The Atlas Obscura Guide To Porto

11 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Porto, Portugal

Updated November 20, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Porto

Porto, Portugal

Livraria Lello

One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world hides a neo-Gothic interior behind an art nouveau facade.

Interior details.

Porto, Portugal

Igreja de São Francisco

The stunning interior of this Gothic church is covered in ornate gold details.

Close-up of the McDonalds marquee with the Imperial eagle

Porto, Portugal

McDonald's Imperial

This restored Portuguese cafe may well be the most beautiful place in the world to grab a Big Mac.

It's easy to miss the house wedged between these churches.

Porto, Portugal

Carmo and Carmelitas Churches

A hidden three-foot-wide house separates these two regal churches.

Igreja de São Francisco Catacombs

Porto, Portugal

Igreja de São Francisco Catacombs

Ancient catacombs form the foundation for this Rococo orgy of a church.

São Bento Railway Station

Porto, Portugal

Sao Bento Station

Elaborate tile work in this railway station tells the story of Portugal.

The Bank has also collected more modern designs, like the tiles shown here.

Porto, Portugal

Banco de Materiais (Bank of Materials)

Building owners can take out tiles for free at this repository for historic building materials.

Porto, Portugal

Jardim Botânico do Porto (Porto Botanical Garden)

A small but charming botanical garden that contains many exotic plant species.

See All 11 Things To Do in Porto

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Porto

Close-up of the McDonalds marquee with the Imperial eagle

Porto, Portugal

McDonald's Imperial

This restored Portuguese cafe may well be the most beautiful place in the world to grab a Big Mac.

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Churches 3

Sacred Spaces 3

Transportation 2

Museums And Collections 2

Architectural Oddities 2

Trains 2

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Stories About Porto

People walk in front of the azulejo tiles on the exterior of Capela Das Almas in Porto.

Instead of Money, This Portuguese 'Bank' Safeguards 27,000 Handpainted Tiles

This collection of azulejos in Porto isn’t just for conservation and display—it’s also open for withdrawals.

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