SD › Porto › Boutique Hotels › Rosa Et Al Townhouse Review
Updated: April 16, 2021
By Santorini Dave
Essentials
• Location: Rua do Rosário.
• Hotel website: rosaetal.com
• Hotel phone: +351 916 000 081
• Check prices on Booking.com
This boutique hotel features 7 elegant rooms which are spacious and luxurious, all with bathtubs, a great restaurant, and an inviting garden.
Rosa Et Al Townhouse – Edgy architecture meets tranquil retreat in arty Cedofeita.
Occupying a revamped early twentieth-century townhouse in the heart of Porto’s arts district, this seven-room hotel is as boutique as it gets. Expect personalized service, suites featuring neutral colors and Portuguese design, a tranquil garden to relax in, and in-room spa services to help unwind. The informal on-site restaurant serves some of the best brunches in the city, plus club-style dinners, and wine tastings and yoga retreats are also on the menu. The hotel is an easy walk from most of Porto’s main attractions, and the staff is on hand to help with recommendations.
See Also
Rosa Et Al Townhouse – Location
- Address: Rua do Rosário, 233.
- Area: The hotel is located on a relatively quiet street in arty Cedofeita which is lined with tiled historic buildings, and with independent boutiques and eateries dotting the nearby streets. There are several appealing green spaces in the neighborhood, and it’s a very walkable part of town, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars a short walk east on Rua das Oliveiras and Rua do Almada in particular. The majority of the city’s attractions are within 4-20 minutes’ walk, and the winding lanes of Ribeira and Mirigaia are a 15-minute stroll away, as is the São Bento train station.
- Nearest Metro: Lapa (1 km).
- How to Get There: From the airport, the 602 bus (€2.70) runs directly to the Maternidade stop, a block (100m) from the hotel, and takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, take the metro (purple line E) and ride for 15 stops to the Trindade stop (1.5 km). The journey costs €2. If coming by long-distance intercity train, from the main Campanhã train station take the local train to São Bento station in downtown Porto. From here, the hotel is around 17 minutes’ walk (1.5 km) northwest along the Rua dos Clérigos, Rua do Carmo, Rua Dr T Almeida, and Rua do Rosário (or a short taxi ride). Alternatively, take the 100 Rumos airport shuttle door-to-door from the airport (from €12 one way), or a taxi (13 km).
- Private Transfer: We use and recommend Welcome Pickups car service. Booking through a private car service will cost only a bit more than a taxi – about €25 from Porto International Airport – but can be worth it to avoid the long taxi queue and for the convenience of paying ahead.
- Handy to: Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, Livraria Lello, Jardins do Palácio de Cristal.
Rosa Et Al Townhouse – The Basics
- Ages: This is mostly an adult hotel, with an emphasis on wellness retreats, wine, etc. Most guests tend to be city breakers – either couples or solo travelers. Babies and older children can be accommodated.
- View: Of the 7 suites, 3 (King Garden I, King Garden II, and King Garden III) overlook the garden. The King Garden Pavilion is located in the garden itself, while the 3 smaller suites (Club, Queen Deluxe City, and Queen Deluxe City Heritage) have street views.
- Private Pools/Jacuzzis: No private pools/jacuzzis.
- Laundry: In-room laundry service available at extra charge (Monday to Friday).
- Parking: Two nearby street parking spots available (€20 per day); reserve in advance.
- Extras: Complimentary Fonseca tawny port in the room, pillow menu on request, bicycle rental, large and tranquil garden, and an on-site shop selling Douro valley wine, port wine, and books on art and architecture.
- Activities: Wine/port wine tastings arranged on request. The hotel arranges multi-day retreats, depending on interests – yoga and meditation retreats, plus workshops, classes, healthy meals, etc.
- When to Book: Reserve around 6 months in advance for the high season (May-July & September) as well Christmas/New Year. For the rest of the year, it’s still a good idea to book a few weeks in advance.
