It is the city that gave the name to Portugal - very early (c. 200 BC). It is also a city known worldwide for its wine, its bridges and contemporary and ancient architecture, its historic center, classified as a World Heritage by UNESCO, the quality of its restaurants and its gastronomy.

​In 2012 and 2014, the city of Porto was voted "Best European Destination", a distinction awarded annually by "European Consumers Choice". In 2013, it was voted the "Best Holiday Destination in Europe" by Lonely Planet. In the year 2015, the city of Porto is again chosen as one of the main tourist destinations in Europe, being part of a list of 10 tourist poles made by the British newspaper The Guardian. In February 2017, Porto was again elected by the "European Consumers Choice", "Best European Destination" of the year. It is the third time that the city is distinguished with this award and the unique one to obtain this done by three times.