Porto, Portugal

Porto's riverside Ribeira district climbs steeply from the Douro River, its buildings covered in the traditional blue-and-white azulejo tiles that define much of the city's look. Across the river, the port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia give the city its namesake export a physical home you can actually visit.

Top attractions

• •The Ribeira district along the Douro River, a UNESCO World Heritage area
• •The Dom Luís I Bridge, connecting Porto to the port wine lodges of Vila Nova de Gaia
• •Livraria Lello, one of the most photographed bookstores in the world
• •São Bento railway station, famous for its tiled murals
• •A port wine tasting at one of the historic lodges across the river

Practical tips

• •Metro Line E (the violet line) connects Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) to the city center in about 25–30 minutes.
• •Porto's hills are steep and often cobbled — comfortable shoes matter more here than in flatter Portuguese cities.
• •A short train ride up the Douro Valley reaches vineyard country if extending a visit beyond the city.

Frequently asked questions