Porto – located in the northern part of Portugal by the Atlantic Ocean – is the country’s second-largest city. It’s regarded as one of the most beautiful and charming municipalities in the world.
You may want to take a walk across the Dom Luís I Bridge. It was named after King Luís I of Portugal and connects the two banks of the picturesque Douro River. The two-story steel structure was designed by Teófilo Seyrig, a student of Gustave Eiffel. The bridge is exceptionally photogenic and allows walkers to admire the sight of the area around the river, along which the city of Porto bustles with life. No less entertaining is a tour by historic tram. It’s best to choose the route no. 1 which is the longest one, and runs from Infante station to Passeio Alegre by the Douro river estuary. If you want to enjoy a panorama of Porto, visit the Clérigos Church. In the back of the building, there’s the six-floor tower with 240 steps to be climbed. It’s worth to reach the top – the view is just amazing!
The boardwalk stretches the entire length of the river mentioned above, leading to the places where the famed port wine is produced. You won’t miss them as they’re all advertised on the roofs in bright white lettering. Not only can you sample and buy the wine you like the most, but also take a guided tour of the cellars. If you’re a wine aficionado, your “must-see” list should include the famous bar Vinologia - Portologia Porto, La Maison des Porto on Rua de Sao Joao. All the wines you’ll find here come from small producers and are not served anywhere else. Even though prices are a little higher compared to other places, you just must go there.
What else is worth trying in Porto? Certainly, the home-grown fruits and vegetables, as the local climate is perfect for plant growth. You may especially like pears and citrus. Taste also freshly roasted chestnuts from one of the street vendors. And for the authentic Portuguese dinner head to Tapabento Trindade at 147 Largo Doutor Tito Fontes or O Paparico at 2343 Rua de Costa Cabral.
