Have you ever visited a place and deeply experienced it?
Traveling is so much more than visiting a country. To travel is to see the greatness of a nation, to learn the small details of their history, to share their everyday life, to be part of something completely different. When we travel, we have the chance to embrace another culture, its traditions, its language, its gastronomy. When you deeply see and feel a place, is when you really meet that place.
Oporto is one of those places you fall in love with at first sight. Nonetheless, we encourage you to sick its deepest secrets and curiosities. That way, you will really meet this lovely city and all the beautiful places and stories you will cross path with.
Today we give you a list of the top 10 experiences in Oporto:
1.Clérigos’ Tower
One of the most emblematic monuments of the city. If you are brave enough, you can climb up stairs and see a stunning view of the city. You can also visit the Clérigos’ church, which is one of the most important monuments of the city as well.
2.Casa da Música
This is one of the architectural references of Oporto, built in 2001, the year in which the city was European Capital of Culture. With modern lines and a diverse cultural program, has certainly become one of the city’s marks.
3.Cais da Ribeira
Here you’ll find one of the city’s many treasures. The so called “zona ribeirinha” is a UNESCO World Heritage site, marked by its architecture, color and history. Not to mention the amazing riverfront where you can take a nice walk or take a drink while enjoying the sunset.
4.Serra do Pilar Viewpoint
Crossing D.Luís I bridge you will get to Vila Nova de Gaia, the city on the other riverbank. Near the bridge, you will find one of Oporto’s most beautiful sights. From up here, you can see the bridge, the “Ribeira”, the Cathedral, the Douro river, and so much more. It’s the best known city postcard skyline.
5.Bolsa Palace
With an architectural masterwork, the Bolsa Palace is the former Stock Exchange Palace, with an exuberant and atmospheric interior.
6.Bolhão Market
A local market in Oporto’s heart, where you will cross path with warm and friendly people, and also discover more of the Portuguese tradition and gastronomy. A colorful place where you can really have a sense of the true Portuguese culture.
7.Lello Bookstore
Not only a place to buy books, it is also an architectural reference. It will surprise by the set of stairs with a mysterious look. It’s said that Harry Potter’s author (J.K. Rowling) used the stairs as an inspiration for the stairs of Hogwarts’ castle.
8.Francesinha
You can’t visit Oporto and not try a “Francesinha”. It’s the city’s most popular dish (if not the country’s!) and it’s famous among foodies worldwide. With a little spicy taste, it’s usually accompained by a cold beer.
9.Port Wine Cellars
On the other side of the river, in Vila Nova de Gaia, you can find many Port Wine Cellars, promoting different brands of port wine. These continue to be an important focus for visitors. In almost any cellar you can take a guided tour, learning how the wine is made and also having the chance to delight yourself with a variety of tasty port wine.
10.Foz
Known as one of the best preserved cities in Europe, Oporto has many green and urban areas, where you can walk, read or just relax. The Douro’s mouth is one great example of that. Called “Foz”, it offers a unique view of the Douro river and it’s a wonderful place to take a stroll by the sea.
