Picturesque Porto

Porto tumbles in terraces down to the Douro River: azulejo tiles, wine cellars and an iron bridge that looks like the Eiffel Tower. Delicious, affordable and incredibly photogenic.

👀 What to see

• The Ribeira waterfront and the Dom Luís I Bridge
• Livraria Lello and São Bento station
• The Foz beaches on the Atlantic

🍽 What to taste

• Francesinha — Porto's signature sandwich
• Port wine in the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia

⚓ Quiet spot

The Crystal Palace Gardens with river views at sunset.

💡 Fun facts

• Port wine is aged not in Porto itself but in the old cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia, on the other bank of the Douro.
• The Dom Luís I Bridge (1886) was designed by Théophile Seyrig, a student and partner of Gustave Eiffel.
• Livraria Lello is often called one of the most beautiful bookshops in the world; entry is paid, but the ticket price is deducted when you buy a book.

🗓 Best time: in April, in May, in June, in September, in October