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There is no Portuguese prouder than the tripeiro. Not even the nickname given to them by their Lisbon neighbors, (they drag the one of alfacinhas or lechuguinos) makes a dent in the portuenses. On the contrary, the forceful guts of its gastronomy are one of the attractions of Porto, the most beautiful city in Portugal and one of the best urban destinations in Europe. There are many reasons to discover its historical heritage, get lost in its narrow streets, sail through the Douro or visit its famous wineries. Fun, bustling and welcoming, it's perfect for a weekend getaway.

The tripeira experience starts from Casual Raices Porto, a charming and functional hotel that belongs to a Valencian chain with three establishments in Portugal. The one in Porto, located on the pedestrian Rua Santa Caterina, is perfect as a base of operations. Pets are also allowed. In that same street is one of the most beautiful churches in Porto, the Chapel of Souls or Chapel of Santa Caterina, unmistakable for its façade of white and blue tiles.

If we set foot in Porto for the first time, a good option is a guided tour to see the essentials without drowning in the mass of tourists that invade the center. The two-and-a-half-hour tours offered by Civitatis allow you to make the most of your time. In addition to free tours, you can hire private tours (120 euros up to four people).

Church of Santa Caterina, in Rua Santa Caterina.E.U.

We start early to make the first stop at the cathedral (Sé), which treasures a Gothic cloister decorated with tiles declared a National Monument. The entrance costs 3 euros. The church is located in the heart of the historic center, the Batalha neighborhood, in the highest part of the city. From there we continue through the neighborhood of Sé, the oldest in Porto, which has resurfaced after years of neglect.

Strolling along the Ribeira

Its steep and narrow streets lead to Ribeira, the most famous neighborhood of Porto, declared Cultural Heritage of Humanity by Unesco, dotted with hanging clothes, bars and restaurants. The next stop is the Palacio de la Bolsa, one of the most important architectural attractions in the city, with the Arabian room, inspired by the Alhambra. The church of San Francisco, right next door, is another must-see: its sober Gothic façade hides a dazzling baroque interior covered with 200 kilos of gold.

Narrow street of the neighborhood of Ribeira.E.U.

We continue along Rua das Flores, one of the most beautiful streets in Porto, to climb the Victoria viewpoint, the favorite of instagramers for the views it offers over the Douro. After the usual photos, we can go to the Clérigos Tower and climb its 240 steps to enjoy another of the best views of the city.

Nearby is the Lello bookstore, where JK Rolling was supposedly inspired to write Harry Potter. She has denied it, but fans of the magician are still queuing to visit her, upon payment of 5 euros.

View of Porto from the Don Luis I.E.U. Bridge

A few meters away we come across one of the most flavorful cafes in the city, the Café D'Ouro (Praça de Parada Leitão), a student meeting place, especially in the years of the dictatorship. It is time to stop and inn to try the franceshina, the sandwich that is part of the top ten of the local gastronomy. Given its forcefulness (several layers of bread with beef and slices of cheese dipped in sauce) it is best to share it.

While we do the digestion we go down to the Ribeira Pier to navigate the Douro aboard a rabelo and know the six bridges of the city: Arrábida, Don Luis I, the Infante Don Enrique, the bridge of María Pía, that of Sao Joao and that of Freixo. The cruise is one of the obligatory excursions of Porto. It lasts 50 minutes and costs 18 euros.

A Wow experience

We finish the day on the other side of the river, in Vila Nova de Gaia, the neighborhood where Porto's wineries are located. There awaits us WOW, a complex of 35,000 square meters that previously occupied some of the old pantries of the Taylor family. The space houses seven museums, cafes and restaurants, among which Mira Mira, by chef Ricardo Costa (two Michelin stars in the kitchen of the Yeatman hotel). Mira also aspires to star, with dishes such as sweetbreads with Bloody Mary and chard or crab cannelloni, which are offered in two tasting menus (150 euros, wines apart).

Chef Ricardo Cuesta in full preparation of one of his dishes. TRAVEL

We start the second in the beautiful station of São Bento, decorated with tile panels that summarize part of the history of Portugal. We continue along the Avenida dos Aliados, where the Town Hall is located, before entering the Miragaia neighborhood, for many the most authentic of Porto and free, in addition, of the hordes of tourists. There we find the gardens of the Crystal Palace and the Quinta da Macieirinha, where the Romantic Museum is located, located in a bourgeois villa where King Charles Albert of Sardinia spent his last days of exile until his death in 1843.

We return to the center to eat in one of the most authentic restaurants, Señor Zé (Rua Campinhos 13), where the best fashionable tripe of Porto are served. The portions of this stew of tripe and white beans with bacon and chicken are so generous that the best, once again, is to share them.

The finishing touch is a Fado concert. There are several places where you can enjoy a good concert. Our favorites? The Ideal Clube (Rua do Ateneu Comercial, 32), the Casa da Mariquinhas (Rua de São Sebastião 25) and the Casa da Guitarra (Av. Vimara Peres 49).

PRACTICAL GUIDE

HOW TO GET THERE.

By plane from several cities.

WHERE TO SLEEP.

Casual Raizes Porto. Functional and very well located. From 110 euros. It is located at Rua de Santa Catarina, 615. Internet: casualhoteles.com

WHERE TOEAT.

Mira Mira by Ricardo Costa. The chef who has revolutionized Portuguese cuisine offers a menu for 150 euros.

WOW Porto. The cultural center dedicated to wine in Vila Nova de Gaia.

Senhor Zé. In Rua do Campinho, 13-15.Traditional cuisine and local clientele. His guts are famous. 25 euros approximately.

LEARN MORE.

In www.visitportugal.com

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  • Tourism
  • Portugal
  • Summer

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