- How to Book: Booking.com will have the best rates.
- Phone: +351 916 000 081
- Email: info@rosaetal.pt
- Website: rosaetal.com
Rosa Et Al Townhouse – Amenities
- Pool: No pool.
- Spa: No spa, but in-room aromatherapy treatments and deep-tissue massages available.
- Fitness Center: No fitness center.
- For Disabled Guests: One room is suitable for disabled guests and comes with a ramp.
- For Families: Baby cots cost €30, while extra beds cost €75.
Rosa Et Al Townhouse – Food and Drink
- Restaurant: There isn’t a formal on-site restaurant, but the hotel holds evening supper clubs on demand – intimate multi-course dinners (€50 per person) with wine pairings (€20 per person). $$$. • There is also the 5 o’clock tea tradition (recreated between 8am and 6pm), with guests and non-guests choosing from a vast selection of loose-leaf teas, along with scones, pancakes, and French toast. Book ahead. $$.
- Lounge/Bar: There’s an on-site bar, serving everything from local wine and cocktails to herbal teas. Open all day. 18+.
- Breakfast: Not complimentary. The hotel is locally renowned for its brunch; it costs €15 per person and includes freshly-baked pastries, cereal, fruit, local breads, excellent coffee, egg dishes cooked to order, and more. Weekend brunch offers extras and costs €20-25. Served between 9am and 4pm in the garden-facing dining area.
- Room Service: Food available during restaurant hours and drinks available around the clock.
Rosa Et Al Townhouse – Rooms
- Room Types: Deluxe Double or Twin with Garden View • Suite • Deluxe Suite • Superior Suite
- Smoking Rooms: Rosa Et Al Townhouse is 100% smoke-free.
- Best Room: All rooms are different, so it depends on personal preference. One of the 3 King suites, the Garden III penthouse suite on the 3rd floor comes with a balcony overlooking the garden, extra-high ceilings, and plenty of natural light. The other 2 garden-facing King suites have either a terrace or a balcony as well, but the view is less lofty. Also on the 3rd floor, the Club Suite is another spacious penthouse suite, filled with objects from the owners’ travels and an open-plan bathroom with a free-standing bath (not for shy guests). In the garden itself, the spacious Suite Garden Pavilion comes with a tranquil private patio surrounded by a riot of plants.
- For Families: No family rooms per se, but all rooms can accommodate a baby cot and the King Garden III suite and the Suite Garden Pavilion can accommodate an extra bed and up to 3 people each.
Rosa Et Al Townhouse – Local Transport
- Walking: Central Porto is wonderfully walkable (and likely to strengthen calf muscles after walking up and down the hilly streets of Ribeira, Mirigaia, and Baixa/Sé neighborhoods). Arty Cedofeita, where the hotel is located, is mostly flat. Many of Porto’s attractions are within a 4 to 20-minute walking radius from the hotel, as are numerous restaurants and bars. Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis is a 6-minute walk (500m) from the hotel, while the Jardins do Palácio de Cristal is a 7-minute stroll (600m), and the Lello bookstore is an 11-minute walk (800m). Attractions further out can be reached by metro and tram.
- Taxis, Uber: Taxis from the airport cost around €20-29. Taxi prices around town are high (around €6-8 for a short ride), and most visitors won’t use them much as the city is very walkable. Tipping is not required. It’s worth downloading the handy Taxi-Link, Bolt, or Free Now apps if using taxis. Uber is also available in Porto and is slightly cheaper than official taxis.
- Metro: Porto is well-covered by a network of 6 metro lines. It’s a cheap and handy way of getting to/from the airport (€2.45 one way) and from downtown Porto to some attractions further out – from São Bento (1.5 km) to Casa do Música, or from São Bento to Jardim do Morro (for the south bank of the Douro and port wine lodges), for example.
