Can’t Miss Porto Photowalk 2024
After several years since the last edition of Scott’s Kelby Worldwide Photowalk Can’t Miss Porto, this year we returned to the streets of this charming city, where every day we guide photographers and non-photographers alike, all very curious and eager to take the best and most impactful memories with them.
Despite a gray day threatening rain (which didn’t happen), 17 intrepid participants brought life and color to this initiative. In this edition, we chose a route through the narrow yet enchanting streets of Porto’s historic center, a site considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stop at Vitória Viewpoint
After the obligatory group photo, we headed straight to the impressive viewpoint of Vitória, a postcard-worthy spot in the city, where we could see the Douro River, the cathedral, the Luís I Bridge with its two iron decks, and the Monastery of Serra do Pilar.
Next, we couldn’t resist entering one of the most charming terraces in the city, the one on Flores Street, which was empty due to the rain. Therefore, it was all ours to take photos at leisure while enjoying its magnificent views over the city’s oldest neighborhood, Sé, highlighted by the cathedral.
Surprising Places
Further along, at the top of Rua do Ferraz, we enjoyed yet another stunning perspective of the cathedral and the Sé neighborhood. Shortly after, we encountered the surprising Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Silva, unique and so little known, yet very photogenic.
And just below, perhaps surprising to many, one of the most beautiful clothing stores in the whole city, uniquely located in the building where the oldest hospital in Porto was constructed.
The Most Beautiful Cat
We passed by the impressive “Perspéntico” Cat, perhaps one of the most beautiful street paintings I know, challenging ourselves to capture it from various unique perspectives. We then entered the oldest neighborhood in Porto, Sé, said to be where the city was born around 3,000 years ago. As we wandered through its narrow streets, we caught sight of one of the cathedral’s towers, and soon after, on Rua de São Sebastião, we came face to face with it in an overwhelming perspective.
With clear yet impactful views, we stopped at the Aldas viewpoint before continuing along the street of the same name, perhaps one of the most charming in the city. We arrived at Largo da Pena Ventosa, where I invited everyone to explore a unique perspective with the tower of the Church of Vitória peeking out between the historic and colorful buildings of that niche.
The Charming Ribeira’s Neighborhood
It was just a short leap to the Ribeira neighborhood, starting at Barredo, where we paused at the door of one of the oldest civil buildings in the city, built in the 13th century and soon to undergo restoration, allowing us to visit it. Very close by, we found what might be the most striking small sanctuary in the city, that of Senhor da Boa Fortuna, where the guests of Pictury Photo Tours’ Photographic Walks usually can’t resist posing for posterity.
We descended to the riverside area and crossed the lower deck of the Luís I Bridge to conclude our photo walk on the stones by the Douro River, right at the feet of the rabelos that help beautify that magical and historical place. It’s also where I prefer to capture the sunset and often suggest for the recently requested (surprise) wedding photos.
And so ended another photographic (but not only) discovery of this enchanting city, an experience that brought me great joy in organizing, and I hope it contributed to fun and capturing many memorable photos.
Until the next edition!
