English
Porto is the second biggest city in Portugal, located in the north of the country and by the estuary of the Douro river, by the Atlantic Ocean. It also carries the same name as port wine, which originates from this region.
The city centre has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, due to the beauty of its art deco architecture and the history of its buildings, which turn them into a place where it seems that time stands still. Its likeness to a British city and that feeling of a port city is so attractive that very little is required in order to enjoy your stay in Porto.
One must say that everything is historical in this city, but it complements itself with delicious food, great wine and the kindness of its people.
The Ribeira district
The Ribeira district, as its name indicates, is located in the riverside of the Douro and around the square with the same name. It´s a beautiful area with its multi-coloured buildings that contrast with the river waters. You can go on an interesting tour around its steeped streets and find beautiful little cafés with tables outside.
Clérigos Tower
Torre dos Clérigos is located in the top part of the city, on the ´hill of the hanged´, and it receives this name because that´s where the people who were tried and hanged used to be buried. It´s a tower that rises 250ft into the air and that was built in 1763. It´s considered one of the most important landmarks in the city and it´s therefore one of the most visited ones.
The city of bridges
The city of Bridges, Porto is a city of beautiful bridges, among them the María Pía railway bridge and its arch, built in 1877 by Gustave Eiffel. The Louis I Bridge is considered one of the city´s most important landmarks because it links the city with Vilanova de Gaia, and it was inaugurated in 1886. Also, there´s the Pensil Bridge and the Arrábida Bridge.
The Douro riverbank
The Douro riverbank is a very touristy area, with its landscapes and tranquillity, which is also one of the favourite areas amongst all visitors. You can see the bridges, take some pictures and also have a drink in one of the many cafés there. Also, you can find romantic restaurants to enjoy a candle-lit dinner, such as Avo Maria, an intimate restaurant that serves traditional Portuguese food, located on 30 Casi Ribeira.
The Crystal Palace
The Crystal palace was built in 1861 copying the one in London. In 1865 it held the International Exhibition and it´s currently used for fairs and exhibitions. It´s mainly visited for its beautiful architecture and the lovely gardens that surround it.
On the south bank of the Douro, you can find the large wine cellars, although you´re now in Vilanova de Gaia and not Porto, although it´s also part of the tourist route. You just have to cross the river and you´ll find 60,000 cellars of port wine that have been there since the 16th and 17th centuries. It´s very interesting to go on a tour around them and try all their wines.
Don´t miss out on the chance to get to know this beautiful city that has it all to relax and enjoy yourself as you forget about your troubles for just a few days. For that, all you need to do is rent apartments in Porto and you´ll be ready to go.
