What to See There are more than enough sights in Porto to keep someone happily entertained for two or three days without the need to frantically rush around to check everything off a list. From leisurely boat cruises on the Douro to guided tastings of the city’s multitude of wine Cellars, Porto will soon have you enthralled. Centro Historico Porto This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been at the heart of Porto for centuries and is the perfect place to explore. Get your bearings on Avenida dos Aliados, the unofficial meeting point of Sé and Baixa (downtown. The area’s main thoroughfare is awash with historic gems. These include the Town Hall and São Bento railway station, as well as the twelfth century Sé do Porto Cathedral. One of the area’s important religious structures, it soars over the area and contains typically intricate regional tile decorations. It really is a must for any Porto visit. Ribeira Ribeira Porto’s riverside district is filled with tall, red-tiled homes overlooking the Douro. While colourful boats unload barrels of wine, the quiet, atmospheric backstreets hum with history. Go beyond the admittedly alluring bars and restaurants that line this side of the river. Hit one of the city’s most famous landmarks, the stylish ironwork of the Luis I Bridge. Its upper and lower roadways lead to the port cellars located in Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposite bank. These are a must for anyone interested in sampling the valley’s main crop. Then take a sunset cruise along the river to capture the city as its lights blink on with nightfall. Amazing Destinations 108
109 Publizr Home