Porto, Portugal

Traditional Meets Modern

Porto, northern Portugal’s biggest city, has long lived in the shadow of Lisbon and the Algarve. But it’s this quieter pace that makes it special – tradition still reigns, and modern additions blend seamlessly. Visiting Porto gives you a taste of authentic local life, rather than a tourist-only experience.

Even in its most modern areas, Porto is rooted in tradition. Wine cellars line the Ribeira and Gaia districts, terraces hug the Douro River, and the iconic Dom Luís I Bridge arches overhead. Cobblestone streets are filled with everything from glitzy fast-food spots to cafés serving hearty francesinha sandwiches.

Porto’s architecture is a feast for the eyes. The Avenida dos Aliados showcases Gothic grandeur, the Clérigos Tower offers sweeping city views, and the Porto Cathedral combines castle-like fortifications with ecclesiastical elegance. Don’t miss São Bento train station, famous for its stunning azulejo tiles, or Livraria Lello, whose carved interiors inspired Hogwarts.

Though best known as a city, Porto also boasts beaches. Praia do Carneiro, near the Douro’s mouth, features a historic lighthouse and a 16th-century fortress. For a river adventure, take a boat trip beneath the seven bridges spanning the Douro.