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]]>Porto, Portugal
Often overshadowed by its capital Lisbon, Porto is a Portuguese hidden gem situated on the Iberian Peninsula. Visitors can easily explore the city almost entirely on foot, stopping at its many churches and museums as they stroll through the cobblestone streets. Prices in Porto are quite affordable in general, but those looking for even greater savings can sign up for the Porto.CARD for discounts on transport and attractions.
Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a shining example of a city that offers tourists the opportunity to explore Europe at an affordable price point. Sites such as the Danube River, thermal baths, and Buda Castle all make it a great destination for travelers interested in experiencing authentic Hungarian culture without breaking the bank. Accommodations, food, and public transport are also markedly lower than other European cities.
Sofia, Bulgaria
For nature enthusiasts and city-dwellers alike, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Sofia, Bulgaria. The city’s position at the foot of Vitosha Mountain provides a perfect balance of opportunities for urban exploration and outdoor adventure, while low-cost attractions, inexpensive street food, and cheap public transportation keep things easy on your wallet. Admission to many of its iconic churches is free of charge.
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]]>Torel Palace
Do you desire a life of luxury? If so, check into the lavish Torel Palace. This five-star hotel boasts a scrumptious restaurant, spa, swimming pool, and of course, the most stunning suites available. What’s more, Torel Palace is home to a library that houses over 1,000 books.
(@torelpalace_porto)O Diplomata
If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast to start your day off right, then a visit to O Diplomata should be on your agenda. This cafe offers hearty breakfasts along with juices, coffee, cocktails, and even pre-selected pancakes.
Cafe Santiago
Since 1959, Cafe Santiago has been a fine dining establishment that has served wholesome lunches to locals and tourists alike. From its scrumptious francesinha sandwich to its sausage and egg platters, this is an ideal place to grab a bite to eat in the middle of a busy day of touring the city.
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]]>Historic Heartbeat
Wander through the Ribeira District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where narrow cobblestone alleys intertwine with colorfully tiled facades. The iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by a disciple of Eiffel, offers panoramic views of the city and river, a sight to behold especially at sunset.
Culinary and Liquid Gold
Porto is the birthplace of Port wine. A visit is incomplete without exploring one of the many wine cellars, like those in Vila Nova de Gaia, for a tasting session. Complement your wine with a Francesinha, Porto’s signature sandwich, a delightful culinary indulgence.
Architectural Wonders
Marvel at the intricate blue and white tiles (azulejos) that adorn the São Bento Railway Station. Nearby, the Clérigos Tower stands as a baroque masterpiece, offering an unmatched city view to those who ascend it.
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]]>El Ateneo Grand Splendid, Argentina
This enchanting store in the heart of Buenos Aires is housed in a former theater still decorated with the ornate frescoes, velvet curtains, and golden balconies of its past life. Readers can immerse themselves in a novel or nonfiction work while sitting in the theater’s plush red seats to feel like they’re part of a literary performance.
Livraria Lello, Portugal
The Livrario Lello bookstore Porto, Portugal, is one of the oldest in the world and widely considered to be a neo-gothic masterpiece. The shop boasts a striking spiral staircase that ascends to meet an stained glass ceiling and intricately carved wooden shelves carrying books of all genres. Author J.K. Rowling has even shared that drew inspiration for the Harry Potter series from Livraria Lello while living in Porto.
Cărturești Carusel, Romania
Cărturești Carusel is a cozy, yet whimsical bookstore in the center of Bucharest, Romania. The shop is a treasure trove of books, gifts, and art set in a historic 19th-century building. On the top level, visitors can dive into their favorite books while enjoying a hot cup of coffee or tea in a small cafe.
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]]>Livraria Lello
This bookstore in Porto looks straight out of a Harry Potter movie and it’s one of the city’s top attractions. Long lines of tourists flock in front of it every day to see it in the flash, but this Neo-Gothic bookstore is worth the wait since it’s one of the most beautiful in the entire world.
Livraria Bertrand
Lisbon is home to more amazing bookstores than we can count, but there’s something that sets Livraria Bertrand apart. Its original location in the Chiado neighborhood opened its doors in 1732 and it remains the oldest operating bookstore in the entire world to this day.
Livraria Ler Devagar
If you prefer bookstores with a more modern feel, Livraria Ler Devagar will be your cup of tea. It’s one of the main attractions of Lisbon’s retro district LxFactory and it offers two levels stacked with high shelves of books, in addition to an on-site coffee shop.
