First steps in Oporto, the city of Ribeira

Welcome to Ribeira! Look at the colorful houses, the red roofs and the rabelo boats on the Douro river... Fascinating, isn't it? You may want to find a spot where to park your car and take a walk around.

This fountain is also known as "São João Baptista fountain", named after the patron of the city. Take a look around: all the little cafes and shops do paint a pretty picture!

You must be starting feeling hungry! "Jimão" is the right choice! You must know, Portuguese restaurants generally serve petiscos, i.e small portions which are supposed to allow you to try different dishes. Don't forget to try the bacalhau (codfish), the octopus and a good glass of "Vinho do Porto", the fortified wine produced in the Douro valley.

Few steps away from the restaurant there's Palácio da Bolsa, built in the 18th century on the ruins of the Convento de São Francisco, destroyed by a fire. After the terrible incident, Queen Mary II decided to donate it to he merchants of the city, who started building the seat of the Commercial Association. Nowadays you can visit all the most important areas of the structure such as the ball room, the golden room and many others. You can choose which tour to join and it takes roughly half an hour to visit the stunning rooms of the palace. Enjoy it and don't forget to take pictures!

After visiting a bit of Oporto, you may want to pick up the car again and do the check-in: in this way, you can drop your luggage and park your car near the hotel.

This is the lovely hotel you booked in advance! Ribeira do Porto Hotel is in perfect balance between elegance and simplicity, not to mention the perfect position! Lose the luggage, freshen up and let's continue our adventure!

"Miradouro" is the portuguese for "viewpoint" and portuguese cities are full of them. Every single miradouro gives a whole different perspective of Oporto. "Miradouro da Vitoria" is one of the most famous viewpoints of the city, due to its incredible position which allows you to look over the river. Here you can take amazing shots and videos!

Take a little walk and you'll find yourselves in front of the magnificent Igreja de São Francisco, that you can visit after paying a ticket. The exterior represents one of the best examples of Gothic architecture in Portugal, while the interior presents a baroque style. The gilted and pompous decorations, the sumptuous pillars are what your eyes will be glued on all the time! Surprises are not over, let's keep going!

"Livraria Lello e Irmão" is one of the most beautiful bookshops of Europe! Its interior design and colors are what makes it special. If you want to go in, you'll have to buy a ticket at the corner of the street, which can be used as a discount if you purchase a book. You may want to take a picture but there generally are lots of tourists who could appear in your shots, but it's totally worth it!

You'll be wondering why a train station, but believe me, Estação de São Bento is worth the visit. The interior walls are decorated with azulejos, the typical blue tiles of Portugal. Look at the them closer, they all tell stories about this wonderful Nation.

Now that you've visited some of the attractions of the city, you can enjoy a peaceful walk along Avenida dos Aliados, one of the main streets of Oporto. If you take a look around, you'll discover how amazing are the buildings of this area.

You must be tired and hungry now. Near Avenida dos Aliados you will find Brãsao Cervejaria, a brewery where you can taste a beer and also eat typical dishes! It's time to try "Francesinha", a typical recipe of Oporto made with a tasty beer sauce. You might also find the local vinho verde (green wine, but it's not actually green!) which you should try!

It's time to have a shower and go to sleep. Good night my dear travelers, you'll need energies tomorrow!