Day 5 - Porto

After our morning class, we headed into the heart of Porto for a guided walking tour of the city’s historic centre. We explored some of Porto’s most iconic landmarks, including the stunning Church of Saint Ildefonso, known for its beautiful blue-and-white azulejo tiles, Clérigos Church and Tower, and the charming streets leading down to the Ribeira waterfront. Along the way, our guide shared fascinating stories about Porto’s history, architecture, and culture. One of the most interesting facts we learned was that J.K. Rowling lived in Porto while teaching English in the early 1990s, and the city’s grand architecture, including the famous Livraria Lello bookstore that is believed to have inspired elements of the Harry Potter series.

After the tour, some students continued exploring the city on their own, visiting Livraria Lello, one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores, and Mercado do Bolhão, Porto’s historic market, where they experienced local food, fresh produce, and the lively atmosphere.

To end the day, we crossed the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge in the evening to watch the sunset. Watching the sky transform into shades of orange and pink over the Douro River, with the lights of Ribeira beginning to glow, was an unforgettable way to finish an incredible day exploring Porto.