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Avenida dos Aliados is not just the heart of Porto; it’s a vibrant, historical, and cultural centerpiece that provides a rich mixture of architecture, trade, and local life.
As someone who has spent many a day wandering through its large streets and narrow alleys, I can say without a second thought that there is no better spot for your introduction to Porto.
Are you ready to explore the complete guide to this famous avenue, which should take in how to get there, what to see, and the experiences you shouldn’t miss?
Avenida dos Aliados Porto
How to get to Avenida dos Aliados?
Avenida dos Aliados stands at the center of life in Porto, so it is virtually impossible to avoid it wherever you go. If you would like to go from Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, in Porto, to Avenida dos Aliados, it is most convenient to travel by subway.
Metro do Porto’s Line E (also called the Violet Line) links the airport with the city center directly. The station you are looking for is the Aliados which is located right at the avenue.
If you are in Porto, the transport service is also available via various bus and tram routes. However, in order to have the most genuine experience, you have to walk the city. The city is full of friendly people who go from one place to another, so walking becomes really pleasant for them. The city is a very calm place.
Understanding the Avenida dos Aliados Map
Avenida dos Aliados goes from Praça da Liberdade at the southern end to the City Hall (Câmara Municipal) at the northern end. The avenue is bordered by large buildings, some of which were constructed more than a hundred years ago.
Although it may look as though Avenida dos Aliados is one of the shortest streets, it has a good distribution and is 311 meters long so it is considered one of the longest streets as well.
At the outset of a walk from Praça da Liberdade to the north, a traveler will come across the figure of Dom Pedro IV, the equestrian, which is definitely the most well-known statue in the area. The place is always crowded with people, both locals and foreigners.
The next section is The area broadens into a grand boulevard with a central path where public events, art installations, and sometimes even protests or celebrations are held.
Use a useful map, be it digital or on paper, in order to take a stroll down the little pathways that spring off from the main street. For example, the Rua de Ceuta and Rua da Fábrica streets, are paved with small cafes and art galleries while the pass from the Coliseu do Porto is made via Rua de Passos Manuel.
Shopping on Avenida dos Aliados
Even though Avenida dos Aliados is not Porto’s main shopping region, it indeed does offer a collection of outlets, especially for those who are up on more advanced or strange items.
The street is home to a number of shops that sell typical Portuguese clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. One of the top places for book lovers in the city of Porto is Livraria Lello, which is just a short walk from Avenida dos Aliados.
It is commonly referred to as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, and the superb interior, as it was reported, had an impact in J.K. Rowling’s portrayal of Hogwarts.
Even though it is really crowded, there definitely isn’t a more exciting option, after all, you might end up getting one or two interesting books which are specific to the city.
If you are in the mood for more shopping, go to Rua de Santa Catarina. The pedestrian street, Rua de Santa Catarina, just a 10-minute from Avenida dos Aliados is filled with international brands, local shops, and the most famous Café Majestic – it is another historical pearl in Porto.
Avenida dos Aliados Antiga
An avenue of the Aliados, like the Avenue of the Allies, has received its name after the Allied nations of World War I which is another way that one can find, the long-standing connections between Porto and International solidarity.
Over the years, the avenue has been through so many changes, and yet it has always been the heart of political, economic as well as social life in Porto. In the early 20th century, the avenue went through a complete redesign, and today we know it as the Grand Boulevard.
The City Hall, which is a large granite building at the northern end, reached its construction stage in 1957 and up to now it is considered as a badge of honor for the city which represented the richness and modernization of the period.
Things to do in Avenida dos Aliados
There are definitely many things to do in Avenida dos Aliados where tourists can find what to do. The enjoyment of taking a walk, enjoying the architectural projects and the company of people from different places are some of the experiences you are going to have.
- Marvel the Buildings: Spend your own time researching the ornate structures on the street. Many of these promote the Beaux-Arts aesthetic which exudes beauty and decoration. The Banco de Portugal and the Palácio das Cardosas (now a luxury hotel) are the most prominent ones in the area.
- The Town Hall: The Câmara Municipal do Porto is a useful complex as well as a site of historical importance. Its tall bell tower shows superb views over the town, while the building itself is a fine example of neoclassical architecture.
- Relax at Praça da Liberdade: The square positioned at the avenue’s southern end can serve as an idyllic hang-out spot for viewers and lovers of the outdoors. Had a coffee from one of the adjacent cafes and enjoyed the lively atmosphere.
- Explore the Nearby Streets: Don’t restrict your journey to just the avenue which is about it alone. The streets surrounding it are full of cute cafes, authentic Portuguese restaurants, and small shops which offer a more personal and unique view of Porto.
The Aliados Metro
The Aliados metro station, besides being a transfer hub, can also show the trend of Porto to combine modern infrastructure with old areas. The station will take you to many different places, so it’s a perfect spot for the starting journey to the city of Porto.
In case you need to use the metro frequently, buying an Andante card is advisable. It’s a credit card that has a number of recharges on it and it is good for your metro, bus, and in some cases, train.
The flexibility of the Aliados station makes it a hassle-free journey to the site of your choosing.
Avenida dos Aliados Loop from Sobreiras
Start your own 2-hour walking tour which is perfect for both riverside and urban beauty lovers by beginning your trip at Sobreiras, the riverside district. Subsequently, walk under a tall pedestrian arcade that starts at city hall until the far end. This round will take you through many of the most beautiful spots of Porto, such as the Ribeira area, which is famous for its colorful houses and superb riverfront views being one of the most famous.
While you walk up the river, you will see historical landmarks like Igreja de São Francisco and the Palácio da Bolsa. The path is quite steep, but once you get to Avenida dos Aliados, you will be surprised at the view of the city’s superb buildings from a bird’s-eye perspective.
Conclusion
Avenida dos Aliados is a place that is very close to my heart. It is where the heartbeat of Porto is the most intense, where history is intersected with modernity, and where locals and tourists are united.
If you are strolling down the streets of it for the first time or the hundredth, there is always something new waiting for you to find. I would advise that you take your time to wander all over, from the broad avenues to the hidden side streets.
Also, when you feel tired, look for a bench, relax, and let the world go by. Porto is a city that establishes itself little by little, and the Avenida dos Aliados is the best place for the initiation of this journey.
For more in-depth information, look for the official Porto tourism website, or historical archives that elaborate on the avenue’s rich past.
Whether you’re looking to visit or just want to extend your knowledge, I hope this guide gave you some new and true information about one of Porto’s most iconic places.
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