**1. Porto, Portugal**
Porto is situated in the coastal region of Portugal, about 3 hours North from bustling Lisbon.
The charming backdrop of Porto boasts medieval relics, bell towers, and cobbled streets, destined to fill your Pinterest board.
We recommend this for 'Cities That Look Like Pinterest But Feel 100% Authentic', because:
Its traditional blue-tiled buildings make you feel like you've walked into a vintage postcard.
The city's vibrant food scene, from trendy fusion cafes to the markets serving locals, blends perfectly with the old town's authenticity.
Porto has combined modern boutique hotels with its traditional architecture without disturbing the city's original charm.
The best time to visit is spring, because:
The city blooms with flowers and the weather is mild, perfect for exploring the city on foot.
The tourism peak hasn't started yet, so you'll have plenty of space for taking rustic Pinterest-worthy photos without the crowds.
Attractions Include:
*Livraria Lello* — This century-old bookstore, rumored to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series, with its spectacular staircases and ornate interiors, is worth a pin.
*Ribeira District* — This UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colorfully tiled houses along Douro River, captures the city's spirit in every shot.
*Church of São Francisco* — The Gothic architecture and the lavish gold interior make for pictures that scream "vintage with a touch of luxury".
Pro tip: For a unique photo, take a boat ride along the Douro River at sunset. The warm glow on the city's vintage architecture is worth capturing.
**2. Kyoto, Japan**
Kyoto, the spiritual heart of Japan, is situated in the Kansai region, an approximately 2.5 hours train ride away from Tokyo.
This city is a harmonious blend of traditional and modern aesthetics, where cherry blossoms float down to ancient shrines that lie in the shadows of towering skyscrapers.
We recommend this for 'Cities That Look Like Pinterest But Feel 100% Authentic', because:
The narrow lanes of Gion, Kyoto's Geisha district, are dotted with wooden machiya houses that give the city its distinct character.
Kyoto is home to over 1600 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines, each one with a unique story and tradition.
The city has maintained its old-world charm with preserved tea houses where geishas still entertain, and traditional crafts continue to be passed down generations.
The best time to visit is spring, because:
April brings the cherry blossom season, casting the city in fabulous shades of pink, perfect for stunning photo opportunities.
The weather is pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city's enchanting gardens and temples.
Attractions include:
*Fushimi Inari Shrine* — A walk through the shrine's iconic vermilion torii gates makes for must-add pin of Kyoto.
*Arashiyama Bamboo Grove* — This enchanting forest serves as an awe-inspiring backdrop for any nature lover's pinboard.
*Kinkakuji* — The Golden Pavilion, reflecting in the mirror pond with its lush surroundings, is a truly Pinterest-worthy sight.
Pro tip: Make sure to wander through Kyoto's backstreets and hidden alleys – you'll find the most picturesque scenes, like hidden temples or traditional sweet shops.
Since the post is too long to continue here, let's go to part 2: 'Cities That Look Like Pinterest But Feel 100% Authentic - part 2'.