Porto is a city steeped in history and beauty. From the famous Porto Sao Bento train station to the gorgeous Douro River and the stunning Porto Cathedral, Porto has something to offer everyone. Our journey began with a short flight from Lisbon to Porto. Upon arrival, we checked into our cozy accommodation near the famous Porto Sao Bento train station.
As we made our way down towards the Douro River, we were captivated by the vibrant energy of the riverfront. The Douro River has played a significant role in the history and development of Porto and its surrounding regions. The river was once a major trading route, connecting Porto to the rest of the world and providing access to important trade goods. Today, the riverfront is a hub of activity, with shops, restaurants, and other attractions lining the banks of the river.
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| Porto Sao Bento Train Station: A Gem of Architecture and History |
The Porto Sao Bento train station is a masterpiece of architecture, with its stunning blue tile works adorning the walls. The station is a symbol of Porto's rich cultural heritage and history, dating back to 1916. The blue tiles, also known as azulejos, depict scenes from Portuguese history and the country's relationship with trains and transport. The tiles were designed by artist Jorge Colaço and are considered some of the most beautiful in all of Portugal.
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| Porto Cathedral: A Stunning Hilltop Destination |
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Just a short walk from our accommodation was the stunning Porto Cathedral. This magnificent structure is a testament to Porto's rich history and architectural heritage. The cathedral was built in the 12th century and has undergone several renovations and additions over the centuries. The cathedral's architecture is a unique blend of Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque styles, making it a true masterpiece of design. From the cathedral's courtyard, we were able to see the Douro River in all its glory, offering us a glimpse into a different time and place. |
| Fonte dos Leões and Igreja do Carmo: A Beautiful Fountain and Church |
As we continued our explorations, we stumbled upon the beautiful Fonte dos Leões fountain, located next to the Igreja do Carmo church. This fountain is one of Porto's most beloved landmarks and has been in operation since the 19th century. The Igreja do Carmo church, on the other hand, is a stunning piece of Gothic architecture, with its towering spires and intricate carvings. Together, the Fonte dos Leões and Igreja do Carmo provide a glimpse into Porto's rich cultural and religious heritage.
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| O Valentim Restaurant: Fresh Seafood Delights |
For lunch, we headed to the O Valentim restaurant, where we were treated to the freshest grilled seafood dishes. We tried a local favorite, the Bacalhau, which is a dish made with salt cod, potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs. Although it wasn't to our taste, the overall meal was wonderful, with delicious fresh seafood dishes that tantalized our taste buds.
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| Quinta da Roêda Croft |
The next day, we headed out early for a tour of Porto wineries and a boat ride on the Douro River. We stopped by Companhia TurÃstica do Douro, where we were able to try some of the finest Port wine from Quinta da Roêda Croft. This was an unforgettable experience and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting Porto.
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| Livraria Lello book store: Harry Potter |
Last but not least, we visited Livraria Lello, a beautiful book store that is especially popular with Harry Potter fans. This store is famous for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture and is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling when she was writing the Harry Potter books.
Overall, Porto, Portugal is a city full of history, culture, and excitement. From its stunning architecture to its delicious food, there is something for everyone. And while we loved our time in Porto, we're excited to continue our adventure in our final stop: Morocco.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Porto, Portugal: - Ribeira Square - This historic square is one of the most iconic landmarks in Porto, and is known for its lively atmosphere, traditional restaurants and street performers. Visiting time frame: daytime or nighttime. Cost: Free. Address: Ribeira Square, Porto.
- São Bento Railway Station - This historic railway station is famous for its stunning tile work and is one of the most photographed buildings in Porto. Visiting time frame: Anytime. Cost: Free. Address: Praca Almeida Garrett, Porto.
- Porto Cathedral - This medieval cathedral is one of the oldest and most important buildings in Porto and offers stunning views of the city from its tower. Visiting time frame: Anytime. Cost: 3.00€ (approximately $3.55) for Adults. Address: Rua de Sao Francisco, Porto.
- Livraria Lello - This historic bookstore is considered one of the most beautiful in the world and is a must-visit for book lovers. Visiting time frame: Anytime. Cost: 5.00€ (approximately $5.91). Address: Rua das Carmelitas 144, Porto.
- Palácio da Bolsa - This 19th-century palace is one of the most important historic buildings in Porto and is now used as a cultural center. Visiting time frame: Anytime. Cost: 8.00€ (approximately $9.52) for Adults. Address: Praça do Infante D. Henrique, Porto.
- Church of St. Francis - This ornate Baroque church is one of the most beautiful in Porto and is famous for its gilded interior. Visiting time frame: Anytime. Cost: Free. Address: Rua de São Francisco, Porto.
- Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art - This museum is one of the largest and most important contemporary art museums in Portugal and is set in a beautiful park. Visiting time frame: Anytime. Cost: 10.00€ (approximately $11.80) for Adults. Address: Rua D. João de Castro 210, Porto.
- Porto Wine Cellars - Porto is famous for its wine, and visiting the wine cellars is a must-do activity for anyone interested in wine. Visiting time frame: Anytime. Cost: Varies depending on the cellars and tour. Address: Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto.
- Cais da Ribeira - This historic riverside district is one of the most picturesque parts of Porto and is lined with traditional cafes and restaurants. Visiting time frame: Daytime or nighttime. Cost: Varies depending on the activity. Address: Ribeira, Porto.
- Douro River Cruise - A river cruise is the perfect way to see Porto from the water and take in its stunning scenery. Visiting time frame: Anytime. Cost: Varies depending on the tour. Address: Departure from Ribeira, Porto.
