Porto Portugal photo via Shutterstock
By JJ Fox
Situated on the coast in the North of Portugal, Porto is a culturally rich city, which was deemed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO over the last decade. However, it is often overlooked in favour of Lisbon, its more glamorous southern sister. While Lisbon may have the dazzling nightlife, a certain allure for the more gregarious traveller, Porto has a rustic charm that is equally, if not more, delightful. That is not to say that Porto has no social scene, au contraire, there is a lot to be said for the low-key haunts of a quieter city. However, regardless of your penchant for partying, there are lots of reasons to take a trip to Porto. Here are five of the best:
1. Port
No trip to Porto would be complete without experiencing the wonders of its eponymous wine. With wine-tasting tours abound, whether you are a wine connoisseur or not, you’re sure to find something to suit you on an individual level. You may want to start your tour with a boat trip along the Douro and finish by ambling down the quaint cobbled streets along the riverfront while you sip some of the world’s finest specimens of Port.
2. The Tram
Porto’s tramways are pieces of living history, sporting three regular routes and one for tourists. The trams are all old-fashioned, beautiful and a little creaky, truly giving the impression that you’ve travelled back in time. Perfectly assimilated into the city, the trams don’t look like a laboured cliché — out of place and out of touch with their surroundings — instead they gracefully add to the already historically rich topography of the city.
3. Livraria Lello
Nestled in among a row of terraced shops is the elegant façade of this magnificent bookshop. However, its cathedral-like exterior, while beautiful, is nothing compared to what is inside. A huge, carved wooden staircase stands amid shelves filled to the brim with both Portuguese and English books. If you follow the red steps to the top, you arrive at a small tearoom, surrounded by trinkets, souvenirs and yet more books, naturally. This bookshop truly is a must-see for bookworms and history buffs alike.
4. Sangria in the streets
Mediterranean countries are well known for their late-night fiestas and Portugal is certainly no exception. Throughout the streets of Porto are tiny bars selling beer and sangria at very reasonable prices. Being little more than holes-in-the-wall, these bars do not offer anything by way of seating and even if they did, I imagine that they would go unused. The locals of Porto take full advantage of their beautiful climate and once the sun sets the streets become alive as friends congregate outside these bars to catch up over a glass — or three — of sangria. The vibe is as warm as the temperature and as far as drinking phenomena go, it seems to be one of the best.
5. The Francesinha
The ultimate in sandwich production and every carnivore’s dream, the Francesinha is a local delicacy from the Porto region that will blow your mind. Jam-packed with a range of ingredients, this is certainly a plate that should be judged on taste rather than appearance. The dish consists of two thick slices of bread filled with ham, spicy sausage and steak topped with cheese and an egg — all smothered in a thick tomato and beer sauce. Add French fries and a hint of spice and you have a mouth-watering meal for the gastronomically adventurous.
About the Writer
JJ is a student at the University of Warwick where she is studying English and French literature. A trip around southeast Asia was responsible for her love of Asian cuisine as well as her wanderlust. In addition to food and travelling, her passions include dance, skiing, reading and writing. To see more of her work check out her travel blog: http://jjversustheworld.
