Baixa/Sé : the city centre
To go into more detail, downtown Porto is the city's old quarter, emblematic for its luxury hotels and numerous must-see points of interest. It includes the Sé and Baixa districts, perched on two hills where the cathedral and the sumptuous Lello bookshop are located. To get from one district to the other, which in the collective mind are one and the same, we cross Avenida dos Aliados (Avenue of the Allies, in homage to the Allies of the First World War), one of Porto's best-known streets. This 250-metre-long cobbled avenue, pedestrianized in its center, links the Praça do General Humberto Delgado and the Praça da Liberdade, very close to the São Bento railway station, which borders the city center. As you can see, the whole of this district is one of the most popular tourist spots, with its many restaurants, bars and clubs.
The Idelfonso district, following on from the city center, is home to small traditional shops. It's quite lively thanks to their presence. You'll hardly notice that you're no longer in what's considered the city center...
The authenticity of Ribeira and Miragaia
Let's move on to Porto's most famous and, for some, prettiest district (we'll let you judge that for yourself!), a Unesco World Heritage Site, the one that postcards highlight with a photo of rabelos (traditional boats used to transport wine barrels) on the Douro, colorful houses in the background. This is the Ribeira. Its preserved old houses and narrow streets winding down to the quays of the Douro give it all its charm. And don't miss the highlight: the Dom Luis Bridge. The hustle and bustle of the Ribeira almost never stops.
Miragaia is what you'd call a labyrinth to navigate and a hill to climb, especially when you're coming from the Ribeira, one of its neighboring districts. But don't let that put you off, for Miragaia has a great deal of charm of its own. Situated between the northern banks of the Douro and the jardim do Carregal, close to the historic center, Miragaia is a place to escape the tourists and find peace and quiet, while offering beautiful views of the Douro. This colorful district is one of Porto's most authentic. Miragaia is also considered Porto's most romantic district.
The other districts of the "Upper Town
Between the city center, Ribeira, Cedofeita and Miragaia, the Vitória district, close to the University of Porto (sciences and medicine), and almost inserted into the city center (here again, it's rare to name the district so precisely), is crossed by Galeria de Paris and do Almada streets, known for their lively nightlife. Pedestrian shopping streets abound, and the district is always bustling with activity.
At the end of Rua Santa Catarina, one of the most popular shopping streets, with its small boutiques and more international names, we come to the Marquês district. The latter invites you to stroll and relax in one of its two parks: jardim da Arca d'Agua and Quinta do Covela.
Continuing westwards, we head for the Massarelos district. More alternative, Massarelos was the birthplace of the hipster wave. The gardens of the Palácio de Cristal offer a breathtaking view of the Douro. However, after the Arrábida bridge, the area becomes a little more deprived and tourism is not recommended.
The Cedofeita district, to the north-west, is concentrated on Rua de Cedofeita and Rua Miguel Bombarda. Cedofeita offers the experience of typical Portuguese living, without the city center being too far away. It's a great place for families and children to play in the many playgrounds. Cedofeita is also known for its art galleries and concept stores.
To the north-west, avenida Boavista is named after the district where wealthy families live and major companies have their offices. The main attractions are the Casa da Música, the synagogue and the Serralves museum-foundation, as well as luxury shopping, as all the major luxury boutiques are located here. Boavista is gradually gaining in notoriety, while remaining quieter than the city center.
To the east, between Rua João IV and Campanhã station, the Bonfim district, popular with students, is also gradually emerging, though not as a tourist attraction. Most of the tourists who come here are those who got off at the Campanhã station instead of the São Bento power station. The art scene is growing, and it's great to get off the beaten track and find a certain authenticity.
Foz do Douro and Vila Nova de Gaia: towards the ocean
To the west, at the mouth of the Douro, the Foz (Foz do Douro) district was one of the last to be inhabited and integrated into the municipality, at the end of the 19th century. It's a mix of Portuguese lifestyle, with its traditional houses, and a breath of fresh air, as it's located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Foz do Douro strikes the right balance between locals and tourists. Porto's finest beaches await you, as do walks and bike rides to Matosinhos, an adjacent port and small fishing town.
On the other bank of the Douro, after crossing the Dom Luis bridge, you arrive in Vila Nova de Gaia, considered by some to be Porto's little sister. This is where you'll find the cellars where Port wine ages in casks; a visit to one of them is a must! The city is a good option for cheaper accommodation than Porto. You'll also find three major shopping centers. In addition, at the mouth of the river to the west, Praia do Cabedelo do Douro is a beautiful beach, rarely visited by tourists, where you can swim, practice water sports and relax. A nature reserve is just around the corner. Finally, it's from Vila Nova de Gaia that some of the most beautiful postcard-style photos of Porto are taken, as we mentioned when we talked about the Ribeira district.
