PORTO

Portugal
14ยฐC Apr

Porto, happy peopleโ€™s getaway

A city both creative and dynamic, Porto unveils its charms and heritage along the Douro River. With displays of Romanesque and Baroque architectures, the city that was awarded best European destination on multiple occasions will fulfil your cravings for culture, history and blazing colours.

There is an old saying in town: "Lisbon plays while Porto works". It has lost its meaning in our day and age, but as the second largest city in Portugal, Porto still owes its development to the trade of textile, cork and of course Porto wine.

For the last few years, Porto has experienced unprecedented cultural, artistic and touristic growth. With some 200,000 inhabitants, it has been elected best European destination a number of times. This dynamic exhilaration is particularly palpable in the historical centre, especially on the Rua Galeria de Paris, the trendiest district. Buildings long left in a state of neglect are now being restored and turned into sumptuous hotels travellers are fond of. In the city's newest districts, all around the old town, you will discover the Casa da Mรบsica, a new-fangled venue designed by Dutch urban planner Rem Koolhaas. Also of major interest is the Contemporary Art Museum (Fundaรงรฃo de Serralves), conceived by celebrated local boy and contemporary architect รlvaro Siza.

Omnipresent azulejos on the faรงades of historical buildings are one of the reminders that the Cidade Invicta (the 'undefeated city') never forgot about culture and traditions. You will discover the story behind the famous drink conceived in the Douro valley, sheltered by the Marรฃo mountains, in the town of Vila Nova de Gaia on the other side of the river - heartland of the greatest wine producers. Several sun-filled grape varieties are used to produce different kinds of Porto wines: White, Ruby, Tawny, Late Bottle Vintage (LBV) and Vintage. Do not leave town before trying these typical nectarsโ€ฆ as long as you drink in moderation, of course. Here, port wine and food pairing is essential and makes for a terrific way of trying out local specialities.

When to go

Apr
14ยฐC
27%
May
16ยฐC
16%
Jun
19ยฐC
13%
Jul
21ยฐC
6%
Aug
21ยฐC
6%
Sept
20ยฐC
13%
Oct
18ยฐC
29%
Nov
14ยฐC
33%
Dec
12ยฐC
29%
Jan
10ยฐC
29%
Feb
11ยฐC
25%
Mar
12ยฐC
26%

Porto, Portugal