- Tram: There are 3 tram lines. The scenic Tram Linha 1 (Infante–Passeio Alegre) runs from Ribeira in downtown Porto to the beaches and parks of Foz de Douro along the waterfront. Tram Linha 18 runs from Museo do Carro Eléctrico on the waterfront, through Miragaia, and up to the Universidade do Porto in Baixa, where it intersects with Tram Linha 22, looping through the historic center from the top of the funicular. Tram rides cost €3.50 one-way and €6 return.
- Cable car: The Teleférico de Gaia swoops up from the Vila Nova da Gaia waterfront on the south bank of the Douro to the south end of Luís I bridge that connects to Ribeira in downtown Porto. It costs €6 one-way and €9 return. 30 minutes by public transport (3 km).
- Funicular: The Funicular dos Guindais (€2.50 one-way) runs from the base of the Luís I bridge in Ribeira up the steep hill to Batalha, from where it is possible to cross the very top of the bridge to Vila Nova da Gaia. Helps avoid the thorough workout of climbing up. 20 minutes by public transport (2 km).
Rosa Et Al Townhouse – What’s Nearby?
Recommended Nearby Tours
- Taste Porto – Long-established downtown Porto food tours, ranging from craft beer and food to vintage food tours with sampling of Porto’s specialties. They also do an engaging 3.5-hour walking tour of downtown that takes in the popular landmarks. Starting points vary, depending on the tour.
- The Worst Tours – Don’t be put off by the name. These are offbeat walking tours run by a trio of local architects who love to share Porto’s secrets, politics, traditional trades, and much more. Tours last 3-4 hours and the guides can tailor them according to individual interests. Price and starting points vary.
- The Other Side – Knowledgeable guides arrange a range of local experiences, from taking a Six Bridges cruise on the Douro followed by port wine tasting, to catching a fado show, and full-day trips out into the Douro Valley to visit vineyards and taste local wines. Walking tours of the historic center also available. Starting points vary.
- Be My Guest in Porto – Wonderful private and small group tours run by 2 passionate local guides. Choose from gastronomy workshops, wine drinking, themed walking tours dedicated to belle époque architecture and urban art, and much more. Starting points vary.
- Xtreme Jet Boat River Safari – Speed and adrenalin-filled rides on the Douro River – a high-octane take on the Six Bridges cruise. Start location: waterfront off Cais de Estiva. 20-minute walk (1.5 km).
Best Nearby Restaurants
- Oficina – This former mechanic’s garage has been transformed into a minimalist restaurant that presents diners with playful, contemporary takes on traditional Portuguese dishes. Elegant ambience; bring a date. Book ahead. (150m).
- Frida – Head for this authentic Mexican place for tacos al pastor, pozole (hearty soup), quesadillas with cuitlacoche (corn fungus), ceviche and more, and wash them down with margaritas and daiquiris as big as a person’s head. Popular with groups, wallet-friendly. (250m).
- O Afonso – One of Porto’s passions is the francesinha (meat sandwich), and this is one of the best places for it according to many locals. Come hungry, because it’s a doorstop of a sandwich, covered in special sauce whose recipe is closely guarded. (350m).
- Museu d’Avo – ‘Grandmother’s Museum’ is a treasure trove of a bar/late night restaurant, filled with all sorts of fascinating knick-knacks and feeding night owls bowls of caldo verde (potato and collard green soup) and bifana (chunky pork sandwiches) to help absorb the drinks. (1 km).
- MUU – Outstanding cuts of Black Angus beef seared to personal specifications and served against a backdrop of pared-down industrial decor. Some of the steaks are big enough for 2 people, and there are some robust red wines on the menu to help wash them down. (1 km).
- Hamburgueria DeGema – One of Porto’s best gourmet hamburger joints with quirky decor and some inspired topping combos. The Chimichurri and the Ganda Morfes are classics, plus there’s a couple of vegan options and even artisanal ice cream. (1 km).
