Porto travel guide: river views, wine cellars, tiled streets, and soulful corners of northern Portugal.

Best time to visit: April to June and September to October for warm weather and smaller crowds.

How to get there: Fly into Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) - 25 minutes to the city center by Kiwitaxi transfer or metro.

Getting around: Walk through the historic core, take trams along the river, or use Kiwitaxi for day trips to Douro Valley or Braga.

Where to stay: Ribeira for riverside charm, Baixa for central access, Foz do Douro for ocean views.

Food & drink: Try francesinha (a decadent local sandwich), pastel de nata, and Douro wines. Head to Mercado do Bolhão for local flavors or sunset drinks at Jardim do Morro.

Don’t miss:

Ribeira waterfront and Dom Luís I Bridge

Livraria Lello (one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores)

São Bento Station’s blue-tiled hall

Clérigos Tower and church

Port wine cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia

A boat cruise along the Douro River

Local tip: Order your coffee um cimbalino and your wine by the view — Porto’s rhythm is slow and meant to be savored.