Porto

Built in 1110 in the highest point in the city, Sé do Porto, or Porto Cathedral, is a defining landmark of the city, and the most important religious building in Porto. A visit to the cathedral is well worth not only for its historical importance, but also for its remarkable mix of architectural styles that range from Romanesque to Baroque and Gothic, and lastly, for the beautiful views it offers over the city--stretching from the Old Town to the Atlantic coast.

The Douro Valley is not only Portugal's most famous wine region but it's also the oldest demarcated wine-growing area in the world. So, next time you're in Porto, be sure to include on your itinerary a wine tasting session amid the vineyard-clad hills of the Douro Valley. You'll savour regional specialities with a traditional lunch in the scenic village of Pinhão then visit two wine estates for an introduction to award-winning local varietals.

Savour traditional Portuguese dishes like codfish cakes and custard tarts and sample the country's most famous export, port wine, on a food & wine tasting tour in Porto. Stroll through some of the city's quaint neighbourhoods like the historic Riberia district and visit generations-old taverns and traditional cafés to try regional delights and taste northern Portugal's wine, all the while learning interesting facts about Portuguese cuisine.

In the heart of the Old Town, the “Riverbank” quarter of the city contrasts historic winding streets with lively and colourful facades. With abundant restaurants and galleries, this is a great place to venture out during the day as well as at night, when the array of trendy bars and nightclubs open their doors.

At the Mercado do Bolhão, you will find a bright and vibrant open-air market brimming with fresh produce such as olives, cheese, and freshly baked bread. Known for its lively atmosphere, this is a great way to start the day, grab some breakfast or stock up on supplies for a day of sightseeing.

More than just a bookstore, Livraria Lello is a historical and architectural masterpiece in downtown Porto. Opened in 1906, Livraria Lello & Irmão as it is also known combines elements of Neo-Gothic, Art Deco, and Art Nouveau styles that comprise intricate woodwork, a large stained glass window bearing the bookshop monogram with the motto "Decus in labore" (dignity at work, in Latin), and a remarkable red spiral staircase, which starts as one set of stairs and splits into two that join in a circular design. The latter is a huge attraction here since it resembles the Grand Staircase from the Harry Potter films, and considering J.K. Rowling was once a Porto resident, there is a high chance this place might have inspired her. Livraria Lello became so popular with tourists that in July 2015 the store started charging a 5 Euro entrance fee and queues can take over an hour. You can purchase tickets on their website.

One of the most impressive churches in Porto, Igreja de Santa Clara (Church of Santa Clara), started its construction in 1416, and it was completed in 1457. Its interior is Gothic, but in the 17th and 18th centuries, the temple was decorated in a Baroque style. The church nave is entirely covered in gilded woodcarving — a genuine feast for the eyes. From the church patio, it is possible to climb to one of the remains of the Fernandina Wall in the city.

Across the Douro River, you can visit the port wine caves of Vila Nova de Gaia. There are over fifty wine companies found in this area, with wine lodges offering organised tours and tasting sessions.

If modern art is your scene, don't miss this museum, which hosts some of the best works by contemporary Portuguese painters and sculptors, as well as pieces from internationally-known artists such as Warhol and Pollock. The building also offers a library, a book shop, a tea house, a restaurant, and an auditorium bar. The opening hours may differ from those of the museum itself and according to the season.

Medieval tower discovered during the demolition work of several buildings around the Sé Cathedral and then reconstructed 15 metres away from its original position. Today, this restored and fortified medieval tower is home to the Porto Tourism Office.

Known as the Venice of Portugal, Aveiro, located 57 km to the south of Porto, is a charming town surrounded by beaches, lagoons, and beautiful canals that run through it. It is easy to reach Aveiro: several trains leave Porto to Aveiro every day, and the journey takes about an hour.