Porto's grand civic avenue, lined with banks and belle-époque façades up to the city hall tower, and two streets away its great food market, restored and buzzing again.
The Avenida dos Aliados was laid out in the early 20th century as Porto's showpiece. Granite banks, insurance houses and hotels climb to the city hall and its tall tower.
At the bottom, the Praça da Liberdade has an equestrian statue of King Pedro IV. The wide central promenade is where the city gathers for celebrations and New Year.
Two streets east, the Mercado do Bolhão reopened in 2022 after a long restoration. Its two-level iron-and-glass hall sells northern cheeses, bread, fish, fruit and flowers.
Its counters pour a glass and serve a plate. Nearby Rua de Santa Catarina is the main shopping street, with the Café Majestic's 1920s mirrors.
A late-morning loop ending with lunch.
Start by the statue of Pedro IV with the city hall tower ahead.
Walk up the central gardens past the granite banks.
Wander both levels: cheese, cured meats, fish and flower stalls.
A glass of vinho verde and a plate of whatever is on the counter.
Finish with coffee under the mirrors, then on to the Capela das Almas.
Metro Aliados or Trindade for the avenue; Bolhão station is beside the market.
Open Monday to Saturday; closed Sundays and some holidays.
Rua de Santa Catarina is pedestrianised; side streets have old grocers and conserveiras.
Porto practical notes →Photographs from Wikimedia Commons and Pexels under their licences.
