Porto offers a wealth of sights and activities to explore, making it well worth spending a few days wandering its charming streets. Begin your journey in the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1996. Another vibrant area to explore is Ribeira, known for its captivating architecture, adorned with traditional blue and white azulejo ceramic tiles. Don't miss a stroll along the Douro riverfront, where you can admire numerous ships and even embark on a boat ride.
Just across the river in Vila Nova de Gaia, you can delve into the fascinating world of Port wine production, and of course, sample some of the finest wines in the region. It's from here that Port wine is shipped worldwide.
If you happen to visit Porto on June 23, you'll be in for a treat during the Festival of São João (St. John), Portugal's patron saint of lovers. This lively celebration unfolds in the Ribeira neighborhood and features unique traditions like playfully hitting each other on the head with hammers (toy or inflatable), leaving a lasting impression on festival-goers.