Porto City Breaks 2012

Porto Bridge

World Heritage Site

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal, with an estimated 1.7 million people calling the said city home. Porto has been recognized as a Gamma-level global city by the Globalization and World Cities Study Group. In 1996, Porto was officially named by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Porto is also one of the oldest European centres. Port wine, one of Portugal’s internationally famous exports, was named for Porto as it is the production site of the aforementioned wine.

Sightseeing

One of the best things about sightseeing in Porto is that the many of its main attractions are merely a stone’s throw from one another. However, take note that the terrain of many of Porto’s scenic spots can be quite steep and hilly, so donning the appropriate footwear is advisable.

Visitors of the city can choose their preferred route when it comes to touring the city; whether via bus or a leisurely cruise aboard a boat. Some of the top sites in Porto include Ribeira, Avenida dos Aliados, Praca de Batalha, Mercado do Bolhao, Cordoaria, Boavista and Western Porto, Palacio de Cristal to Foz do Douro and Vila Nova de Gaia.

Eating Out

Generally speaking, Portuguese cuisine is similar to that of Mediterranean cuisine in that it is rich, filling and bursting with flavour. Spices are used liberally in Portuguese cooking and one dish that Porto is particularly known for is Porto Style Tripe—so much so that the city’s inhabitants are known as ‘tripeiros’. Olive oil, garlic, coriander, parsley, black pepper, saffron, cinnamon and vanilla are also used generously in food preparation.

Breakfast is usually composed of coffee and a bread roll while lunch and dinner typically include a serving of soup. Desserts are often made using the milk of sheep or goats.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Porto would be between late spring and early fall when the weather is warm and pleasant. If you wish to experience life as a local, it might be a good idea to come in the middle of June when the Feast of Saint John occurs and the atmosphere is festive.

Nightlife

Other cities in Portugal are simply incomparable to Porto when it comes to nightlife. Contra Corrente, Rock’s Bar, Bar Industria, Disco Swing, Estado Novo, Aniki Bobo, Majestic Cafe Bar, Triplex, Mal Conzinhado, Solar do Vinho do Porto, Meia Cave, River Cafe and Moinho de Vento are all good clubs that come highly recommended by tourists and locals alike.