Top 10 Places To Visit In Porto - From Great Views To Tasty Port Wine

Porto is the second-largest city in Portugal, and it is famous for its history, architecture, gastronomy, wine, and many other attractions. Overlooking the Douro River, Porto offers various attractions of historical and architectural interest such as vibrant houses, narrow stoned streets, Gothic cathedrals, and central squares. Even though Portugal’s Porto has given its name to a specific type of wine, there is so much more to explore in this relatively overlooked European city. Here are the top 10 must-visit spots for your trip: Here are the top 10 must-visit spots for your trip:

1. Explore Several Views from Clérigos Tower

No one who visits Porto can miss a chance to go up to the Clérigos Tower, which is a bell tower standing 225 feet tall. Ascend a very thin helical staircase to reach different terraces offering views of Porto’s historic district and the Douro River. Take a look at the local architecture and colorful houses and pointed roofs of churches that make the place appear as if out of a postcard. Ensure that if you visit it during the day, get there in the evening when the city begins to twinkle.

2. Explore the Ribeira District

Strolling around the city streets that are located close to the river in the Ribeira district provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the sights of Porto. A place that leaves visitors weakened and humbled with its medieval streets, towering cathedrals, and bustling squares. One of the attractions that you should not fail to visit is the São Francisco Church, which has a baroque façade with gold gilding of hundreds of kilos. The building has quite the Gothic exterior and what a wonderful surprise waits inside!

3. Port: Sample Port at Calém Cellars

Avoiding port wine during your Porto visit is simply not an option as this famous fortified wine is produced in many houses across the city. For insight into port production, visit Calém Cellars, and for an understanding of Madeira’s wine-making history, visit Blandy’s. Many of them, especially those such as the ones founded in 1859, constitute some of the oldest port producers to date. Visit their cellar stock then taste a range of ports including tawny ruby and white. Best served with local cheese and meats. Not only that, but the views from their rooftop tasting terrace are great to enjoy too!

4. Visit the Douro River: Dom Luis I Bridge

The second one is this rather large metal arch bridge with two levels; it also provides more stunning views of Porto. Welcome to join locals for an afternoon stroll across the top walkway. Take a look at six large granite pillars painted in the shades of a rainbow supporting the building’s facade. Stop midway through the bridge to capture the perfect pictures with the backdrop of the skyline of Porto.

5. River Cruising: A Guided tour vantage point view of Porto and its environs.

Another great option is a boat trip along the Douro River, which would allow the guests to enjoy the view of Porto from the water. Float by the city’s numerous bridges while your guide provides informative insights into Porto landmarks. Some of the tours offered entail wine and port tasting, which are served on board the boats. Sometimes you can meet rabelo boats which used to carry port wine barrels in the older days.

6. Take a Stroll Through the Botanical Garden

Porto’s largest park, the Botanical Gardens, is an easily accessible park for residents and tourists located only half an hour of walking distance from the city center. One of the largest indoor gardens in the world is situated in Singapore; there you can walk through 36 acres of the park and observe more than 15,000 plant species from different parts of the world. Some of them are a Camellia garden, natural collections from the Sierra Nevada of California, Sequoia trees, natural collections of succulents from Africa and America, and a large glass house. It is an ideal place when you do not wish to get tired of sight-seeing the whole day.

7. Purchase ceramics at the Miguel Bombarda Street

Located to the side of the garden, this vivid borough demonstrates Porto’s artistry with a flair similar to Shoreditch in London or Mitte in Berlin. Drop into the number of galleries and over-stylized stores that offer peculiar Portuguese souvenirs. Some of the blue Portuguese tiles called azulejos can be purchased in souvenir shops or simply seen in buildings and shops in Porto.

8. Feast on Francesinha

Portuguese cuisine relies heavily on meat and fish, and there is no visit to Porto without tasting francesinha, a perverse sandwich with cheese and a secret sauce of tomato and beer. Despite its origin is still a matter of debate among the inhabitants of Porto, the inhabitants of this city are convinced that Café Santiago prepares it best. Make sure that you are not full before going otherwise, take your time and enjoy the molten cheese with crispy fries. But it isn’t complicated just avoid wearing your good clothes!

9. Discover Wine Cellars with a history in Vila Nova de Gaia

Return to the northern bank of the Douro to visit wine cellars that are scattered across the slopes of Vila Nova de Gaia which now houses many of the largest port wine makers. Visit some cellars such as Taylor;’s, Graham;’s, or Sandeman's to understand how ports age and the blending process. They consist of a large stock of old wine bottles which should be seen before one can taste the port wine with dishes accompanied by beautiful views of Porto.

10. Watching Sunset At Virtudes Gardens Miradouro

This is a secret vantage point to see the sunset after which you should go to Virtudes Convent to see the beautiful light that shines at night. Ascend staircases adorned with azulejos tiles to arrive on top with a stunning view of Porto rooftops. Watch the setting sun fall on the station’s well-finished neoclassical architecture. Less well-known than some other viewing platforms, it allows witnessing sunset, or sunrise, over multicolored houses while surrounded by few other people.

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