Stock Exchange Palace
The Stock Exchange Palace exemplifies state-of-the-art architecture that was designed to attract international commerce to Portugal. It is situated across from Praca do Infante Dom Henrique, or Henry the Navigator Square, where he stands pointing toward the sea.
Porto Walk
After an exhilarating visit to the Stock Exchange Palace, we had some free time. Most of us decided to walk back to Rua Santa de Catarina, where our hotel is located, to take in the attractive pedestrian sights. Starting from Rua F. Borges and looking out at the Henry Navigator statue, visitors can continue on this street to pass by the Misericordia Church and Museum, and enter Lower Porto. From here, visitors can catch a glimpse of the Sao Bento station and begin exploring the upper part of Porto via Carmelitas.
At the intersection of Praca de Lizboa, visitors will find the iconic Clerigos Church Tower on the left, and further ahead, before arriving at the University of Porto on the right, where the Lello and Irmao Bookstore, which allegedly inspired J.K. Rowling’s story, can be found. In front of the university, the centerpiece of Praca de Gomes Teixeira is the Fountain of the Lion. Visitors can then pass the Carmo church and turn right to reach Praca Fernandes before taking Rua da Fabrica to reach Praca da Liberdade, where the imperial McDonald's is located alongside the Igreja de Santo Antonio dos Congregados.
