Day 3 in Porto
A wide and stubby avenue runs along the central Porto – the Avenida dos Aliados. The avenue got its name from a historic alliance between England and Portugal in the 14th century. It is laid over with gray stones, although the original white stones can be still seen at the bases of statues situated along the path. The avenue starts with the Porto City Hall, or the Camara Municipal – one of the largest local authorities in Portugal which has a big clock centered in the building’s 70-meter tower. The Camara Municipal was designed by one of Porto’s most famous architects, Correia da Silva.
The Praca da Liberdade is another point of interest on the Avenida dos Aliados. For many, this square represents the heart of the city of Porto. It is believed that the square was created as a meeting place used by all classes of people, especially by politicians, writers, and artists. You can see on the square the monument of the liberal king, D. Pedro IV, that was inaugurated in 1866. As well, the Praca do General Humberto Delgado makes this avenue an important tourist attraction. In the central part of the avenue, there are two sculptures of Henrique Moreira: A Juventude and A Abundancia.
Also, the tourists can admire here the building of famous insurance company “A Nacional”, designed by Marques da Silva, or Banco Espirito Santo.
After the sun sets, avoid this time the crowded streets and visit the uptown part of the city center. Passos Manuel street offers amazing bars like “MausHabitos” and “Passos Manuel”. If you are hungry, try Tripas a Moda do Porto (Tripes Porto style) – a typical Porto dish. And, if you are hungry but still hurrying to have fun, opt for the most popular native snack food in Porto – Francesinha, a kind of sandwich with several meats covered with cheese and a special sauce prepared with beer and other ingredients.
