Porto

Lying on the banks of Douro River with an attested cultural abundance, the second-largest city of Portugal is easy to fall in love with. Its historical heartland harbors architectural wonders hidden in plain sight, each representing the city’s prosperity in different eras from Baroque to Romantic. While there are many sights to behold in the charismatic streets, Porto’s Early Modern charm entangled with maritime stories, trade, and art reveals itself most vigorously in the tiny inns and cafes. Once you dive into the energetic world of Porto, you will find yourself in a daydream of refined taste, exquisite port wine, and a myriad of memorable moments.

In Porto, astonishment comes in all shapes and forms. The old riverfront town Ribeira is colorfully interwoven with picturesque townhouses and alluring shops tumbling down to the shore. There, wooden sailing vessels add to the city’s salty Old-World impression. Admire the bridges that provide a modernistic sight and head inland to see the oldest buildings of the UNESCO site. Among them are the symbolic Clérigos Church and Igreja de São Francisco, attracting visitors with their Baroque magnificence.

Porto is, by all means, a hub for culinary arts and wine-making. The renown of the authentic port wine precedes its name and constitutes a trademark much celebrated. Beyond its staggering quality and rare taste, port wine is famous for its delicate process of making. It has been made for centuries in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. A visit to the wine country is rewarding. But if you don’t have time, several restaurants and bistros serve the highest-quality port wines accompanied by dessert dishes for every taste. Spend an evening in one and immerse yourself in the properly laid-back yet romantic scenes of daily life in Porto.