Oporto is Portugal’s second largest city and is a mixture of industrial and city charm, and thrives on this mixture of commercial efficiency that has delicate and unpretentious charm.
Trade has been Oporto’s main business for centuries, it has served as a place that holds as a modern cosmopolitan centre as well as a city rich in a historical past.
Situated on the gorge of the River Douro, which flows into the Atlantic after its journey from the shores of Spain. Known as the ‘granite city’, Oporto is most recognized for its amazing bridges and the world renowned Port wine.
Ribeira riverside district was classified as a UNESCO Wolrd Heritage Site in December 1996. The district is riddled with narrow and twisting streets with shadowy arches. It is now being restored and is generating a number of restaurants, bars and nightclubs to flock to the scene.
In 2001, the city was selected as the European Capital of Culture, and it boasts several high tourist attractions, including the spectacular 12th century Se Cathedral and the gold encrusted interior of the Sao Francisco Church.
The home of Port wine can be found at the Villa Nova da Gaia, which can be found after crossing the amazing two tiered Dom Luis bridge. Visitors can tour the famous lodges of the Villa Nova da Gaia, which have familiar household names such as Taylor’s, Grahams, Cockburns and Sandeman. The real treat of the tour is at the end where a mandatory wine tasting session is prepaired.
For seafood enthusiasts the towns of Matosinhos and Leça da Palmeira just north of Oporto can boast to having some of the best seafood in Portugal. Meanwhile, just south of the city in Espinho visitors will be greated to sandy beaches, hotels, discotheques and a first rate casino.
lisbon
