"A Fine Port" Top 5 Page for this destination Porto by antistar

Porto Travel Guide: 1,003 reviews and 2,562 photos

The picture above was the very last one that I took, from the south bank of the river Douro facing back across central Porto. It sums up pretty much everything that was striking for me about Porto. The tumbling, fading, flakey, multicoloured, red-roofed, balconied turn of the century buildings clambering up the hill from the Douro below. Everywhere in the city I walked I was constantly looking up at the buildings as they stretched up above me with billowing clothes hanging from cast iron balconies.

Some of the crazy old streets of Praca da Ribeira

There's a big English connection in Porto, which can be felt in the architecture and in the legacy the British Port companies have left in the city. You can stand at one point on the banks of the Douro and look across to the south and see a very latin scene, with warm languid air shimmering over warehouses that look like they have been transported from the docks of London, emblazed with very English names like Offley, Croft and Taylor. The English connection can be felt elsewhere in the city, especially in the neo-classical architecture that abounds.

View up Rua de Ferreira Borges, Porto

Porto is a relaxed friendly place where the locals seemed very welcoming to visitors. The pace is a lot slower than Lisbon and many cities of similar size in Europe, and the temperature is a fair bit cooler. It feels very provincial and a lot smaller than its million or so metropolitan population suggests. Unlike Lisbon it doesn't have a whole lot of things to do, and only one art gallery of note, but it does have the river Douro, great architecture, and great views. The Douro itself is unmissable, either as a train journey, a short boat trip to view the outstanding bridges, or a longer trek up the waters to the fantastic countrside in the hinterland.

Last visit to Porto: Jul 2005
Intro Updated Jul 31, 2005
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (32)

Back Streets Favorites (1)

Porto has some wonderful narrow old back streets around the medieval heart of the city down towards the river. Some of... more travel advice

Funicular dos Guindais Transportation (5)

Again, like the trams, this funicular functions as much as a tourist attraction as anything else. It crawls up the side... more travel advice

Tram Transportation (5)

The trams are as much of a must see as a transport option. In truth, with only two lines, they aren't a great deal of... more travel advice

Bridges Tour Things to Do (21)

If you haven't got the time to take a trip all the way up the Douro there are still options available. From the Praca de... more travel advice

Restaurants (2)
See All Chines
Warnings and Dangers (2)
See All Getting Lost

Hotels (1)
Residencial Pao de Acucar
Been to Porto?
Share your travels with the world!

Comments (8)

Reply
- Report abuse
diocletianvs Dec 27, 2007 at 9:56 AM

The small alleys remind me of small streets of Split, where I was born, or Genova - one of my favorite cities. I'm sure I'm going to love Porto.
Reply
- Report abuse
arlequin_g May 13, 2007 at 5:14 AM

Great page. Very good pics and tips. I hope to see it myself next month!!!!
Reply
- Report abuse
magor65 Jan 19, 2007 at 7:24 AM

I like your style of writing, so nice and vivid. Great page.
Reply
- Report abuse
Jim_Eliason Sep 12, 2006 at 4:36 PM

great tips!
Reply
- Report abuse
Bwana_Brown Jun 10, 2006 at 6:56 AM

Very enjoyable reading and a great overview of your time in Porto! It was a place I too wanted to visit and almost made it there, but, in the end, had to settle for a drive along the Douro River to the village of 'Pinhao'!
Reply
- Report abuse
bugulma Nov 7, 2005 at 9:13 PM

Wonderful views or Porto. The Ponte dom Luis I is very impressive views. I'd lie to see it one day
Reply
- Report abuse
stevezero Aug 16, 2005 at 2:21 AM

Nice place - hope to visit one day
Reply
- Report abuse
pepples46 Aug 15, 2005 at 8:42 PM

a very fine port indeed. excellent page, good job Tim