Porto, a welcoming city that will catch you
On the banks of the Douro River lies Porto, a city smaller than Lisbon that can be visited on a weekend getaway. So make time for it in your schedule because you won't regret it. At Casual Hotels, we'll guide you through what you can't miss in the Portuguese city and tell you where to stay in Porto. Will you join us?
Porto is a city worth exploring on foot, soaking up its nooks and crannies and sometimes steep streets. The Ribeira area, at the foot of the Dom Luís I Bridge, is magical and welcoming. Without a doubt, one of the city's most authentic neighborhoods.
The medieval streets of this historic neighborhood are one of the city's main attractions. However, this city has so much to offer that we can't just pick one attraction. Here are some other must-see places:
Vila Nova de Gaia, with its typical and impressive wine cellars, is located on the other side of the Douro. Port is the perfect destination for wine lovers, who can enjoy a visit to the barrel-filled cellars or participate in tastings.
The Clérigos Tower is another symbol of the city. If you manage to climb the 200 steps that lead to the top of the viewing platform, you'll have spectacular views. The tower dates back to the 17th century and stands 78 meters tall.
Very close to the Torre de los Clérigos you'll find Lello's bookstore, famous for serving as inspiration for writer JK Rowling when writing the Harry Potter series.
If you like avant-garde architecture, the Casa da Música is another must-see. It's a futuristic building by Rem Koolhaas. Opposite, you can visit the Jardim da Boavista, with its monuments, and nearby, the Bom Sucesso Market.
You also can't miss Aliados and Bolhão, a neighborhood full of traditional shops, cafes, and baroque churches. There you'll find the São Bento train station, with its beautiful tiles, and Avenida dos Aliados, the heart of downtown Porto.
As for the cuisine, the fracesinha stands out, made with a bread base topped with cured meats and meat, topped with melted cheese and a spicy sauce. You can't miss the petiscos, which are like our tapas. Also very typical are cod-based dishes and desserts such as pastel de nata.
And this is just a taste of Porto. If you're looking for hotels in downtown Porto, our Casual Inca Porto hotel is waiting with open arms to welcome you. Enjoy the magical atmosphere of the Inca civilization in the city center and join you on this journey.