Travelling to Porto
We loved visiting Portugal earlier in the year and are surprised that more travelers don’t make it an absolute point to add a trip to the beautiful country if there are anywhere close by. With so much to see and explore, there is a ton of info you need to know, so read on for all the inspiration and information you’ll need to enjoy a fantastic trip!
Porto is the second largest city in Portugal and attracts visitors from all around the world. In addition to stunning 12th century buildings, Porto also features a modern center that is simply bursting with entertainment options that people from all walks of life are sure to enjoy.
Getting There
The easiest way to reach Porto is by flying to Francisco de Sá Carneiro Airport, which is situated just 11 kilometres to the north of the city. It is also possible to drive to Porto from the city of Lisbon and the journey takes around three hours, while trains arrive in Porto from Lisbon at regular intervals throughout the day. While traveling to Porto is a safe and exciting experience, visitors will want to make sure that they arrange annual travel insurance before they leave home.
Top Attractions
Lovers of stunning architecture are sure to be in their element in Porto. There are numerous well preserved churches and cathedrals to explore here, such as Porto Cathedral, the Clergymen Church and Tower, São Francisco Church and Stock Exchange Palace. Wandering through the narrow winding streets of the Ribeira section is also a great way to get a feel for the history and culture of Porto, and this ancient city section boasts a distinctly different character at day and night.
Eating Out
The Barredo Section of Porto boasts plenty of fine dining options that people who want to sample elegant Portuguese cuisine are sure to enjoy. Among the local specialities that are just waiting to be enjoyed is a type of potato and cabbage soup known as caldo verde, a special tripe dish known as tripas à moda do Porto and salt cod served with beans and potatoes. Porto is famous for its port wine, which makes the perfect accompaniment to traditional Portuguese meals.
Nightlife
The Barredo Section also boasts a large selection of vibrant bars to choose from where visitors can enjoy sipping a glass or two of wine while they soak up the atmosphere. Taking a walk along the river is an enchanting experience that couples are sure to enjoy, while romantic river cruises are also offered in the evening in this section of the city.
Daytrips
Visitors to Porto who want to learn a little more about how local wine is produced can take a trip across the river to explore one of the many vineyards that can be found on the outskirts of the city. In addition to special guided tours, these vineyards also offer free samples of the wine that they produce. The charming village of Amarante also makes an enchanting daytrip option, while people who are interested in cathedrals will find Portugal’s oldest religious building, which dates back to 1070AD, just a short drive away in Braga.
Pictures curtesy in part from Flickr and yeowatzup