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TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
TOP 10 REASONS
Why travel to Porto: Find out the top 10 reasons to visit
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01
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A SNEAK PEAK
A Sneak Peek into Porto
- Porto, Portugal's second city, appears to be hewn out of granite near the mouth of the River Douro and dazzles with a rich collection of cultural attractions.
- The Ribeira is Porto's, historical heart. This waterfront Bairro begs you to get lost in its maze of narrow streets and seek out some of the city's most treasured architectural treasures.
- The buildings that comprise this venerable neighbourhood are so rare and valuable that UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site.
- Much of old Porto has a distinct 18th-century flavour to it.
- Expensive Baroque cathedrals and majestic neoclassical structures punctuate the skyline, with the contents of their most precious rooms on exhibit in top-notch museums situated in gorgeous squares.
- International Airport: Porto International Airport (OPO)
- Population: 1,316,000
- Currency: the euro
- Time: UTC+0
- Driving side: Right
- Main Electricity: 230 V
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Religion: Lutheran Christianity
02
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
HIGHLIGHTS
Top Tourist Attractions in Porto
- A local host of your choice will be available for interaction. So get ready—the local culture, history, and way of life are waiting!
- Both sides of the Douro River are lined with port houses, eateries, narrow lanes with shops, and historic structures.
- Explore Porto's history by visiting landmarks such as Sao Bento Train Station, Clerigos Tower, and Rua de Flores.
- This is the ideal opportunity to visit that memorable eatery frequented only by locals and enjoy a local treat hand-picked by your host.
- The most exciting aspect of any city tour is undoubtedly the unique stories.
03
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
SEASONS TO TRAVEL
Best Months to Visit Porto
- The Porto climate is the Mediterranean with oceanic influences, mild temperatures and abundant rainfall.
- The wind is constantly blowing because it is close to the Atlantic Ocean. So, carry something warm even in the heat, first and foremost!
- July has the most sunshine, while January has the least.
- If you're looking to escape the winter and visit a sunnier destination, Porto is not for you!
- Even though the temperature is higher in Porto than in other parts of Europe or the United States, it still rains a lot!
- Let us now discuss light, the source of all life. During the winter, natural light only lasts about 9 hours.
04
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
WORTH A VISIT
The Best Places to Visit in Porto
Down by the riverside
- The natural stone homes with red roof tiles were falling apart, but the waterfront neighbourhood of Ribeira has been immaculately repaired.
- This old area of Porto has developed into the city's top attraction with its wrought iron verandas filled with clothes drying on the line, confined staircases, and tight lanes lined with bodegas, bars, and shops.
- A trip to Ribeira is also a great workout: climbing from the Douro terraces to the square of the Sé Cathedral is quite strenuous.
- Rest at the wine bar Arco das Verdades when you get to the summit.
The famous double-decked bridge
- The massive arched bridge Luis I that connects Ribeira to Vila Nova de Gaia is Porto's most notable landmark.
- The bridge, named after King Dom Luis I, was designed by a former partner of Gustave Eiffel.
- There are two decks on the bridge, one for automobiles and one for the metro. Both decks are accessible to pedestrians.
- However, 60 metres above the river, the top one is not advised for individuals terrified of heights.
- Admire the steel monster from the patio of Bar Ponte Pensil, built on an old bridge's foundation.
A round around the monastery
- Even though everyone can see it, the Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar remains off the beaten path.
- The fortified monastery, which towers above Vila Nova de Gaia, is rarely visited.
- Although the army continues to use the facilities, tourists can take daily tours.
- This 16th-century monument is worth seeing because of its architectural style: the abbey and the church are circular.
- The view from the chapel extends far beyond the Douro's shores.
- Board the cable car and relax on a patio along the Cais de Gaia with a glass of chilled port.
05
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
DISCOVER MORE
Porto Off the Beaten Track
Avenida dos Aliados
- Walking the length of this broad double avenue provides a lively and entertaining overview of everyday Porto.
