Castelo Santa Catarina

Posed majestically on the rocky cliffs overlooking the grand River Douro, Porto, the birthplace of the world renowned port, is Portugal's second largest city.

Steeped in history and tradition, highly atmospheric, still nicely unspoilt and laid back, over the last twenty years it has seen a remarkable renaissance, with startling modern architecture blending in happily with the many ancient monuments and landmarks.

A fascinating journey back in time, over different centuries, from its medieval historic centre by the river, the Ribeira district, a Unesco World Heritage site, the 18th century port wine lodges across the waters and the monumental bridge, Ponte Dom Luis I, to the C12th century Sé (cathedral) and the fine Baroque churches São Francisco, São Lourenzo, Santa Clara, the neoclassical Palacio da Bolsa (stock exchange)…the list goes on!

Along with interesting museums including Casa do Infante, where Henry the Navigator was born, art galleries, romantic gardens, impressive plazas, amazing azulejos (hand painted tiles) at São Bento train station and Igreja do Carmo, there is excellent shopping too, especially on Rua Santa Catarina.

Great music from traditional Portuguese fado to classical concerts can be heard at Rem Koolhaas' Casa da Musica and with Porto's fastly developing gastronomic scene, there is great food too from traditional northern Portuguese fare to sushi. and for those who like a bit of nightlife, there is plenty of that too, be it out on the street or at an arty cafe.

Walk it, tram it, boat it or tuk tuk it – Porto's got something for everyone!The fascinating, medieval Ribeira district by the river Douro– Porto’s historic centre, a Unesco world heritage site. Stroll along the promenade, explore its tiny cobblestone alleys, dine at one of the tempting riverside restaurants ..

Cross the impressive iron arched Dom Luis I bridge, built in 1886 from the Ribeira district to the 18th century port wine lodges in Vila Nova de Gaia. Sample the tipple and soak in the grandstand view of Porto from the riverside promenade with beautiful “ barcos rabelos” –flat bottomed boats which transported the wine in the good old days!

• Take the Funicular from here up to the upper part of Porto town and the Romanesque cathedral.
• Take in the sights of Porto on foot – there are guided walks, but doing it independently is fun – from baroqueTorre de Clerigos, to the majestic Palacio de la Bolsa, the gothic church of San Francisco,to the famous bookshop “Livrana Lello” – an inspiration for J.K. Rowling to write Harry Potter, to the São Bento railway station with its immense and beautiful tile panels, to the Casa do Infante, birthplace of Henry the Navigator and so, so much more.
• Enjoy art at the Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis and Museu de Arte Contemporanea and on a smaller scale the little art galleries in Rua Miguel Bombarda and all types of music from classical to jazz at Porto’s music mecca, Casa da Musica – concerts every night! Or listen to traditional Fado at Casa de Mariquinhas.
• Take a leisurely river cruise on a barco rabelo, going under Porto’s six bridges to get a panoramic view of the entire city.
• Visit 19th century Mercado Bolhao– fantastic covered market with all sorts of gastronomic delights and local atmosphere.
• Catch a small ferry across the Douro to the picturesque, traditional fishing village of Afurada with its tile decked houses and hire a bike, walk or bus to lovely Praia de Estrela with soft, golden sand. Feast on hearty fish stew “calderaida” or freshly grilled fish and seafood back in Afurada on your way home.
• Take a scenic tram trip along the river towards Foz do Douro, west of Porto, with its very interesting transport museum and “romantic “ museum and park.
• Do something different and explore the city in a Tuk Tuk! Ask your hotel for details.