Porto, located in the northwest of Portugal, is one of the most picturesque and culturally rich cities in Europe. It is known for its extraordinary architectural heritage, charming alleyways, famous port wine, and stunning views of the Douro River. Porto is the place that gave its name to the famous port wine. In the vicinity of the city, there are numerous cellars where various types of port wine are produced and stored. Visiting these cellars is often an integral part of a trip to Porto. I encourage you to travel to this extraordinary charming city.
What to see in Porto ?
Porto, the second largest city in Portugal, is renowned for several characteristic features. To see all the monuments of Porto, it is worth visiting the city for at least a few days.
Here are a few of them:
Historical Center (Ribeira)
The charming district of Ribeira is the heart of Porto. Strolling through its narrow streets, you can admire colorful houses, quaint squares, and picturesque views of the Douro River. It’s also a great place to try local cuisine in traditional restaurants.
Porto Cathedral (Sé do Porto)
This Gothic-Romanesque cathedral from the 11th century is one of Porto’s most important landmarks. The interior of the cathedral dazzles with rich decoration and monumental sculptures.
Luís I Bridge
Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the bridge connects Porto with the neighboring city of Vila Nova de Gaia. From there, you can admire magnificent views of the Douro River and the city panorama.
Port Wine Cellars
Visiting one of the port wine cellars is an extraordinary experience. You can learn about the history and production process of this famous wine and taste different varieties.
Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa)
This neoclassical palace was once the stock exchange. It’s worth visiting its richly decorated interiors, including the famous Arab Room.
Caves do Vinho do Porto
In many port wine cellars, you can also take a short tour where you can see natural caves where wine barrels are stored.
Torre dos Clérigos tower and church
The Tower and Church of Torre dos Clérigos in Porto are one of the most characteristic landmarks of this Portuguese city. They were designed by the Italian architect Nicolau Nasoni and are an excellent example of baroque architecture. It is an impressive building with rich exterior decoration and monumental proportions. The facade of the church is adorned with sculptures and intricate ornaments that are characteristic of the baroque style. However, it is the tower that is the most recognizable element of the complex. It is located next to the church and rises to a height of about 76 meters. The tower consists of six floors and is topped with a dome. It is one of the tallest structures in Porto and offers splendid views of the city and the surrounding area.
Museums
Porto offers many interesting museums, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art (Museu de Arte Contemporânea), the Museum of Modern Art (Museu de Arte Moderna), and the Photography Museum (Museu da Fotografia).
