The Baixa, Porto: Aliados, Bolhao and Santa Catarina

Porto’s Baixa (downtown) is the city’s grand centre: the stately Avenida dos Aliados, the tiled São Bento station, the Bolhão market and the shopping street of Santa Catarina with its Belle Époque café. It’s the most convenient base in Porto, and full of sights.

Quick answer: walk Avenida dos Aliados up to the City Hall, see the tiles at São Bento station and the Capela das Almas, shop on Rua de Santa Catarina, have coffee at the Majestic Café and browse the renovated Bolhão Market. The Baixa is the best area to stay for a first visit. See places to stay in Porto.

Things to do

• Avenida dos Aliados: a grand boulevard of granite buildings, ending at the City Hall tower.
• São Bento station: see São Bento station.
• Bolhão Market: Porto’s historic market hall, reopened after a major renovation, with fresh produce, delis and places to eat.
• Rua de Santa Catarina: the main shopping street, with the Majestic Café and its ornate interior.
• Capela das Almas: the blue-and-white tiled chapel. See Porto’s churches.
• Praça da Batalha: the São João National Theatre and the tiled Santo Ildefonso church.
• Clérigos and Lello: a short walk west. See the Clérigos Tower and Livraria Lello.

Stay in the Baixa?

It’s central, flat by Porto standards, close to the metro and an easy walk downhill to Ribeira. See where to stay in Porto and the best hotels in Porto.

Getting around

Aliados, Trindade and São Bento metro stations serve the area. See Porto public transport.

More: Porto in one day and things to do in Porto.

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