What to See in Ponta Delgada: 10 Free Experiences
Want to know what to see in Ponta Delgada without spending a lot of money?
We present 10 free experiences that will let you know a little about the city's art, gastronomy, culture, religion and nature:
ART IN THE CITY
The city of Ponta Delgada has already been a canvas for dozens of artists who have taken charge of making it more colorful every year, mainly through the public art festival, Walk & Talk. Its graffiti they can be admired on a walk through the city center, which will leave you dazzled and eager to discover the other works scattered around the island of São Miguel.
the art gallery Workshop (1) it is the ideal place for those who prefer to enjoy art up close and within four walls. In the space, it is possible to contemplate pieces of contemporary art created by local and national artists. Drawings, prints, photographs and posters are some of the pieces you will find in this wonderful gallery. Awaken your artist side and become sensitized to the creations of many talented artists!
THE DELIGHTS OF OUR ISLAND
Get to know our food and our people. O Grace Market (2) it is one of the most emblematic places in the city, where fresh and regional products, produced by the local population, which represent a large part of our gastronomy, such as pineapple and cheese, prevail.
And better than seeing and smelling, it's even tasting what São Miguel has to offer!
At the Augusto Arruda Pineapple Greenhouse (3) you can get to know the fruit's growth stages, visit the greenhouses and you can even taste the Pineapple Liqueur A. Arruda. In this establishment you will not only find various products made with this delicious fruit, such as pineapple juice and cake, but also local handicrafts and an exhibition that includes our wonderful ceramic pineapple, perfect for decorating any space (find the pineapple here). There is no better way to meet our king of fruits!
A HISTORY CENTER
The visiting card of the city of Ponta Delgada cannot be left behind. Visit the City Gates (4), a grandiose construction in basaltic stone, consisting of three arches. They were built in the 19th century and acted as the gateway to the city, through which those who came from abroad would pass. When moved from Cais Velho to Praça Gonçalo Velho Cabral, the Portas da Cidade acquired a central and prominent position worthy of an architectural landmark. Currently, the square is the stage for several events.
For the more adventurous, we advise you to see this same monument through the Ponta Delgada Bell Tower (5), with the City Council. When you climb this tower, 29.60 meters high and 106 steps, you have a fantastic 360° view of the city of Ponta Delgada at your disposal. Experience worthy of a photo to remember later!
PEOPLE OF FAITH
The Azorean people are known for their religious faith and around them churches and festivals celebrated at various times of the year are created. If you want to know a little more about this feature of ours, we advise you to visit the Convent of Our Lady of Hope (6), located in Campo de São Francisco. In this convent you will find the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres, a stunning piece of sacred art, to which the Azoreans pay tribute in the famous Feasts of Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres. The festivities are celebrated in May and fill the city of Ponta Delgada with people, including locals and emigrants.
In the city center you can also find the Main Church of São Sebastião. Considered a treasure of sacred art, this church has three hugely decorated porticoes and its naves, chapels and altars are covered in gilded woodcarving. Its beauty leaves anyone fascinated.
THE GREEN & THE SEA
Anyone who thinks that nature and the city don't mix have certainly never visited the magnificent gardens that exist in our city of Ponta Delgada. We highlight the António Borges Garden (7). In this historic garden, built in the 19th century, it is possible to contemplate caves, tunnels, lakes and viewpoints that form a beautiful landscape together with the surrounding nature. The garden has a great botanical diversity, including endemic plants and exotic plants that António Borges, a famous Azorean merchant and politician, brought from other countries. It is the ideal place to escape the city hustle, walk with the family and be dazzled by the nature that Ponta Delgada has to offer. The icing on the cake is the playground in the garden, which attracts any children who pass by and guarantees moments of fun.
A walk by the sea in the modern Doors of the Sea is a good option for those who love the smell of the sea. In fine weather, take the opportunity to cool off in your natural pool, where you are offered all the conditions and safety to enjoy our sea. The pool can be visited all year round, great news for the brave ones who love to swim even if it's not summer.
Now that you know what to do in Ponta Delgada, without spending any money, you just have to fall in love. Most of the route can be done on foot, so take the opportunity to contemplate the streets, the sea, the people and all the beauty that this city has to offer.
