Explore the crumbling side of Porto
Forget the ornate cathedrals, the glitzy bars or gourmet restaurants. On what are billed as "The Worst Tours" of Portugal's second city Porto, the highlights are decrepit homes and crumbling shops.
Three out-of-work architects have concocted the tours to show visitors the impact of Portugal's debilitating economic crisis on the city that was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996.
"Porto is not just a postcard or some streets where tourists do their shopping. My city is also all this," said tour guide Margarida Castro Felga, 31, gesturing at the dilapidated facades in the city's Fontainhas district.
Also on the itinerary are empty stores whose owners have long gone bankrupt and dozens of houses with boarded windows and doors, even at the upper end of the Porto's main shopping thoroughfare Santa Catarina street.
In short, what they are offering is a walking tour of "the alleys, the abandoned buildings, the square, the mean streets, the old markets … the stories behind them all, and great discussions on very partial points of view".
Disbelieving local youngsters watch the group led by Castro Felga pass by and stop outside the crumbling buildings.
"It's sad to let such a beautiful city get run down," said Dean Watson, who had signed up for the tour with his wife Louise.
For the American-English couple in their 50s, the tour brings to life the economic malaise plaguing the eurozone nation, which only managed to shake off two-and-a-half years of recession in the second quarter of 2013.
"This kind of visit helps us understand what's happening in Europe today," said Louise who has lived in Germany with her husband for the last 30 years.
"People in Germany prefer not to think too much about it," she said.
Faced with looming bankruptcy after decades of ballooning wages and state spending led to a massive build up of debt, Portugal was forced to seek an international bailout worth 78 billion euros ($A119.68 billion) in May 2011.
In exchange however, it was forced to undertake sweeping job, pay and pension cuts which deepened a recession and spawned poverty and unemployment that stood at 15.3 per cent during the last three months of 2013.
"The city has been losing people for more than 10 years but austerity policies have made things worse," said Castro Felga, who added that she has stopped counting the number of friends who have left to work overseas.
Other morose titbits of life in Portugal dispensed during the visit: not all workers are entitled to unemployment benefits and minimum wage is only 500 euros per month – as compared to a heftier 750 euros in Spain, which has also just emerged from a drawn-out recession, and some 1300 euros in France, both fellow eurozone nations.
Official data show that some 18.7 per cent of apartments in the city were empty in 2011, while in capital Lisbon, non-occupancy rate is at 15.5 per cent.
But the guides of The Worst Tours reject any suggestion they are flaunting Porto's misery – a criticism directed by some at tour guides who specialise in slums, such as Brazil's favelas.
For Helena Goncalves from the Porto tourism board, such tours only serve to hurt the city's reputation at a time when it badly needs tourist dollars, and when the city is actually gaining popularity.
"The city is finally figuring on the international tourism map" thanks to the arrival of low-cost airlines, she said.
Overnight stays by foreigners in Porto, which gave its name to one of Portugal's internationally famous exports, port wine, surged 15.2 per cent in 2013.
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!