- "Aliados," the city's raucous commercial hub, is lined on both sides with shops, stores, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.
- Praça da Liberdade is located at the foot of the thoroughfare. Still, visitors can begin their exploration by visiting the nearby Estaço de So Bento, Porto's central railway station, to admire the 20,000 or so dazzling azulejos depicting early modes of transportation and Portugal's history.
- A stroll north will lead you to the Câmera Municipal, Porto's city hall, which sits atop the avenue. Turn right here along Rua Formosa until you reach the historic Mercado do Boho.
- The market hall is closed for much-needed renovations and will be closed until at least the end of 2020.
- A temporary market, however, has been set up just beyond the main structure, past the Boho Metro station. Fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, fish, household goods, and handicrafts are still available here.
Porto Tram City
- Porto's historic centre and riverfront can be seen from a vintage tram on tours that include several iconic sights and cultural landmarks.
- Three different lines serve the destination, each providing a unique perspective on Portugal's second largest city.
- Close to Ponte Dom Luis 1 is where Line 1 begins. The coastal town of Foz do the Douro, which is situated at the mouth of the River Douro and is renowned for its neighbouring beaches and bays, may be reached from here by taking the "Riverside Line" west.
- This leisurely excursion is a popular option in the summer when you want to get away from the city heat.
- Line 18 is a restored track with a partially circular design and the shortest ride. The route passes through Igreja do Carmo and concludes at the Museu do Carro Eléctrico, or tram museum.
- The Line 22 tour is arguably the most rewarding circuit in terms of sightseeing and attractions.
- Torre dos Clérigos and Igreja do Carmo is just a few of the scenic landmarks that the streetcar clatters and hisses through along this route.
06
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
CULTURE & TRADITIONS
Porto Culture and Traditions
- Porto rose to prominence on the geopolitical map after the Romans designated it as an essential trade route to Northern Europe.
- Due to their staunch independence mirrored in their character, the Tripeiros have proven challenging to subdue. Henry, the Navigator, was born here, and the Sé saw the start of Southern Portugal's Reconquista, or liberation from the Moors.
- The river, commerce, and Porto's proximity to the Atlantic are responsible for many local traditions. Portugal used to be a maritime nation responsible for a disproportionate amount of global exploration.
- The giant red net sculpture in Matosinhos, the vast quantities of fish consumed by the locals, and the Rabelo boats in Ribeira that once ferried goods down the Douro are all examples of maritime traditions. The city is full of terraced hills crammed with buildings and houses overlooking the river and Vila Nova de Gaia's wine labels.
- For centuries, the wine trade has kept Porto afloat. For centuries, the Portoenses have worked hard, trading with their fellow citizens and the rest of the world, and they have a rich and proud culture to show for their efforts.
- This city was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for a reason.
07
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
FOOD FUN FASHION
Porto: Food, Fun & Fashion Guide
Tripas à Moda do Porto
#Food
- Tripas à Moda do Porto includes tripe, traditional offal that elicits mixed reactions from foods. The thought of eating stomachs puts many people off.
- However, adventurous eaters will want to experience this iconic Middle-Eastern tripe dish.
- The dish became so synonymous with the northern city centuries ago that Porto residents were dubbed Triperios, a nickname still used today.
- Like many others, the Tripas à Moda do Porto recipe has evolved over time.
- Typical ingredients include veal, pork, chicken, carrots, bay leaves, onion, garlic, and the beans discovered by Portuguese explorers.
- Remember that most tascas only prepare and serve Tripas à Moda do Porto on certain days of the week. If you're only in Porto for a few days, plan to avoid disappointment.
Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá
#Food
- While Bacalhau a Bras is a popular dish in tascas across the Iberian peninsula, Porto's casual restaurants serve a similar but distinct dish called Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá.
- While it may sound unfamiliar, this dish is unique to Porto.
