Known as the ‘Cidade Invicta’ (Undefeated City), Porto gave Portugal its name. Located in the north of Portugal, on the right bank of the River Douro, Porto is the second largest city in the country and the economic and industrial centre in the north of Portugal. More than a giant museum, Porto offers the discovery of a magnificent repository of scenic, urban, architectural and artistic values, where references to the city memories persist.
The city prides itself on being the birthplace of Infante D. Henrique, o Navegador (Henry the Navigator), whose name is part of UPT official designation (Universidade Portucalense Infante D. Henrique), and the house in which he was born has been conserved and converted into what is today the municipal archive (Casa do Infante – Arquivo Histórico Municipal). It is internationally known for its port wine, bridges and its old and contemporary architecture.
In 1996, the historical centre of Porto was classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, and it wasn’t a surprise that in 2017 it was elected, for the third time, Best European Destination, after winning this prestigious title in 2012, and again in 2014.
But the city of Porto is also a centre of educational and research excellence, standing out for its technological and scientific innovation which attracts visitors, professionals, students and researchers from all across the country and from overseas.
The city has a diverse range of cultural and sports facilities, green spaces, public transport network and metro system, hospitals and local health units.
Restaurants
Porto’s dining scene revolves mainly around fresh sea products and delicious local meats, with regional dishes such as “francesinhas” and “bacalhau”, the local salted cod. There are a fantastic variety of restaurants to try the local cuisine: from traditional Portuguese restaurants, fine-dining or avant-garde establishments to riverside venues.
Local Attractions
Porto is full of local attractions and places to discover. From extravagant Baroque churches, neoclassical buildings, world-class museums, picturesque squares, narrow and unique streets, a thriving modern art scene, futuristic music venues, amazing bridges, wine cellars, beautiful parks to breathtaking views to Douro river and the Atlantic Ocean.
Please, click here to watch a video about Porto.