Walking through Porto, Portugal
São Bento Train Station Porto is Portugal’s “second city.” It sits along the coast at the mouth of the Duoro River. While it may be second in size to Lisbon, its history is just as deep as the capital’s. It was a trading center as far back as the Roman Empire. As usual, my favorite thing is to explore the ways a city’s history is visible as I walk through its streets and neighborhoods. Decorative street paving São João National Theater My base of operations was the Arts Hotel Porto , a part of the Hilton Tapestry Collection. The hotel is on the border of the Bolhão and Ribiera neighborhoods. The front of the building is an 18th century façade, but its interior has been totally rebuilt. The Arts has a full bar and restaurant in its lobby with a beautiful patio and grassy lawn in the rear. It was a great place to watch the start of football season throughout Europe over dinner and drinks. The area is a nice mix of tourist and business, so there is a great mix of resta...