A Design Lover's Guide to Porto
Portugal has been on a roll in the tourism department, and the country’s unique design landscape is one shining example of the country’s appeal. Also, the spotlight is no longer focused solely on Lisbon anymore – Porto, the second-largest city, has made major waves in design, architecture, and art. This is a truly spectacular city to explore, with its strong presence and plenty of personality. These locations, in particular, are among the most unique, stunning, and artistic landmarks in Porto.
1. São Bento train station
Train Station
2. Palacio da Bolsa
Building
3. Dom Luís Bridge
Bridge
5. McDonald's
Porto is home to one of the most beautiful McDonald’s in the world. Even if burgers and fries aren’t your favorite food, a trip to this location won’t disappoint. Opened in 1995, it holds remnants of the Imperial Café that used to stand in its place before a major restoration project converted it into the popular fast-food restaurant. The stained glass windows and chandeliers make a visit to this McDonald’s unlike most others. Located on Avenida dos Aliados, it is easy to get to from any part of the historic downtown.
McDonald’s, Praça da Liberdade 126, Porto, Portugal
6. Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art
Building, Museum
7. Livraria Lello
Porto is also home to one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, which is also world-renowned for possibly inspiring the Harry Potter book series. The Art Nouveau and Gothic architecture are splendid, and the gold and red staircase has attracted the attention from book and design lovers from around the world.
Livraria Lello, R. das Carmelitas 144, Porto, Portugal
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.