- More than a century ago, a Porto native named Gomes de Sá created the salt cod casserole with salted cod, eggs, olives, onions, and potatoes.
- You are correct if you think these ingredients are similar to those used to make Bacalhau a Bras.
- You are correct if you believe it is worthwhile to try Bacalhau à Gomes.
Caldo Verde (Kale Soup)
#Food
- Caldo Verde translates to green broth, but be aware of the literal translation.
- Even though this soup originated in Minho, it is widely available throughout the country.
- The hearty soup'stretches' ingredients like potatoes, kale, and olive oil to create a filling meal. Most bowls of Caldo Verde include a slice or two of chouriço, which adds a bit of protein and a hint of smokey flavour.
- While we lust after these slices whenever we slurp the soup at home or in Porto restaurants, vegetarians and vegans can skip them.
Rua de Cedofeita
#Fashion
- Another well-known shopping street, Rua de Cedofeita, has several independent stores you won't find in shopping malls.
- The street stretches over 800 metres from Praca de Carlos Alberto to Rua de Boavista and includes stores such as Lefties, Me Allegro, and TeeLegend.
Rua de Santa Catarina
#Fashion
- Rua de Santa Catarina is Porto's most famous shopping street.
- This main shopping street begins in Batalha square and ends in ViaCatarina.
- H&M, Footlocker, Springfield, Tezenis, and other fashion retailers line the street.
ViaCatarina Shopping
#Fashion
- ViaCatarina Shopping, located in the heart of Porto, has over 95 shops spread across four floors and 11500m2.
- The shopping mall has fashion and home goods stores, a food court and a rooftop restaurant.
- You may find shops like Levi's, H&M, NewYorker, Jean Louis David, and others.
World of Discoveries
#Fun
- At this modern interactive museum and theme park, the Age of Discovery, Portugal's remarkable age of conquest and exploration, is reenacted with astounding effect.
- A series of detailed exhibitions and screened animations bring to life the perilous voyages of 15th-century Portuguese navigators, who set sail in fleets of fragile caravels to chart unknown waters and map new lands.
- The true adventure begins when you go on a boat and visit places where people like Vasco da Gama and Pedro Alvares Cabral, who arrived in Brazil in 1500 and 1498, respectively, and charted a maritime route from Portugal to India, first visited.
- Passengers wearing audio headsets are entertained by the planning and organisation that underpins these daring maritime expeditions, as well as a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the various destinations colonised by the Portuguese during this time.
- This is a particularly engaging and educational experience that is great fun for people of all ages.
08
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
NATURE & SAFARI
Porto: Natural Beauty & Safari Adventures
- Peneda-Gerês is the only one that has been designated as a National Park.
- It is located in the country's northwest and has stunning landscapes with mountains and reservoirs where unique species such as the wild garrano horse and the Castro Laboreiro dog breed can be found.
- A rural way of life is preserved here, as in Montesinho Park, with community villages where people share work and facilities.
- Rivers flow between crags and cliffs in Alvo Natural Park, and there are spectacular waterfalls, such as Fisgas de Ermelo.
- To the east, the river that forms the border with Spain is named Douro Internacional, and its deep valleys form canyons that serve as nesting sites for birds of prey, such as the Egyptian vulture.
- Another protected area nearby is the Azibo Reservoir, which is ideal for bird watching and relaxing on its river beaches.
09
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
EVENTS & FIESTAS
Porto Must-Attend Festivals and Events
- São João, a wild night of crazy fun, defines Porto. Wander the streets with a plastic hammer in one hand and a beer in the other.
- Get pounded in more ways than one. São João is Porto's patron saint, and his festival features barbecues and street music.
- The practice of whacking people on the head with plastic hammers has no limits. You can even whack a cop if you want to.
- Before you try it, observe how the locals do it.
- On June 23rd, the headbanging will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display.
FAQs to Plan Your Best Porto Holiday
Places similar to Porto to visit
Places similar to Porto to visit
Places similar to Porto to visit