World's most beautiful McDonalds? The narrowest house in the world? A beautiful peacock park? Panoramic views across the city? Traditional Fado music and interactive Porto wine tour? Check out these 5 wonders of Porto!
Introduction:
Hey everybody and welcome back to another episode of Triple P with me Surya Sridhar. So guys I am in one of the most beautiful destinations in all of Portugal. It was voted as the best European destination in 2014 as well as 2017. It is none other than Porto! And the best part of this trip is that I’m visiting my dad here for one week, so let’s hand it over to him.
Hey guys! I got a new job: acting on Triple P, for 1 Euro an hour. It’s fun! Let’s explore Porto together. Wonderful!
Number 1: Ribeira, Gaia, & Dom Luis Bridge
Jump onto the yellow line and get off the stop Jardim do Morro to get a full panoramic view across the city from the Dom Luis Bridge. You’ll be stunned by the beautiful city before your eyes! There are so many things to see and do. Everything from the bridge jumpers, to going on boat cruises, enjoying the music and dance performances, grabbing an aperitif or yummy snacks like churros, or maybe even buying some gifts from the line of market stalls. You’ll not run out of things to do! Lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the cable car ride down to the Gaia side to explore the best wine tour companies. It is 6 Euros one way and 9 Euros both ways!
Number 2: Calem Porto Wine Tour
On the Gaia side, you will notice a line of famous Porto wine companies including Graham’s, Ferreira, Sandeman and many more. I decided to check out Calem’s wine tour which included a guided tour to the Cálem Cellar which was super interactive and very informational. It was then followed by a tasting of two Port Wines: White and Special Reserve, which could be enjoyed during a special Fado concert, with a male and female voice, accompanied by the traditional Portuguese Guitar as well as the Classical one.
Number 3: World’s Most Beautiful McDonalds
This McDonalds restaurant was inaugurated in 1995 and was previously the Imperial Café, an emblematic historic building from the 30s by the Aliados Avenue. It is not your conventional McD especially due to its luxurious look, as well as the fact that in the McCafe you get a genuine Portuguese coffee with a custard tart called Pasteis de Nata. Very surprising indeed!
Number 4: Crystal Palace Garden
More than 150 years old, this place is loved by both tourists and locals. It is a lush place, home to many plant and animal species including the colourful peacock. If you make your way to the end, you’ll find a fun maze that also overlooks the beautiful Ribeira river. Take your time to explore this area, soak up the suns rays and when you’re tired, head on over to a nearby local coffee shop for a Portuguese Pingo and their famous cream filled pastry.
Number 5: Caramelite Church, Carmo Church & The Hidden House
Known as one of the most curious structures in Porto, these two churches that stand as two different religious buildings, but actually look like a single architectural structure. Separating them, is the world’s narrowest house, only one meter in width. It only costs a few Euros to explore and has 3 storeys in total. The interesting story behind this house is that it was formed specially to stop the communication between the nuns of the Caramelite Church and the monks at the Carmo Church. Very interesting indeed!
