I have to admit, Porto was not high on my list of places to visit. I actually only came based on my sister’s recommendation, but in the end I couldn’t have been happier with that decision. I’ve  traveled to many cities around the world and indiscriminately loved them all, but there are few that hold on to my heart just a little bit longer, and Porto is one of them. It’s not flashy, but it doesn’t need to be and it exudes a quiet old-world charm and laid back vibe that some of the other cities lack.  

Porto is a coastal city in northwest Portugal, known for its Port wines. Portugal’s second-largest city comes with all the history and allure of Lisbon but minus the crowds, congestion, and price-gouging.   Not having gained the notoriety of other more well known European cities, it’s not as expensive as Paris or London, and it’s not as filled with tourists as Prague. 

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