For a long time, the Portuguese port city of Porto was a popular hotspot for wine lovers (the world-famous port wine is even named after it) - but many others have long since acquired a taste for the city as well. No wonder: the delightful old town, an abundance of culture and direct access to the sea make Porto a real highlight. In Ribeira, the heart of the city, you can stroll through the winding streets for hours, admiring the historic architecture. Here you will find many of the famous sights, such as the Palácio da Bolsa and the Cathedral, but the old town district is also home to a variety of excellent restaurants and bars.

Porto, a colorful conglomeration of lightness and joie de vivre. ©iStock

The culinary scene in Porto is as relaxed as its inhabitants. Urban street food meets hearty Portuguese cuisine - those who love fresh fish and seafood will have no trouble finding something delicious on any menu. Architecture enthusiasts may enjoy a walk across the bridge Ponte Dom Luís I (designed by Théophile Seyrig, Gustave Eiffel'sformer partner), while literature lovers should definitely visit Livraria Lello, one of the oldest and most beautiful bookstores in the world, which attracts up to 5,000 visitors a day.

Colorful, colorful - Porto! The Portuguese wine city attracts visitors with its charming old town. © iStock

Why is Porto worth a trip?

The charming mini-metropolis immediately puts you in a good mood - with pastel-coloured house facades, exciting museums and a lively city centre.

An absolute must:

A tour of the historic wine cellars along the river, where you can taste excellent port wines.

Where to eat

Elemento
Not only fine, but also Fire Dining: In this masculine, Michelin award-winning restaurant, everything revolves around the element of fire. Every meal is prepared over a wood fire, giving it a distinct smoky flavour. The ingredients are entirely of regional origin. elementoporto.com 

©Elemento

Le Monument
Celebrity chef Julien Montbabut's gourmet restaurant in the heart of Porto serves traditional Portuguese dishes with a French twist - and with Michelin accolades. maison-albar-hotels-le-monumental-palace.com

What to see

Serralves Villa
This 1930s Art Deco villa transports visitors back in time. The pastel pink house and its park appear like a surreal movie set.
serralves.pt

© Serralves Villa

Where to Sleep

Portobay Flores

This stylish boutique hotel in the city centre is the ideal retreat after a day of exploring. With an excellent restaurant, a spa, a fitness room and an indoor pool, guests are well taken care of. The 500-year-old building even has its own 18th-century chapel. 

Portobay Flores
Rua das Flores 27, 4050-416 Porto, Portugal
Web: portobay.com
Tel: +12134743477
Price: double room from € 161,- per night 

Hotel Torel Avantgarde

A declaration of love for the art and design of Portugal: inspired by the avant-garde years, this beautiful boutique hotel evokes the elegance of the 1930s and 1940s. 

Hotel Torel Avantgarde
Rua da Restauraçāo 336, Porto 4050-501, Portugal
Web: torelavantgarde.com
Tel: +351 220 110 082
Price: double room including breakfast from € 150,- per night

Olá, Porto! At Torel Avantgarde, you look out over the city's sea of rooftops. © Luis Ferraz

Where to shop

Chocolataria Equador
Not only the products of this Portuguese chocolate manufactory are sweet, but their delightful packaging too. cacaoequador.pt

© Chocolataria Equador

Claus Porto
For over 130 years, Brand Claus Porto has been creating soaps, scented candles, perfumes and other care products - perfect souvenirs! clausporto.com

© Klaus Porto 

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Text: Michaela Hessenberger, Philipp Rossmann and Heidi Rietsch