Porto (also known as Oporto) is Portugal's second largest city. Its core, upstream along the Douro river, and the original port, is now World Heritage listed. This is a mixed blessing, for whilst it ensures protection of the significant built heritage - and it is wonderful - renovating these old buildings is costly, and many buildings are unoccupied and in a poor state. The churches reflect the past glory and wealth of the Portuguese empire. Part of the waterfront has been revived with markets and cafes, which is a magnet for both locals and tourists. The beach front to the north of the river mouth is also a popular spot for locals and tourists.

Porto is, then, a mix of renovated and ruined, wealth and poverty, colour and gloom, old and new - and often facing each other.