actually had to pay for entrance fee (less than 5 euros). So in the end I didn't go for it, but my friend did and he said it was worth the visit, so yeah give this a try.
HARD CLUB
We checked this building out just because it was so outstanding in red, and we needed to use the toilet. Apparently it was a club inside there and we didn't knew it? There was also a hipster restaurant in there. There were seats at the main hall, so we basically just chilled for an hour or so because our legs were breaking. Porto roads are basically just slopes and hills everywhere, super tiring but good exercise!
DOM LUIS I BRIDGE
Thought this was the bridge that Gustave Eiffel build but it's not. There were 3 consecutive bridges at sight but figured it was too far to walk so we just explored this. And this was the most famous one among the three. You can get a pretty good view of the port, river and city view all together (probably the best view of the city in my opinion, just because of the nature included)
Building by Rem Koolhaas. A MUST VISIT for all architecture students! It's a major concert hall space but the interior....super mind blown! Had to pay 3 euros for the tour (not sure if this is subsidized price for students or the uni). We went there on a rainy day, super rainy day so couldn't get much shot of the building. The tour was so fast, and because there were a good number of us, didn't manage to capture a lot of good details cuz they were waiting for us to lock some of the rooms.
Mad in love with their way-finding signage and choice of lighting, something I won't get to see often back home.
JARDINS DO PALACIO DE CRYSTAL
I think its a multipurpose building since it hosts all sorts of events. There's a pretty maze garden somewhere inside and also a spectacular view of the city.
SAO BENTO RAILWAY STATION
Got the first image off the internet because I didn't capture any. Super interesting interior and also super packed with people because it's the main train station.
IGREJA SAINT ILDEFONSO
Very lively place especially the night, and to-go place for food! It's by the river with street musicians and performers, packed with eateries so there's plenty of choices to choose from. Have been dining there almost every single night. Heads up, the Port Wine is a MUST TRY in Porto!
If there's one thing to choose that I hate about this city, is THIS STAIRS. Clearly from all the images we can conclude that the topography in Porto are all hills and slopes, so if we're going down hill means we have to climb back up at some point. And I have climbed this particular stairs every time we ate at the port.
IGREJA DA SERRA DO PILLAR
There's a church on top, but we climbed up the fort just to see the city view. Come to think of it, I think this whole city is just very picturesque, you can literally see the city view just right about anywhere due to the topography. And you don't even need any effort to have those pretty pictures at all!
CABLE CAR
Like I said, if we are up or down, at some point we have to go back up or down. So this is right after we crossed the bridge, you can take the cable car down. Paid for about less than 5 euros per trip down? and you also get a free glass of port wine.
One of the days where we had to go site visits. Doing some site sketching.
PISCINA DAS MARES
Highly raved natural swimming pool and sea side. Spent two evenings here, and the view is just too beautiful with the sunset. The pool was closed since it was off season, and apparently it was a private property as well so we don't get to swim in there. But, chilling by the seaside is just the perfect thing to do. I would say, probably the highlight of the whole trip in my opinion!
No filtering or editing needed, the colour of the sky just do its justice. Pictures were taken from two camera, so mind the quality.
EXPLORING THE LOCALS
I'm pretty sure there are loads of other tourist areas that I've missed or left out. But since this is a field trip, most of our visited areas are buildings and for study related. All in all, I would highly recommend visiting Porto. Mad in love with this place and would love to go back again someday.
I guess this sums up the whole trip. So, tell me how can you not fall in love with Porto?
Obrigado, Porto! Thanks for the memories, you've been lovely.
xx