Pure Porto
MARIËTTE VAN BEEK TRAVELS TO PORTUGAL AND UNCOVERS A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH
Before travelling to Porto I only knew the city because of its world-famous export port wine, as well as that breathtaking image of the double-decked Dom Luís bridge sitting in front of a steep river-bank covered in colourful houses. I knew I could expect gorgeous views, an old town and good nightlife. However, having decided to explore Portugal’s second largest city through the eyes of a local, I find not a shiny tourist destination but a poor harbour city full of soul. It’s rough to the bone and I love it.
PHOTOS MARIËTTE VAN BEEK, THUG UNICORN-ANDRÉ BERNARDINO
STAY
I want to see the “real” side of Porto and so I opt for Airbnb. Joana and Mónica’s apartment, located in a quiet street in the old Ribeira neighbourhood, fits my purposes perfectly. Porto sits on the North Atlantic coast in the midst of a UNESCO world heritage site that owes much of its charm to its people and I instantly see why; my hosts do their utmost to make me feel at home. Every morning I can enjoy my breakfast, sweet delicacies from a nearby pastelaria (bakery), on a beautifully sunny terrace near the river Douro, which separates Porto from neighbouring city Gaia. It’s a great way to start the day before heading out to follow the tips Joana and Mónica give me about Porto and its LGBT scene.