Porto, Portugal, the city of port wine and alleyways🍷
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10:00 AM - Arrive at São Bento Station
Arrived at São Bento Station by train from Lisbon, it is a work of art in itself. The walls inside the station are covered with azulejos (traditional tile paintings) depicting scenes from Porto's history. Even though it is a train station, it feels like a museum. I left my luggage at my hotel and headed straight to the city.
11:30 AM - Walking across the Luis I Bridge
The Luis I Bridge, a representative structure of Porto, can be crossed on foot from both the upper and lower levels. I chose the upper level. The Douro River is visible the entire time I was walking on the bridge, and the cityscape of red roofs on both sides was truly impressive. The sight of the cable car moving and the yachts slowly crossing the river... It was a picturesque scene.
1:00 PM - Graham's Port Winery Tour
I had to climb a bit of a hill to reach Graham's Winery, located on a hill in the Gaia region across the river. Even before entering, the scent from the wine cellar stimulates the tip of the nose. I participated in a guided tour and learned in detail about the history and manufacturing process of port wine. There were rows of oak barrels that were over 100 years old, and the interior had a quiet yet solemn atmosphere.
At the end of the tour, there was a tasting on the terrace. I tasted a glass each of 10-year-old and 20-year-old port wine, and the sweetness was deep and the complex aroma lingered for a long time. The view of Porto from the terrace was a photo zone in itself. I wished time would stop for this moment.
4:00 PM – Douro Riverside Walk & Cafe
I went down to the Gaia Riverside and took a leisurely walk. The performances of street musicians, the whispers of lovers, and the music coming from the wine bar all came together to make the entire city feel like a concert hall. I people-watched while drinking an espresso at a small local cafe. I felt the leisureliness of the Porto people was contagious.
6 PM – Dinner on Ribeira Street
I came back and had a local dinner at a riverside restaurant on Ribeira Street. I ordered Bacalhau (cod dish) and white wine. There were many tourists, but there were also quite a few local families. I finished my meal quietly looking at the Douro River as the sun set.
8 PM – Watching the sunset at Morro Gardens
I crossed the Luis I Bridge and headed back toward Gaia to **Jardim do Morro**. I sat on the lawn and saw people gathered in small groups, drinking beer and listening to music. From here, I could see the entire Porto city at a glance.
As the sun set, a red light covered the entire city. The red roofs of Porto, the orange sky, and the lights turning on one by one were strangely hazy. It was one of the most memorable moments of my trip.
#Porto #European travel #Portugal #Port wine #Night view spot