25/04/2026 - Porto - Bookshops, Hills, Towers and Bridges.
We explored Porto today, starting off with a 9.00am booking at Livaria Lello, the magical bookshop that inspired JK Rowling's moving staircase in the Harry Potter books. It truly is magnificent. Kim booked our spot and made sure she got Gold tickets. We arrived 1/2 hour before our allotted time (Opening Time) and were second into the store, which meant we got a photo on the stairs without anyone else in view. 5 minutes later to store was full.
After soaking in the experience, we each bought a book for the value of our ticket and headed out the door.
Next we visited Torres dos Clerigos. Julie decided her knee wouldn't like the 225 stair climb to the top of the tower, so she stayed in the park and people watched. The rest of us ascended the tower and the views of Porto were spectacular. The climb back down was tricky as we had to navigate the people on their way up.
Lunch by the river at a Cafe, and we were off again up the hill. Did I mention that everything apart from our hotel and the riverside restaurants and cafes are all UP the very steep hill.
Se do Porto was the next stop, or Porto Cathedral. Do we need to walk up the stairs or is there another way? Yes, we found another way. We received our stamp in our pilgrims credencial and took a photo of the starting point of the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route.
Now off to find FC Porto shop to get Gary a shirt. On our way we noticed the bridge crossing the Douro River, so we detoured to take some pictures and cross the bridge. Resting in the park across the river we could have stayed there for the rest of the afternoon, but we had things to do.
Off to buy a soccer shirt further up the hill.
At least the return to our hotel was all downhill.
On our way back, we were passed by a parade (with the usual protests) for Portugual's Freedom Day. When we were served at the bookshop earlier today, the cashier asked where we were from. When we said Australia she said "You wear poppies today, we wear carnations for Freedom Day." Now I will remember that every ANZAC Day.
Once back at the hotel, we settled in with a cup of tea, prepared our bags for tomorrow, soaked in a bath and relaxed. Who needs dinner anyway. Tomorrow our Camino begins.
We explored Porto today, starting off with a 9.00am booking at Livaria Lello, the magical bookshop that inspired JK Rowling's moving staircase in the Harry Potter books. It truly is magnificent. Kim booked our spot and made sure she got Gold tickets. We arrived 1/2 hour before our allotted time (Opening Time) and were second into the store, which meant we got a photo on the stairs without anyone else in view. 5 minutes later to store was full.
After soaking in the experience, we each bought a book for the value of our ticket and headed out the door.
Next we visited Torres dos Clerigos. Julie decided her knee wouldn't like the 225 stair climb to the top of the tower, so she stayed in the park and people watched. The rest of us ascended the tower and the views of Porto were spectacular. The climb back down was tricky as we had to navigate the people on their way up.
Lunch by the river at a Cafe, and we were off again up the hill. Did I mention that everything apart from our hotel and the riverside restaurants and cafes are all UP the very steep hill.
Se do Porto was the next stop, or Porto Cathedral. Do we need to walk up the stairs or is there another way? Yes, we found another way. We received our stamp in our pilgrims credencial and took a photo of the starting point of the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route.
Now off to find FC Porto shop to get Gary a shirt. On our way we noticed the bridge crossing the Douro River, so we detoured to take some pictures and cross the bridge. Resting in the park across the river we could have stayed there for the rest of the afternoon, but we had things to do.
Off to buy a soccer shirt further up the hill.
At least the return to our hotel was all downhill.
On our way back, we were passed by a parade (with the usual protests) for Portugual's Freedom Day. When we were served at the bookshop earlier today, the cashier asked where we were from. When we said Australia she said "You wear poppies today, we wear carnations for Freedom Day." Now I will remember that every ANZAC Day.
Once back at the hotel, we settled in with a cup of tea, prepared our bags for tomorrow, soaked in a bath and relaxed. Who needs dinner anyway. Tomorrow our Camino begins.
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