Day 11: Porto, Portugal

I had a full day of exploring Porto planned!  The weather is amazing and the crowds are more than I expected too.  I slept amazing last night and only woke up early due to forgetting to silence my phone . . . spam phone calls and text never stop!  My first timed entry was not until later so I just wandered the somewhat empty streets of Porto.  It was a Sunday so not many people were out early. 

A brief walk around Torre dos Clérigos.

 

Then a walk past Livraria Lello which is famous because it is considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, with a stunning interior featuring a grand, ornate staircase and stained-glass windows, which many believe inspired J.K. Rowling when writing the Harry Potter series, as she lived in Porto, Portugal where the bookstore is located, and is rumored to have spent time there while writing; making it a major tourist attraction for Harry Potter fans.  I did not go in because you had to buy a timed entry ticket.  

My next stop was Igreja do Carmo.  I had intended to just pop in but mass had just started so I sat down . . . 

. . . and ended up staying the entire time.  I felt good and was so glad I did.  My soul needed this even though I did not understand one single word!

It was back to Torre dos Clérigos to climb 240 steps.  I had a timed entry to climb to the top.  I was not sure I wanted to but in the end I did.  It was not that hard at all but the stairs were narrow and had to deal with people coming down and going up on same stairs.

The views were amazing of the city.

Then on to Porto São Bento train station to check out the tile walls

This street musician was fun especially the fluffy chickens!

I had intended to check out Palacio da Bolsa but there were no tickets and guided tour is required.  So walked across the street to Igreja São Nicolau.

The exterior blue tiles are just gorgeous but if you know me you know I have a thing for blue and white.  Here is a close up of the blue and white tiles that covered the exterior.

It was back to ICON Duplo Ribeira for a little siesta at hotel . . . my rest was short because I wanted to get back out!  The weather is amazing, and I am soaking up everything I just love about life in Europe. They do it right that’s for sure!

I popped in Taberna do Largo for a snack and some people watching.  I ordered a pint of sangria and lupin beans.  Lupin beans?

The lupin beans were interesting and a good to snack; a little salty and crunchy.  Dessert was at Castro-Atelier de Pastéis de Nata for pastéis de nata.  They are so pretty and yummy too!

I called it a day  . . . oh and sort of missed my hiking group.