What to see in Porto
Narrow streets, steep hills and steps
Situated in a riverside neighborhood in Porto, the Ribeira district is a UNESCO World Heritage Site consisting of colorful houses, steep hills, narrow streets, beautiful bridges and local culture. In many ways, this region is unspoiled compared to most parts of the city, and with so many steps finding their way throughout Ribeira; an effort is often required to uncover the real charm of the area.
Districts of contrasts
Arguably one of the most interesting aspects of Porto is the variety of sectors within easy reach of one another, and each of these has something different to offer. Toward Gala on one side of the River Douro, you will find a series of taverns (caves) which are frequented for wine tasting while the sight of locals hurrying down narrow streets in Miragaia and Massarelos can often feel like stepping back in time. And then there is the River Douro itself, where traditional boats cruise the waterways between bridges and locals sit on the banks basking in all the serenity.
Food experiences in Porto
As with most of Portugal, the food and standard of restaurants in Porto are outstanding. From world class chefs and modern day food experiments to fresh food markets and cosmopolitan café’s, the city is overflowing with variety and something to please everyone. In fact, it is often difficult to decide between these options as most of them have an enticing menu consisting of fresh fish, straight out of the Atlantic or wine and cheese from the nearby vineyards,
Porto needs no introduction
Every miradouros in Porto tells a story, and from each terrace, every view is different. You could spend a few days exploring the city and still be far from finding all it has to offer, for where else can you experience so much modern tenacity as it blends seamlessly with an ancient medieval town.
Porto is both mysterious and Gothic in style while delicious seafood is a welcomed break from exploring the riverside and local architecture. Visitors arrive here with the intention to explore the nearby Douro Valley and while Porto is nicely positioned to explore the surrounding areas, make no mistake, the second largest city in Portugal is a charming destination which needs no introduction.
