Porto - general information
Porto is the second largest city after Lisbon. Porto is one of the most ancient cities in Portugal and country's former capital. In case you travel Portugal we suggest that you visit Porto not only because it's one of the best places in Portugal but also because you can find there some of the best sightseeings and attractions in Portugal. It's also necessary to mention that Porto gave name to the country.
Porto is situated on the north bank of the Rio Douro. One of the bridges which connect the city with it's south bank is the Dona Maria Pia Railway Bridge (1877) and it's one of the most fascinating pieces of art in Poto. If you travel Portugal and have an opportunity to visit Porto, do travel by boat along the Rio Douro because this is really a breathtaking adventure.
We suggest that you move around Porto on foot, because this is the best way to see city's historic heritage and feel unique and unforgettable atmosphere and spirit the city has. This atmosphere can be easily felt if you walk and compare different parts of Porto and city's amazing buildings. First visit the centre of the old city where on the highest point of granite rock imposing Se Cathedral is situated. The Cathedral was built in the 12th century and many small treasures from the remote past can be found in the Cathedral. Do visit this top attraction in Porto because here you'll have unique opportunity to look back through the vistas of the past. One more reason to visit Se Cathedral is the district around it. This is a lively district with various historic monuments and quaint houses with labyrinths of narrow alleys between them. We would also recommend you to visit the Terreiro da Se which is one of the most remarkable buildings in Manueline style, which is one of the main styles in architecture of Portugal. There are also such impressive and unforgettable churches in Porto as Igreja da Misericordia, Igreja do Carmo, Igreja dos Congregados and greja de Sao Martinho de Cedofeita.
Baixa is the civic centre of Porto with great variety of shops, banks, restaurants and cafés. In the evening this part of the city is no less lively because here are many places to entertain in the late evening after pleasant day walk around the city's attractions. Porto as well as Lisbon is a centre of fado, so you can easily find cafes and restaurants with fado music.
In case you travel Portugal and want to visit Porto but at the same time don't have much time for walking around the city, you can choose half day tour around Porto. Such excursions take place in Porto every day so you won't have any problems with booking excursion like this.
One more important and serious reason to travel Portugal and visit Porto is that Porto is the capital of Portuguese wine and only here best wine-testing takes place. |