Paradise in Porto

Last week my boyfriend and I escaped the arctic temperatures of our London home to journey to the only slightly improved temperatures of Portugal's second largest city, Porto. Owing to the multiplicity of positive reviews we had received from friends and family, and the multitude of travel blogs we had zealously pored over, it was a trip we had long been awaiting. 

With the rather impunctional exception of our plane journey to Porto  successfully simulating the feeling of being on a rickety roller coaster with only fertile chickens for company (Ryanair - need I say more), I am pleased to say that our stay lived up to all expectations. 

For me, Porto or Oporto (the English always like to leave their own mark) with its creatively worn down buildings and its neon coloured tiles embodies the juxtaposition of shabby chic. 

We spent the majority of the four days wandering aimlessly around the city, stopping spontaneously at shops and cafes that caught our eye. If my photos have failed to sway you, or the 50 pound return plane ticket is not persuasive enough, here is a little sample of our trip...

We stayed | at the immaculately decorated and central Grand Hotel do Porto, conveniently (or not as my boyfriend would say)on the main shopping street, Rue de Santa Catarina. 

We ate | like gluttonous creatures at Moustache coffee house for cakes (note the plural) and tea. Try the red velvet cake and the ferrero roche cake - like you've died and gone to heaven. Gallerie de Paris for dinner. Never mind the "artist" with his four siamese cats, the food here is delicious. My personal favourite, Miss Opo for dinner or sunday brunch. Looks like a portuguese mama's rustic kitchen where the menu changes every day and is scribed daily in a scruffy notebook. Very Dalston. 

We visited | The Centro Portugues de Fotagraphia located in an 18th century building with one of most heart rendering but inspirational exhibitions I have seen about people worldwide who have been affected by war, terrorism or genocide. The Church of Sao Francisco,the most prominent gothic church in Portugal. Even Tom Ford could not do justice to its marvel and splendour. A Vida Portuguesa, a grand building dedicated to the products made solely in Portugal. As well are marvelling at the wonderful architecture, you will find anything from vintage bottles of olive oil to a 1940s trombone. 

I bought | A jumper from Maison Scotch reduced to a mere 30 pounds from the delightful independent store TEA and a Celine inspire check skirt from a family owned store on Rue Miguel Bombarda. 

I've done the hard work for you, now all you have to do is book your flights ;)