Over the next few weeks, Joshua Pramis of Travel + Leisure magazine will be swinging by NewNowNext to share with you guys their 12 hottest travel destinations of 2012.

Today, we're starting strong right out of the gate with Guimarães, Portugal. This medieval city is going through a renaissance of creativity and youthful energy. It was recently named the European Capital of Culture for 2012.

From taking in the scenery at the fabulous Pousada de Santa Marinha to soaking up cutting-edge culture at Vila Flor Cultural Center, there's enough to fill anyone's agenda. Take a look at these sites, and more, below.

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For more information about what's going on in Guimarães in 2012, head over to their official site, which has a full list of events for the entire year in both Portuguese and English.

And here's a look at their promotional video, showing off the faces of the proud inhabitants of Guimarães the 2012 European Capital of Culture.