AN INTRODUCTION TO PORTO

Welcome to MADABOUTPORTO.com and the web's most comprehensible guide to Porto and Northern Portugal. Porto (Oporto) is in the process of being discovered by visitors. It is an ideal base to explore North Portugal or as an exciting short city break. Let us guide you through the best options for things to do, places to see, where to go, exciting day excursions, great hotel suggestions and the best tours. Book here online to save precious time and money on your holiday. Your trip starts here.

Those who like Port and Portuguese wines, the city is well known. Porto's history goes way back to Roman times and beyond. Its location at the mouth of the mighty Douro River has elevated the city's importance as a trading hub over the aeons and one of Europe's most charismatic cities. From across the river, one perceives the mishmash of colourful medieval houses, churches and monuments clinging to the hillside on the opposite bank.

Porto's vibrant Ribeira district by the quayside has gained UNESCO World Heritage status, preserving the city's medieval character. Tall colourful buildings overlook a maze of narrow cobbled lanes filled with the smell of grilled food. Porto is also home to monuments by renowned architects Gustave Eiffel and Nicolau Nasoni. It's also the birthplace of Prince Henry the Navigator.

The centre of the city sports more 18th and 19th-century architecture and some 20th-century thrown in for good measure, with more hustle and bustle. Narrow pedestrianised streets are home to some interesting shops and cafés. Department stores, big labels brands, exclusive hotels and restaurants are found on the Avenida da Boavista. A major artery that bisects the city and terminates at the coast where you'll encounter the oddly named Castelo do Queijo (cheese castle). Porto's magnificent Casa da Musica can also be found in the area, a twelve-storey, irregular-shaped building. The Foz do Douro is a district that lines the western Atlantic coast and sports fine beaches, promenades, and restaurants with impressive sunsets for evening strolls.