Flights to Porto (OPO)

Porto pops up from the banks of the Duoro River like a city from a medieval fantasy, with ancient structures decorated with the famed azulejos and topped with terracotta roofs. But a few minutes of strolling through its maze of narrow streets reveals an edgy, artsy core that makes it even more fascinating.

Start your day in Porto with a walk down the cobble-stoned alleyways of the Ribeira, the city’s oldest district and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take in the blue-tiled grandeur of 14th-century churches alongside the stunning art deco facades of cafés and be transported back in time.

Step into the Livraria Lello and have a look past the vast selection of books to its fabulous twisting red staircase. Or have an espresso and the local custard tart at the Majestic Café, one of the 10 most beautiful cafés in the world.

Porto is also Portugal’s best city to visit if you’re a food lover. Its stunning location makes it the top pick for fresh seafood as well as meats, cheeses and produce straight from the surrounding farms. Whether you’re looking for seafood with a view or a hearty traditional meal from a family-run café, you’ll find something to your taste.

Of course, no visit to Porto would be complete without a bite of the city’s signature francesinha, a sumptuous three-tier sandwich of succulent meats topped with a fried egg, covered with melted cheese and served with a hot, thick tomato sauce. And remember to cap off your meal with um cimbalino, Porto’s own espresso.