Porto, with its rich culture and scenic beauty, is a fantastic city for families to explore. As expats or internationals living in Portugal, finding activities that engage both children and adults can make your weekends truly special. Here's a peek into one of our family's favorite days out in Porto, combining nature, great food, and a bit of adventure.
Morning: Discovering the Botanical Garden and Galeria da Biodiversidade
Start your day with a visit to Porto’s Botanical Garden, a serene oasis perfect for a family stroll. The garden’s diverse flora provides a beautiful backdrop for exploration and relaxation. Within the garden, you’ll find the Galeria da Biodiversidade, an exceptional museum that captivates both children and adults.
Housed in the charming Sophia de Mello Breyner House, the museum offers interactive exhibits that make learning about biodiversity, biology, and physics fun and engaging. One of the highlights is the enormous blue whale skeleton, a sight that never fails to awe visitors. The hands-on activities are designed to simplify complex concepts, making them easy to grasp for all ages. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to learn more about Sophia de Mello Breyner, one of Portugal’s most esteemed poets, adding a cultural touch to your visit.
Lunch: Savoring Flavors at Cult of Pita
After a morning of exploration, head to Cult of Pita near Mercado do Bolhão for lunch. This eatery is a gem in downtown Porto, known for its delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. At Cult of Pita, you order at the counter and then can choose to sit at a table or the beautiful and cozy central shared table. The service is quite fast, which is a major plus for the children’s hungry tummies and impatient hearts. Whether you’re a fan of falafel, hummus, or fresh salads, Cult of Pita offers a menu that caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. The vibrant atmosphere and friendly staff make it a welcoming spot for families to enjoy a hearty and healthy meal together.
Post-lunch, it’s time to get active with a visit to São Rock Climbing, located near Campanhã train station. Indoor climbing is an excellent way to challenge yourself physically while having fun. São Rock Climbing offers routes suitable for all skill levels, making it a great activity for both kids and adults. The supportive and encouraging environment ensures that everyone, from beginners to experienced climbers, can enjoy the experience and maybe even conquer a new climbing route. There’s also an area upstairs dedicated to children, featuring a fun space where they can freely explore, have fun, and challenge themselves in a safe and engaging environment.
What we also love about São Rock Climbing is the super friendly staff and the cozy atmosphere created by the wooden climbing walls and the abundance of beautiful green indoor plants. This unique setup makes the climbing experience special and inviting. They also have a small bar offering cold drinks and yumie home made cakes, as well as pastel de nata, croissant, toast with butter and so on. You are also welcomed to bring your own food/snacks.
Wrapping Up the Day
This simple yet fulfilling itinerary never fails to make everyone in our family happy. Starting with the tranquility and educational richness of the Botanical Garden and Galeria da Biodiversidade, followed by a delicious lunch at Cult of Pita, and ending with the physical excitement of indoor climbing, it’s a perfect blend of relaxation, nourishment, and adventure. Once in the area of the Botanical Garden, Campo Alegre, you also find the German bookshop Buschestubbe. If you are a German-speaking family, this is a great opportunity to check their collection of books, games, etc. Campo Alegre is also very close to Casa da Música. It’s still about a 20-minute walk with kids, but it’s worth considering if this interests you. We usually go if there is a Saturday morning musical activity for kids.
Exploring Porto through these activities not only strengthens family bonds but also helps you connect with the city’s unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and community. So next time you’re planning a family day out in Porto, give this itinerary a try and let me know what you think about it.
Happy exploring!
Iliona
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