- Elemento – One of Porto’s most creative fine dining venues, with the menu changing daily or weekly depending on ingredients available from small local producers. Everything – bone marrow, octopus, sea bass, etc. – is cooked over coals or on a customized grill. Perch at the marble counter and watch the chefs at work or opt for more intimate dining. Well worth a splurge; prepare to be wowed. (1 km).
- DOP – One of Porto’s top fine dining options, with a superb wine list. Choose between the elegant dining room and the terrace, and opt for creative, seasonal dishes made from local ingredients – either the tasting menus or a la carte. Dishes may include veal cheek with mushrooms, octopus carpaccio, and seafood rice for 2; well-priced (€27) weekday lunch menu also available. One for special occasions; reservations essential. (1.5 km).
- Taberna do Largo – Run by 2 friends, this compact, charming taberna lit up by wine-bottle lights is a great spot for a glass of local wine from an inspired wine list, plus a selection of tapas such as smoked tuna, cheeses from the Azores, morcela (black pudding), and bacalao (salted cod) salad. Evenings only. (1.5 km).
- A Sandeira do Porto – Arguably Porto’s best sandwich place, this tiny informal café puts together fresh, original sandwiches such as sardines with tomato and peppers; chicken, goat cheese, and apple; and smoked ham with brie and mango. Have it with soup and salad or grab it to go. (1.5 km).
- Cantina 32 – Choose between people-watching on Porto’s most popular pedestrian street or the knick-knack-filled interior, and order a selection of fusion tapas (tuna tataki, Portuguese black pudding with apples), along with some great local wines by the glass. Heartier dishes include a moreish seafood stew. Inexpensive and busy in the evenings. (1.5 km).
- Cozinha dos Lóios – Tiny, cave-like restaurant specializing in Mediterranean flavors. Order duck rice, crab risotto, cod carpaccio, or the chef’s signature tagliatelle with Portuguese sausage, and have it inside or on the tiny outdoor terrace. Wallet-friendly and busy. (1.5 km).
Best Nearby Cafes
- Época Café – All light Scandi-wood and glass, this hip café is a local favorite for morning coffee as well as hearty vegetarian dishes, from poached eggs with kale to superlative French toast. (300m).
- Moustache – Hipster café popular for its serious coffee and smoothies, accompanied by mostly organic and fair trade nibbles (cakes, croissants). (800m).
- Zenith – One of Porto’s most famous all-day brunch cafes, particularly renowned for its Zenith Toast. Pair eggs Benedict, eggs Zenith, or pancake stack with one of many elaborate cocktails from their extensive menu. Informal, bustling. (900m).
Best Nearby Bars and Port Wine Lodges
Porto is the home of port wine, the sweet fortified dessert wine that’s been produced in the region for centuries. The hilly streets of Vila Nova da Gaia are dotted with port wine lodges that visitors can tour to learn the difference between white, ruby, tawny, vintage, and late-bottle harvest ports, complete with attached tasting rooms and shops selling their full range of beverages.
- Bonaparte Downtown – A good place to watch football (soccer) and other sports on the big screen, this cozy, wood-paneled Irish pub is popular with locals and expats alike for a leisurely pint of beer. (900m).
- Taberna Aduela – Formerly a sewing machine warehouse, retro Aduela is a hip wine bar where locals exchange gossip over petiscos (nibbles) and glasses of wine. Outdoor seating too. (1 km).
- The Royal Cocktail Club – Inside a bankers’ union building, this upmarket, elegant cocktail bar’s award-winning mixologists mix elaborate original creations as well as classics. Attracts the after-work crowd. (1 km).
- Original Bar – Dark and mellow, this bar is popular with local students for its contemporary soundtrack, inexpensive beer, sparkling sangria, and platters of cold cuts. Doesn’t really get going until late in the evening. (1 km).
- Baixa Bar – All dark wood, chrome, and sinuous leather seating, this is one of many bars lining Rua de Cândido dos Reis. Expect a mixed age crowd, decent cocktails and wine by the glass, and retro hits from the 80s and 90s. (1 km).
