Some say that the North of Portugal begins in Porto, others say that it ends there. What is certain is whether it is the beginning, middle or end, Porto welcomes everything and everyone. It is history and modernity. It’s river and sea. It’s work and leisure. It’s a never-ending party and it’s quiet introspection.
Here are 10 ways to discover the urban star of northern Portugal city this summer:
- Walk the iconic Luís I Bridge across the River Douro
- Ride the historic yellow trams (started in 1872)
- Sample the port wine cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia
- Climb the baroque Clérigos Tower
- Admire the dramatic Monumento ao Pescador in Vila do Conde
- Take a dip in the tidal swimming pool at Leça da Palmeira
- Trek the Paiva wooden stairs and boardwalks in Arouca
- Catch a concert at the futuristic Casa da Música
- Time trip back to the Romanesque age on the Rota do Românico
- Shop for exquisite locally filigree jewelry
