Driving to Porto

Country: Portugal Capital: Lisbon Language: Portuguese Currency: Euro

The second biggest Portuguese city appears to be completely disinterested in the tourist industry, this despite boasting an old town which is a UNESCO World Heritage sight and many picturesque views. It is perhaps for this reason that Porto has such charm however, and one can easily feel as if they’ve stepped into the past once they set foot in the city.

The historic old town has many sights; you might want to make your first port of call the Torre dos Clerigos, an 18th century tower from which you will be able to see over the city. The Se Cathedral dominates the old quarter, as does the Igreja de Sao Francisco, which despite its Gothic appearance contains an opulent golden display inside.

Outside the old town, the Palacio de Bolsa, or stock exchange, is worth a visit for its neo-classical exterior, domed glass ceiling, and the Arabic-influenced ballroom. Head to the river Duoro to cross the Dom Luis Bridge. Built by Gustav Eiffel in 1886 it unsurprisingly resembles the architect’s Parisian tower. If museums tickle your fancy head to the Museu de Arte Contemporanea, which is located in the Fundacao Serralves gardens.

A trip to Porto would not be the same without a visit to the Vila Nova da Gaia district, where Port wine is blended and aged. Many of the port houses open their doors to guests and offer tours as well as wine tastings.

All of these places are within a few hours drive from Porto