{"id":9417,"date":"2023-10-10T12:34:59","date_gmt":"2023-10-10T11:34:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/?p=9417"},"modified":"2024-04-02T15:37:20","modified_gmt":"2024-04-02T14:37:20","slug":"insight-vacations-perfect-porto-trip","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insightvacations.com\/blog\/insight-vacations-perfect-porto-trip\/","title":{"rendered":"Planning the perfect Porto trip: unmissable sights and museums"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Porto is considered Portugal\u2019s second city, but there\u2019s nothing second rate about it. In fact, it\u2019s far from second-best when it comes to riverside bliss and it\u2019s certainly not taking home a silver medal as far as winemaking is concerned.<\/p>\n

No, Porto is not a runner-up destination and while its moniker does accurately reflect its population compared to Lisbon, you\u2019ll discover that Porto can easily become your #1 city in Portugal.<\/p>\n

From unmissable sights to marvelous museums, here\u2019s how you can plan the perfect Porto trip.<\/p>\n

Already visited Porto? We invite you to join other curious travelers on our Amazing Spain and Portugal tour<\/a>. This 9-day excursion takes you through Madrid, Seville, and Granada with a trip into Portugal where you\u2019ll spend time in the country\u2019s romantic capital, Lisbon.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The top Porto sights you need to see<\/h3>\n
Put these landmarks at the top of your Porto plans.\n<\/div>\n

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The Ribeira<\/h3>\n

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You\u2019ll soon find out that the Ribeira is the place to be in Porto. This riverside neighborhood is emblematic of the city, its cobblestone streets and 18th-century architecture delivering the old town vibes travelers covet. The Ribeira also connects to the Dom Luis I Bridge, which according to photos of the city readily found on social media platforms, is an obligatory photo background when visiting Porto. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Bolsa Palace<\/h3>\n

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While you\u2019re strolling through the Ribeira and scarfing down sardines, you might as well check one of Porto\u2019s most popular attractions off of your list: Bolsa Palace. Pal\u00e1cio da Bolsa took over 60 years to build, with its exquisite interiors being so impeccably crafted that the architecture and art rivals that of the city\u2019s finest creations \u2013 and is a must-see on any Porto trip. Walk the opulent staircase, and explore the court room, hall of nations, and library. Or head right to the restaurant where you can gaze at the wine cellars with a glass of port in hand. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Livraria Lello<\/h3>\n

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The perfect Porto trip for any self-respecting bookworm has to include a visit to what\u2019s regarded as the most beautiful bookstore in the world. Livraria Lello is often compared to the Hogwarts library as seen in the Harry Potter films. Stained glass, art nouveau architecture, and gothic design will make you think you\u2019re in a museum, not a humble shop. You can spend eons thumbing through books (and potentially longer in the queue) but it\u2019s without a doubt one of the most memorable places to purchase a Porto souvenir.<\/p>\n

More travel tips: How to experience Portugal like a local<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The Porto plates you can\u2019t pass up<\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t dash before you dine on these Porto dishes.\n<\/div>\n

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Tripas \u00e0 Moda do Porto<\/h3>\n

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If porto is the wine Porto is known for then tripas \u00e0 Moda do Porto is the best known plate, or rather, bowl. It\u2019s a traditional stew that has filled Portuguese stomachs since the 15th century. Tripe is the star of this staple, though you\u2019ll likely find other bits of meat swimming amongst the white beans, spices, and vegetables. If you\u2019re not sold on tripe, Porto is the place to change that perspective; the residents of Porto are nicknamed tripeiros because they love tripe so much.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Francesinha<\/h3>\n
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One question you’re bound to be asked, when you return from your Porto trip, by anyone who’s been to the city before is “did you have a francesinha?” The francesinha is a layered sandwich that you can get at any francesinhas in the city. The recipe? Bread, meat, repeat. Oh, that\u2019s not all. This \u201clittle Frenchy\u201d isn\u2019t properly presented until it\u2019s dressed with an egg, beer sauce, and cheese on top. It\u2019s a mammoth of a sandwich and the kind of meal that makes its side of thick-cut fries feel dainty.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Bacalhau com Natas<\/h3>\n

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Don\u2019t be surprised if the first Portuguese word you learn is \u201cbacalhau\u201d. \u201cCod\u201d is basically code for \u201cPortuguese\u201d; this country loves its salted cod and you will too once you try a bacalhau com natas. It\u2019s cod baked with potatoes, cheese, cream, and onions; basically everything wholesome that your stomach will hug.<\/p>\n

Need a second helping? Discover these 10 traditional Portuguese foods<\/a><\/em><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Porto\u2019s Most Magnificent Museums<\/h3>\n
Make the most of your minutes inside Porto\u2019s mesmerizing museums.<\/div>\n
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A post shared by Museu Nacional Soares dos Reis (@museunacionalsoaresdosreis)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n