- The Gin House – One for gin lovers, this sleek bar mixes many original gin cocktails as well as classic G&Ts with their excellent range of gins from around the world and some rare tonics. The outdoor terrace fills up quickly in good weather. (1 km).
- Galeria de Paris – One of many bars along Rua Galeria de Paris, this neighborhood fixture is known for its cocktails, whimsical decor, and candle-lit ambience – a great place to kick off the night over a few tapas. (1 km).
- La Bohème – All light Scandi-wood and minimalist aesthetic, this bar is a firm fixture on the nightlife circuit. It’s a great all-round place: good for morning coffee, light bites at lunchtime, and fine wines and tapas come night. (1 km).
- Wines of Portugal Tasting Room (Rua das Flores 8-12) – Less of a bar and more a wine lovers’ visitor space, this tasting room showcases a huge range of Portuguese wines from all the wine-producing regions and offers 30 different regional wines to sample for free. Order from one of the many wines by the glass and take it out onto the people-watching outdoor terrace. (1.5 km).
- Caves Cálem – These award-winning cellars are amongst Porto’s most visited. Tours are held in several languages, the presentation is very slick, and apart from post-tour tastings (usually a ruby and a white port), they also hold traditional fado concerts. (2.5 km).
Nearby Shopping and Cool Shops
- CRU – This gallery space and concept store sells regularly changing offerings, from ceramics and art to handcrafted jewelry, accessories, and fashion. (25m).
- CC Bombarda – Small, arty shopping mall dedicated to organic cosmetics and edibles, locally designed threads and jewelry and more. Good café on the premises, too. (150m).
- Müsa – Women’s fashion accessories and shoes designed by Portuguese designers. (200m).
- Copo D’Uva – Excellent specialty wine store with an extensive range of Portuguese wines from all over the country. Wine tasting sessions also arranged. (300m).
- The Portuguese Cock – Handmade Portuguese ceramic roosters in all manner of styles and designs, from traditional to the Virgin Mary and Donald Trump. Craftsman Alex also designs T-shirts and can make a custom cock to specifications. (1 km).
- Livraria Poetria – The only bookstore in Portugal dedicated entirely to poetry and theatre. (1 km).
- Arcádia Casa do Chocolate – Going strong since 1933, Arcádia has been a purveyor of hand-crafted chocolates for generations. Whether it is chocolates filled with port wine, gift boxes of pralines, or almond liqueur drageés, they are all made from traditional recipes and beautifully presented. (1 km).
- Força Portugal – Official merchandise store of the Portugal football (soccer) team. Come here for football jerseys, Cristiano Ronaldo underwear, hats, football shoes, and more. (1 km).
- Cork Solutions – Amazing collection of things made out of cork: purses, backpacks, bowls, shoes, hats, and much more. These are all Portuguese-made, functional, and trendy. (1.5 km).
- O Mundo Fantástico da Sarindha Portuguesa – This rather glitzy store pays homage to one of Porto’s most famous exports: the humble tinned sardine. The sardines come in a variety of flavors in colorful tins that make for great edible gifts. (1.5 km).
- 43 Branco – Come to this concept store for one of a kind gifts from Porto, ranging from Lubo t-shirts with city-specific designs and jewelry by local designer Maria Branco, to pencil cases inspired by Porto’s iconic sardine tins, and Bonjardim soap. (1.5 km).
- Toranja – The Rua das Flores branch of this gift shop specializes in items inspired by the city: prints, bags, mugs, cushions, and t-shirts emblazoned with Porto cityscapes, purses decorated with sardine tin designs, original art, and more. (1.5 km).
- Flores Creative Store – This family-run gift store focuses exclusively on Portuguese fashion brands and design. Come here for funky streetwear: shoes, hats, jackets, as well as backpacks, purses, and other accessories. (1.5 km).
Nearby Attractions
- Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis – The impressive Palácio das Carrancas houses the best art museum in Porto. Its collection runs the gamut from Neolithic carvings to modernism. (500m).
