Porto: The Enchanting City Of Portugal That You Will Love

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Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal that you will definitely love, as it has a more traditional and authentic atmosphere. Also, the size of the city makes it ideal for spending an unforgettable weekend, enjoying the lively culture, amazing food and stunning architecture.

In Porto, colourful houses are built on top of each other on the banks of the Douro River. Ruined buildings and churches in medieval towers seem to be gaining ground in the city's picturesque Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this unique city, you will also find great restaurants and some of the top boutique hotels. A trip to Porto is not complete without trying the drink that bears his name in one of the beach cellars in the port.

The highlights of Porto

Wine: The fortified wine that took its name from the city is ubiquitous in Porto. With cellars dedicated exclusively to this drink, and some of the world's top varieties to try, one can spend an entire weekend simply trying this excellent drink. Wines from the Douro Valley are also a great way to accompany a wonderful dish.

History: With Celtic, Roman and Moorish history, Porto has a strong heritage. At the mouth of the Douro River, the settlement at Portus Cale (present-day Vila Nova de Gaia) gave its name to the country that developed around it. Its ability to produce some of the finest and most exclusive wine varieties and its important historic centre make Porto a great destination for short trips.

Culture: Despite being relatively small, Porto is one of the most culturally significant cities globally. A former European Capital of Culture features a Romanesque cathedral, world-renowned museums, and one of the world's most prestigious architecture schools. Also, the bookstores here have great importance in the cultural life of the place and will enchant every bookworm and not only.

What to do in Porto

Due to its geographical location in the north of Portugal, the weather in Porto is a bit colder than the rest of the country, so the best time to visit it is between May and October. A good time is during the São João festivities, and enjoy one of the most exciting and big parties in Europe. Cross the river with a wooden private rabelo boat. You will pass under the Dome Luís bridge and visit exclusive riverside cellars. It is an experience not to be missed!

The best way to explore the city is by walking. The city has several hills; however, it is small, so most attractions are very close to each other. Also, the city is full of hidden diamonds that will surprise you in every corner: places with a unique view of the river, tiny shops with handicrafts and puppet restaurants with superb local cuisine. These diamonds can be discovered using a car, which can take you from one city monument to another in a short time.

And because you usually travel without your personal car, the ideal and economical solution to your travel problem is to hire a car. Among dozens of car hire companies in the country of Portugal, the one that stands out is the company Enjoy Travel not only for its offers but also for its vast variety of passenger cars.

The legendary symbol of the city is the Torre dos Clerigos, a baroque tower of the church of the same name. It was built in the 18th century and was at that time the tallest building in Portugal!

Right in front of it you will find the recently renovated Passeio dos Clerigos, a shopping street with a manicured garden and olive trees. The BASE sets tables outside and is a fantastic place to enjoy a drink or coffee. The Livraria Lello Library is housed in a building that is a work of art in itself and is the oldest bookstore in the world. Even if reading is not for you, just enter to experience the spectacle with its impressive wooden ceilings and magnificent crimson art nouveau staircase.

Tiles are a traditional art throughout Portugal, but Porto maintains the tradition in the best possible way, decorating beautiful galleries with them. Inside the train station of Sao Bento and the church of Igreja do Carmo, you will find stunning examples of this unique art.