Baixa/Sé : the city centre
To go into more detail, the city centre of Porto corresponds to the old part of the city, emblematic with its luxury hotels and its many points of interest. It includes the Sé and Baixa districts, perched on two hills where the cathedral and the sumptuous Lello bookstore are mainly located. To get from one neighbourhood to the other, which are all one in the collective mind, we cross the Avenida dos Aliados (the Avenue of the Allies, in homage to the Allies of the First World War), one of the most famous in Porto. This avenue, 250 metres long, paved and pedestrian in its centre, connects the Praça do General Humberto Delgado and the Praça da Liberdade very close to the São Bento train station, which borders the city centre. As you can see, the whole of this district is one of the most touristic places with many restaurants, and frequented at night with its bars.
The district of Idelfonso, in the continuity of the city centre, gathers small traditional shops. It is quite lively thanks to their presence. You will hardly notice the fact that you are no longer in what is considered the city centre...
The authenticity of Ribeira and Miragaia
But let's get to the most famous and beautiful district (we'll let you judge for yourself!), classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site, the one that postcards highlight with the picture of rabelos (traditional boats used to transport wine barrels) on the Douro, with the coloured houses in the background. It is the Ribeira. Its preserved old houses and narrow streets that wind their way down to the Douro's quays give it all its charm. And don't miss the highlight: the Dom Luis Bridge. The bustle of the Ribeira almost never stops.
Miragaia is what you might call a labyrinth to navigate and a hill to climb, especially when you come from the Ribeira, one of its neighbouring districts. Don't let this discourage you, because Miragaia has a great charm too. Between the northern banks of the Douro and the Jardim do Carregal, close to the historic centre, Miragaia allows you to escape the tourists and find peace and quiet, while offering beautiful views of the Douro. A colourful neighbourhood that is one of the most authentic in Porto. Miragaia is also considered the most romantic area of Porto.
The other districts of the "Upper Town
Between the city centre, Ribeira, Cedofeita and Miragaia, the Vitória district, close to the University of Porto (sciences and medicine), and almost inserted in the city centre (here again, it is rare to name the district so precisely), is crossed by Galeria de Paris and Almada streets, known for their lively nightlife. The pedestrianised shopping streets are numerous and the district is always alive.
At the end of Rua Santa Catarina, one of the most commercial streets with small shops and more international signs, we arrive in 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 west, we head towards the Massarelos district. More alternative, Massarelos saw the birth of the hipster wave. In this neighbourhood, it is pleasant to enjoy the gardens of the Palácio de Cristal, which offer a breathtaking view of the Douro. However, after the Arrábida bridge, the area is a bit more deprived and tourism is not recommended.
The Cedofeita district, in the northwest, is concentrated on Rua de Cedofeita and Rua Miguel Bombarda. Cedofeita offers the experience of the typical Portuguese living environment, without the city centre being too far away. This area is very popular with families and children who enjoy themselves in the many playgrounds. Cedofeita is also known for its art galleries and concept stores.
To the northwest, Avenida Boavista is named after the area where wealthy families live and large companies have their offices. People come here mainly to visit the Casa da Música, the synagogue and the Serralves Foundation-Museum, but also to indulge in luxury shopping, as the big luxury boutiques are located in this area. Boavista is gradually gaining in notoriety while remaining quieter than the city centre.
To the east, between Rua João IV and the Campanhã station, the Bonfim district, popular and student, is also gradually emerging, without being touristy. Most of the tourists who come here are those who got off at the Campanhã station instead of the São Bento station. However, the art scene is growing and it is nice to get off the beaten track a bit.
Foz do Douro and Vila Nova de Gaia: towards the ocean
To the west, at the mouth of the Douro, the Foz district (Foz do Douro) was one of the last districts to be inhabited and integrated into the municipality at the end of the 19th century. It is a mixture of Portuguese life with its traditional houses, and a breath of fresh air as it is located on the Atlantic Ocean. Foz do Douro is a good balance between locals and tourists. Porto's most beautiful beaches await you, as well as walks and bike rides to Matosinhos, an adjacent port and small fishing town.
Located on the other side of the Douro, after crossing the Dom Luis Bridge, you arrive in Vila Nova de Gaia, which some consider to be Porto's little sister. This is where the cellars where Port wine is aged in barrels are located and a visit to one of them is a must! The city is a good option for cheaper accommodation than Porto. There are also three large shopping centres. Also, at the mouth of the river to the west, Praia do Cabedelo do Douro is a beautiful beach, not often visited by tourists, where you can swim, do water sports and relax. A nature reserve is located right next to it. Finally, it is from Vila Nova de Gaia that the most beautiful postcard photos of Porto are taken, as we mentioned when talking about the Ribeira district.
