The railway journeys capable of crossing entire continents
Porto's Ribeira, or riverfront, dates back to medieval times and exudes a suitably romantic atmosphere. It's made up of a network of narrow, twisting streets stacked with pastel-hued town houses, cafés, and restaurants. The area is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Porto's imposing cathedral crowns the city's upper level. Built as a fortress church in the 12th and 13th centuries, its austere, Romanesque-style facade belies a rich and gilded interior.
For a more novel view of the city, however, take a cable car ride over the esplanade on the south side of the river, in Vila Nova de Gaia.
The cathedral's dazzling rose window, serene cloisters, and magnificent altar (pictured) are certainly worth lingering for.
Affording visitors some of the best city skyline views of Porto is the lofty Clérigos Tower. When it was completed in 1763, this 75-m (246-ft) baroque landmark was the tallest structure in Portugal.
The 19th-century Palácio da Bolsa, Porto's former stock exchange building, is full of historical interest, its rooms decorated to impress visiting merchants, dignitaries, and heads of state back in the day.
The Bolsa's opulent Arabian Hall, a galleried salon inspired by the Moorish architecture embellishing Granada's Alhambra Palace in Spain, is quite enchanting.
The extravagant interior of Igreja de São Francisco makes it one of the most dazzling of Portugal's churches. Over 200 kg (450 lbs) of gold encrusts the high altar, columns and pillars, and the ceiling of this extraordinary baroque eye-opener.
Legend suggests that Prince Henry the Navigator was born in this house, in 1394. A pivotal figure in the early days of Portugal's 15th-century maritime expeditions, the prince spent much of his life in the Algarve. The property today houses the city's archives, among them Prince Henry's christening certificate.
Head over to Igreja do Carmo on Praça Carlos Alberto and you'll come face to face with this outstanding 18th-century azulejo panel, a superb example of traditional Portuguese tile work. It depicts the legendary founding of the Carmelite order.
The landmark Ponte de Dom Luís I is one of the most famous bridges in Europe. Designed by German engineer Théophile Seyrig, an assistant of Gustave Eiffel, and completed in 1886, the bridge's decks are open to pedestrians, with the upper level serving as a tramway.
The former Monastery of Serra do Pilar is perched on an outcrop on the river's southern bank and overlooks the Ponte de Dom Luís I. the building is notable for its church and cloister, both of which are circular.
Porto's funky "Music House" concert hall was designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and has hosted the likes of Lou Reed, among other big-name singers and musicians.
The Serralves Foundation and Museum is one of Portugal's premier cultural institutions and seeks to further promote contemporary art, architecture, and landscape. The facility sits in its own well-manicured gardens.
Lovers of fine art will want to spend time in this excellent museum, named for António Soares dos Reis, Portugal's leading 19th-century sculptor. The museum is housed in the elegant 18th-century Carrancas Palace.
Porto is served by a network of trams, some of which are vintage streetcars that hiss and screech over heritage tracks to offer residents and visitors a novel, yesteryear commuter experience. The Line 1 tram offers the most picturesque journey, along the riverfront area.
Another feast of azulejo tile work can be admired at São Bento railway station, the ticketing hall of which is emblazoned with depictions of early modes of transport, rural festivities, and historic scenes.
The city's principal avenue is lined with shops, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants. Its point of focus is the eye-catching Câmara Municipal, or city hall.
If you only visit one café during your stay in Porto, make sure it's this one. It opened in 1921, originally as Elite Café. Decorated with leather upholstery and varnished wood furniture and lined with huge Flemish mirrors, the café oozes a genuine Belle Époque atmosphere. Author J.K. Rowling, who lived in Porto in the early 1990s, spent much of her time at the Majestic working on the first draft of 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.' Magic, eh!
Port wine is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in the world. But did you know that only port wine produced in northern Portugal may be called port? Nearly every alley and terrace in Vila Nova de Gaia is lined with a port wine lodge, in which port is labeled and aged. Pictured is the interior of Taylor's.
The port wine lodges can all be visited, and it's certainly worth joining a guided tour to find out more about this unique tipple. And, of course, each tour ends with a tasting session. Cheers!
For a rewarding diversion, consider taking a Douro River cruise upriver to discover the Douro Valley region. Sightseeing boats depart regularly from the Ribeira and, for longer voyages, the quayside at Vila Nova de Gaia.
Embarking on a tour of the Douro Valley is to discover port wine country. The barrels of port you see in Porto's lodges begin their life here, on the neatly combed vineyards that embroider the valley slopes for as far as the eye can see. For its unique wine-growing culture, the Alto Douro Wine Region is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A railway out of Porto serves the valley, and hugs the riverbank east all the way to Pocinho. But if you have time, opt for a relaxed river cruise. Ports of call along the way include Pinhão, where some of the most famous names in port production have their estates.
Further east is picturesque Tua, a small town that's snuggled in a region celebrated for its oranges and figs.
Don't forget to try the local specialty, francesinha, which literally translates as "little Frenchie." This monster calorific sandwich typically includes pork, smoked sausage, bacon, beef steak, and a fried egg, all smothered in a cheesy sauce. Bon appétit!
At the end of the day, head back across the river and walk up to Mosteiro da Serra do Pilar for absolutely jaw-dropping, Instagram-rocking views of Porto at night.
Sources :(Café Majestic) (UNESCO) (Britannica)
Back in the city, accommodation options include the historic Palácio do Freixo. This mid-18th-century property once served as a nobleman's private residence.
If you're smitten with the Douro Valley and prefer to base yourself here rather than in the city, the region offers up plenty of accommodation options to suit all budgets. For those with deeper pockets, there's the upmarket Six Senses Douro Valley Hotel & Spa to tempt you (pictured).
Livraria Lello, Porto's beautiful late 19th-century bookshop, can also claim fame as part of the Harry Potter story. J.K. Rowling was a frequent visitor, and the premises served as a basis for the Flourish & Blotts bookshop in her novels.
Porto, Portugal's second city, is famed for its port wine production—one of the world's most popular alcoholic drinks. But this handsome-looking northern Portuguese destination offers so much more with its wealth of historic visitor attractions and the nearby Douro Valley to explore.
Click through and discover more about the city and its region.
Exploring Porto and the Douro Valley
Discover more about this northern Portuguese city
TRAVEL Portugal
Porto, Portugal's second city, is famed for its port wine production—one of the world's most popular alcoholic drinks. But this handsome-looking northern Portuguese destination offers so much more with its wealth of historic visitor attractions and the nearby Douro Valley to explore.
Click through and discover more about the city and its region.