Portugal's second-largest city is packed with highlights
The church
Don't be put off by its dowdy Gothic exterior, venture inside the Monument Church of St Francis and you'll discover some of the country's finest baroque altarpieces – extraordinarily ornate gold-smothered creations bursting with cherubs, angels and saints. Equally arresting is the Tree of Jesse, an intricate wooden carving of Jesus' family tree by Filipe da Silva and Antonio Gomes. Don't leave without visiting the church's eerie catacombs, a hushed subterranean space where Franciscan monks and Porto's noble families were once buried.
The bridge
Designed by Teofilo Seyrig, a disciple of Gustave Eiffel, the spectacular Dom Luis I Bridge connects Porto with Vila Nova de Gaia on the opposing bank of the Douro River. The 172-metre-span double-decker structure is a symphony in steel, arching gracefully between the two cities to provide a convenient crossing point for vehicles, pedestrians and the metro. The views from the top deck are sensational (although height phobics may struggle with the 45-metre drop) and from the lower span you'll often see daring youngsters jumping into the river below.
The cruise
If you weren't lucky enough to sail into Porto, you can still get a taste of life on the Douro with a Six Bridges cruise. This popular excursion is offered by several companies on both sides of the river, using vessels inspired by the traditional wooden rabelo boats once used to transport port wine. During the narrated 50-minute trip you'll see Porto's six famous spans, from Gustave Eiffel's elegant 1877 Maria Pia Bridge to the sleek, concrete Infante Dom Henrique Bridge, named after Portuguese explorer Prince Henry the Navigator. Expect to pay about €18 ($32).
The decoration
It's hard to miss Porto's defining decorative flourish – the blue and white glazed ceramic tiles known as azulejos that adorn everything from stations and churches to benches and homes. Made fashionable in the 16th century by Portugal's King Manuel I, the tiles are both practical (they help to keep buildings cool) and artistic, often depicting important historic events and traditions. Standout examples include the Gothic cloisters in Porto Cathedral, the ravishing, 20,000-tile interior of Sao Bento railway station and the conversation-stopping facade of the Chapel of Souls.
The excursion
For some head-clearing respite from Porto's tourist-clogged old town, head to Foz, a breezy seaside resort located at the mouth of the Douro where it meets the Atlantic. There you'll find sandy beaches, oceanfront restaurants and attractive, palm-flanked avenues perfect for gelato-fuelled promenades. While there are notable attractions, including the imposing 16th-century Sao Joao Baptista da Foz fort and the 17-metre-high Felgueiras lighthouse, perhaps the most memorable aspect is the bone-jangling 20-minute journey there on the vintage No.1 tram.
The port lodge
It's basically illegal to visit Porto and not taste its most famous export, the fortified wine that put the city on the map. All the port lodges are located in Vila Nova de Gaia and most offer a similar tour and tasting package. If you only have time for one, make it Cockburns; it not only has the largest cellar, a vast, barrel-filled warehouse containing 9 million litres of port, it's also the only lodge where you can still see coopers at work. A 90-minute tour and tasting costs €26 ($46). See cockburns.com
One more thing
The wallet-friendly Porto Card provides discounted access to many of the city's top attractions, unlimited use of public transport and deals at local restaurants. From €13 ($23). See porto.travel/porto-card
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For the 2026 itinerary, which has three extra nights, and has departures from Paris on May 17, June 7, August 23, and September 13, it's $15,887 per person (twin) and $20,887 (solo). The prices include all tips for tour manager, driver and local guides. See + To help plan a trip to France, see
