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Porto

The Unvanquished City
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A charming, picturesque city along the Douro River.

Built on a steep hillside on the northern bank of the Douro River, Porto is designed like a scenic amphitheater, its terraced landscape offers spectacular riverside views. A labyrinth of colorful, azulejos-adorned buildings fill the hillside, interconnected by maze-like, medieval cobblestone streets. Porto’s twin city, Vila Nova de Gaia, or simply Gaia, sits directly across the river on the southern bank. Easily accessible by either level of the Dom Luís I Bridge, Gaia is a renowned hub of the Port wine industry, housing dozens of historic wine lodges.


Porto Hotels

InterContinental Porto - Palacio das Cardosasimage
 
Mercure Porto Centro Aliadosimage
 
NH Collection Porto Batalhaimage
 
Tivoli Kopke Porto Gaia Hotelimage
 

More About Porto

Overview

In northwest Portugal, the second-largest city, Porto, is nestled along the Douro River. The riverside setting contributes to the intimate and romantic atmosphere that Porto embodies. With six bridges that connect Porto to Vila Nova de Gaia, or simply Gaia, you can easily navigate between these twin cities. In Gaia, you can tour historic port wine cellars; these aging warehouses for fortified wine often feature massive, century-old barrels. These historic cellars serve as the proper place to taste world-famous Ruby, Tawny and White ports produced in the Douro Valley – the world's oldest demarcated wine region in northern Portugal. Encompassing nearly 2,000 historically significant buildings, the designated UNESCO World Heritage Site spans 83 city blocks. Considered the crown jewel and the heart of the Historic Centre of Oporto, the Ribeira district is a bustling riverside district at the bottom of Porto's steepest hills. In Ribeira, the streets are entirely cobblestone, and the promenade connects seamlessly to the lower deck of the historic Dom Luís I Bridge. Overlooking the bridge on the southern end, the Monastery of Serra do Pilar sits on an elevated outcrop in Vila Nova de Gaia. Together, these historic landmarks represent roughly 2,000 years of history, featuring a blend of medieval, Baroque, Gothic and Romanesque architecture.

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Top Experiences

  • Clérigos Tower: Designed by Nicolau Nasoni, this iconic 18th-century Baroque bell tower is the tallest campanile in Portugal. Completed in 1763, there are upwards of 200 steps to an observation deck that provides a 360-degree view of the city and river.
  • Crystal Palace Gardens: Designed by Émile David, this beautiful 19th century public park is a mosaic of interconnected themed gardens. Home to freely roaming peacocks and lush greenery, it offers panoramic views of the river. In the center sits the Super Bock Arena – a dome-shaped concert and sports venue.
  • Dom Luís I Bridge: Designed by Théophile Seyrig, this historic 19th-century double-deck metal arch bridge was opened in 1886. The lower deck connects the waterfront district of Ribeira in Porto to the Vila Nova de Gaia waterfront; this deck is open to vehicles and pedestrians. The upper deck connects the Baixa district in the Porto city center, near the São Bento Station, to the Jardim do Morro area in Vila Nova de Gaia; this deck is open to the Porto Metro (Line D) and pedestrians.
  • Livraria Lello: Located in the Vitória district, this bookstore was founded in 1906 and is widely considered one of the most beautiful in the world, famous for its Neo-Gothic interior that features a crimson, intertwined staircase, intricate wood carvings, and stained-glass ceilings.
  • Mercado do Bolhão: This historic, fresh food market is a culinary landmark. Opened in 1914, it is renowned for its neoclassical architecture and vibrant local culture. Featuring two floors of stalls that sell fresh produce, fish, flowers, and local delicacies, along with restaurants and shops.
  • São Bento Railway Station: Often called "Porto São Bento", this 20th-century transportation hub is located on the former site of a convent. Opened in 1916, it is decorated with over 20,000 azulejo tiles depicting Portuguese history.
  • Vitória and Sé Districts: These districts are located in the steep, medieval heart of the city. As two of the oldest, most historic districts in Porto, they feature ancient buildings and winding staircases that give a true “Old World” feel.

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