Are you thinking about visiting Porto soon? Find out what are the main attributes that make this one of the most attractive European cities.
Located in Portugal, Invicta, as it is also known, is the second largest city in the country. It is about 300 km from the capital Lisbon, a mere 3 hours away by car, train or bus or less than 1 hour by plane. It is known for its Port Wine, for its gastronomy, for welcoming and surprising those who know its nooks and crannies. But Porto has much more to offer!
1. Historical Heritage and Douro River
Declared World Heritage by UNESCO in 1996, the Historic Center is one of the great reasons to visit Porto. The Cathedral, the Church of São Francisco, the Church and Tower of Clérigos and the Palácio da Bolsa are some of the monuments to visit.
Discover a little more about the history of the Portuguese Discoveries with a visit to Casa do Infante. And don’t miss the centenary São Bento Station, admired for its tiles.
Go down to Ribeira and enjoy Douro river that bathes Porto and Gaia. Take a boat trip passing the 6 bridges that join the two cities. At the end of the day, be sure to take advantage of a terrace in Ribeira to watch the night fall by Luís I Bridge.
Also read: 3-Day Itinerary to visit Porto
2. Discover unique buildings
When visiting Porto, you will be able to find some buildings that stand out for their uniqueness. These days, the most famous is undoubtedly the Lello Bookstore. With 115 years of history, it is today one of the most visited buildings in the city of Invicta, mainly due to its majestic staircase. The building stands out for its neo-Gothic architecture and interior. It was once considered one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world by The Guardian or Lonely Planet.
Equally emblematic, Café Majestic is a must for anyone visiting Porto for the first time. Located at Rua de Santa Catarina, this Art Noveau style space attracts for its aura that recalls the golden times of cultural gatherings.
3. Porto’s Culture
Culture is, without a doubt, an increasingly strong attraction when visiting Porto. With the European Capital of Culture in 2001, the city gained new infrastructure and a new creative breath.
Casa da Música is, without a doubt, one of the main symbols of this true “revolution” by opening the doors to all musical genres. In addition to being a cultural point of interest, the modern architecture of the building designed by Rem Koolhaas is already a national and international reference.
Another of the main cultural spaces in the city is Serralves Foundation, located next to Boavista. This space is home to the Museum of Contemporary Art, Casa de Serralves and Casa do Cinema Manoel de Oliveira. In addition, visitors to the Foundation can enjoy the park that surrounds all these buildings.
For those visiting Porto, there are three more concert halls that host major cultural events in the city. They are Teatro Rivoli, Coliseu do Porto and Super Bock Arena – Pavilhão Rosa Mota.
4. Good food and wine
If visiting Porto is in your plans, then you have to be prepared to return home with a few extra pounds. The city has a rich and very diversified gastronomic offer, ranging from famous taverns to signature restaurants. On Picaria street you can travel around the world through different cuisines, with restaurants every other door.
Francesinha is a dish that any tourist in Porto is invited to try. If you ask on the street, you will be shown several restaurants like the one with the best delicacy. Here are some suggestions: Brasão Brewery, Capa Negra, Bufete Fase, Yuko or Verso em Pedra.
Of course good food also calls for a good glass of wine. And if there is any reason why the city is internationally recognized, it is for its Port Wine. Be sure to visit the cellars of the different producers of this true liqueur of the gods, in Vila Nova de Gaia. For a richer experience, book the Port Wine Walking Tour with Feel Porto.
5. Nightlife
Movida has also become one of the attractions that lead many tourists to visit Porto. On weekends, Baixa fills with people of all ages and is now the center of nightlife.
Galerias de Paris are the meeting point of the bons vivants for a drink in the street. Then choose one of the many bars and clubs around the area. There are options for lovers of rock, Latin music, electronics, etc. There is great diversity and don’t forget the LGBTQIA+ spaces.
6. The art of welcoming
If there is an aspect that you will certainly not be disappointed with, it is the hospitality of the people from Porto. They are always with open arms for those who visit Porto, in a genuine way that only they know how to do. Pass by Mercado do Bolhão and live the experience of seeing the fishmongers in action.
For all these reasons, it is easy to understand that Porto has been elected several times as Best European Destination by the European Consumers Choice.
Also read: Apartments for rent in Porto: Choose safety and comfort!
7. Privileged location
The city of Porto is located near other emblematic and culturally rich cities, such as Braga and Guimarães. In addition, it is from the Cais de Gaia that several cruises depart to the Douro wine region.
Thus, its versatility and good location allows tourists to enjoy a complete experience, being able to visit different areas of Northern Portugal.
Visit Porto with Feel Porto!
Now that you know these reasons, you have no excuses for not visiting Porto. Book now and stay in one of our Feel Porto accommodations, which have Clean&Safe seal.
We want to make this an unforgettable trip and that’s why we have several experiences waiting for you to enjoy our city. Save time planning and start enjoying!
