Porto, Portugal, Named Chief Beach Metropolitan Vacation spot at 2024 International Progress Awards

Lisbon (rightfully) will get a batch of affection, however with its standout eating places, world-class museums, and mythical port wine cellars, Portugal’s 2nd town additionally merits a place on any well-crafted Iberian itinerary. Porto was once simply named Europe’s chief seashore metropolitan vacation spot within the 2024 World Travel Awards.

For the easiest age in Porto, get started with a walk alongside the Douro River within the historical Ribeira district. Next, talk over with must-see landmarks such because the Palácio Da Bolsa, the Church of São Francisco, and some of the oldest — and most pretty — bookstores on the planet: Livraria Lello. Move the Luís I Bridge to the Vila Nova de Gaia group and sip fortified wine at storied port wine cellars comparable to Cálem and Graham’s Port.

Arts and tradition lovers will to find enough of attractions in Gaia, as properly. WOW is a pristine, centrally situated cultural district boasting a number of retail outlets, 12 eating places and bars, and 7 museums. Some highlights come with Pink Palace, which specializes in the historical past and manufacturing of rosé, in addition to the (most likely self-explanatory) Chocolate Story, a museum that dives deep into the historical past of chocolate manufacturing.

Hungry? You’ve come to the appropriate park. Town’s culinary scene runs the gamut between old-school seafood eating places, to state-of-the-art, recent gastronomic stories. Kick issues off on the historical, bi-level Mercado do Bolhão to pattern a little of the whole lot, from tinned fish and olives to baked items and freshly squeezed juice. Head to Café Santiago and tuck into Porto’s native sandwich uniqueness, the hearty francesinha — suppose sizzling meat (most often steak or ham), sliced cheese, and a fried egg served with a lavish tomato and beer sauce. For Michelin Bib Connoisseur-recognized eating, snag a reservation at Gruta, which serves up Portuguese and Brazilian fare.