Characterized by cobbled hills, colorful tiled facades, and a tumble of terracotta roofs, Portugal's second city is a laid-back destination that blends old and new world charm with ease. From the modern Casa da Música and Don Luis Bridge to the steep streets of riverside Ribeira, historical Baixa—home to the Lello Bookstore—and trendy Cedofeita, there's no shortage of things to do in Porto. After hours, sample decadent pastéis de nata (custard tarts) and smooth tawny ports; take a Rabelo boat ride down the Douro River; or catch a late-night Fado performance.
Falls and winters here in Northern Portugal are mild but wet, so if you want to have fun (and see the sun) aim to visit during the warm spring months of May and June—or in September once the summer crowds have departed and you can have the historic center to yourself. The city's most famous festival is undoubtedly St. John's Festival (Festa de São João), when the entire city takes to the streets to celebrate its patron saint with outdoor parties, a fireworks display, and an abundance of plastic hammers. St. John's Festival starts on June 23 and carries on through the next day.
Porto is a small city and navigable on foot—if you don't mind ascending some steep hills. However, its trams (electricos) are fast and photogenic ways of getting around. There are three tram routes (linhas 1, 18, and 22), with line 1 being the most scenic. It trundles along the River Douro and stops at attractions such as the Arrábida Bridge and Foz district, but it can get extremely busy—if it's too crowded, the 500 bus follows the same route.
Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, where most travelers fly in and out of, is approximately 8 miles (13 kilometers) from downtown. It's serviced by taxis and Ubers. Most rides take around 20 minutes, however, if your flight arrives during rush hour, it can take at least 30 minutes. If you want to take public transportation from the airport, simply hop on Line E (it's purple) which will deposit you at Trindade station downtown. If you're arriving by train from Lisbon, you'll probably arrive at the Campanhã Railway Station on the other side of town.
Though the waterside Ribeira and the nightlife-dense Baixa neighborhoods tend to attract the most visitors, the chic, seaside Foz district is an enclave worthy of exploration. Perched on the Atlantic coastline of Porto and characterized by golden sand beaches and rugged cliffs, the Foz district boasts a waterfront promenade lined with sophisticated seafood restaurants and cocktail bars, the 16th-century São João Fort, and the Felgueiras Lighthouse (Farol de Felgueiras).
For the best views of the city, climb up the 250-foot (76.2 meters) Clérigos Tower at Clérigos Church. If you're afraid of heights, you can also just walk across the bottom level of the Dom Luís I Bridge to Vila Nova de Gaia. Here, on the other side of the Douro, you'll get to see the city, and its romantic riverfront, from a distance. That said, most locals, especially university students, like to catch the sunset from Jardim Das Virtudes. Arrive early if you want to get a great spot on the lawn, and bring a blanket to sit on as there are very few benches and limited tables on the sidewalk.
