One of the best european city breaks: 10 best attractions in Porto today
The charm of one of the best europeancity breaks: 10 best attractions in Porto today
Porto, Portugal's emblematic city, is adestination that mixes tradition and modernity, offering a unique experience toits visitors. With a rich history, stunning architecture and a vibrant culturalscene, Porto is a gem worth discovering. In this article, we will highlight the10 best attractions in Porto that you cannot miss when exploring thiscaptivating city.
1. Clérigos Tower
Start your journey through the cityadmiring the landscape from the top of the Clérigos Tower. With a panoramicview of Porto, this 18th century baroque tower offers an unforgettable visualexperience. It is the city's undisputed ex-libris, more than 75 meters high,with 225 steps to reach the top and an incomparable 360° view of the city andsurrounding areas.
2. Lello Bookstore
For both book and architecture lovers, Lello Bookstore enchants everyone. Almost 120 years of history, an impressive staircase and a charming interior make this bookstore a true work of art. Known as the Harry Potter library, nobody resists it. Nobody remains indifferent.
3. São Bento railway station
For railway architecture enthusiasts, São Bento Station is a must-see. Its decorative tiles tell fascinating stories of Portuguese history. There are more than 500 square meters of tiles, in the art nouveau style, in a railway station that was once a convent. If we add this to the imposing facade and the grandeur of the space, you won't be able to handle all the beauty!
4. Palácio da Bolsa
The Stock Exchange Palace(Portuguese: Palácio da Bolsa), with more than 180 years of history, is an impressive example of neoclassical architecture, mixed with touches of other styles. Take a tour of its majestic halls and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty in every detail. Prepare your heart for the impact that the Arab Room will have on you: the floor is made of the best carved wood and the plasterwork on the walls and ceilings is subtitled in gold with Arabic characters. A visual journey to the east, without leaving the city.
5. Ribeira and D.Luís I Bridge
Ribeira is the historic heart of Porto, with its parallel streets and colorful houses along the riverside. Narrow alleys and slender buildings, full of history, that breathe a certain medieval mystery still latent there. Clothes drying, hanging in the window, and the typical accent of the locals complete the picture. The frame is made by the D. Luis I Bridge, an iron crossroad, topped by the yellow subway and challenged by young people who throw themselves into the river. All of this only exists in Porto and experiencing each of these wonders enters the gallery of unparalleled memories.
6. WOW
Then cross the Douro River towards Vila Nova de Gaia and come to what is the most incredible viewpoint for the city of Porto. WOW is the region's new and immense cultural district. With 7 museums, 12 restaurants and countless squares with superb views, this is an absolutely unmissable place to visit. Here you will be able to learn about wine, cork, chocolate and the history of the region. It isa project so immense and so incredible that choosing the words to describe it in such a short space is almost impossible. Just visiting! Let's do it?
7. Porto Wine Cellars
Still on the Vila Nova de Gaia side, explore the Port Wine cellars and learn about the production of this iconic drink. Enjoy tastings and discover the secrets behind this centuries-old winemaking tradition: from planting to harvesting, from production to aging. Let yourself get lost among barrels and casks, in some of the most historic cellars: Taylor’s, Fonseca, Cálem, Ramos Pinto or Burmester. Just choose.
8. Serralves Museum
For a complete cultural experience, visit the Serralves Museum, considered one of the best museums in Europe dedicated to contemporary art. Its surrounding gardens, resulting from refined landscape designs, as well as the century-old house, a unique example of Art Deco architecture in Portugal, make visiting this museum a complete and very pleasant experience.
9. Casa da Música
This is true paradise for all music lovers. If you feel passionate about music, you won't want to miss a visit to this iconic building: bizarre from an architectural point of view, it is, in fact, a pearl in terms of acoustic conditions. The House of Music (Portuguese: Casa da Música) hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the year, whether classical or contemporary.
10. Parque da Cidade and Passeio da Foz
End your visit by relaxing at the City Park(Portuguese: Parque da Cidade), the largest urban park in Portugal. With a sophisticatedly designed landscape integrated into the fabric of the city, it has lakes, varied flora and fauna, which extend over 83 hectares and all the way to the beach. Then take the opportunity to walk along the Causeway of the Mouth River (Portuguese: Passeio da Foz). Its romantic pergola, with an imposing balustrade, highlights the blue of the sky and sea in yellow. Especially beautiful at sunset, this may well be the most desired end of the day for anyone visiting the city.
If your question is “What to do in Porto?”, these are all the WOW things to do here! By exploring these 10 unmissable attractions, you will get a comprehensive view of the cultural and historical richness that Porto has to offer. Get ready to fall in love with this unique city, built on the banks of the Douro River and the Atlantic Ocean.
