Exploring Porto: A Guide to Visiting the City on the Douro
Portugal seems to the hot spot right, as I seem to be working on a number of land itineraries featuring Spain and Portugal, and I’m also working on some river cruises on the Douro River. The city of Porto has come up quite a bit and I loved my visit there a few years ago, so that inspires this week’s article.
Exploring Porto: A Guide to Visiting the City on the Douro
Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal and the second most-visited by tourists after the capital, Lisbon. Located along the picturesque Douro River, Porto attracts travelers from around the world thanks to its Atlantic coastline, medieval architecture and wine tour opportunities. It is also a popular starting destination for river cruises on the Douro, one of Europe’s most scenic river routes. Discover the highlights of a trip to Porto, including the best things to see and do and the best local cuisine to try.
The Heart of Porto: Ribeira
Porto’s UNESCO-listed Ribeira district is one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, a medieval part of the city located along the banks of the Douro. Porto was once an important medieval trading port, and it is this part of the city that benefited so much from global trade. Visitors can explore a maze of zig-zagging narrow streets, discover brightly painted facades and tiny tavernas burrowed into a hole in the wall. Alongside the historic charm, Ribeira has emerged into the 21st century, with a range of lively squares, modern restaurants and shops catering to the modern tourist.
Alongside Ribeira, the historic Se quarter is also well-worth exploring. It is home to the Romanesque 12th century Porto Cathedral and actually dates back to an even older period than Ribeira.
Best Things to See & Places to Visit in Porto
Dom Luis I Bridge: An architectural marvel, this double-decker arched bridge spans the Douro, connecting Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia. It’s a popular photo stop and an iconic landmark in Porto. Ride the metro over the bridge for a memorable experience, or simply cross on foot.
Porto wine cellars: Head to Porto’s sister city of Vila Nova de Gaia to taste some of the region’s iconic Port wine at one of the many award-winning wineries. Only Port produced in the demarcated area of the Douro Valley can be called true Port wine, meaning this area holds an important significance for wine tourism.
Porto Cathedral: Dating to the 12th century, the cathedral is the largest and most important church in Porto. Located within the historic Se district, it is renowned for its Gothic cloister and impressive frescoes, as well as for the historic portrait of the city’ patron saint, Our Lady of Vandoma.
Clerigos Tower: Anyone willing to ascend the 225 steps to the top of the Clerigos Tower is rewarded with the best panoramic views of the city. This 240+ foot bell tower is another of Porto’s dominant landmarks and was completed in 1763.
Porto’s Art & Culture
As discussed, Porto boasts a rich history and has also been a melting pot of cultural assimilation, thanks to its past as an important European trading port. For this reason, it is one of Europe’s most artistically and culturally rich cities. Oddly, perhaps the best place to start on an artistic journey through Porto is the Sao Bento Train Station, where the grand entrance hall is decorated in thousands of azulejos – tiny ceramic blue and white tiles. Depicting historic battles, Portuguese rural life and royal ceremonies, it is one of the most impressive places to visit in Porto.
Another gem is Livraria Lello, dubbed the “most beautiful bookstore in the world”. Boasting a Neo-Gothic façade, stained glass ceiling and elaborate staircase, it has become a popular spot for travelers, particularly those with a fondness for reading.
Porto has plenty of excellent galleries and museums too. On the edge of the city, the Museu de Arte Contemporanea de Serralves is housed in a pastel pink masterpiece and hosts all manner of contemporary works from Portuguese and international artists.
Football is at the heart of life in Porto, and the FC Porto Museum celebrates the city’s most successful club. And finally, Museu da Misericordia do Porto is home to the “Fountain of Life”, an iconic piece by the Flemish painter Colijn de Coter. Visitors also get access to the Baroque Igreja da Misericordia next door.
Porto’s Food & Cuisine
There are a couple of Porto specialties that are simply a must try on any trip to the city. Francesinha is a sandwich made with layers of toasted bread and hot meats including steak, cured ham or chipolata, accompanied with mouthwatering slices of melted local cheese, and topped with a special tomato and beer sauce. Then there is Bacalhau a bras, a dish made using shredded salted cod served with onions, chopped fried potatoes and bound together with eggs. For dessert, tuck into a pastel del nata, an egg custard tart pastry.
Porto’s culinary scene is centered around Mercado do Bolhao, a large and recently renovated market housed in a Neoclassical building. It’s the perfect place to shop for fresh local produce, or to indulge in a creamy coffee.
Exploring Porto on a Douro River Cruise
Visitors to Porto can enjoy long, leisurely strolls along both banks of the Douro, with kilometers of marked trails and paths to enjoy. And Porto is also the starting point for numerous river cruises, with popular cruise itineraries traveling along the Douro and into the UNESCO-listed Douro Valley. The region is renowned for its wine tours and tastings, as well as for its picturesque landscapes.
