Oporto - Ribeira

The Rua de Sao Joao continues down to the banks of the Douro. Although the only boats that moor in the former harbor quarter of Ribeira are those taking people for trips on the river, this part of Oporto still retains much of its former charm. Life centers on the Praça da Ribeira. Here and in the alleys around about, the "travessas", there is a maze of colorful houses which are a picturesque attraction for the tourists, albeit less attractive for the people who live here as the quarter is in urgent need of investment. Only some of the houses along the bank of the Douro were renovated and refurbished. Today they are art galleries, boutiques and high class restaurants.