In this small, big city, I have a habit of leaving without a destination, discovering a new Porto.
In recent years, Porto has been able to respond and reinvent itself, as a consequence of the growing effect of tourism, by presenting a growing and better offer of spaces, services and events. Enough to arouse in me a constant desire to visit the city. And a lot out there is to know.
I leave on foot, sometimes alone, but always accompanied by the camera. Much could be proposed within the traditional and usual circuits for tourists, the must see that we always find in the most varied guides and that are, in fact, not to be missed, also in this my Porto.
For a late afternoon or early evening, the meeting place has invariably been the Capela Incomum. It is an unusual space because it is partially inside an old chapel, with a cozy interior area, ideal for these colder days, but with a small terrace where we can meet and watch the sunset, weather permitting. The wine list is rich enough and the amuse bouche or tapas help to keep up a good conversation with friends, then departing the city within.
The taste and passion for photography set the tone for my suggestion to discover Porto from a more artistic and aesthetic perspective. With the “Aliados” as their starting point, surrounded by some landmark buildings, with new and luxurious hotels that dot the city, historic cafes, buildings that once hosted banks, the City Hall, etc., we can easily choose any direction, which We will certainly not be disappointed.
The architectural richness of Porto, from the oldest to the contemporary, would suggest dozens of interesting circuits in the city.
The The small streets and the narrow paths, the staircases, the sidewalks, the islands, the squares, gardens, cafes, restaurants, typical taverns are all part of this imaginary but so real.
The churches, old movie theaters, theaters, train stations, traditional shops, in a mix of styles, spaces, decoration and experiences, all contribute to this unique beauty of a Porto that is already so European, but still stubborn. remain undefeated and true to their roots and strong traditions.
The surrounding area of the Church and Convent of São Bento da Vitória, the old prison – Cadeia da Relação that hosts the Portuguese Center of Photography, 
ending in the beautiful Passeio das Virtues are unavoidable places to go, which I revisit and recommend.
In a diametrically opposite plan, but recognizing the effort that has been made by the municipality, promoting a less noble area of the city, the eastern side, but with incredible potential, I suggest something that few have experienced: the Casa de São Roque. This beautiful house, now owned by the municipality and recently restored and adapted to host and exhibit contemporary art, is today an example of the houses of the time in Porto, for its architecture and beautiful garden. It is above all another noble space in the city, which now appears in an area that wants to become thriving and that will surely surprise Porto, its people and tourists.
Not to be missed, still in the Campanhã area, an art space – Mira Forum and Espaço Mira, especially dedicated to photography, where two galleries are born in an area where formerly abandoned warehouses are now part of a cultural circuit where they pass. some exhibitions and other events that cannot be ignored.
For new discoveries, Maus Hábitos, a reference in the city since its opening in the year when Porto was the European capital of culture and with a programme that focuses on discovering new sounds.
Restaurants
Hidden secrets
– Ideal place to drink some port wine: Port wine, by itself, at the right temperature and in the glass, transforms any place. I suggest, of course, the atmosphere of the Port Wine Cellars, in Vila Nova de Gaia.
With a career spanning almost 40 years and more than 100 films and television series, Joaquim de Almeida is the most famous Portuguese actor in the world. He lives in the USA, where he worked for the most part of his career, but spends some periods of the year in Portugal.
