Lisbon may be the capital of Portual, but Porto is the economic metropolis. Porto’s real charm lies in its naturalness, which it has still retained. Even in the center, the cosmopolitan city appears rural.
The Ponte D. Luís I bridge, designed in 1886 by a student of Gustave Eiffel (amazing when you consider that the Eiffel Tower in Paris wasn’t built until 1887), connects the two riverbanks of Porto and the neighboring town of Vila Nova de Gaia, where most of the port wine distelleries are located.
Sitting on a hill overlooking the Douro River, the city is full of narrow streets and colorful buildings, as well as numerous restaurants and bars. Culinary you certainly do not come up short in Porto.
The city on the Douro is casual and enchants with its beautiful old town houses. The distances are short, the sea not far away. Compared to Lisabon, the little sister has remained a bit more relaxed, authentic and affordable. But thanks to Instagram and influencers, there are hotspots to avoid here, too. For example, Livraria Lello where long queues form at any time of day. I was happy to do without.
I often take advantage of the early morning hours where you can enjoy the cities to yourself. The early bird catches the worm! 😉
Almost every place has its magical sides. You just have to discover them for yourself. Maybe it’s a good idea not only to follow the well-known photo spots, but to keep your own eyes open to explore. You might succeed to take some shots that are less common but no less worth seeing. Here are a few more impressions of Porto, perhaps the most beautiful city in Portugal?
Cheers,
//Alex
alexreusch 