Port on the mature gaze of the New York Times: the creative center of Portugal

Today, Porto is a center of innovation, creativity and a vibrant tourist destination that holds an important place both nationally and internationally.

The charm of Invicta does not go unnoticed and is once again in the spotlight of the prestigious The New York Times. The renowned American newspaper praises the city's cultural, commercial and entertainment offer, offering an itinerary of Invicta's various points of interest with recommendations for gastronomic establishments, hotels and more, making its way "from old-school seafood restaurants to ceramic studios. "

Written by freelancer Sarah Clemens and illustrated by Richard Pedaline, the issue, titled 'What to See, Taste and Buy in Porto,''Portugal's creative hub', stresses that "in a short time, Portugal's second largest city has transformed from a quiet industrial town to a vibrant creative center. It is full of traditional stores and gourmet restaurants", emphasizes the journalist.

City Overview

Through interviews with four experts (Signe Bindslev Henriksen, co-founder of the Danish design studio Space Copenhagen, which designed the interiors of the new Largo do Porto hotel, Armando Cabral, shoe designer, Ligia Guedes, ceramist and founder of Fam Ceramics, and chef Nuno Mendes, owner of Cozinha das Flores and Flôr restaurant and bar) gives an overview of the city from those who know every corner of this northern metropolis of Portugal. Attention is drawn to the rich''history of the city, noting that "the settlement on the banks of the Douro River, near the Atlantic Ocean, became an important port for the Romans, who named it Portus Calais. Over the centuries, other conquerors came, including Visigoths, Spaniards, Moors and French," making Porto an aggregator of a wide range of architectural styles. "The historic city center is an aggregate of medieval, baroque, gothic and neoclassical buildings, many of which still have a line of local granite," the journalist emphasizes, looking at the "industrial heart" surrounding the city of Porto. "Porto is in the industrial heart of the country; shoes, hats, textiles, cork, furniture and ceramics are all produced in the surrounding''zone'.

Unforgettable places to stay

The text also notes the role of the Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, opened in 1999, as a 'contemporary art reference'. Then, using statements and recommendations from "insiders", experts from different fields who took part in the course of the reportage, a list of unforgettable places to stay in the city is compiled.

• Le Monumental Palace, located in the heart of the city of Porto
• M.Ou.Co. located in the Campania neighborhood, "a hotel full of cultural activities. It has a collection of CDs and books, as well as a performance space. "
• Rosa Et Al Townhouse on Rua do Rosário in the Bombarda neighborhood, "a guesthouse with a gastronomic focus. Here''serving brunch and tea, as well as hosting cooking workshops'.

The article also mentions other restaurants offering a variety of cuisine, including Yakuza, Dona Maria, the emblematic Casa de Chá da Boa Nova, "a beautiful spot on the cliffs from where you can see the Atlantic Ocean and its influence on the city.". Rápido, Rogério do Redondo and Zé Bota, Cervejaria Gazela, Conga are other notable establishments, along with Gharb, inspired by Portugal's Muslim heritage, and Os Lusíadas and O Gaveto from Matosinho.

Overview of neighborhoods and attractions

A thorough analysis of Rua do Almada, now home to several bars and restaurants, as well as various traditional and alternative stores, housed in old buildings now restored.''Nearby is the Baixa zone, passing through various landmarks, and was the first street built outside the Fernanda Wall surrounding Invictus in 1761. "Rua do Almada, full of specialty stores, is a good street to explore. I really enjoy going to Casa Januário, which sells vintage baking molds, baking molds and Portuguese pastries," can be read in the publication, which also lists some mythical places in the region, such as the Jardin de Morro in Vila Nova de Gaia, the Bonfim neighborhood with "great architecture and excellent antiques stores" or the charming Pichinha das Mares pool.

How Porto combines the grandeur of its history with a modern and sophisticated look, delighting''Thousands of tourists who enjoy the charm of Invicta every year. As a reminder, in November 2022, Porto was recognized as the World's Best Urban Destination 2022 at the World Travel Awards in Muscat, Oman.