Porto is absolutely stunning city and the second largest in Portugal!
I have spent there 3 unforgettable days, and definitely will return to those small cozy streets going up and down all the time (a very good place to check how sporty you are) 😊.
Porto has a lot of things to offer to visitors, below are my recommendations that I had the opportunity to see and enjoy:
Bell Tower Clerigos – is the city’s most iconic place. It can give you a 360-degree view of the city, but beware! – you have to climb around 200 steps up on your own legs, with no elevator;
Serra do Pilar – the hill for sunset and spectacular view of Porto 😊 with the 13-century monastery (one of the World Heritage sites of Portugal);
Livraria Lello – is a place to be for Harry Potter lovers. The bookstore invites you to dive into the gothic atmosphere reminding you of Hogwarts. Unfortunately, the entrance is not free, but you can use the ticket afterward for buying a book and reduction;
Porto Cathedral or any other church - they are all beautiful. The walls are full of Porto azulejos (special tiles);
Palacio da Bolsa – another World Heritage Site by UNESCO – is the Commerce Chambre, and the only palace that was not built for Reins, but just to impress the foreign traders and investors. The stunning Arabic room is awaiting you! Only a guided tour is allowed, you cannot walk by yourself. You can as well rent this place for your special events. However, the prices quite bite;
Ribeira – this is the old city district located next to river Douro. It is as well a Unesco World Heritage site. If you are looking for a romantic dinner with your beloved one on the side of the river – just go there, no need for a reservation!
AND ABSOLUTELY MUST – WINE TASTING!
City on the other side of the river Douro – Gaia (almost every tourist thinks that it is still Porto) becomes famous for its wine cellars (Sandeman, Taylor’s, and so on). They are all gorgeous, and each of them proposes guided tours with a bunch of funny, interesting details regarding the history of Porto wine and distinguishing features of each type of Porto wine.
I have visited the Calem cellar and did not regret it at all. Having 30 min of walk-through details of how the different ways of porto preparation and types of barrels (even if it sounds boring now, try it – the excursion is entertaining), you will have a wine tasting. Depending on the type of ticket you bought, you will have the possibility to try 2-3 different types of porto. And at the very end, there is a shop that provides a world delivery. 😉
And the last thing I can recommend is the boat trip. It allows you to enjoy the view of both cities – Porto and Gaia, the spectacular 7 bridges and have a long-lasting sunburn if you go on a sunny day 😊
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