Oporto: the perfect couple days away
Visiting Porto was an unforgettable experience, full of charm, history, and vibrant culture. Nestled along the Douro River in northern Portugal, this city offered a unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary vibrancy that captivated me from the moment I arrived.
The first thing that struck me about Porto was its stunning architecture. The historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a maze of narrow, winding streets lined with buildings adorned in colorful azulejos—traditional Portuguese tiles. Walking through the Ribeira district felt like stepping back in time, with its medieval alleyways, ancient churches, and picturesque squares. The iconic Dom Luís I Bridge, designed by a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, offered breathtaking views of the city and the Douro River below. Crossing it on foot was an exhilarating experience, especially as the setting sun bathed the city in a golden glow.
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the Livraria Lello, often cited as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. Its neo-Gothic architecture, intricate wooden carvings, and stunning stained glass ceiling created an atmosphere that was both magical and inspiring. I could easily see why it is said to have inspired J.K. Rowling while she was writing the Harry Potter series.
The food in Porto was another unforgettable aspect of my visit. Portuguese cuisine, with its rich flavors and fresh ingredients, was a delight. I indulged in traditional dishes such as bacalhau à brás (a codfish dish) and feasted on pastéis de nata (custard tarts) at local bakeries. However, the standout meal was a hearty francesinha—a sandwich layered with various meats, covered in melted cheese, and smothered in a rich tomato and beer sauce. Pairing this with a glass of local port wine was a culinary experience I won’t soon forget.
The people of Porto were warm and welcoming, adding to the overall charm of the city. Whether I was seeking directions, recommendations, or simply a friendly chat, the locals were always happy to help, making me feel at home.
My experience in Porto was a perfect blend of cultural exploration, culinary delights, and genuine hospitality. It’s a city that invites you to slow down, soak in its beauty, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. I left Porto with a heart full of fond memories and a deep appreciation for this enchanting city.
The favorite part of Luis Bridge's trip to Porto is the sunset waiting on the Porto Duro River On the banks of the Louis I Bridge, during the day, the sun shines on the houses on both sides of the Duro River, reflecting the cascading colored electricity of the house as night falls, A lamp came on, and what came into view was the dim lighting, but people with height fears should be cautious on the bridge, because the height of the bridge is very high, the wind blows on the bridge and staggers, looking down and shivering.
The Louis I Bridge is a steel arch bridge across the Douro River. The Louis I Bridge and Porto Historical Center are listed as a World Heritage Site. The Louis I Bridge was designed by Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower in Paris in 1881 and is one of the symbols of Porto's Old Town. Near the bridge is an important agricultural area, rich in grapes, there are many wineries.
There is an iron bridge on the Douro River. This iron bridge with a history of more than 130 years is called the Louis I Bridge. It is still a world heritage building. Although the length is not long, less than 400 meters, the history is not long, but its shape is different. Its bottom is now driving cars. And its top floor is the sidewalk and trams, we see many pedestrians, cyclists, walking on the tram tracks, when the trams pass, the driver shakes the bell, pedestrians hear the bells and flee. We stood on the bridge, watching the sun slowly fall down the distant horizon, the embers spilling on the Douro River, with golden scale waves, beautiful!
a beautiful bridge with some of the best views of porto
The lower deck is currently open to public transport, taxis, cyclists and pedestrians. It is accessible from Av. de Diogo Leite (Vila Nova de Gaia side) and Cais da Ribeira (Porto side). The upper deck is used for the Porto metro and also has a pedestrian walkway that offers an spectacular view of the Douro River and the buildings on both sides of the river banks. The upper deck is accessible from Jardim do Morro (Vila Nova de Gaia side) and Av. Vimara Peres (Porto side, near to Porto Cathedral).