Introduction
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and it is located in the north of the country. It has a rich history and culture. The city was built on the banks of the Douro River and it is surrounded by vineyards. In this Porto Travel Itinerary, we will outline some of the top sightseeing of the city and reveal the best neighborhoods where you can have unlimited fun. In Portuguese style, of course.
The city has a lot to offer, but one of its main attractions is its port wine that has been produced since the 18th century. The port wine production process starts in September or October when grapes are picked from vineyards that surround Porto. They are then crushed, fermented, and matured for two years before they are bottled.
The city has UNESCO Heritage Site status and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. It also has some of the best restaurants in Portugal, attracting people from all over the world to come and dine here.
What Should You Know Before Traveling to Porto?
Porto is a city with a lot of history and culture. There are many different buildings and sites to visit. One of the most famous buildings is Casa da Musica, which is an opera house and concert hall that opened in 2005. Another popular site to visit is Torre dos Clerigos, which was built as a watchtower during the medieval times but has since been turned into a museum for visitors to enjoy. Porto has a lot of things for people who are interested in architecture, art, history, or just exploring new places to see.
- Before traveling to Porto make sure you have all your documents prepared. The list includes passport/ID Card, visa (or ETIAS Visa), travel insurance and booking confirmations from airlines and hotel.
- Be aware that Porto has an ocean. This means that evenings here are quite chilly even during the summer. Make sure that you have at least one jacket or hoodie with you.
- Porto is very steep city, so have a good running shoe with you. Otherwise you might find yourself in big trouble.
What to See in Porto?
Torre dos Clérigos
The Torre dos Clérigos is a tower in Porto, Portugal. It was built in the 16th century and it is one of the most iconic buildings in the city. The construction of the Torre dos Clérigos started in 1732 and finished in 1750. The tower was supposed to be used as a watchtower and it would serve as a symbol of Christianity’s victory over Islam.
The Tower has always been an important landmark for Porto’s inhabitants, who would use it as an observatory to see ships coming into the harbor from far away distances or to see what time it is from its clock on.
Palácio da Bolsa
The Palácio da Bolsa is a neoclassical building in Porto, Portugal. It was built in the mid-19th century to serve as the headquarters of the stock market. The building has endured several changes over its lifetime, with many different uses and ownerships. Today it is home to a luxury hotel and hosts various events throughout the year.
Igreja de São Francisco
This church is one of the most important monuments in Porto. It is located in the historical centre of Porto and it was built by the Franciscans to replace a Gothic church that used to be there.
The Igreja de São Francisco is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in Portugal. It has a baroque façade with two towers, one higher than the other. The interior of this church is also very beautiful and it has many works of art, such as paintings and sculptures, which are spread around different areas inside the church.
Cais da Ribeira
Cais da Ribeira is a historic port that was built in the 18th century. It was once the second most important port of the city. The wharf had warehouses and shipyards, where ships were repaired.
The port was abandoned in the early 20th century due to its proximity to the river and because of a new railroad that made it easier to transport goods.
It has been recently revitalized and turned into a cultural landmark for Porto with restaurants, bars, shops and galleries. Here you can enjoy delicious Portuguese food and buy souvenirs too. Besides, Cais da Ribeira hosts an annual arts festival called “Ribeirarte”.
Ponte Dom Luís I
The Ponte Dom Luís I is a bridge that connects the city’s two parts. It is one of the most famous landmarks of the city. The bridge has an arch span of 270 metres and it is made of wrought iron. The Ponte Dom Luís I is a part of Porto’s history and it has always been a symbol of the city.
Avenida dos Aliados
Avenida dos Aliados is a street in Porto, Portugal. This street is not only the main artery of the city, but also the heart of Porto. It is a commercial area and it has been a traditional meeting place for locals and visitors alike. The Avenida dos Aliados has been a symbol of Porto since it was built. It has been an important part of the economy and culture of this city for centuries.
Avenida dos Aliados has many important buildings such as Casa do Infante (the birthplace of King Denis), Palácio da Bolsa (the former Stock Exchange building) and Teatro São João. This avenue is full of shops, cafés, restaurants, hotels, banks and other services
Best Neighborhoods in Porto You Should Visit
Cedofeita
The neighborhood is located in the south of Porto, near the mouth of the Douro River. It was a fishing village until it was incorporated into the city of Porto in 1836. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Portugal and hosts a variety of restaurants, bars, cafes, galleries and shops. In the past, Cedofeita was a cemetery that had been abandoned for more than 50 years. Eventually, it became a place of leisure for those who wanted to escape the noise and hassle of Porto’s downtown.
Boavista
Boavista is one of the most affluent and upmarket districts in Porto. It is located in the north of the city and it borders with Vila Nova de Gaia, Matosinhos, and Lousada. The district has an area of 7.5 square kilometers and a population of about 18,000 people.
Boavista has a high concentration of old residential buildings, which are mainly situated on hillsides that overlook the Douro River estuary. These buildings were built during the second half of the 19th century when Boavista was one of Porto’s most popular quarters for middle-class families to live in. The name comes from a Portuguese word meaning “riverbank”.
Vila Nova De Gaia
The Vila Nova de Gaia district is one of the most important tourist destinations in Porto. It is a port wine region and it has several cellars, some of them classified as World Heritage Sites.
It is home to the world-famous wine producer, Porto Wine Cellars. This company was founded in 1837 and it’s the largest producer of port wines in the world. They produce more than 20 million bottles every year!
This area also has many historic buildings such as the Casa do Infante. The building has been classified as National Monument since 1910 and it is now used for cultural events and exhibitions.
Conclusion
In this Porto Travel Itinerary, we have covered all the must-see sightseeing of the city and revealed the best neighborhoods to stay when in Porto. We hope that you will find this tips helpful and your trip to Porto will be full of wonders.