Palacio de Cristal

It's one of those places where you have to show it instead of explaining it with words... It has an open air "museum" (museo romantico), a playground, a small lake, a big library and beautiful huge gardens that bring you to the most amazing view on the river Douro. It's a great place to take someone on a date.

Once you go to Porto you want everybody to know that you've been to such a beautiful city. The best place to capture your stay there is Jardins do Palacio de Cristal (or Cristal Palace Garden), where you'll find a big "Porto" sign to take a great picture.

Besides the sign, the garden is a really nice place. With lots of nature and a big palace for exhibitions and events, there is always something to do there. When I went, there was a books fair and a yoga class going on.

But even when there are not scheduled activities, it is a good place to go for a walk, to have a coffee and enjoy the free time. It is a beautiful park with a lake, many trees and animals such as ducks, squirrels and even peacocks.

Also, since the garden is in a high place in the city, it has a great panoramic view of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia and Douro River.

TIP: The best time to visit the garden is during the morning, when there are not so many tourists. In the afternoon you'll probably face a line to take your picture with Porto sign.