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]]>Igreja do Carmo
Igreja do Carmo is one of Porto’s most Instagram-friendly places, and it’s not difficult to see why. Its tiled blue façade sets it apart from other buildings in its surroundings, and it’s truly a sight to behold.
Capela das Almas
It was pretty common for azulejo tiles to be used to decorate churches and other religious buildings, and this chapel is one of the best examples of this practice. Blue and white tiles on its breathtaking façade depict the scenes from the lives of saints.
Igreja de Santo Ildefonso
This church is now one of the best examples of art azulejo is Porto, but it didn’t always look this way. It took its current form in 1932 when it was covered with around 11,000 azulejo tiles.
São Bento Station
Just like Igreja de Santo Ildefonso, Porto’s main train station is the work of art of Portuguese artist Jorge Colaço. The artwork inside it depicts the most important moments in Portuguese history, and it took over 20,000 azulejo tiles to bring it to life.
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]]>Ponte Luis I
The most famous structure in Porto is the Ponte Luis I, a 279-foot high bridge that can be accessed by pedestrians. Looking west from the bridge, you will be treated to a panorama of the river, the city of Vila Nova de Gaia and its wine cellars, and the colorful hills of Porto.
Clerigos Tower
Located in the city’s downtown is Clerigos Tower, a clock tower which is part of the Clerigos Church. Offering a view of the orange-tiled rooftops of Porto as well as the surrounding sprawl, it’s definitely worth the 6 euro price tag to go up.
Miradouro da Rua das Aldas
One lesser-known place that has some of my favorite views in the city of Porto is the Miradouro da Rua das Aldas, located next to the Grilos Convent. This place is the best vantage point to see the winding, steep roads of the center of Porto and is given a stunning backdrop by the Douro.
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]]>Aveiro
Often described as “the Venice of Portugal” thanks to its Ria de Aveiro canals navigated by colorful boats, Aveiro is one of the country’s most vibrant and picture-perfect cities.
Coimbra
Located near Aveiro, Coimbra once served as the capital of Portugal, and it’s still home to some of the most beautiful medieval buildings in the entire country.
The Douro Valley
The Douro Valley is Portugal’s leading wine region, but you don’t even have to be a huge fan of this beverage to join one of the river cruises through this scenic valley.
Braga
If Porto didn’t satisfy your cravings for breathtaking architecture, book a trip to Braga and consider making a stop in Guimaraes on your way there.
Peneda-Gerês National Park
If you’re in the mood to explore some nature after your visit to Porto, head to the country’s one and only national park, best known for its rocky mountain terrain and medieval remains.
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]]>Often described as one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, Livraria Lello is located in the very heart of Porto, just a short walk from Igreja do Carmo. It opened its doors in 1881, and it’s one of the oldest bookstores in Portugal operating today.
Livraria Lello’s neo-Gothic interior features a curvaceous staircase, carved wood paneling, and breathtaking stained glass windows and ceiling. It’s been rumored that this bookstore served as inspiration for Hogwarts and the Flourish and Blotts bookshop in the Harry Potter novels, but J. K. Rowling never confirmed this.
That didn’t stop Livraria Lello from fully embracing the Harry Potter connection and becoming a popular destination with fans of this book series. If you ever find yourself in Porto, you can visit this bookstore every day from 10 am to 8 pm. Just get ready for long lines, and make sure to buy a 5€ voucher online, which is fully deductible when you purchase a book during your visit.
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]]>Camélia Brunch Garden
There’s nothing quite a relaxing walk by the ocean, with breathtaking views of Foz do Douro, but we wouldn’t judge you if you needed a place to sit back and unwind afterward. Camélia Brunch Garden is just the place, and it serves some of the best pancakes you’ll ever try.
Zenith
Speaking of delicious pancakes, you won’t struggle to find them at Porto’s no. 1 brunch spot, but Zenith has so much more in store. They serve everything from eggs and toast, to smoothie and salad bowls, but you shouldn’t miss out on their signature cocktails, either.
Garden Porto
This greenery-filled café in the very heart of Porto is impossible to miss, and you won’t regret coming inside. Its menu features all the brunch essentials – including pancakes, waffles, toast, and eggs – and they’re all equally delicious.
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