The Palácio da Bolsa is described as a top experience in our guidebook and was a 5 minute, at most, walk from our hotel so we decided to head there before going further afield for our day. Visits are by guided tour only, and we were very fortunate that we turned up just before the English language tour was due to leave. Our tour guide had something of the Eurovision show host about her, an impression sealed when she sang “Money money money”! She was a knowledgeable guide and gave us a good overview of the building, how it had been used, and how it was still being used.

Gorgeous staircase

The Cloisters

The Arabian Room

The Arabian Room is the final room you see on the tour, and it is impressive. Some people in our group let out an audible “Wow” as the doors opened.