Porto, perched on the Douro River, is Portugal's second largest city.
Romantic and fun; ancient and modern; typical and cosmopolitan, Porto is a city with a thousand contrasting faces and, sometimes, with a melancholic charm.
The Douro River, the undisputed protagonist of the city, gives it that unique charm, with magical views and a pleasant atmosphere along the lively Ribeira district.
Porto stands out among the hills and balances on granite cliffs. Famous all over the world for its Port wine, with its historical center part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996, Porto has much to offer to its visitors.
With its tall, narrow, colourful houses overlooking the river, historic palaces and baroque churches everywhere, Porto is a city of details, which you will discover day by day, step by step.
Picturesque views, stairways that wind their way up the old alleyways of the old town, in a labyrinth where you can get lost and be surprised by picturesque corners.
Its characteristic historical centre; the beautiful gardens, green oases with panoramic views and ample space to enjoy leisure time in the open air; contemporary buildings such as the Casa da Música, or the traditional azulejos technique that decorates the façades of monuments, are just some of the highlights of this extraordinary city.
The Ribeira district is also the starting point for most cruises up the Douro River.
I recommend a walk along the Douro river bank and crossing the D. Luis I bridge to reach the famous wine cellars, where the famous Port wine is stored and aged. Take time to contemplate the Rabelo boats, similar to Viking vessels, that once transported wine from the Douro valley to Vila Nova de Gaia.
There are many interesting pages of history to be discovered as you wander around the city. Do you know, for example, why the city is known as Cidade Invicta: the Invincible City?!
Did you know that Porto is the city that gave the name to the state of Portugal, during the first centuries BC, when it was called Portus Cale?!
Did you know that it was in Porto that J. K. Rowling, author of Harry Potter, wrote some of the first chapters of Harry Potter, using napkins from the Majestic coffee?!
Do you know the story behind the 'francesinha' and the 'tripas à moda do Porto': two typical dishes that I recommend you to try with a good 'fino' (draught beer)?!
There are many curiosities that revolve around Porto, which I will be able to tell you about, during my guided tour of the city.
Porto Airport (code OPO), also known as Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, is located in the metropolitan area of the city and is well connected to the historic centre by metro in just 20 minutes.
Porto is also an excellent base and a good starting point for discovering and visiting other interesting places in the north and centre of Portugal, like the cities of Braga, Guimarães, Averio and Coimbra.
Write to me if you would like to book a guided city tour of Porto, or organize an exciting tour of Northern Portugal!
info@ilatraveltips.com or w.a. +39 3331558801
