Fun Things to Look Out for When You Visit Porto in Portugal
Finally you are planning you are going to visit Porto. There goes the saying, “To travel is to live.” Traveling to new places is one of the things that you ought to do even when you are not good at it.
Yet, the whole process puts your mind at ease. And that is what it is like where I am taking you to right now: We will visit Porto in Portugal. If you are not familiar with the name Porto, it is the same as Porto.
The beauty in this city is similar to that of the article “the” in its name. In Portuguese, Porto is rendered as o Porto which means “the port or harbor.”
Hotels in Porto (price and location)
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Porto is the second-largest city in the country. It is renowned for the export of port wine. Now here are some of the most thrilling sights and things to look out for in your visit to the beautiful city:
Visit in Porto D. Luis Bridge
The city is well known for its state-of-the-art bridges. One of the six magnificent bridges in Porto is D. Luis Bridge or The Dom Luís I Bridge. The bridge’s stance is quite imposing, but you will also find it graceful to look at on your visit to Porto.
When it was constructed in the 19th century, the 385-meter structure was the longest bridge in the world. The bridges’ arch is made of two decks finished with metal. The brilliance put to the bridge will not be so surprising once you realize it was created by a student of the highly revered Gustave Effiel.
Lello & Irmao Library is a must visit in Porto
You should visit Porto to witness the enchanted world of books in the Livraria Lello & Irmão Library/Bookstore. It has been constantly referred to as the most beautiful bookstore in the world.
Its beauty is not just from recent times; it is also one of the oldest bookstores in the world as it was opened in 1881. It is also commended as the birthplace of Harry Potter.
There are notable pictorial similarities between the bookstore and the Hogwarts stairs. J.K Rowling was said to have been inspired by the library.
After her mother’s death, she lived in Porto, where she wrote the first three chapters of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. Access to the bookstore is now very easy; you can book online.
Ribeira
You would like to travel to the liveliest, most beautiful, and one of the oldest neighborhoods in Porto on your visit there.
I will suggest as your travel guide to visit Ribeira by night, especially in the summer nights. While it is Porto’s commercial center, it is also home to classic Portuguese dishes like grilled sardines.
Elétrico
There is no more fascinating way to explore the who city of Porto than by riding in the tram called eléctrico.
Since 1895 these tram lines have been showing tourists around the most jaw-dropping locations in Porto. That is why they call it a vintage affair.
To compliment your ride, you can visit the Oporto Tram Museum called (Museu do Carro Elétrico.)
Mercado do Bolhão
Bolhão Market was built in 1850 but was inaugurated in 1914. Ever since, it has remained the most important market in all of Porto.
Definitely, your visit to Porto is not complete without a visit to the vibrant shopping destination to feast on some of their delicacies.
This market is where the typical old Portuguese ladies sell fish, flowers, vegetables, and other things.
Pastel de Nata
This food is the Portuguese egg custard. The plural form is Pasteis de Nata. This puffy-looking Portuguese Egg Tart pastry is one of the rich and complex pastries in the world.
It does not matter if you are not a pastry person; you should make an exception for this food. It is all you need to make the beautiful sight of Porto taste sweet and delicious.
Certainly, it would not even take you long to find a café or cafeteria where you can eat the splendid nourishment.
Café Santiago
This restaurant is the home of the gut-busting treat of “Little Frenchie.” Hence, you should include in your visit to Porto trying the francesinha dish at the Santiago restaurant.
The plate is a typical sandwich that comprises meat layers, cheese and a magical sauce. Café Santiago says it is one of the best fifty sandwiches globally, and agreeably they are not lying.
Gazela Cervejaria, eat the best hot-dog in the World in Porto
Porto is not the place to visit and be hungry. That is why I am pointing you in the direction of another restaurant.
The award-winning restaurant Gazela is the place to eat the best hot dog in the world. The Gazela Snack-bar also makes sausages, cheese, fires, and many more chows.
Palácio da Bolsa in Porto
This palace is widely referred to as the Stock Exchange Palace because it is the headquarters of Porto’s Commercial Association. The most attractive thing about the palace is its location at the heart of the city.
The magnificent building was erected in the 19th century. The style of the building is such an impressive sight. It was fashioned according to the Western neoclassical movement.
Jardins do Palácio de Cristal
This is a landscape garden like no other. The green and well-kept park can keep you drawn in all day long. It is mesmerizing antiquity from the 19th century. There is a hand full of ways to enjoy this location.
In this place, you can bike, see the peacocks, run the range, and do many other exciting activities. You can also get a good view of the Douro river, fountains or pick a quiet, shaded spot away from the entertaining Porto city.
There is even a playground for children to have fun.
Wrapping up
Porto is a historical, beautiful, and gracious place to be. The fun you will get here depends on the number of days you want to spend in the home of port wine.
In as many days, the things mentioned above will give you memories to never forget. From the people to the places, and of course your plate, the decision to visit Porto will be one of the best travel choices you will ever make.
Search in the map for the best available Vacation Rentals in Porto
Booking.comFind more about these places to visit in Porto and other interesting places to travel around the World with Porto Vacation Rentals.
Take a quick look at a beachfront vacation rental in Porto with unique panoramic views to the Atlantic Ocean.
Planning your trip to Europe? Check these hotels in Porto, Portugal.
Hotels in Porto Old Town.
The Editory Boulevard Aliados Hotel, with an excellent location in Porto probably is one of the most beautiful hotels in Europe.
Hotel Eurostars Aliados Porto, located in the heart of the city and near all the main land marks in Porto.
The Hotel Aliados Porto located at Aliados above the historic Guarany café and with nice views from the room windows.
Hotel Mercure Porto Aliados, has a swimming pool, fantastic service and perfect location in Aliados.
Ribeira do Porto Hotel, has unique views to River Douro and to the D. Luís I Bridge in Porto.
Hotel Premium Porto Downtown with a beautiful rooftop with amazing views
Boutique Hotels in Porto Portugal located in Ribeira one of the most beautiful places in Porto
The Zero Box Lodge Porto located in Porto historic area.
Other pages about Porto that you can find interesting information if you are planning travel to Porto check in Porto Vacation Rentals:
Where to eat Francesinha the famous dish from Porto, 5 of the best Hotels in Porto and Hotels near Porto Airport, Beachfront vacation rental in Porto, things to do in Porto, where to go when you visit Porto.
And a few more, for example, information about Douro Cruises in Porto or where to eat the best hot dog in the World in Porto.
To see only hotels in Porto visit also Hotel Porto Portugal.