- Jardins do Palácio de Cristal – These beautifully landscaped blufftop gardens comprise a lake, sculptures, fountains, and numerous walking paths that wind their way around giant magnolias, olive trees, and cypress groves. They are also home to the Super Bock Arena where live music and other events are held. (600m).
- Igreja do Carmo (Rua do Carmo) – One of two twin churches next to one another, the exterior of this 17th-century house of worship is decorated with a beautiful ensemble of blue-and-white azulejas (tiles). (700m).
- Livraria Lello – On any given day, a long line of people is visible outside this beautiful 1906 neo-Gothic bookstore, waiting to be allowed inside. Its gorgeous spiral staircase allegedly inspired part of a Harry Potter book (JK Rowling lived in Porto when she wrote part of it), but that’s hotly disputed, and it’s still a beautiful old bookstore. (800m).
- Torre dos Clérigos – The Clérigos Tower is Portugal’s tallest campanile (bell tower), and it’s well worth climbing the 200 steps to survey the city from a height of 76 meters. Look out for the carillon made up of 49 bells on the way up. (1 km).
- Avenida dos Aliados – This grand avenue and central plaza in the heart of Porto is lined with beaux arts facades and features an equestrian statue of Dom Pedro IV. Walking tours of downtown Porto often assemble by the statue. (1.5 km).
- Palácio da Bolsa – This neoclassical 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace pays homage to the city’s merchants. Opt for a half-hour guided tour, or wander around and check out highlights such as the Moorish-style Arab Room, inspired by the Alhambra, and the Golden Room, plated with gold leaf. (1.5 km).
- Igreja de São Francisco (Rua Infante Dom Henrique) – Established in 1245 and rebuilt after a fire in the 19th century, this church is one of the most prominent Gothic buildings in Porto, and features Baroque touches. Head inside for the carvings, coated in 300kg of gold dust, and admire the ossuary with human bones through a glass floor; the catacombs are the final resting place of Franciscan monks and members of Porto’s wealthiest families. (1.5 km).
- Tram Linha 1 – An attraction in its own right as well as a mode of transport, this historic tram line runs from the Infante stop in Porto to the beaches of Foz do Douro, with great views of the river and its bridges along the way. (1.5 km).
- Sé – Built on a hill in Baixa, Porto’s cathedral is the city’s most important religious building, located on the highest point in the city and next to Porto’s ancient defensive walls. Founded in the 12th century, it’s been rebuilt several times since, though one of its most impressive features, the original Romanesque nave and façade, is still intact. Don’t miss the beautiful cloister and the Casa de Cabildo, full of ecclesiastical treasures. (1.5 km).
Nearby Markets or Grocery Stores
- Mini Preço – Small grocery store a block south of the hotel. (100m).
- Mercado do Bolhão – Newly renovated and taking up an entire block, this 19th-century, wrought-iron building is home to Porto’s largest and most famous produce market. (1.5 km).
- A Pérola do Bolhão (Rua Formosa 279) – Dating back to 1917, this traditional grocery store sells everything from wine and Portuguese cookies to cheese and cold cuts. (1.5 km).
Rosa Et Al Townhouse – The Hotel
Rosa Et Al Townhouse sits on the relatively quiet Rua do Rosário in the arty district of Cedofeita.
The lobby doubles as a shop selling books on architecture and bottles of Douro valley wine and port wine.
Brunch and supper club dinners are held either in the dining area…
…or in the lovely garden out back (where one of the suites is located as well).
The 3 King Garden suites overlook the garden, while the other 3 suites in the main house feature street views.
The Suite Garden Pavilion is tucked away discreetly in the garden itself and is fully wheelchair accessible.
This is the entrance to the Suite Garden Pavilion.
The suite has a private terrace out back.
This is one of the Queen rooms, complete with street-facing views.
All rooms come with free-standing, claw-footed bathtubs.
This is the other Queen room with a striking black bathtub.
