Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Porto sprawls on the hilly north bank of the Douro River, near where the river meets the
Atlantic Ocean. The tourist's Porto is compact, but confusing and steep. Get a good map
and wear comfortable walking shoes (or just grab a taxi whenever you need a quick con-
nection). It helps to think of the tourist's Porto in three parts.
Ribeira
(ree-BAY-rah): Right on the river, the Ribeira neighborhood has a twisty
street plan and oodles of atmosphere. Praça Infante Dom Henrique (Henry the Navigator
Square), near the top of the Ribeira, hosts two intriguing sights: the Stock Exchange
Palace and São Francisco Church.
City Center:
Ramshackle old homes scramble steeply uphill toward the second part
of town, the modern city center, which hovers above the Ribeira and surrounds the broad
boulevard called Avenue of the Allies (Avenida dos Aliados). This area is the urban busi-
ness center of Porto, packed with office buildings and shoppers, and peppered with hotels.
You'll also find a smattering of squares, monuments, and sights (including the market hall
and cathedral). Clérigos Tower stands as the city's most recognizable landmark.
