Lisbon (rightfully) gets a lot of love, but with its standout restaurants, world-class museums, and legendary port wine cellars, Portugal’s second city also deserves a spot on any well-crafted Iberian itinerary. Porto was just named Europe’s leading seaside metropolitan destination in the 2024 World Travel Awards.
For the perfect day in Porto, start with a stroll along the Douro River in the historic Ribeira district. Then, visit must-see landmarks such as the Palácio Da Bolsa, the Church of São Francisco, and one of the oldest — and most beautiful — bookstores in the world: Livraria Lello. Cross the Luís I Bridge to the Vila Nova de Gaia neighborhood and sip fortified wine at storied port wine cellars such as Cálem and Graham’s Port.
Arts and culture enthusiasts will find plenty of points of interest in Gaia, as well. WOW is a new, centrally located cultural district boasting a selection of shops, 12 restaurants and bars, and seven museums. Some highlights include Pink Palace, which focuses on the history and production of rosé, as well as the (perhaps self-explanatory) Chocolate Story, a museum that dives deep into the history of chocolate production.
Hungry? You’ve come to the right place. The city’s culinary scene runs the gamut between old-school seafood restaurants, to cutting-edge, contemporary gastronomic experiences. Kick things off at the historic, bi-level Mercado do Bolhão to sample a bit of everything, from tinned fish and olives to baked goods and freshly squeezed juice. Head to Café Santiago and tuck into Porto’s local sandwich specialty, the hearty francesinha — think hot meat (usually steak or ham), sliced cheese, and a fried egg served with a rich tomato and beer sauce. For Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized dining, snag a reservation at Gruta, which serves up Portuguese and Brazilian fare.
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Publish date : 2024-11-27 07:54:00
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