MUSEUMS
Galeria Presença
Galeria Presença is situated along the famously stylish Rua De Miguel Bombarda, a street renowned for its artistic activity. Dedicated to promoting contemporary artists from both Portugal and abroad, the gallery holds regular events as well as group/solo exhibitions.
Gallery Sao Mamede
Founded in the sixties by Francisco Pereira Coutinho, Sao Mamede Art Gallery was conceived in a particularly turbulent political time; a decade in which Portugal was engaged in numerous conflicts with former colonies. Francisco Pereira Coutinho felt it necessary to approach these times through visual art and has embraced contemporary Portuguese art ever since. He manages three galleries in total, located in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.
Galeria Nuno Centeno
Galeria Nuno Centeno began in numerous different forms, but now resides as a contemporary art gallery which represents and develops emerging and established artists. The gallery works with a cocktail of Portuguese artists and international artists exploring a range of media which has advanced the contemporary art scene within Porto.
Gallery Hostel
Gallery Hostel is brimming with character as it playfully combines a hotel with an art gallery. This amalgamation unites areas of style, design and artistic integrity as well as introducing tourists to Porto’s cultural scene. The gallery provides bi-monthly exhibitions and other artistic events.
Ap’arte Art Gallery
This contemporary art gallery focuses on maintaining a stable and supportive environment for emerging artists by representing them in art fairs, biennials, competitions and exhibiting them within their permanent exhibition space. The gallery embraces all contemporary art disciplines such as painting, sculpture, photography and new media.
Ó! Gallery
Ó! Gallery focuses principally on highlighting the skill, passion and artistic magnitude of illustrators from Portugal. The space displays illustrations, drawings, books, ‘zines and author pieces relating to this artistic language.
MARKETS
Porto Belo Market
The Porto Belo Market is your one-stop shop for antiques, records, classic books, unique antique furniture, and all kinds of homemade treats and sweets freshly made. Located in the romantic district of Cedofeita, this Porto Market is near main attractions like the Lello bookstore and the Clerigos Tower. It could be a great way to kickstart the morning with your local host then venture elsewhere through the city. Come enjoy a Saturday afternoon full of treasure hunting and live music performances!
Vandoma Flea Market
The Vandoma Flea Market in Porto is one of the most beloved markets in the city and in here you’ll find an assortment of vinyls, used clothing and all kinds of knick knacks! Held every Saturday from 8am-1pm, this outdoor market started decades ago as a place for students to sell their used books. It’s grown enormously ever since! So if you are in town during the weekend, plan a visit and see if you can find a hidden gem in between all the treasures! You can rely on your local host to show you a thing or two on how to barter well in Portugal.
Urban Market
The Urban Market in Porto is a little different than your typical market, as it has more of an urban, contemporary feel. The jewellery, clothing and home decor is all of urban design and this would be your source for modern additions to your home or closet. Check out the cool services available here as well, like Shiatsu massages and a hair cutting salon! The Urban Market takes place either at Praça das Cardosas or at the Hard Club so it’s sometimes outdoor and other times inside during rainier months. But thanks to the help of a local, you’ll know exactly what to expect and when.
The Numismatics, Philately and Collections’ Fair
If collecting coins and precious items of that kind is your thing, you may find the best souvenirs at the Numismatics, Philately and Collections’ Fair. Find old coins of incredible worth as well as medallions and antique stamps up for sale by local vendors who know their stuff. They come in excellent condition so it could easily be something you’ll cherish for many generations. Your local host may be able to inform you of the cultural heritage behind some of the rustic currency. This is a passionate collector’s dream!
Mercado Bolhao
Compared to other European destinations like Barcelona or Paris, Porto doesn’t have a lot of farmer’s markets. Luckily they have the Mercado Bolhao, which is enough to satisfy any visitor in search for fresh produce, cheese, cured meats, fish and more. This market has many vendor stalls that you’ll easily be able compare prices and get the best bang for your buck. It can be a great place to grab breakfast or lunch and you’ll see fresh fish caught earlier in the morning now up for sale- that’s how fresh the produce and meat at this market in Porto is!
PARKS
Crystal Palace Gardens
When it comes to green spaces in Porto, the Crystal Palace Gardens are the top-of-the-range choice for tourists who want to search out in depth the green heart of the city.
Cordoaria Garden
The Cordoaria Garden is located in the vicinity of some of the top attractions of Porto, such as the Clerigos Tower (and the adjoining church), the Portuguese Center of Photography and the historical Santo Antonio Hospital.
Porto Botanical Garden
The Porto Botanical Garden might not be the most spectacular green space in Porto, yet it might just as well be visited by holidaymakers of Porto.
Nova Sintra Park
Located a short walk from the Military Museum of Porto, the Nova Sintra Park is one of the largest green spaces in Porto, stretching on a surface of 68,500 square metres.
Sao Roque Park
The Sao Roque Park opened to the pubic in 1979, standing out as one of the most important and most popular green spaces on the east side of Porto.
Quinta do Covelo
Quinta do Covelo stretches on a surface of 8 hectares in north Porto, and it is one of the liveliest parks in the city.
East City Park
Filling a surface of 10 hectares, the East City Park of Porto is one of the largest urban parks in Porto and Portugal alike.
