Porto: What to do in Cidade Invicta

Porto: What to do in Cidade Invicta
Tips and Suggestions | 18 June, 2019

The Invicta city is full of experiences that enrich any stay in the Douro. Here are some memorable suggestions.

THE INVICTA CITY IS FULL OF EXPERIENCES THAT WILL COMPLETE YOUR STAY IN THE DOURO.

WATCH THE SUNSET AT JARDIM DO MORRO, WITH THE INVICTA CITY AT 180 DEGREES

Jardim do Morro, in Vila Nova de Gaia, offers a privileged view of the Douro River and the city of Porto.

It was inaugurated in 1927, and it has a lake, a grotto and strategically placed stone benches.

It is an excellent place to relax while enjoying the scenery or an incredible sunset.

It was recently recovered, in order to provide an even better experience to the people who pass by.

 

TRY A FRANCESINHA, ONE OF THE MOST APPRECIATED SNACKS IN THE INVICTA CITY

It is often said that there are no francesinhas like the ones in Porto.

Created in the 1950s, the francesinha is the best-known snack in the city, and there are several versions of the original recipe throughout Invicta.

Vegetarian versions have been created, or those that use chicken instead of red meat, so that it can satisfy everyone's taste.

The dish is especially appreciated by people who like spicy meats, and is usually accompanied by a beer.

They say that going to Porto and not tasting a francesinha is like “going to Rome and not seeing the Pope”.

When venturing into the city, take a break for lunch and try this gastronomic delicacy.

 

WALK IN THE CRYSTAL PALACE GARDENS

There are 8 hectares of gardens located in the center of Porto.

Designed in the 19th century, they are considered the most beautiful gardens in the city. They were the work of Emílio David, a German landscaper.

Within the facilities there are several thematic gardens such as the garden of aromatic plants, the garden of medicines, the rose garden and the garden of feelings.

The landscape is the treasure of this place. It is possible to contemplate the panoramic landscapes over the Douro River and over the city.

The romantic gardens of the Palácio de Cristal are often the scene of various cultural and social events, as well as various shows and exhibitions.

You have no excuses not to visit, since admission is free and its doors open at 08 am.

 

VISIT THE PORT WINE CELLARS, OVERLOOKING THE INVICTA CITY

Opposite the city of Porto, in Vila Nova de Gaia, are located the well-known Port Wine Cellars.

There are 15 cellars in total, and here the most famous fortified wine in the world is aged: Port Wine.

Visits to these famous cellars are organized daily.

During these visits, there are guides who accompany visitors to the cellar's facilities, explaining the process from harvesting the grapes to making their wines.

At the end of the visit, a wine tasting is offered. They usually offer a glass of red wine and a glass of white wine.

Prices are around 5 euros and include the visit and wine tasting.

 

TAKE A CRUISE

As much as you walk all the streets of the city of Porto, the experience is not complete without venturing into a different point of view.

On a Douro Cruise, you can observe the landscapes that you cannot see in the streets of the city.

You can feel the tranquility of the Douro River aboard one of our boats that travel to the Alto Douro Vinhateiro.

There are several programs that exist, ranging from the bridges of Vila Nova de Gaia and Porto, to the Alto Douro Vinhateiro region.

If you take a cruise between Porto and Régua, you can closely observe how the landscape is changing from a more urban environment to a markedly rural landscape.

Venture out and sail from the city where the wine cellars are located, to the place where it is produced.

 

WALK RUA DE SANTA CATARINA, THE MOST COMMERCIAL STREET IN CIDADE INVICTA

Rua de Santa Catarina is the most important shopping area in Porto.

With an extension of about 1500 meters, part of the street is closed to car traffic and is used exclusively by pedestrians.

Several clothing and sundries stores, several shoe stores, the Via Catarina shopping center and several street vendors are part of the street.

Here you can find the same chain stores that you usually see in shopping centers. However, there are cafes and bookstores that can only be visited on this street.

If you are looking for a crowd of tourists and locals while shopping, this street is the best destination.

 

HAVE COFFEE AT MAJESTIC

Inaugurated on December 17, 1921, there is no one who does not know this historic space in the city of Porto.

It was the meeting point for illustrious characters from the time it emerged, and a source of inspiration for several writers and artists.

Initially it was inaugurated with the name of Elite, functioning as a private club, which displeased the city's population.

In 1923, it changed its name to Café Majestic, due to the entry of a new partner.

It is known for its decoration inspired by French architecture.

Currently, it continues to host poetry recitals, piano concerts, painting exhibitions, book launches and the realization of some scenes for national or foreign films.

Fernando Lebres
Fernando Lebres / About the author

Born in the Douro, namely in the village of Galafura where the most beautiful viewpoint in the Douro is located, Monte de São Leonardo de Galafura. I am lucky to have been born in one of the most beautiful regions in the world and I want to share the best of what comes from it. I want to make known to the world its landscape, its customs, the gastronomy and the fantastic wines that go from strength to strength in the mouths of the world.

Venture with me in the best experiences that will awaken all your senses!

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