Porto, also known as Oporto, is the second biggest city in Portugal and one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the country. Porto is one of the best places in Portugal, especially for a weekend getaway. Well connected by air and road, Porto is located on the hills rising from the charming Douro River that winds its way through the center of the town. The gaily-painted houses of Porto are a typical feature of this quaint little picture-perfect city. This historic center of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Center.
One of the best ways to navigate this historically significant town is to hire a car. There are many car hire companies in Porto, including Hertz, Europcar, Goldcar, Avis, Geurin, SIXT, Alamo, Budget, Interrent, Drive on Holidays, and many others. You can compare prices at the aiport from them all at the site AutoPortugal. Before arriving in Porto, it is a good idea to compare car rental plans and offers to find the best cheap hire car in Porto for your budget. You can also request your hotel concierge to do a car rental comparison and book the best car rental for you.
Now that you are all set with your rental car, here are the top 5 reasons to visitExport & Import Porto.
1. For its Port Wine Cellars
One of the best reasons to visit Porto is for its port and port wine cellars that date back to several decades. Porto is known for its sweet fortified after-dinner wine. Porto’s port lodges or wine cellars are located along the southern bank of the river and are known as Vila Nova de Gaia. Visitors can tour these wine cellars and take part in wine tastings. You can also purchase your choice of wine from the cellars. It is recommended that you park your rental car in the city center and make your way on foot to explore the wine cellars up close.
2. The beautiful Douro River
The history of Porto’s port wine is linked to the Douro River. For centuries, the traditional Rabelos Boats have been crisscrossing the river to transport the port wine from the wineries to the wine cellars. You can participate in the mesmerizing Douro Cruise that takes you across the six bridges of Gaia and Porto.
3. Historical Monuments of Porto
Porto is a historic town, and walking through the beautiful streets of this city will take you to the historic city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will fall in love with the beautiful ancient monuments like the Clerics Tower, the Porto Cathedral, the Church of S. Francisco, the Sao Bento Station, and many others.
4. The most beautiful bookshop in the world
A visit to Porto is not complete unless you visit Lello Bookshop, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world. With its red spiral staircase that serves as the centerpiece of this majestic bookstore, you must pay close attention to its neo-Gothic interiors and Art Nouveau facade that is inspired by JK Rowling.
5. Historic narrow alleyways
Taking a walk through the narrow alleyways of Porto will give you a true feel of the traditional surroundings of the city. The small streets will give you an up-close experience of the origins of the town. Take in the small, colorful houses as you stroll through the narrow alleys and head on to Ribeira, the center of the city.