Porto

Portugal's second largest city, Porto is a cultural and culinary powerhouse that was once a thriving sailing port. Perched on the banks of the Duoro, this city has millenia-old roots that weave through its architectural fabric, earning it a UNESCO World Heritage status. Among its many landmarks, the Cais da Ribeira is a vibrant riverfront promenade teeming with activity and picture-perfect views of Porto, while the romanesque Porto Cathedral stands guard over the historic center along with the 19th-century Stock Exchange Palace, a testament to the city's economic prosperity. The birthplace of port wine, Porto is a culinary haven that shelters an array of restaurants and eateries, from taverns serving hearty portions of the iconic Francesinha sandwich to more elegant waterfront bars serving glasses of the finest wine. Within a stone's throw from the Douro Wine Region, Porto is the gateway to discovering some of the finest European wines making it a favorite for oenophiles.