Portugal
April 19, 2024
Minutes To Read: 2

Reasons to visit Porto

port
A few days ago we told you about some of the best cities in Europe to get away. Among them was Port, a romantic destination of contrasts: the new mixes with the old, the students with the old, the restored palaces with the abandoned houses, the medieval buildings with avant-garde architecture, the design shops with street vendors ...

If you have the opportunity to travel to what is also called Porto, you will discover a city with a lot of charm and character that, in a way, transmits nostalgia. Of course, it is also a place with a lively nightlife. Still haven't convinced you that traveling to Porto is an excellent idea? Well, you should join us, since next we are going to give you some reasons This wonderful Portuguese city is worth visiting.

Its architectural heritage

tower-of-the-clergy
As it could not be otherwise, we have to start by pulling on its architectural heritage, since the city offers some buildings with a lot of history. We want to highlight the Church of San Francisco, in the Gothic style; the Sé or Porto Cathedral; the Chapel of Souls, in a neoclassical style; the Freedom Square, which connects the old port with the modern one; and the Clerigos Tower, one of the most emblematic monuments of the city (you can see it in the photograph located on these lines). Of course, there are also more modern buildings that are worth discovering, such as the São Bento train station, the Casa da Música, the Faculty of Architecture or the Vodafone headquarters.

Its bridges

don-luis-bridge
And speaking of architecture, we cannot forget its bridges. In fact, one of the most popular excursions is the boat trip that covers the 6 bridges of the city: the Arrábida Bridge, the longest in Porto; the Freixo Bridge, located at the eastern end; the Don Luis I Bridge, the most emblematic; the Puente del Infante Enrique, the newest; the Maria Pia bridge, built by Gustave Eiffel; and the Sao Joao Bridge, only for trains.

Its gastronomy

Little Frenchie
We cannot speak of Porto without mentioning its gastronomy, since in this city you can find some of the most typical flavors of Portugal. Cod deserves a special mention, which, prepared in different ways, is the country's star dish. Other typical dishes are the trendy Porto guts, a kind of fabada with tripe; the francesinhas, a sandwich with various ingredients; vegetable and fish soups; and the creams, some cream cakes. Of course, we have to highlight the wine. In fact, there are many wineries that can be visited. Among the best areas for lunch and dinner we highlight the Ribeira, on the banks of the Duero.

Its beach

foz-do-douro
On the other hand, you should know that in the surroundings of Porto you can find great beaches, so the city is also a fantastic summer destination. Separate mention deserves Foz do Douro, one of the most exclusive places in the city, which you can reach by bus or tram. Here you will not only find beaches, but a beautiful and lively promenade.

Its special charm

mirador-da-vitoria
Finally, we want to recommend that you visit Porto simply for the charm of its neighborhoods and streets, many of which will transport you to another era. In addition, thanks to its privileged location, in this city you can enjoy beautiful sunsets from many corners, especially from its viewpoints, among which the Mirador da Vitoria, located in an abandoned courtyard next to a ruined house. Yes, we know it does not sound tempting, but here you will enjoy the best views of the city.