Porto
Sailing on the Douro into Porto passing under the city’s spectacular bridges is a magnificent site, strategically sited overlooking the Douro as it empties into the Atlantic, Portugal’s second largest city was originally a Roman town, but its wealth is derived from its knowledge of the sea routes to India, with fortunes made from trading spices, silks and other fine goods.
There’s much more to Portugal’s second city than its eponymous fortified wine—historic architecture, cutting-edge design, fabulous food and wine, and a hip, laid-back vibe.
Porto blends the best of old and new, the cities historic centre is the Ribeira district, a UNESCO World Heritage site where residents mingle before old store fronts, on village style plazas and in the old houses of commerce where Roman ruins hide beneath the foundations of this historic metropolis, including the Cathedral, one of the city’s oldest monuments; and the São Bento Railway Station, known for its blue and white tile panels depicting scenes from Portuguese history.