Porto City Centre – World Heritage Site by UNESCO

I have just returned from a city break in Porto in Northern Portugal organised by the tourist board. We flew from Gatwick with TAP Portugal and after a short comfortable flight of 2 hours and 15 minutes we arrived at the very modern Porto airport. It is just a short transfer to the city centre and there is also a train service from the airport to the city. We stayed in the Intercontinental Palacio das Cardosas. This deluxe 5 star hotel is located on the city’s main square for the three night visit. It had been a former palace and was decorated to a very high standard. It also had such a lovely warm atmosphere and the staff did so much to ensure the stay was excellent. I would love to return back to this hotel. There are many things to do in and around Porto. You can stroll around the narrow streets making your way down towards the river. On your way you can visit the many cultural attractions, vintage shops, traditional markets and gourmet specialities. Try a bike or Segway tour. I did the Segway tour at the side of the Douro which was so much fun. We also did a tour followed by some Port tasting at the Sanderman Portwine cellars. I would recommend a river Douro cruise in one of the traditional ‘Rabelo’ boats. We also went on a guided visit to the Contemporary Art Museum of Serralves. Also, I’d recommend a visit to the Art Deco mansion and farm all set within 18 hectares of parkland. My three favourite restaurants during the trip were: 17 restaurant and bar, Quarenta 4 and Fish Fixe. 17 Restaurant and Bar is on the 17th floor of the Hotel D. Henrique. It has wonderful views across the city although it was raining the night we went and so the mist spoiled the views. An outdoor terrace is available for use in good weather. They serve Mediterranean or Portuguese cuisine. Quarenta 4 is in the Matosinhos area. This would be difficult to come across if you did not know about it. It serves lovely sophisticated Portuguese food in urban chic surroundings. Fish Fixe is located in Ribeira, right at the side of the Douro with lovely views of the river. It is a small cosy restaurant serving good sea products. Porto would be good for someone looking for a city break where you have done the usual cities and are looking for somewhere different. Also many river cruises on the Douro start here and it would be a pity not to spend a few days in the city before the cruise.