Why travel to Porto?
There is no doubt that the charming, historic city of Porto sits as a glimmering gem just north of its bustling counterpart, Lisbon. Placed beside the mighty Douro River, Porto isn’t too far behind when it comes to western luxuries - but as any avid traveller will tell you, travelling to Porto is fully immersing yourself into the vibrant culture that the Portuguese so beautifully displays. With warm, friendly locals pointing you in the right direction to find the best pastéis de nata (custard tart made from egg yolks and an absolute must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth!), fresh Francesinha (the queen of all sandwiches) and sumptuous bacalhau (codfish); you will soon find yourself sipping on an espresso on a gorgeous cobbled road as you dine in these popular foods. The architecture in Porto is absolutely iconic, with colourful apartments and the like spanning over the banks of the Douro River, while minimalist buildings such as the Casa da Música and Museu de Arte Contemporânea stand tall among the timeless structures that surround it. There’s a certain romance that fills the air in Porto, making it a perfect destination for couples. Regard the beautifully painted murals plastered throughout the walls of the city, sip on delectable local wines from either Porto itself or from Portugal’s inland, the Alentejo, admire its avant-garde design and allow the gorgeous ocean views to completely sweep you off your feet.
Understanding Porto:
Key-Areas
Porto has quite a few neighbourhoods that are sure to make you fall head-over-heels in love - and many offer a diverse set of experiences to enthral just about every type of traveller. Take Vitória Parish (one of the four districts within the UNESCO World Heritage Classified Zone of Porto), a jaw-dropping commercial hub of Porto which is centred around the university. It’s a great place for a city break as it contains endless amounts of shopping, nightlife and dining experiences - especially when heading to the lively Galerias de Paris and Rua do Almada. Or the Baixa/Sé district which features the last traditional Portuguese market of Porto (Bolhão Market) and where many monuments are found. The old St. Nicholas Parish, one of the most iconic destinations in Porto as it homes Ribeira Square (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Additionally, the St. Nicholas Parish sits right on the banks of the Douro River and showcases those lovely colourful buildings, as previously mentioned, and has some of the very best dining experiences in the city. Even the Gondomar district offers absolutely breathtaking views over the Douro while presenting itself as a peaceful sanctuary away from the hustle of the inner-city. Additional sought after districts include Boavista (a stylish business hub), the more traditional Portuguese beachfront of Foz do Douro and right across the river, Vila Nova de Gaia - where delectable wines, romantic vistas and white, sandy beaches come aplenty.
