Porto is one of the biggest urban centres which makes part of the list of places classified as World Patrimony. Porto was awarded this classification in 1996 and was elected “the best European Destination in 2012”.
You cannot miss strolling through the streets and avenues of Porto (the second biggest city of Portugal) such as “Rua dos Aliados”,”Rua de Santa Catarina”, “Rua 1º de Janeiro”,” Rua dos Clérigos”, “Galerias Paris”,”Rua de Miguel Bombarda”,” Rua das Flores” etc. Furthermore Porto’s typical markets and the most ancient groceries “Pérola do Bolhão”, “Mercado do Bolhão”,” Casa Chinesa”, “Casa Oriental” are surely worth a visit. Thus, you can go shopping in the most emblematic shops of typical, 100% Portuguese products , go to “A Vida Portuguesa”, buy pottery Porcelain at “Faianças Artísticas de Bordalo PInheiro”,” visit Loja CRU”, etc. It is also imperative to visit and relax in the most ancient and modern cafés of Porto “Café Majestic”, “Café Guarani”,” Rota do Chá”, “Café Lusitano”;” La Bohème Entre Amis” etc.
A visit to the library “Libraria Lello”, which was considered in 2008 by The Guardian and in 2011 by the Guide Tour Lonely Planet as the third most beautiful library in the world is absolutely compulsory. Still near Clérigos you should try the delicious biscuits from the baker’s “Padaria Ribeiro”; the sweets from “Arcádia” Patisserie”, the delicious cake “pão de-ló” from “Casa do Ló” and the unforgettable chocolate cake from “Melhor bolo de chocolate do Mundo”.
It is highly recommended that you go on a boat trip on the Douro River (Rio Douro). This River separates the city of Porto from the city of Vila Nova de Gaia, therefore a visit to “Ribeira do Porto” and to “Ribeira de Gaia”, the typical places on both sides of the river, is an experience you will not forget because of the sight. Furthermore there are the various Port Wine cellars where you are invited to taste the Port wine so famous worldwide and which makes the city Porto very well known. On Tuesdays, in the evening, you can “fill your soul” while listening to the Portuguese typical kind of music “fado vadio” in “Adega Rio Douro”.
You should visit as well the “Museu de Arte Contemporânea de Serralves” (contemporary Art Museum of Serralves) where you can also stroll leisurely through the gardens and relax at the tea house “casa de chá de Serralves”. In Boavista you are able to “unplug/disconnect from the World and go to a concert in “Casa da Música”. At the end of the day, go to Praia do Ourigo have a tea or a “fino” (beer in a specific glass)…. and enjoy the sunset at “Foz do Douro with the best company.
The “soul of the North”is also present in the gastronomic dishes … you should try Porto’s typical dishes: “Tripas à Moda do Porto” and a “Francesinha”.
