The two main Portuguese cities of Lisbon and Porto are absolutely different from each other . They can only be compared by one criterion - both are located on the coast . In other respects these large the centers are radically different . Porto - the capital of the north . Here everything reminds you of the "vanished splendor" - the streets are saturated with history, a special atmosphere that you can not confuse with anything . A beautiful and at times unusual architecture in which Baroque features blended and neoclassicism, more pain She bewitches tourists . Attractions of Porto - at every step, just make time to remember .

The biggest impression on many travelers is made by the quaint and original Ribeira district, which has long become a real tourist attraction Porto . Here, no matter where you look, there is something interesting everywhere . Small houses of the local population are so closely located that it seems as if they are plastered one on another . In the afternoon, the "aborigines" are quite friendly to tourists, but late in the evening, according to rumors,there is better not to look . The fact is that about a third of houses in Ribeira have long been empty . Although in general Porto can not be called a criminal city .

In the suburb, the town of Vila Nova di Gaia, one of the main attractions of Porto . is located here. Here, related wine production . Wine warehouses, wine exchange, cork and pottery plants and much more . In addition, there are warehouses in this city where the best Portuguese port is kept .Vila Nova di Gaia is a port city, from where the port is loaded onto ships and transported to all countries of the world .By the way, there are a lot of storages with wine here .Each owner is not averse to conducting a tour of their possessions and arrange a tasting for tourists .And, of course, connoisseurs should visit the Porto Calem Port Museum .The guides will not only tell you about the history of the drink, but will also conduct it in warehouses where you can try the port, and then at the souvenir shop to buy a couple of bottles home .

For tourists interested in the religious sights of Porto, you can recommend the church Do Carmo .This beautiful example of architecture, built in the spirit of classicism and baroque, appeared here in the middle of the 18th century, and today it occupies one of the first places among Porto's attractions .Do Carmo neighbors with another church - the Carmelite church .Many tourists think that this is one structure, but in fact the buildings are not connected to each other .In addition, it is worth seeing the church of Santo Ildefonso .The facade of the building is completely made of tiles azulezhu celestial blue .The mosaic panel depicts scenes from the life of St. Ildefons .By the way, the church was not always so beautiful .The church was restored in the 18th century, and the azulezhu tiles were adorned only in the 20th century .

If noisy streets and Porto Square bother you, you can relax in the local botanical garden .It is small, but very beautiful .This landmark Porto is conventionally divided into three zones - the first is represented by a large number of ponds, the second - by luxurious flower beds, the third - by heat-loving plants in greenhouses .It is interesting that the Botanical Garden is considered part of the natural science faculty of the local university .Teachers and students not only monitor the state of this landmark Porto, but also conduct research here .

Porto attractions are very diverse. For example, there are many interesting museums. The Military Museum has a huge collection of weapons and military equipment, which was used from 16 to 20 century. Many visitors are attracted by the National Press Museum. Its main "trick" is that absolutely all the exhibits are in working order. If desired, visitors can print their own article on one of the first printing machines.

The Museum of Modern Art is another excellent place that will not leave you indifferent. It is one of the largest museums in Porto. It was discovered comparatively recently - in 1999. Here, basically, the painting of the second half of the 20th century is represented. If you are lucky, you will be able to see a concert or a film showing that are arranged in a large audience at the museum during various conferences.