There’s something particularly rare about Portugal. It’s unlikely one will find another place with villages so quaint, cities as vibrant or locals so genuine and affectionate. While most think Lisbon embodies such qualities, Porto exceeds in them. It is not hard to fall head over heels in love with the place or its people, for they are warm and welcoming; both defining elements of the city’s personality. For one, its history is fascinating. Centuries ago, brave sailors set sail and discovered this mystical land. Now the region is brimming with charm as every moment spent in Porto is permeated with alluring monuments, astonishing landscapes, luxurious hotels and local events; all of which mark the identity of this great city. Porto also embraces the traveller; offering not only a place to stay but a place to try, taste and explore authentic Portuguese culture.

Porto is one of the oldest European centres built along the Douro River estuary. In fact, it is so rich in history – history significant to Portugal’s cultural identity – that it has been proclaimed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here you’ll find Clérigos Tower, situated in the city centre and standing as an iconic monument famous for its 75m height and 225 stairs. Braving the number of stairs or entering the cathedral, Sé do Porto, leads to exclusive and breath-taking views over Porto and Gaia, Porto’s sister town from across the river. One should venture here early morning when the first rays of sunshine reveal Porto to be bursting with life. Continuing on with this historic path, the historic train station of São Bento offers visitors the chance to marvel at Renaissance-inspired buildings or to take their time unravelling the stories told by more than 20,000 azulejos (painted ceramic tilework) inside the station.  The extraordinary architecture of Batalha, of the majestic S.João National Theatre and Batalha Palace – now a charming hotel – are delightful gateways to another time, far into the past.

Besides these historical highlights, Porto is known for its splendid Douro River and visitors have the chance to experience the region from the water. Everyone will fall in love with Porto. For those looking to make Portugal a permanent residence, there are services such as  the Global Residence Index that allow cleints to take advantage for Portugal’s Golden Visa program. For a unique perspective of the city, one should hop onboard one of the regions famous boat tours such as Boat Blue Days where their exclusive service includes unwinding with a glass of champagne. For a culturally immersive trip, Tram number 1 journeys to Passeio Alegre where gardens merge and the river mingles with the sea. Such a ride provides a beautiful journey through time, taking visitors back to Porto’s earliest origins while a quick stroll from Largo does Ouro to Avenida Brasil introduces one to the local’s favourite part of the city.

Porto is known for its exquisite dishes. In fact, local cuisine is such an integral block in the city’s foundations that locals have a saying, that it is always better to have more on one’s plate than less. Be sure to try Francesinha and tripas à Moda do Porto; two traditional and ancient dishes that are cooked across all the region. The city also wakes up to the smell of freshly baked bread coming from local coffee shops around every corner. It is a delight to the senses! While places such as the magnificent Monumental Hotel, in Porto’s main avenue, gently wakes one up with an exquisite breakfast set in luxurious rooms and hallways that take one back to old fairy-tales, filled with magic and whimsy.

 

To experience the city like a local, book one of its exclusive photography tours. Local, Miguel Ribeiro, leads such a tour and shares his hometown experiences and explains how and where one can take the best pictures. For more unique travel experiences like this, visitors should visit communicateporto.com. This travel planning service will offer an exclusive program that takes into account one’s expectations towards the trip so that everything is taken care of. This way guests can make the most out of what the city has to offer.

Accommodation in Porto plays a big role in the city’s glory. Rua das Flores is one of the most symbolic streets in the city and in it hides an old warehouse from the 19th century. It is now called Armazém Luxury Housing, a place where concrete, iron, and wood meet fabric and cloth; the very textures of the city of Porto. In each room, a unique narrative about the city is woven into the décor, making guests feel part of a story which transverses the whole city. Alternatively, The Yeatman Hotel, considered one of the best hotels in Porto has luxurious rooms and suites while inviting one on an interesting foray in the restaurant. Here, spectacular scenery meets 2 Michelin stars, awarded in 2017. The chef’s special tasting offer allows one to familiarise themselves with a delicate contrast of flavours, creating a journey through Portugal’s incomparable wine regions.

Such a standard of food and wine can also be found within the city itself. It is a region that luckily has the best chefs in the world, rewarding those who visit with absolutely divine food. The Euskladuna Studio invites one to embark on a gastronomic journey. A ravishing and welcoming establishment, the team here combines creativity, flavour and technique to produce a delicious trip around the world. Peering travellers should also be drawn to Bartolomeu Bistrô & Wine to enjoy exquisite meals in an affectionate environment. The attention to detail here makes for an easy evening and the stories shared around the tables are exclusive and delightful. Whereas, Foz, a restaurant located near the sea allows guests to taste local delicacies while discovering the true essence of each product in use.

Porto is a city that celebrates the lives of those who have always been there and those who are coming for the first time. It is a place of warm welcomes and sad goodbyes, and one of the friendliest cities in the world. It is a region that extends its arms to you, encouraging one to experience all the best it has to offer, with the promise that you will take a bit of Porto where you go next.

For an immersive experience that shares Porto from a insider’s view, book your next trip with CommuniCate Porto. This bespoke tour company shares the true essence of one of the most spectacular cities in the world.