The Club Suite on the top floor also faces the street and is arguably the most characterful of the rooms.
It features a claw-footed tub under the eaves.
All rooms feature original art by a local artist.
The interior of the house is flooded with natural light, courtesy of a large skylight.
The 3 King Garden Suites are more spacious than the city view rooms.
Bathrooms vary somewhat in size, but all include a rain shower as well as a bathtub.
Another example of a King Garden Suite; this one is located on the 2nd floor.
King Garden Suite III has the loftiest view of the garden from its private terrace.
The hotel is located on Rua do Rosário, the main street in arty Cedofeita that is lined with attractive historical buildings.
A couple of blocks north and half a block west is O Afonso, a traditional tiled restaurant specializing in the Francesinha, a hearty meat sandwich.
A block west of the hotel, on Rua de Monteiro, Frida is the go-to place for authentic Mexican dishes and iced margaritas.
Just south of Frida is Copo d’Uvo, a specialty wine store selling a huge selection of Portuguese wines.
Take Rua Miguel Bombarda back to Rua do Rosário.
South of the hotel is Época, a light and bright café serving good coffee and hearty vegetarian breakfast.
Just behind the café, a narrow lane leads southeast to the Jardim do Carregal, the green space nearest to the hotel.
A little further south along Rua do Rosario and half a block west is the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis, Porto’s best art museum.
East of the hotel along Rua Miguel Bombarda is a Mini Preço grocery store.
The small CC Bombarda shopping mall specializes in fashion by Portuguese designers, organic food, and more.
At the end of Rua Miguel Bombarda is the pedestrianized Rua de Cedofeita, lined with shops.
Turn off from Rua de Cedofeita onto Traversia de Cedofeita, and a block east is Rua das Oliveiras, densely packed with bars, cafes, and shops. One of them is The Portuguese Cock, a gift shop selling handmade ceramic roosters in all manner of styles.
Across the street is Livraria Poetria, the only bookstore in Portugal dedicated to poetry and theater.
Just south of the bookstore is Taverna Aduela, a sewing machine warehouse transformed into a hip wine bar.
Half a block down Rua de Cedofeita is Zenith, one of Porto’s best all-day brunch spots.
Shortly after is the Igreja do Carmo, a beautiful 17th-century church decorated with blue-and-white tile-work on the outside.
Across the street from Igreja do Carmo is Moustache, a hipster café popular for it good coffee, smoothies, and organic cakes.
A block east of the church is Livraria Lello, a beautiful old bookstore that served as inspiration for JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books.
Just around the corner from the bookstore is Rua Galeria de Paris, one of two parallel streets lined with bars.
The namesake Galeria de Paris is also on this street.
From Livraria Lello, head downhill and then east along Rua dos Clérigos to reach the church and tower of the same name.
Clérigos church is worth a visit. Climb the tower for terrific views of the city.
East of the Clérigos tower is O Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha, a glitzy store selling many different variations of Porto’s tinned sardines.
Across the street from O Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha is the start of Rua do Almada, with a number of excellent restaurants, including Elemento, a fine dining restaurant where everything is cooked over coals or on a customized grill.
Further north up the street is Hamburgeria DeGema, one of Porto’s best gourmet hamburger joints.
Rua dos Clérigos leads east past the Avenida dos Aliados, Porto’s grand avenue and central plaza lined with tiled historical buildings.
The avenue leads to the São Bento train station.
The metro stop is right outside the station.
Directly south from the train station along Avenida Dom Alfonso Henriques is Porto’s cathedral.
The cathedral offers great views of Old Town from the square it’s located on.
South past the cathedral is the Luis I bridge, across which is Vila Nova da Gaia and its port wine lodges. The view from the bridge is terrific.
Alternatively, take the tiny lanes west to reach Rua Mouzinho da Silveira.
A block north is the parallel Rua das Flores, another popular pedestrianized street with restaurants such as Cantina 32 which serves fusion tapas and hearty seafood stews.
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