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Solo Trip｜Porto – Europe’s "Little Chongqing" – 20,000 Steps a Day

Solo Trip｜Porto – Europe’s "Little Chongqing" – 20,000 Steps a Day It’s been years since my last trip to Porto, But it truly is Portugal’s "Little Chongqing"— With its calçadas (cobblestone streets) everywhere. The uphill slopes feel like the ground is tilting into your face—climbing = mountaineering 🧗 The downhill drops are so steep, if you don’t brace your core, You might just tumble headfirst in a somersault 🤦 And if you’re unlucky enough to be dragging a 20+ inch suitcase, You’ll be defeated in 10 steps flat—it’ll humble you real quick. Just take a Bolt🚕—don’t be stubborn. (Luckily, Bolt is super cheap here.) Beyond the crazy hills, Porto, at its core, shares Chongqing’s spirit— Free, wild, and utterly unpretentious. There’s so much fun to be had here. I stayed near São Bento Station, where most attractions are walkable. Must-See Azulejo (Tiled) Churches 📍 Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas) – Fully tiled façade, probably the most photographed church. 📍 Church of Santo Ildefonso – Just a short walk from the Chapel of Souls. 📍 Carmo Church (Igreja do Carmo) – Sun-faded into a soft, dreamy blue. 📍 São Bento Station – Stunning tile murals inside, worth a visit even if you’re not catching a train. 📍 Clérigos Tower & Church – Nighttime immersive light show (affordable tickets!). 📍 Church of São Francisco (Igreja de São Francisco) – HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Gothic exterior, Baroque interior—400kg of gold decor, not gaudy but divinely majestic. (€11 entry, worth it.) 📍 Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) – Great panoramic views from the top. All these are within walking distance—pick 1-3 to visit. Other Highlights 📖 Livraria Lello – The most beautiful (and crowded) bookstore, requires tickets & reservations. (Honestly, you can skip the hype.) 📈 Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) – Gorgeous interiors, guided tours are lively and informative. 🍷 Port Wine Tour – Vila Nova de Gaia (across the river) has many cellars—Taylor’s, Graham’s, etc. The tours are a bit PR-heavy, but as long as the wine’s good, who cares? Best Post-Wine Activity? Sunset Watching! 🌅 Walk across Dom Luís I Bridge: East side: Miradouro da Serra do Pilar (best viewpoint) West side: Jardim do Morro (perfect sunset picnic spot) In Portuguese, sunset is called "o pôr do Sol"— Pôr is a verb, a gentle way of saying "to carefully put the sun to rest." And Porto’s sunsets? Fiery at first, then softly fading— Just one more reason to return. #SlowTravel #Porto #Portugal

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Nelly Mandy
Nelly Mandy
4 months ago
Nelly Mandy
Nelly Mandy
4 months ago
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Solo Trip｜Porto – Europe’s "Little Chongqing" – 20,000 Steps a Day

Solo Trip｜Porto – Europe’s "Little Chongqing" – 20,000 Steps a Day It’s been years since my last trip to Porto, But it truly is Portugal’s "Little Chongqing"— With its calçadas (cobblestone streets) everywhere. The uphill slopes feel like the ground is tilting into your face—climbing = mountaineering 🧗 The downhill drops are so steep, if you don’t brace your core, You might just tumble headfirst in a somersault 🤦 And if you’re unlucky enough to be dragging a 20+ inch suitcase, You’ll be defeated in 10 steps flat—it’ll humble you real quick. Just take a Bolt🚕—don’t be stubborn. (Luckily, Bolt is super cheap here.) Beyond the crazy hills, Porto, at its core, shares Chongqing’s spirit— Free, wild, and utterly unpretentious. There’s so much fun to be had here. I stayed near São Bento Station, where most attractions are walkable. Must-See Azulejo (Tiled) Churches 📍 Chapel of Souls (Capela das Almas) – Fully tiled façade, probably the most photographed church. 📍 Church of Santo Ildefonso – Just a short walk from the Chapel of Souls. 📍 Carmo Church (Igreja do Carmo) – Sun-faded into a soft, dreamy blue. 📍 São Bento Station – Stunning tile murals inside, worth a visit even if you’re not catching a train. 📍 Clérigos Tower & Church – Nighttime immersive light show (affordable tickets!). 📍 Church of São Francisco (Igreja de São Francisco) – HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Gothic exterior, Baroque interior—400kg of gold decor, not gaudy but divinely majestic. (€11 entry, worth it.) 📍 Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto) – Great panoramic views from the top. All these are within walking distance—pick 1-3 to visit. Other Highlights 📖 Livraria Lello – The most beautiful (and crowded) bookstore, requires tickets & reservations. (Honestly, you can skip the hype.) 📈 Palácio da Bolsa (Stock Exchange Palace) – Gorgeous interiors, guided tours are lively and informative. 🍷 Port Wine Tour – Vila Nova de Gaia (across the river) has many cellars—Taylor’s, Graham’s, etc. The tours are a bit PR-heavy, but as long as the wine’s good, who cares? Best Post-Wine Activity? Sunset Watching! 🌅 Walk across Dom Luís I Bridge: East side: Miradouro da Serra do Pilar (best viewpoint) West side: Jardim do Morro (perfect sunset picnic spot) In Portuguese, sunset is called "o pôr do Sol"— Pôr is a verb, a gentle way of saying "to carefully put the sun to rest." And Porto’s sunsets? Fiery at first, then softly fading— Just one more reason to return. #SlowTravel #Porto #Portugal

Porto
Chapel of Souls
Chapel of SoulsChapel of Souls