All three of these views were captured within about two hours during one of our long walks in Porto. There are many photogenic cities in Europe, but I still can’t think of one more visually pleasing than Porto.

Soul – that’s the word that seems to capture the entire essence of Porto in a way that other descriptions I’ve tried to use just don’t manage.

It’s not just the city’s beautiful architecture, cozy alleys, sprawling squares, or vast views that define Porto; it’s the tangible feeling of soulfulness that envelops all the narrow cobblestone streets and echoes between the beautifully tiled houses.

Porto doesn’t just exist; it thrives with a life force so ancient that it never worries about the future. An attitude makes me a bit envious.

The soulfulness here is like an invitation to slow down, to savor every instant and appreciate the details of life and its fleeting moments.

The city encourages me to explore, to connect, and document, so that maybe, just maybe, I can take home a little bit of the city’s restless soul for my next visit. And the next.