Porto, the city that cannot be faulted, as stated by Vogue Italia

"Attention, please! There is a new star in Portugal and its name is Porto!"

Porto, the city that offers a mix of old and new architecture and a hospitality that cannot be faulted, as stated by Vogue Italia
.

These are the words Italian Vogue writes in its February 2020 edition to present Porto to the world. The article, by journalist Alessandra Signorelli, states that Porto has come out in full bloom, surpassing the country's capital, Lisbon. 

The city of Porto is known for features that make it the city you want to experience par excellence. Italian Vogue enumerates what makes Porto a unique city, namely its world famous wine, which holds the city's name, Port Wine; also, the Casa da Música, designed by Rem Koolhaas, or even the hostelry that serve the typical Tripas à Moda do Porto (Tripe Porto style) and the gourmet dining and wining places, arts craft boutiques and high fashion stores.

Yet, there is more, as Vogue points out; the Atlantic beaches are ten minutes away from downtown, the genuine local hospitality might help understand why this city has been elected three times Best European Destination. And very recently, it has been the chosen place by creatives worldwide for its innovation hub, which concentrates talent and resources.

The journalist states, as well, that they have explored downtown, namely the Historic Centre, classified UNESCO World Heritage in 1996. They refer to the well preserved buildings, the rehabilitation works that took in consideration the architecture of the place, and the Arts Quartier, where galleries and creative venues make it the perfect lab for the city's cultural scene, at Miguel Bombarda Steet and Rua do Rosário.

Also, "all the city exploring can be done on foot, thus minimizing the ecological footprint", the article reads.

Alessandra Signorelli talks about the Luis I Bridge, the river Douro, the astonishing views from the Torre dos Clérigos. The medieval trip through Ribeira, overlooking the ancient buildings is the perfect spot for instagrammers.

São Bento Station is also a must-visit place, with its amazing azulejos or tiles, which recount tales of times gone.

Another site to go is the Lello Bookstore, famous for being the inspiration to Harry Potter's books, by J.K.Rowling.
And what about a sense of Belle Époque at the Majestic Café? 

Photography lovers can also step by the Portuguese Photography Centre, which was erected in 1767. Plenty exhibitions are always available, as well as a display of photo cameras from 1800 to present time.

If you are a foodie, Porto has got that covered, as well, as it is a "paradise for foodies", states Vogue Italia; "you have the café corto, the Francesinha, the Pastel de Carne, a savoury deep-fried meat turnover filled with ground beef, the ham or prosciutto and sausage"; Vogue also highlights the hot dogs by Cervejaria Gazela, but if you are fond of sweets, try a Pastel de Nata, a Portuguese egg tart pastry.

The article goes on enhancing the crafts art in Porto, blooming as ever, with concept houses as Claus Porto, cosmetics and soaps made in Porto, at Rua das Flores. The "A Vida Portuguesa" store also offers vintage products of the Couto brand, Benamôr, or the Minerva sardines. "Here every object is a small piece of art", as stated by Vogue Italy.

They have a feel and identity of its own. It may be its magnificent buildings, green areas, open spaces, pedestrian friendly transport system, extensive use of ICT, architectural heritage tourism significance etc. There is something unique about each city which makes it great.

There is something inimitable about Porto; the city atmosphere and character, its magnificent buildings, green areas, open spaces, pedestrian friendly transport system, widespread use of ICT, or the architectural tradition and heritage. Learn more about what makes this a unique city.

Read the full article HERE.