When visiting Porto, there are places that you must absolutely visit. In the opinion of our visitors, this city has something mystical about it that is difficult to describe, and that varies depending on the place, the time of day and the light.

 

We begin the tour on the banks of the Douro River, on the Gaia side, where the Port wine cellars are located, and through the historic center of Porto, both classified as World Heritage Sites.

The S. Bento Station, with its atrium lined with historic tiles, is the ideal place to start your journey. A little further on is the Cathedral, from whose courtyard you will find the first view of the river, the houses and the other bank.

From there, you can go down medieval stairs and streets to Ribeira, passing typical terraces and picturesque corners. It is worth staying a while to soak up the atmosphere and admire the river with the D. Luís bridge and Vila Nova de Gaia's riverbank.

After admiring the silhouettes of the houses and church towers from the river, the golden interior of S. Francisco's church awaits you. Nearby, you can see more churches and monuments, the tiled façades and visit the Palácio da Bolsa. The tram leaves along the river for a route that continues to Foz, where you can walk and fill your lungs with sea air. This is where the Avenida da Boavista begins. Not far away is the Serralves Foundation, with gardens for strolling or relaxing and contemporary art exhibitions to visit.

 

Next to the Rotunda da Boavista is the Casa da Música, which stands out for its architectural form and cultural heritage. There are some good shops in this area. On the way there you'll find the gardens of the Palácio de Cristal, where you can enjoy another panoramic view over the river, and the Museu Soares dos Reis. Another garden, full of sculptures, is the Cordoaria garden, surrounded by churches and monuments. It is worth climbing the Torre dos Clérigos for a new view over Porto. Right next door is the famous Livraria Lello, a place of worship that inspired the Harry Potter stories. Continue on foot to Aliados, passing shops and buildings dating back to the Art Nouveau period.

After exploring this vast avenue, it is worth heading to Rua de Santa Catarina, where you can shop to your heart's content.

On the same street, you can't miss Café Majestic. More than just a café, Majestic tells the story of Porto. The Porto of the 1920s, of political gatherings and debates of ideas. The Porto of the "Bélle Époque", of writers and artists.

Returning to the south bank of the river you can visit the Port wine cellars and taste the wine in its unique environment.

In terms of gastronomy, this side of the quay is a good option, and a little further on you can find fresh fish and seafood in the fishing village of Afurada. Accompany your meal with a good wine and a stunning view over the Douro river's mouth.