Known as the northern capital, the city of Porto has about 240 000 inhabitants. Formed a Roman fortress build at an intersection of Portuguese trade routes, the city of Porto prospered during the expansion of Portuguese empire in the fifteenth century and with the Wine.
Raised to a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO, the historic centre of Porto preserves streets and historical buildings located on the picturesque banks of the river with buildings like the Cathedral, the Stock Exchange in neoclassical style and the Church of Santa Clara, built in typical style Manueline.
The downtown is at the Cais da Ribeira. It was in this area and its trade connection with the Douro River that the city began. You can stroll through narrow streets, enjoy the views over the city of Gaia and its warehouses of the Port wine, visit some museums and churches of this area (Casa do Infante, the Stock Exchange Palace, Church of the Convent of St. Francis and Museum Transport and Communications), do a boat trip (adapted from old boats Rabelos carrying port wine) or eat in the many extraordinary traditional restaurants.
Enjoy the work of the iron crossing bridge D. Louis to the Cais de Gaia, and take a tour at the cellars of the famous Port wine, which usually includes an excellent proof of that nectar. Cais de Gaia is also the site where you can have the best view over the city of Porto.
The celebration of the city is S. John, which is commemorated on June 24. In the early hours of 23 to 24 everyone goes out to eat sardines, have fun in the various dances held throughout the city or watch the fireworks that happen at midnight on the Douro River and can be seen from Cais da Ribeira and Cais de Gaia.
Do not miss the opportunity to take a cruise on the Douro River and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and lush vineyards planted on terraces along the route. There are many enterprises in the region, cruise lengths and different routes.
Porto
