Porto

Portugal’s second city straddles the Rio Douro in a colourful, opulent jumble of old and new. This is a place best savoured slowly, just like the delectable port for which it is famous; the alleyways of its Unesco-listed historic centre made to be wandered, its food and drink sumptuous, its modern architecture worthy of admiration.

Porto captivates with its culture and laidback vibe, so it is best explored on foot so you have the optimum amount of time to soak it up. The streets are lined with a dizzying array of excellent public art, which sits among world-class restaurants, bar and artisan shops, while the hallowed port cellars are just waiting to tempt you in for a tasting. Close to the winelands of the Douro Valley, it is a natural place to stop when travelling to and from this spectacular area and it is bound to enchant you with its charms.