Our last day in Porto was another exploration day for us. By the time we cleaned up and dressed, we decided to just head out and grab some lunch. We have so many places to choose from within a two minute walk. However, today we extended our range and went for a walk uphill.

Leaving the apartment, we passed by the man with the calliope and birds. He always attracts a crowd, but after seven days, it got a little old.

We started out by checking a few menus along the way, but everything looked a little too much. I just wanted something simple, since we’ve had such good dinners all week.

At the street corner, we made a right and walked by the big guy.

From there, we meandered through the streets getting a ‘behind the scenes’ look at Porto. There are quite a few churches and convents scattered throughout the town.

After zig-zagging our way, we finally ended up at the Public Square.

By that time, we were in need of a beverage so we stopped at an outdoor cafe. Our server was very nice and guided us through ordering. Nothing elaborate, but very tasty roasted pork and cheese sandwiches. We quenched our thirst with a bottle of Vinho Verde -this one having quite a bit of effervescence. Yum!

Just a short walk from there was the Clérigos Tower and church. It’s one of the tallest buildings in the area and a popular spot for photos. The streetcar terminus is also located in the same area and draws a crowd too.

We continued walking -now a little less aimlessly -and eventually made our way back to the São Bento Train Station. The streets were getting crowded, so we headed back home to relax.

We put on some music and napped a little bit. All the walking is much more effort than reaching for the channel changer back home.

For our last evening in Porto, we returned to Cantinho do Avillez for dinner. We had to take a little earlier reservation as they were booked, but that wasn’t a problem at all.

We went easy since we had a bottle of wine at lunch and only ordered glasses of wine – two each. The couvert or bread selection had three types of bread, olives, butter and a tomato cream dip. For appetizers, I had the beef croquettes and Sue had shrimp in a lemon, olive oil and cilantro sauce. For our mains, I had the slow cooked veal in a Thai curry sauce with jasmine rice, while Sue had a cod casserole with the chef’s ‘exploding olives’.

I should probably mention the chocolate cake with strawberry ice cream that I had for dessert, but what’s a calorie or two among friends?

We took that last walk up the alley back to the apartment and relaxed for the remainder of the evening.

Porto has really been enjoyable. It exudes charm at every turn and is made extra special by the Portuguese people. Everyone we encountered was friendly and welcoming. We are so glad we spent eight days here.